Palworld combines creature collecting with survival crafting and base building. Running your own dedicated server lets you play with friends on your own terms, with full control over world settings, difficulty and who joins. Here is what you need and how to set it up.
Server requirements
Palworld is more demanding than many other survival games. The server loads a large open world with AI-driven creatures, base logic and player inventories simultaneously.
| Players | RAM | CPU | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | 8 GB | 4 cores | 20 GB SSD |
| 5 to 16 | 12 to 16 GB | 4 to 6 cores | 30 GB SSD |
| 17 to 32 | 16 to 24 GB | 6+ cores | 40 GB SSD |
These numbers are higher than what the developer lists as minimum, but they reflect real-world usage. Palworld servers consume more memory as players build bases and capture Pals, so start with room to grow.
Hosting options
You have three realistic choices:
- Game server hosting: a managed panel where you install Palworld with a few clicks. The provider handles updates, port forwarding and DDoS protection. Easiest option if you just want to play.
- VPS: a virtual private server where you install SteamCMD and the Palworld dedicated server yourself. More control, but you manage the OS and updates.
- Home server: possible, but requires a stable connection, port forwarding on your router, and a machine that stays on. Not recommended for groups larger than four.
Important server settings
Palworld exposes its settings in PalWorldSettings.ini, located in the server config directory. Key settings to adjust:
ServerPlayerMaxNum: default is 32. Lower this if your hardware is limited.PalSpawnNumRate: controls how many Pals spawn. Higher values use more RAM and CPU.DeathPenalty: set toNone,Item,ItemAndEquipmentorAll.bEnableInvaderEnemy: toggles base raids. Disabling this reduces CPU load on busy servers.ExpRateandPalCaptureRate: adjust progression speed.ServerPassword: set this to keep your server private.
Installation on a VPS
- Provision a VPS with at least 8 GB RAM and Ubuntu 24.04.
- Install SteamCMD:
sudo apt install steamcmd - Download the Palworld server:
steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit - Copy the default settings file and edit
PalWorldSettings.inito your liking. - Open UDP port 8211 in your firewall.
- Start the server and connect via the in-game server browser or direct IP.
Performance tips
- Restart daily. Palworld servers accumulate memory over time. A daily restart via cron keeps things stable.
- Limit spawn rates on busy servers. More Pals means more AI processing per tick.
- Use NVMe storage. World saves and chunk loading benefit from fast disks.
- Keep the server updated. Pocketpair releases frequent patches that fix memory leaks and stability issues.
Can I transfer my single-player world?
Yes. Copy your save folder from the local game directory to the server. The world, buildings and captured Pals transfer. Player inventories do not carry over and start fresh.
Does Palworld support crossplay?
The Steam and Xbox/Microsoft Store versions use separate server infrastructure. Crossplay between them is limited. For a mixed group, check the current status before renting, as Pocketpair has been working on broader crossplay support.
How many players can join?
The hard cap is 32 players per server. In practice, 16 is where most servers run smoothly without very high-end hardware. Beyond 16, expect higher RAM and CPU usage from base and Pal processing.
We offer Palworld hosting with one-click installation, automatic updates and DDoS protection. See plans on Palworld hosting, or browse all supported games on game hosting.
