How to Make a Palworld Server in 2026
Create a multiplayer Palworld server in 2026, hosted or on your own PC, explained step by step.
Want to play Palworld with your friends on a dedicated server without relying on peer-to-peer multiplayer? This guide explains how to create your server, the two available options, and how to configure it so everything runs smoothly from day one.
The two ways to create a Palworld server
Before getting started, you need to choose between two radically different approaches. This choice will shape everything else.
Option 1: host with a provider
You rent a Palworld server from a specialised gaming host. The server runs 24/7 even when you're not connected, you don't need a dedicated PC, and configuration is done from a web panel. This is the recommended solution for most players.
Option 2: run the server on your PC
You download the Palworld server files (available on Steam) and run the server at home. Free on the software side, but you tie up your PC permanently, you expose your public IP, and performance depends on your internet connection. Only suitable for testing or playing on LAN.
Which option should you choose?
If you want to play regularly with friends, go with a host. The price difference is minimal (€8-12/month for 4 players) and you avoid connection issues, dynamic IP problems and having to keep a PC switched on.
Creating a Palworld server with a host (recommended)
This is the simplest and most reliable method. Here's the complete procedure.
1
Choose your hosting plan
Start by choosing a gaming host that supports Palworld natively (one-click installation, dedicated panel). For 2 to 4 players, a plan with 8 GB of RAM is enough. For 5 to 10 players, go straight for 12-16 GB. The price ranges between €8 and €25/month depending on the power you choose. Check our comparison to find the plan that fits your budget.
2
Order and access the panel
Once your order is placed, you receive an email with the credentials for your admin panel. On most gaming hosts, you get access to a Pterodactyl-style panel or a proprietary one. Log in and you'll see your Palworld server listed, in Stopped status.
3
Install Palworld Server
From the panel, click on your server then look for the install or change-game option. Select Palworld. The host will automatically download the server files from Steam (a few minutes). You don't have to do anything manually.
4
Start the server for the first time
Launch the server from the panel. On first startup, Palworld will generate the configuration files (notably
PalWorldSettings.ini). Let it run for 2-3 minutes then stop it. This is the step where the config file is created.5
Configure the server
Open your panel's file manager, navigate to
Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ and open PalWorldSettings.ini. At a minimum, configure:
- ServerName: the name shown in the server list
- ServerPassword: a password if you want a private server
- AdminPassword: your admin password for in-game commands
- ServerPlayerMaxNum: the max number of players (default: 32, lower it to what you need)ServerName="My Palworld server"
ServerPassword="mypassword"
AdminPassword="adminpass"
ServerPlayerMaxNum=106
Restart the server and get the IP
Restart the server from the panel. Once it's started (status Online or Running), you'll see the IP address and connection port. The IP looks like
123.45.67.89:8211. This is the address you give to your friends.7
Connect in-game
In Palworld, go to Multiplayer > Join via IP and enter your server's address. If you set a password, it will be requested on connection. You can also grant yourself admin rights in-game with the command
/AdminPassword yourpassword.Server online in under 15 minutes
With a host that offers one-click installation, the whole procedure takes between 10 and 15 minutes. The longest part is often waiting for the server files to download (~6 GB).
Creating a Palworld server on your own PC
If you still want to try the local installation, here's the procedure.
1
Install the server files via Steam
Palworld Dedicated Server is available for free on Steam. In your Steam library, enable the display of tools and look for Palworld Dedicated Server. Click Install. The files (~6 GB) download into your Steam folder.
2
Launch the server
Navigate to the installation folder (usually
Steam/steamapps/common/PalServer/) and run PalServer.exe. A console window opens. Wait for the message [S_API STEAM] SteamAPI_Init() succeeded to confirm the server is online.3
Configure PalWorldSettings.ini
The config file is generated in
PalServer/Pal/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/. Set your server name, password and admin password as shown above.4
Open the network ports
For your friends to connect from outside your network, you need to set up port forwarding on your internet router. Palworld's default port is 8211 (UDP). Every router has its own interface, so search for "port forwarding [your router name]" if you're not sure how to do it.
5
Share your public IP
Your friends will need to use your public IP to connect. You can find it by typing "my ip" into Google. Warning: if you have a dynamic IP (most residential connections do), it can change every time you restart your router.
The limits of a home server
Your server stops if your PC shuts down or crashes. Your router's upload speed (often 1-5 Mb/s) can limit quality for several simultaneous players. And your public IP changes regularly if you don't have a static IP. For serious play, a host is still the better fit.
Configuring your Palworld server: the essential settings
Whether you host with a provider or at home, here are the most important settings in PalWorldSettings.ini.
| Setting | Default value | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| ServerName | Default Palworld Server | Name shown in the server list |
| ServerPassword | (empty) | Password to join (private server) |
| AdminPassword | (empty) | Password for admin commands |
| ServerPlayerMaxNum | 32 | Max number of simultaneous players |
| PalSpawnNumRate | 1.0 | Pal spawn rate (0.5 = fewer Pals, 2.0 = more) |
| PalDamageRateAttack | 1.0 | Damage dealt by Pals (1.5 = easy mode) |
| PlayerDamageRateAttack | 1.0 | Damage dealt by players |
| DeathPenalty | All | Penalty on death: None, Item, ItemAndEquipment, All |
| bEnablePlayerToPlayerDamage | False | Enables PvP between players |
| WorkSpeedRate | 1.0 | Work speed of Pals in bases |
| ExpRate | 1.0 | Experience rate (2.0 = x2 XP) |
These settings let you tune the difficulty and gameplay experience to match your group's preferences.
Inviting your friends and managing your server
Give admin access to a friend
In-game, log in as admin with `/AdminPassword yourpassword` then grant rights to another player with `/AddAdmin PlayerName`. Admins can kick, ban and change settings mid-game.
Back up and restore progress
Saves are stored in `Pal/Saved/SaveGames/`. On a host, you can download this folder from the file manager to make a manual backup. Some hosts offer automatic snapshots.
Update the server
When Palworld releases an update, your server must be updated before players update their client (otherwise the connection is refused). On a host, there's usually a one-click update button in the panel.
Useful in-game admin commands
/Shutdown 60 Update in progress — shut down in 60s with a message. /KickPlayer PlayerName — kick a player. /BanPlayer PlayerName — ban. /Save — force an immediate save.Ready to launch your Palworld server?
Take the 2-minute quiz to get a host matched to your needs, or compare every Palworld plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palworld free to host?
Palworld's server files are free (available on Steam). But if you host with a provider, you pay for the cloud server. If you host at home, you pay for electricity and tie up your PC.
How many players can you have on a Palworld server?
The official maximum is 32 simultaneous players. In practice, beyond 20-25 players, performance degrades significantly even with a well-sized server. For a smooth experience, stay under 20 players.
Can you transfer your progress from co-op mode?
No, progress from hosted co-op mode (via directly inviting a player) cannot be transferred to a dedicated server. This is a limitation of the game, independent of the host.
Is my server online if I'm not connected?
Yes, if you use a host. The server runs 24/7 regardless of your connection. If you host on your PC, the server stops as soon as your PC shuts down or loses its connection.
Which port does Palworld use for its server?
Palworld uses port 8211 over UDP by default. If you host at home, you need to open this port on your router. On a host, it's handled automatically.
How do you switch your Palworld server to PvP mode?
In
PalWorldSettings.ini, set bEnablePlayerToPlayerDamage to True. Restart the server to apply the change. Be aware that PvP increases server load, especially during player-versus-player combat.