--- title: "Palworld Dedicated Server Guide for 1.0 (2026)" url: https://1up-servers.com/en/blog/palworld-dedicated-server/ lastmod: 2026-10-26 --- # Palworld Dedicated Server Guide for 1.0: RAM, Setup, Consoles and Backups Run a Palworld dedicated server for 1.0: the RAM Pocketpair asks for, SteamCMD setup, the community list, what Xbox and PS5 players need, and backups. By [Baurtock](https://1up-servers.com/en/blog/author/baurtock/) Updated Oct 26, 2026 · 14 min read Read in[es](https://1up-servers.com/es/blog/servidor-dedicado-palworld/)[en](https://1up-servers.com/en/blog/palworld-dedicated-server/)[fr](https://1up-servers.com/fr/blog/serveur-dedie-palworld/) **Your game server, free**Ready in 60 seconds, no card.[Create free server](https://1up-servers.com/en/signup/) A Palworld dedicated server keeps your Palpagos world running for up to 32 players while nobody has the game open, instead of the 4 that co-op allows. This guide covers the RAM Pocketpair asks for, self-hosting with SteamCMD, our [Palworld server hosting](https://1up-servers.com/en/palworld/), the community list, consoles and backups. - **What you need:** Pocketpair lists 16 GB of memory and recommends 32 GB or more for stable play. 8 GB boots, with a higher risk of out-of-memory crashes. - **Self-hosting:** `steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit`, then run `PalServer.sh` or `PalServer.exe` and forward UDP 8211. - **Community list:** add `-publiclobby` to the launch line. Without it, players join by address and port. - **Xbox and PS5:** they can only join a dedicated server that runs as a community server. - **On 1up:** Palworld runs 24/7 from Pro (€10/month), because it needs 8 GB just to boot. On Free it runs with the hourglass at ×3.5: your free time drains 3.5 times faster, enough to try it, not to keep a world online. ## 1. What Palworld 1.0 means for your server Pocketpair took Palworld out of Early Access with the [1.0 release on 10 July 2026](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1623730/view/1837955055355658). For anyone running a server, the changelog has four lines worth reading: - "Optimized dedicated server processing, improving performance even in situations with many players", plus fixes for "crashes and memory leaks occurring on PS5, Xbox, and dedicated server environments". - "The default world settings for dedicated servers have been adjusted to closely match single-player Normal difficulty." If you kept an old settings file, your values still win over the new defaults. - The join flow got better password saving and IP address input, and the save process was changed "to reduce the risk of save data corruption". - In-game voice chat exists, but "only available when enabled in the world settings of a dedicated server" (`bEnableVoiceChat`). Our [Palworld 1.0 server guide](https://1up-servers.com/en/blog/palworld-1-0-server-what-changes/) goes through every server-side change in detail; here is the short version. The patches since then have been mostly fixes. [v1.0.4](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1623730/view/1842846814452062) added a per-player building limit (`MaxBuildingLimitNum`) and made version mismatch errors show the server's version, which saves a lot of guessing. [v1.0.5](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1623730/view/1843481262703464), out on 15 September 2026, is the build this guide was checked against. Pocketpair's own server image for it is tagged `v1.0.5.102999` in the [official Docker repository](https://github.com/pocketpairjp/palworld-dedicated-server-docker). The [Steam store page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1623730/Palworld/) sets the two limits: "In online co-op play mode, up to 4 players can play together. Additionally, a dedicated server can allow up to 32 players to play together." That cap is the main reason groups move to a dedicated server, together with not needing the host online. Our upcoming guide on moving a co-op save to a dedicated server will cover how to take an existing world with you. ## 2. RAM: what Pocketpair asks for, and what it means for a free server Palworld is the heaviest game in most groups' library. The [official requirements