Palworld's dedicated server is hungry. It uses more memory than Minecraft, Rust or Valheim, and the requirements grow as players build bases and capture Pals. Underestimating the RAM leads to crashes, freezes and lost progress.
The numbers
| Scenario | RAM |
|---|---|
| Empty server, no players | 6 to 8 GB |
| 1 to 4 players, small bases | 8 to 12 GB |
| 5 to 16 players, multiple bases | 12 to 16 GB |
| 16 to 32 players, large bases, many Pals | 16 to 24 GB |
The official recommendation from Pocketpair is 16 GB. That is not marketing; it is realistic for a server with a few active players and bases.
What uses the memory
- World state: the entire map is loaded into memory. Unlike Minecraft, Palworld does not unload distant areas.
- Pals: every captured Pal exists as an entity with stats, passive skills and AI state. A player with 50 captured Pals adds measurable memory usage.
- Bases: structures, workbenches, chests and working Pals are all persistent objects. More bases means more memory.
- Dropped items: items on the ground accumulate. Lower
DropItemAliveMaxHoursto clean them up faster.
What happens when you run out
The server slows down first: tick rate drops, actions take longer to register, Pals freeze in place. If memory runs completely out, the operating system kills the server process. The last save is preserved, but anything since the last auto-save is lost.
How to reduce memory usage
- Keep
BaseCampWorkerMaxNumat 15 or lower. - Set
PalSpawnNumRateto 1.0 (default) or lower. - Reduce
DropItemAliveMaxHoursto 1.0. - Schedule daily server restarts to clear accumulated memory.
- Limit the number of guilds and bases if memory is tight.
Can I start with 4 GB and upgrade later?
The server may start on 4 GB, but it will crash under any real load. 8 GB is the absolute minimum for a playable experience; 16 GB is where it gets comfortable.
Does the memory usage grow over time?
Yes. As players explore, build and capture Pals, the world state grows. A server that runs fine on day one may need more memory by week three. Monitor usage and upgrade proactively.
VPS or game hosting for Palworld?
A VPS with 16 GB gives you full control but requires Linux knowledge. A game hosting plan manages the server for you. Both work; choose based on your comfort level.
Palworld servers start at the Palworld plans page. We recommend the 16 GB plan for a reliable experience.
