Palworld mixes survival, crafting and creature-collecting in a shared open world. A dedicated server lets you set your own rules, control spawns and decide who can join. This guide covers how to set one up on a VPS from HostValues.
System requirements
Palworld 1.0.3 uses a lot of memory. For up to 8 players you need at least 8 GB RAM. With 16 or more players, many bases and tamed Pals, expect usage to climb to 16 GB. Plan for 2 to 4 vCPU cores and at least 20 GB of storage.
Installation via SteamCMD
- Install SteamCMD on your VPS if not done already.
- Download the Palworld dedicated server with
app_update 2394010 validate. - Copy
DefaultPalWorldSettings.initoPal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini. - Edit the settings to your liking (see below).
- Start the server with
./PalServer.sh -port=8211 -useperfthreads -NoAsyncLoadingThread -UseMultithreadForDS.
Key settings
In PalWorldSettings.ini you can configure:
- ServerPlayerMaxNum=32: maximum number of players.
- PalSpawnNumRate=1.0: Pal spawn frequency. Increase for more action.
- ExpRate=1.0: experience multiplier.
- DeathPenalty=All: what players lose on death (None, Item, ItemAndEquipment, All).
- AdminPassword: set an admin password for in-game commands.
Steam and Xbox crossplay
Palworld supports crossplay between Steam and Xbox. The server setting ALLOW_CONNECT_PLATFORM controls which platforms can connect: Steam, Xbox, or both. Xbox players join via an invite code. Note that server-side mods currently only work on Windows servers.
Automatic restarts
The Palworld server can leak memory over time. Schedule an automatic restart every 6 to 12 hours using a cronjob or systemd timer. Warn players with an RCON message before restarting.
Performance tips
- Use NVMe storage for faster chunk loading.
- Limit bases per player (
BaseCampMaxNum) to reduce server load. - Monitor memory usage with
htopand scale up if it stays above 80%.
How much RAM do I need for Palworld?
For a small server (4 to 8 players) at least 8 GB. For larger servers with many bases and Pals, 16 GB is recommended. Memory usage grows as players build and capture more.
Do mods work on a Linux server?
Client-side mods (texture packs, UI mods) work regardless of platform. Server-side mods currently require a Windows server. Check each mod for Linux support.
Can I transfer my singleplayer world?
Yes. Copy your save files from the local Palworld folder to the Pal/Saved/SaveGames directory on the server. Make sure the folder structure matches and restart the server.