How to Set Up Palworld Dedicated Server: A Complete Guide

This battle royale, creature-capturing game becomes more exciting when played in multiplayer mode. Even better, you can quickly learn how to make a Palworld server for yourself and invite others to join. The process is streamlined, from setup to customization.

Palworld debuted in January 2024 and is available on Steam and Game Pass. It has a captivating scenario that you can augment with mods and several configurations. These will be possible after you master how to host Palworld server on your system.

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What to Check and Prepare

You’ll need a router to make the Palworld server available for others, whether you want a wireless connection or a local area network (LAN). Your router should work flawlessly to prevent glitches. Other essential checks include your download and upload speeds.

A 250 Mbit/s bandwidth is recommended for optimal connectivity. Anything above that will be a plus in ensuring smooth connections and gameplay.

That said, now is the time to update your PC or Mac with the latest drivers. You can set your system to automate update installations or manually if you have the time to search for updates.

Once installed, you will also need to keep the servers updated. Again, you can leave things on automatic update installation or do that manually.

Palworld Server Requirements

Your system specifications are just as essential as learning how to make a Palworld server. That is because the better your device specs, the better it can handle all the connectivity without performance drops.

How to Make a Palworld Server: Setup Specifications

You need Steam or SteamCMD to install the Palworld server on your system. They are necessary whether you are using Windows, Linux, or MacOS.

For Windows, you can run the server installation with Steam. However, we still recommend SteamCMD because of its server management capabilities.

We’ll provide the steps for each operating system as you learn how to setup a Palworld server on each device.

How to Set Up Palworld Dedicated Server on Windows

If you already have Steam installed, you can skip this stage. Otherwise, follow the steps below to install Steam on your PC:

1. Open the official Steam website in your browser.
2. Click “Install Steam.”
3. Click “Install Steam for Windows” on the next page.
4. Open the installation file (SteamSetup.exe) and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Launch Steam and log into your account.

Ensure you download and play Palworld on your PC at least once before installing the server. If you’ve done that, do the following to create your Palworld server:

1. Open your Steam account and go to the library.
2. Check the box for tools in the drop-down menu.
3. Search for Palworld if you have many games, or scroll to find it.
4. Click “Palworld dedicated server.”
5. Click “Install.”

That will install the Palworld server on your PC and get it ready for setup and other configurations.

How to Set Up Palworld Dedicated Server on Linux

Unlike Windows, you need SteamCMD to install the Palworld server on Linux. Even SteamCMD requires a few prerequisites before installation. These are Screen and lib32gcc1.

With Screen, you can detach and reattach to a running SteamCMD session. This capability is crucial to managing game servers while they remain closed.

Palworld requires 64-bit Linux systems to run. Conversely, SteamCMD is a 32-bit application. Lib32gcc1 comes in to allow 32-bit libraries (from SteamCMD) to function on the 64-bit Linux system.

Type the following to set up your Linux system:

“sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y”

We will provide the SteamCMD installation steps subsequently. Once that is complete, continue setting up your Linux system with the following steps:

1. Run the command “./ServerHelper.sh +InternetServer/MyServer” if you want an internet server or “+LanServer” for the local area network.
2. Type “shutdown” to prevent losing changes to the server once it completes loading.

How to Set Up Palworld Dedicated Server on MacOS

Macs with Apple Silicon will be able to run Palworld natively without third-party applications. While we wait for that, the current way to play the game on macOS is through virtualization tools like CrossOver.

As mentioned, you need to run the Palworld game at least once before installing the server. The first step for macOS users is to install CrossOver. Then, you can install Steam to download Palworld.

Follow the steps below for the setup:

1. Open the official CrossOver website.
2. Drag the application into your Applications folder for installation.
3. Open the CrossOver application and create a Windows 10 64-bit bottle.
4. Search for, download, and install Steam within the bottle.
5. Open Steam and log into your account.
6. Download Palworld
7. Close Steam after downloading Palworld and enable D3DMetal and MSync for the Steam app in CrossOver.
8. Open Steam and launch the game.

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Choosing a Palworld Server Hosting Provider

You can learn how to set up Palworld dedicated server or use other options, like managed or unmanaged VPS hosting. These approaches have different advantages that mostly boil down to expertise and cost.

Here’s what you need to know about the different Palworld hosting providers:

Dedicated Server Hosting

This setup allows you to take one whole server to yourself. For most of this guide, we focus on how you can turn your PC or Mac into a server. That means you are in complete control over the server and its configurations.

You can tweak the software, boost the hardware, and make other changes based on your preferences. Since the server is dedicated to hosting Palworld, you can optimize its performance. However, be aware that you’ll need more money to upgrade the hardware for high performance.

Managed VPS Hosting

In this setup, a VPS hosting service will manage the server for you. The approach frees you of server management, allowing you to focus on other things. That means you don’t have to worry about updates, security, periodic maintenance, technical support, etc.

We only recommend this option to those with little technical expertise. Also, the VPS hosting service can effortlessly scale the server requirements to accommodate an expanding user base for your game.