page](https://docs.palworldgame.com/getting-started/requirements) for 1.0.4 asks for: | Resource | Pocketpair's requirement | | --- | --- | | CPU | 4 cores or more | | Memory | 16 GB; 32 GB or more recommended for stable operation. "8GB is also bootable, but increases the possibility of server crashes due to out of memory." | | Storage | A fast SSD. "Low-performance storage may corrupt saved data." | | Network | UDP port 8211 (default, changeable), forwarded on your router | | OS | Windows or Linux, 64-bit | Memory grows with the world: every base, every working Pal and every player loaded around the map adds to it. A fresh world with two friends sits well below the ceiling; a month-old server with several guilds and full bases is a different story. That is the honest answer to anyone searching for a free Palworld server. Our Free plan includes 2 GB of RAM, a quarter of the 8 GB that Palworld needs only to start. Free can still create a Palworld server: it gets the 8 GB, and the hourglass makes your free time run 3.5 times faster (×3.5), which the wizard shows before you create it. That is a test drive for up to 4 players, not a world that stays online. Casual (2 GB) and Starter (4 GB) fall short, so they are not offered. A free host that keeps Palworld online around the clock has to give away at least 8 GB per server, so expect either a catch or a crash. The free route that does work 24/7 is self-hosting on a PC with 16 GB or more, which section 4 walks through. On 1up, Palworld runs 24/7 from **Pro**. Pro has 8 GB of RAM to share between your servers, so one Palworld server gets all 8 GB: exactly the boot floor, below Pocketpair's 16 GB. It works for a small group that keeps bases modest; for a busier world, **Studio** has 16 GB, enough to give Palworld Pocketpair's full 16 GB, and **Ultra** has 32 GB. You change the RAM of a server in the **Server** tab, under **Resources → Performance → Allocated RAM**; the panel does not offer less than 8 GB for Palworld. ## 3. Installation: create a Palworld server on 1up This is the route we built for groups that would rather not keep a 16 GB PC on all night. 1. Create an account and press **Create server**. 2. Choose **Palworld** and pick a region. There is one template, **Vanilla**, and one version: Pocketpair's own server image, `v1.0.5.102999` today. 3. Set the number of players and a password, then create the server. 4. When it is **Online**, the **Overview** shows the address and the port. The port is not 8211 on our nodes, so copy both from the panel. 5. In Palworld, open the multiplayer server list, type the address and port in the field below the list and connect. This is the "connect to dedicated server" route from the [official guide](https://docs.palworldgame.com/getting-started/connect-server). **Palworld 24/7 from Pro** Your own Palworld server online around the clock on the Pro plan, €10.00 a month. [Palworld 24/7 from Pro](https://1up-servers.com/en/signup/?plan=pro&game=palworld) The **Game** tab holds eleven Palworld options. Each one writes a key of `PalWorldSettings.ini` at start, so every change applies on restart: | Panel setting | `PalWorldSettings.ini` key | Default | Values | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Server name | `ServerName` | Your server's name | Up to 96 characters | | Description | `ServerDescription` | Empty | Up to 256 characters | | Server password | `ServerPassword` | Empty | 5 to 64 characters, not part of the server name | | Admin password | `AdminPassword` | Empty | 5 to 64 characters | | Max players | `ServerPlayerMaxNum` and `-players` | 16 | 1 to 32 | | On death | `DeathPenalty` | Everything, Pals included (`All`) | Nothing is lost (`None`), Inventory items (`Item`), Items and equipment (`ItemAndEquipment`) | | PvP | `bIsPvP`, `bEnablePlayerToPlayerDamage`, `bEnableDefenseOtherGuildPlayer` | Off | On or off | | List in the community servers | launch arguments `-publiclobby -publicport` | Off | On or off | | Day and night speed (%) | `DayTimeSpeedRate`, `NightTimeSpeedRate` | 100 | 10 to 2000 | | Experience (%) | `ExpRate` | 100 | 10 to 2000 | | Pal capture rate (%) | `PalCaptureRate` | 100 | 10 to 2000 | The percentages are the game's multipliers