How to set up a Palworld dedicated server
A Palworld dedicated server is installed through the Steam server tool, configured in a settings file, and reached over a forwarded UDP port. Budget a strong CPU and generous RAM — Palworld servers are CPU-bound long before they are GPU-bound.
Updated for the current Palworld patch
- ✓Install the server tool
- ✓Hardware sizing
- ✓Networking
- ✓First-boot checklist
Install the server tool
Install the Palworld dedicated server application from your Steam library tools list, or on Linux via SteamCMD. Run it once so it generates the default configuration files.
Hardware sizing
Plan for several gigabytes of RAM per handful of players and prioritise high single-thread CPU performance. Memory use grows with world age and base count, so headroom matters.
Networking
Forward the server's UDP game port on your router and point players at your public address. Behind CGNAT you will need a hosted provider or a tunnel instead.
First-boot checklist
Set a server name, an admin password and a join password before you invite anyone. An unprotected server on a public port will be found.
Keeping it updated
Update the server immediately after each game patch. Clients on the new build cannot join an old server, which produces the classic silent connection failure.