Unmanaged VPS Hosting

Pick this option if you want control over the server but do not own a powerful device to run a dedicated server from your home. The VPS service will assign a server to you, but everything, from updates to maintenance, will be up to you.

We only recommend this option to those with technical expertise in handling servers. Like in dedicated server hosting, scalability will be up to the user.

Choosing the Right Palworld Server Hosting

You can use the following criteria as a guide when choosing the right game server hosting for Palworld:

• Your technical skills in server management
• Your budget
• Your preferred balance between stability and control
• Time, resources, and level of involvement

To help you decide, here’s a table that compares the three approaches:

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Configuring Your Server

Once you’ve installed the Palworld server, you have the option of configuring it to your taste. You can adjust the maximum number of players, the server password, the server’s name, etc.

The server file will come with default settings. Once downloaded, a text editor tool should be enough to help you configure the server.

Here are the steps to configure your server:

1. Open the Palserver folder from the Steamapps file directory. For Windows users, this should be “Local Disk (C:)>Program files (x86)>Steam>Steamapps>Common>Palserver.”
2. Open “DefaultPalworldSettings” with a text editor. You can use Notepad ++.
3. Copy the settings.
4. Open Pal folder
5. Open “Saved.”
6. Open “Config” folder
7. Open “WindowsServer.”
8. Open “PalWorldSettings” with a text editor (Notepad ++).
9. Paste the settings.
10. Edit the server parameters you want to configure.

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Installing SteamCMD

Pick the section that corresponds to your device’s OS and follow the steps to install SteamCMD

For Windows

1. Visit the official SteamCMD developer website.
2. Download the zipped installation file.
3. Create a SteamCMD folder. Use a recognizable name.
4. Extract the installation files to this folder.
5. Run the steamCMD.exe file for the installation.

For Linux

1. Update your operating system by entering the following command “sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y”
2. Add the i386 architecture through the following command “sudo dpkg –add-architecture i386” “sudo apt update”
3. Install the necessary prerequisites through the following command “sudo apt install lib32gcc-s1 software-properties-common -y”
4. Download and install SteamCMD by entering the command

“wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

cd steamcmd

./steamcmd.sh”

For macOS

1. Open the Terminal app and create a SteamCMD directory
2. Download and extract SteamCMD for macOS

The steps for macOS should only come after you’ve installed Homebrew.

For quick navigation, here are a few basic commands and what they do in SteamCMD:

Setup Commands

The table below contains several setup commands for the Palworld server:

Connecting

A crucial step when learning how to make a Palworld server is testing your connection. We recommend starting locally before using an external system.

You can check your IP address through Google. Other details, like the port number, will be available in the PalWorldSettings file.

Note that the server will pop up automatically in the game, and there will be no need to enter the details manually. With that said, follow the steps below to connect to your Palworld server:

1. Launch the server after completing the setup.
2. Open the Palworld game.
3. Click “Join Multiplayer Game.”
4. Find your server.
5. Click “Connect.”

Once connected, the game will load. For now, you are the only one who can connect to this server. To extend entry to other players, you need to implement port forwarding on your router. More on that subsequently.

A few connection issues may pop up when connecting to your server. The most frequent ones include the following:

• Unable to connect: An unstable internet connection may cause a connection timeout. Check your internet speed and restart your router if needed.
• Firewall blocked the connection: You can deal with this by adding the Palworld server as an exception.

Firewall

As mentioned, your system’s firewalls can hinder connections to your server. To do that, you must configure your firewall settings to allow traffic to the server. Here’s how to do it on Windows, Linux, and macOS devices:

For Windows

• Open settings on your device and go to “Privacy & Security.”
• Click “Windows Security.”
• Click “Firewall & Network Protection.”
• Click “Allow an app through firewall.”
• Find Palserver and check both boxes for private and public.
• Open “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.” You can type it in the search bar.
• Click “Inbound Rules.”
• Select “New Rule.”
• Pick “Port” for the rule type.
• Click “UDP.”
• Click “Specify local ports.”
• Enter the Palworld server numbers (8211 for game traffic and 27015 for the query port).
• Check the domain, public, and private profiles.
• Give a name to your rule and restart your device.

For Linux

• Run the command [line 1 “sudo apt update” and line 2 “sudo apt install UFW”] to install UFW on your server.
• Allow ports 8211 and 27015 for game traffic and port query
• Run “sudo ufw enable” to enable UFW
• Run “sudo ufw status” to check UFW status
• Allow SSH access when running these commands. That will keep you from locking yourself out.

For macOS

• Open system preferences and go to “Security & Privacy.”
• Navigate to the firewall tab and click the lock icon to edit your firewall settings.
• Click “Firewall Options.”
• Use the + button to add new applications and servers.
• Click to add Palserver
• Configure the server to allow incoming connections
• Open Terminal
• Run commands to allow ports 8211 and 27015.

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Port Forwarding

This setting allows other players to connect wirelessly to your server. Without doing that, you will be limited to local play on your primary server device.