times 100: 200 % experience writes `ExpRate=2.000000`. The death penalty values match the [configuration reference](https://docs.palworldgame.com/settings-and-operation/configuration): `Item` drops everything except equipment, `ItemAndEquipment` drops all items, `All` drops all items and the Pals in your team. Pocketpair's 1.0 parameter list does not describe `Difficulty`, so the panel leaves it at the official default (`None`); for a balance change you can predict, use the rates. Everything else in that reference (`PalEggDefaultHatchingTime`, `BaseCampWorkerMaxNum`, `bEnableVoiceChat` and the rest) is yours to edit in **Files**, at `Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini`. Stop the server, open the file with **Edit** in **Files** (or use SFTP), save it and start again. At each start we rewrite only the keys in the table above, `Difficulty`, and a few the platform needs (`PublicPort`, `RCONEnabled`, `RESTAPIEnabled`, `RESTAPIPort`, `LogFormatType` and `bIsUseBackupSaveData`); your other values stay. Our [Palworld server settings guide](https://1up-servers.com/en/blog/palworld-server-settings/) explains each option and gives presets for 4 to 8 friends. ## 4. Installation: self-host with SteamCMD The [official deployment guide](https://docs.palworldgame.com/getting-started/deploy-dedicated-server) offers three routes: the Steam client on Windows, SteamCMD on Windows and SteamCMD on Linux. Pocketpair also publishes an official Docker image for advanced users, and warns against Docker Desktop because slow disk access raises the risk of corrupted saves. **With the Steam client (Windows).** In your library, tick **Tools** in the filter, find **Palworld Dedicated Server**, install it and press Play. Choose **Play Palworld Dedicated Server** in the dialog that follows. **With SteamCMD (Windows or Linux).** The dedicated server is Steam app **2394010** and downloads without a Steam account: ``` steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit ``` On Windows, go to `steamapps\common\PalServer` and run `PalServer.exe`. On Linux, go to `~/Steam/steamapps/common/PalServer` and run `./PalServer.sh`. Run the same `app_update` line again after every patch: clients refuse a server on another version. **Configure it.** The [configuration page](https://docs.palworldgame.com/settings-and-operation/configuration) says the folders are created on the first start. Stop the server, copy `DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini` from the install folder to `Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini` (`WindowsServer` on Windows) and edit the copy. Editing `DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini` itself does nothing. **Launch arguments.** The [arguments page](https://docs.palworldgame.com/settings-and-operation/arguments) lists `-port=8211` (the listening port), `-players=32` (the player cap) and `-publiclobby` (section 5). It also notes that in 1.0 and later, leaving `-useperfthreads` unset may improve performance, so do not copy old launch lines blindly. **Open the port.** Forward **UDP 8211** (or the port you set) to the server PC and allow it through the firewall. Friends then join with your public IP and that port. The weak spots are the usual ones: a 16 GB PC that must stay on, your upload speed, a dynamic IP and a router you may not control. Palworld adds two of its own: the SSD warning above, and Hairpin NAT, covered next. ## 5. The community server list (`-publiclobby`) Pocketpair's [About server page](https://docs.palworldgame.com/getting-started/about-server) separates two kinds of server. A **dedicated server** is joined with an IP address and port. A **community server** is the same dedicated server, also registered on the server list inside the game; "in essence, it is no different from a dedicated server". To make yours a community server, the [community server guide](https://docs.palworldgame.com/getting-started/deploy-community-server) says to add `-publiclobby` to the start line (`PalServer.exe -publiclobby` or `./PalServer.sh -publiclobby`). With the Steam client, choose **Open and start as a community server** instead. Players then find it under **Community server** on the left of the server list. Two details trip people up: - **Hairpin NAT.