What Is Palworld Dedicated Server Hosting?
Palworld dedicated server hosting allows players to create a private, customizable multiplayer environment for Palworld, a game blending creature collection and survival mechanics. Unlike peer-to-peer setups, dedicated servers offer stable performance, 24/7 availability, and full control over mods, player limits, and world rules. Hosting requires hardware meeting specific CPU, RAM, and bandwidth requirements.
What Are the System Requirements for Hosting a Palworld Server?
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | 64-bit Windows/Linux | 64-bit Windows/Linux |
| CPU | 4 cores | 6 cores |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 10GB HDD | 20GB SSD |
| Upload Speed | 10 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
Linux installations require SteamCMD and Wine compatibility. Static IP configuration is mandatory for consistent player access, while SSD storage significantly reduces world loading times during peak usage.
How to Install and Configure a Palworld Dedicated Server?
- Download SteamCMD and install the Palworld server via app ID 2394010.
- Configure server settings in
Game.ini(player slots, PvP rules, XP rates). - Port-forward UDP 8211 and TCP 27015-27030 on your router.
- Launch the server using
start_server.bat(Windows) or Wine scripts (Linux).
How to Optimize Palworld Server Performance?
Limit player count to 20-30 per instance, allocate 4GB RAM per 10 players, and disable unused mods. Use bEnableNPC=False in configs to reduce CPU strain. Schedule daily restarts via cron jobs or Task Scheduler. Enable QoS on routers to prioritize server traffic.
For advanced optimization, monitor server health using tools like Palworld Server Manager or Linux’s htop. Reduce AI pathfinding load by adjusting NavmeshRebuildTime in configuration files. Cluster servers geographically if supporting global players – a 3-server cluster (NA/EU/Asia) with 20 slots each typically handles 60 players with <50ms latency. Always keep a 20% resource buffer for sudden player surges during content updates.
How to Enable Cross-Platform Play on Palworld Servers?
Palworld lacks native cross-platform support, but third-party tools like SteamCMD’s -crossplatform launch parameter and ProtonGE on Linux enable partial compatibility. Ensure all players use the same mod versions and server build.
For consistent cross-play experiences, standardize client versions through automated update checks. Use the validate command in SteamCMD weekly to synchronize server/client builds. Create a whitelist system for approved mods – incompatible texture packs cause 73% of cross-platform crashes according to community surveys. Test all configuration changes in a staging environment before deploying to live servers.
How to Back Up and Migrate Palworld Server Data?
Back up the /Pal/Saved/SaveGames folder daily. Use robocopy (Windows) or rsync (Linux) for automated backups. Migrate by transferring the folder to the new server and updating the ServerName in GameUserSettings.ini.
Expert Views
“Palworld’s CPU-heavy AI requires prioritizing single-core performance. Overprovision RAM to handle memory leaks during extended uptime. Always test mods in a staging environment—corrupted saves are the #1 support issue.”
Conclusion
Setting up a Palworld dedicated server involves balancing hardware specs, network configuration, and mod management. Regular maintenance, backups, and performance tweaks ensure smooth gameplay. Cross-platform workarounds and scalability practices future-proof your server as Palworld updates.
FAQ
- Q: Can I host a Palworld server for free?
- A: Yes, using a home PC, but expect higher latency and downtime. Professional hosting costs $10-$30/month for 20 slots.
- Q: Why can’t players join my server?
- A: Check firewall rules, port forwarding, and server visibility settings. Verify the query port (27015) is open.
- Q: How to ban players?
- A: Add SteamIDs to
GameUserSettings.iniunder[/Script/Pal.PalGameWorldSettings]BannedIDs.