The process requires configuring your router’s settings. Here’s how to do that:

1. Obtain your router’s IP address.
2. Open any browser on your device and enter your router’s IP address.
3. Go to your router’s settings.
4. Click “Port Forwarding.”
5. Click “Create new rule.”
6. Call the rule “Palserver” for easy identification.
7. Select “UDP” as the protocol.
8. Type “8211” as the internal port. You can use 8211 for the other ports.
9. Input your device’s IP address.
10. Click “create” and save.
11. Turn “UPnP” off to ensure the port stays open.

We recommend connecting wirelessly to your server from another device. If it doesn’t work, you can review the settings again.

Server Improvements

Hardware improvements can boost your server’s performance, especially if you want to host many players. This should be your next step after learning how to make a Palworld server. Things you can improve include RAM, graphics cards, GPU tuning, etc.

Use server monitoring tools to keep an eye on the performance. Also, ensure you have the latest patches and updates. Set your server to install updates automatically.

Server Security

You can change the server’s passwords in the “PalWorldSettings” file. These include the admin and server passwords. Other basic security measures include:

• Remote access security through SSH with key-based authentication.
• Two-factor authentication

Backup and Restore Procedures

How to Create Regular Backups: Essential Steps

There are two ways to create backups; manually and automatically. For the manual process, all you need to do is copy the “SaveGames” folder from the server directory “Pal/Saved/SavedGames.”

The automatic process involves creating a script to automate the backup process. Then, do the following:

1. Save the script as backup_palworld.bat
2. Use Windows Task Scheduler to run the script automatically with your preferred triggers.

How to Restore the Server from A Backup

Restoring a backup involves copying and pasting the backup file into the active Palworld server folder. You can also use Docker to manage your server backups.

Those using VPS hosting will have dedicated tools to manage backups and restore files when needed. If you can’t find them, you can ask your VPS customer support.

Useful Tools and Resources For Gamers

Besides optimizing the gameplay with mods, you can create a community for your players. Several social media channels are available for community building. Above all, provide an active email for support and communication with the players.

Here are some tools and resources that can make your game more enjoyable:

• A Discord channel: This platform can be efficient for sharing new information and allowing your players to interact with each other outside the game. Use the text or voice channel as you deem fit.
• Email: Add an email plugin to allow communication between the players and you. This can be crucial to providing service support.
• Server monitoring tools: Always monitor performance to arrest shortfalls before they escalate. Game Server Manager is an ideal tool for this purpose.
• Backup solutions: Use cloud storage if you run a dedicated server. You can add plugins to VPS services.
• Anti-cheat software integration: Players will appreciate your server more if they know it is fair. Use anti-cheat systems like PalGuard to identify when players attempt to cheat the game.

Community Management

Tips for Managing a Player Community

Use the following tips when managing your player community:

• Create a feedback loop to ensure players can reach you with their concerns.
• Stay active and interact with players on your preferred community channels, like Discord.
• Make your rules clear from the start.
• Use moderators to save time.
• Provide tutorials when you add new mods to the game.

Setting Up and Enforcing Server Rules

You can modify rules through the Palserver settings file. Do the following before modifying them:

• Document your rules in a text editor.
• Make the modifications in the settings file.
• Use plugins to enforce the rules during gameplay.

Handling player reports and disputes

Ensure all players feel heard when they have concerns. That may involve creating in-game reporting systems through plugins. That way, the players can quickly lay out their concerns while you collate them for timely resolution.

Moderators can go a long way toward addressing player disputes promptly. You can use bots to acknowledge receipt of the complaint, but always use human moderators to provide the resolution.

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Advanced Configuration

Setting up multiple servers on the same machine

The first step should be confirming that your system has enough processing power and RAM to handle multiple servers. Once that is out of the way, you can create different directories for each server. Download the server files from SteamCMD and save them accordingly.

Once the download is complete, configure each server file individually and take note of their port numbers. For example, the first server can have 8211, while the second has 8212.

Complete port forwarding for each port in your router’s settings, and change your firewall settings to allow incoming traffic to them. Once you’ve completed those settings, you can start up each server and test their connections.

Using server management tools for advanced configurations

You might need advanced tools to manage multiple servers. Palworld multi-server mod with central management provides a central server to manage multiple worlds. You can also use the Palworld server editor to make quick adjustments to your servers.

Final Word

The next step you should take after reading our guide on how to make a Palworld server is learning how to add mods. This capability can enhance the gameplay and make it more exciting for your players.

Try out the steps in this guide as soon as you can. We’ve added extra resources to help you along the way. Create the perfect Palworld dedicated server for your friends. Otherwise, you can extend entry for up to 32 players.

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Next Steps: What Now?

• Understand What is a Dedicated Server in Gaming
• Explore the Best Palworld Server Hosting Providers
• Check out the Top 5 Best Gaming Server Hosting Brands
• Get the Latest Game Server Hosting Coupons & Promo Codes

Further Reading – Useful Resources

• https://github.com/dex-enterprises/palworld-server-editor
• https://github.com/marsyy/PalworldServerTools
• https://docs.brew.sh/Installation