** If your router does not support it, the guide warns, you cannot connect to a community server hosted on your own network, which is a limit of the router, not of the server. - **The advertised address.** Behind unusual networks, `-publicip=x.x.x.x` and `-publicport=xxxx` tell the list which address and port to publish. `-publicport` does not change the port the server listens on. On 1up, turn on **List in the community servers** in the **Game** tab (section **Players**) and restart. The server then starts with `-publiclobby` and `-publicport` set to the port players really reach, the one the **Overview** shows, so the list advertises an address that works. It is off by default, so a new server is only reachable by address until you choose to list it. We have not yet seen a 1up server in the list from a game client, so check it yourself after the restart: search for your server's name under **Community server**. The **Public list** in **Server → Address and ports** is 1up's own list of servers on our website, not Palworld's. On a server created before 5 October 2026, also check that `CrossplayPlatforms` reads `(Steam,Xbox,PS5,Mac)`: an older start script cut it short. Our guide to a [Palworld server not showing in the community list](https://1up-servers.com/en/blog/palworld-server-not-showing-in-community-list/) goes through that check and the other causes. ## 6. Consoles: can Xbox and PS5 players join? Yes, with one condition. Pocketpair's [About server page](https://docs.palworldgame.com/getting-started/about-server) says dedicated and community servers are "cross-play enabled by default" for the Steam version, Xbox Series and the Microsoft Store PC version, macOS and PS5. The allowed platforms come from `CrossplayPlatforms`, which defaults to `(Steam,Xbox,PS5,Mac)` in the [configuration reference](https://docs.palworldgame.com/settings-and-operation/configuration). The condition is in the same page: "If you want to join the server from the Xbox version or the PS5 version, you need to deploy it as a community server." In practice, a console friend needs your server in the community list. That gives you a clear choice: - **Self-hosting with consoles in the group:** start with `-publiclobby`, keep `CrossplayPlatforms` at its default, and console players find the server under **Community server**. - **On 1up:** turn on **List in the community servers** (section 5) and keep the default crossplay platforms; console players then look for your server's name in the community list, while Steam PC players can still join by address and port. - **Keeping consoles out on purpose (self-hosted):** set `CrossplayPlatforms=(Steam)` in `PalWorldSettings.ini`. ## 7. Admin password and commands Palworld has no in-game admin list. You become admin by password, as the [commands page](https://docs.palworldgame.com/settings-and-operation/commands) explains: set `AdminPassword` in the settings, then type `/AdminPassword ` in the chat. After that you can use `/KickPlayer`, `/BanPlayer`, `/UnBanPlayer`, `/TeleportToPlayer`, `/TeleportToMe`, `/ShowPlayers`, `/Broadcast`, `/Save`, `/Shutdown` and `/ToggleSpectate`. The ID that kick and ban expect is the player's `steam_` user ID. On 1up: - Set **Admin password** in the **Game** tab and restart if you want admin rights inside the game. If you leave it empty, the server still has an admin password, a random one only the panel knows, so nobody can claim admin with a guess. - The **Console** tab talks to the server through Palworld's REST API, not RCON (we turn RCON off). It offers `announce`, `kick`, `ban` and `unban` with a `steam_` ID, plus `players`, `info`, `metrics`, `settings` and `save`. It has no `shutdown`: stop the server with the panel's **Stop** button instead. - Joins and leaves appear in the console as they happen. Before a restart, warn players with `announce` and run `save`. ## 8. Backups: three layers A Palworld world is months of breeding and building, and Pocketpair itself warns that slow storage may corrupt saves. Plan for a bad day. **Palworld's own backups.