What You Need to Host Palworld
A dedicated Palworld server runs on Linux through SteamCMD and needs roughly a 4-core CPU, 8 GB of RAM or more, and 20 GB of SSD space. You open UDP port 8211 for game traffic, configure PalWorldSettings.ini, and keep the server updated through SteamCMD.
Hardware Requirements
Practical sizing based on the developer's docs and community hosting experience:
CPU: 4 cores, with higher clock speed being better - RAM: 8 GB minimum. 16 GB gives more headroom for community servers or worlds with many builders - Storage: SSD with 20 GB or more free. Updates and backups grow the footprint - OS: Linux works well (Ubuntu 22.04 or newer), and Windows Server is also supported
World saves and the Pals your players capture add up over time, so leave disk headroom beyond the base install.
Step 1: Install SteamCMD
On Ubuntu:
sudo add-apt-repository multiverse
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install steamcmd
Step 2: Download the Dedicated Server
The Palworld dedicated server is free on Steam under app ID 2394010:
mkdir -p ~/palworld/server
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ~/palworld/server +app_update 2394010 validate +quit
Re-run this command whenever Pocketpair ships an update. The server must restart for updates to take effect.
Step 3: Configure the Server
Settings live in Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini. Copy the defaults and edit:
cd ~/palworld/server
cp DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini
The fields most people change:
ini
ServerName="My Palworld Server"
ServerPassword=""
ServerPort=8211
AdminPassword=""
```Set ServerPassword if the IP is public and you want invite-only access - Tune the game here too: day and night length, XP multipliers, drop rates, and capture limits are all in this file
Step 4: Open the Ports
UDP 8211: main game traffic - UDP 27015: query port used for community server listing
sudo ufw allow 8211/udp
sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
Step 5: Start the Server and Keep It Online
First run:
cd ~/palworld/server
./PalServer.sh
For real use, run it under screen or a systemd service so it survives logout. With systemd, set Restart=always so a crash brings the server back without you waking up for it. A scheduled daily restart is also a common habit, since long uptimes can build up memory use.
If you would rather not babysit services yourself, M.A.F Cloud's VPS plans start at RM15/month for the Nano tier, and the panel adds crash auto-restart, on-demand backups, and a live WebSocket console on top of the box.
Backups and Day-to-Day Care
The world lives under Pal/Saved. Back that folder up regularly and test a restore at least once - After each game update, update the server through SteamCMD and restart before players join, mismatched versions block logins - Watch RAM use in the first days. If the box runs hot, bump RAM or cap the player count in settings
Is a Dedicated Server Worth It?
Co-op on a friend's PC works for a weekend. For an ongoing world with people coming and going, a dedicated server keeps progress safe, stays online when everyone sleeps, and lets you tune the rules. With a modest VPS and about an hour of setup, you have one.