How to Set Up Your Own Palworld Server: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Setting up your own Palworld server is one of the best ways to enjoy the game with friends, build a private community, and control every part of the gameplay experience. Instead of relying on random public servers where rules and performance are out of your hands, hosting your own server gives you total freedom.
You can decide who joins, how the world works, what rules apply, and even how competitive or casual the gameplay feels. Whether you want a chill survival world with your friends or a more serious PvP-style server with active players, creating your own Palworld server is a game-changer.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know, from server requirements and hosting options to installation, configuration, and maintenance step by step.
Step 1: Decide What Type of Palworld Server You Want
Before you start installing anything, the first thing you need to do is plan your server. This is important because your choices will decide how much hardware you need, what kind of hosting you should choose, and how smooth the gameplay will be.
Here are the main things to think about:
Number of Players
Estimate how many players will join your server. Even if you’re starting small, it’s smart to plan for growth.
A server for:
- 2–6 players is light and easy to manage
- 10–20 players needs better RAM and CPU
- 30+ players requires strong hosting and high bandwidth
The more players you host, the more resources your server needs to avoid lag.
Server Location
Server location matters because it affects ping. The closer the server is to your players, the smoother the gameplay.
For example:
- If most players are in Pakistan/India → choose Asia servers
- If players are in the UK → choose Europe
- If players are in the US → choose North America
Dedicated Server vs VPS vs Home Hosting
You have 3 main options:
- Dedicated server hosting (best performance)
- VPS (Virtual Private Server) (cheaper but still powerful)
- Home PC hosting (free but depends on your internet and PC)
If you’re serious about stability and want a public community, VPS or dedicated hosting is recommended.
Step 2: Choose a Hosting Provider (If You’re Not Hosting at Home)
If you don’t want to host Palworld on your own PC, you’ll need a hosting provider. A good provider makes everything easier, especially if you are new.
When choosing a provider, focus on these features:
Low Latency
Pick a provider with servers close to your player base. This reduces lag and improves connection stability.
Scalability
A good provider should allow upgrades. If your server becomes popular, you might need:
- more RAM
- better CPU
- higher bandwidth
Customer Support
This is very important for beginners. Choose a host that offers 24/7 support in case you face issues.
Good Uptime
Your server should stay online most of the time. A reliable provider will offer strong uptime and stable performance.
Step 3: Install the Required Software
Once you have your hosting or your own PC ready, the next step is installing the software needed to run the Palworld server.
Choose Your Operating System
Most servers run best on:
- Linux (Ubuntu)
- Windows Server
Linux is often preferred because it’s stable and efficient, but Windows is easier for some beginners.
Download Palworld Dedicated Server Files
You’ll need the official Palworld server software. The best practice is to download it from official sources or trusted platforms.
Install Dependencies
Some servers require extra packages or dependencies depending on the operating system. These can include:
- required runtime libraries
- .NET frameworks
- game server dependencies
Your hosting provider may already have these installed.
Step 4: Configure Your Palworld Server Settings
After installation, the most important part begins—configuring your server.
This is where you customize the experience.
Set a Server Name
Choose a server name that matches your vibe, such as:
- casual survival server
- competitive PvP server
- roleplay server
- friends-only world
A good name helps your server look more professional and attractive.
Customize Gameplay Settings
You can usually control things like:
- player limit
- difficulty
- stamina usage
- XP gain speed
- item drops
- PvP rules (if available)
This is how you create a unique server that fits your community.
Create Admin Accounts
Admin access is important for controlling your server. Admins can:
- kick or ban players
- moderate toxic behavior
- manage settings
- protect the community
If you plan to run a public server, admin roles are a must.
Enable Backups
Backups protect your world and player progress. Without backups, a crash or corruption could wipe everything.
A good server should have:
- automatic backups
- manual backup option
- scheduled backup system
Step 5: Port Forwarding and Firewall Configuration
This step is required so other players can connect to your server.
Port Forwarding
If you’re hosting at home, you’ll need to log into your router and forward the required ports.
These ports are usually listed in the official server documentation.
Firewall Rules
Even if you forward ports, your firewall can still block connections.
Make sure to:
- allow inbound traffic on the server ports
- allow outbound traffic for the game
- add exceptions if needed
If your firewall blocks the server, players won’t be able to join.
Step 6: Launch and Test Your Server
Now comes the fun part—starting your server.
Start the Server
Run the Palworld dedicated server software and check the logs.
Make sure:
- it starts successfully
- there are no error messages
- the server shows as running
Test Connection
Before promoting it, test it yourself first.
Then ask a few friends to:
- join the server
- explore
- fight
- build
- check for lag
This helps you confirm that everything works properly.
Monitor Performance
Keep an eye on:
- CPU usage
- RAM usage
- network bandwidth
- server tick rate (if visible)
If the server is lagging, you may need to upgrade your resources.
Step 7: Promote Your Palworld Server
Once everything is working, it’s time to attract players.
Even the best server won’t grow if nobody knows it exists.
Use Social Media
Post your server details on:
- Facebook groups
- X (Twitter)
- TikTok
- YouTube community posts
Join Palworld Communities
You can share your server in places like:
- Discord servers
- Reddit communities
- gaming forums
List It In-Game (If Supported)
If Palworld supports server listings or a server browser, add your server there so players can easily find it.
Step 8: Regular Maintenance and Updates
A server is not a “set it and forget it” project. To keep it stable, you must maintain it.
Update the Server Software
Palworld updates often. If your server version is outdated, players may not be able to join.
So regularly:
- check for updates
- apply patches
- restart the server if required
Moderate Player Activity
If your server is public, moderation is essential. Monitor for:
- griefing
- cheating
- toxic behavior
- rule-breaking
A clean community makes players stay longer.
Backup Frequently
Backups should be regular and reliable. Also test restoring a backup sometimes to ensure it works.
Conclusion: Your Palworld Server Can Become a Great Community
Setting up your own Palworld server is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a fan of the game. It gives you total control, allows you to create your own rules, and makes playing with friends or building a gaming community much more enjoyable.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently build a server that is stable, fun, and welcoming.
Whether you want a small private world for your friends or a public server that grows into a full community, the right setup and maintenance will help your Palworld server thrive.