** With `bIsUseBackupSaveData=True`, the server creates a backup directory inside the save data directory. The [configuration reference](https://docs.palworldgame.com/settings-and-operation/configuration) gives the rotation: 5 saves every 30 seconds, 6 every 10 minutes, 12 every hour and 7 every day. Pocketpair notes that it increases disk load. We turn it on for every Palworld server, and the copies live in the save folder under `Saved/SaveGames` in **Files**. **Our scheduled save.** Every Palworld server comes with a task called **Autosave** in **Schedule** that asks the server to save on the hour, so the world on disk is never far behind. **1up backups.** These leave the game node and live in the cloud. Pro keeps **5** backups, Studio **10** and Ultra **20**: 1. A copy is taken automatically every day at 04:00 (Madrid time), and before every restore, version change or region change. 2. Press **💾 Create backup** before anything risky, such as editing the settings file or trying a mod. 3. **Restore** stops the server and replaces the world. **Lock** keeps a copy out of the rotation, and **↓ Download .zip** gives you the world and its configuration to keep on your PC. When the limit is reached, the oldest unlocked copy rotates out. If you self-host, copy the whole `Pal/Saved` folder with the server stopped, and keep the copy on another disk. ## 9. Plans for Palworld With prices from [our pricing page](https://1up-servers.com/en/pricing/): - **Free:** up to 4 players with the hourglass at ×3.5 and no backups, to try the server with your group. - **Pro (€10/month):** 8 GB of RAM, 60 GB of disk, 30 player slots, 5 backups and 2 sub-users. One Palworld server uses the whole 8 GB, the boot floor. - **Studio (€20/month):** 16 GB of RAM, 80 GB of disk, 50 player slots (Palworld caps at 32), 10 backups and 3 sub-users: room for Pocketpair's 16 GB recommendation. - **Ultra (€50/month):** 32 GB of RAM, 100 GB of disk and 20 backups, for Palworld next to another game. Paid plans are refunded on request within 3 days. A Palworld server takes 12 GB of disk to start, and you can grow it in **Server → Resources**. For comparison, our [Valheim dedicated server guide](https://1up-servers.com/en/blog/valheim-dedicated-server/) boots on 2 GB of RAM, and [Enshrouded 1.0](https://1up-servers.com/en/blog/enshrouded-1-0-server-what-changes/) runs 24/7 from Pro: Palworld sits at the top of what friends' servers ask for. **Palworld 24/7 from Pro** Your own Palworld server online around the clock on the Pro plan, €10.00 a month. [Palworld 24/7 from Pro](https://1up-servers.com/en/signup/?plan=pro&game=palworld) Tested on Palworld v1.0.5.102999 (Pocketpair's official server image), 2026-10-05. **Change log** - 2026-10-05: first version, after patch v1.0.5; links to the settings guide. - 2026-10-05: 1up adds the **List in the community servers** switch for Xbox and PS5 players; the PvP switch sets all three PvP flags; the panel no longer has a Difficulty field; `.ini` files open in the browser editor. - 2026-10-06: the 1up console no longer has macros; warn players with `announce` before a restart. - 2026-10-07: the panel's Settings tab is now called **Game** and RAM moved to **Server → Resources**; the console no longer offers `shutdown`; link to the Palworld 1.0 guide. - 2026-10-20: Palworld now runs on Free with the hourglass at ×3.5; 24/7 still from Studio, now €25. - 2026-10-26: Palworld runs 24/7 from Pro (€10, 8 GB); current Studio and Ultra figures and backup counts. ## Frequently asked questions Pocketpair lists 16 GB of memory and recommends 32 GB or more for stable operation. 8 GB boots, but increases the chance of out-of-memory crashes, and usage grows with bases and players. About the author[Baurtock](https://1up-servers.com/en/blog/author/baurtock/)Founder, developer and support ## Keep reading [Palworld · 9 min**Palworld Co-op Save to Dedicated Server: Move Your World and Keep the Host (1.0)**](https://1up-servers.com/en/blog/palworld-co-op-save-to-dedicated-server/)[Palworld · 6 min**Palworld 1.0 Server: What Changed and How to Update**](https://1up-servers.com/en/blog/palworld-1-0-server-what-changes/)[Palworld · 7 min**Palworld Server Not Showing in the Community List: How to Fix It**](https://1up-servers.com/en/blog/palworld-server-not-showing-in-community-list/)