Palworld guide
How to make Palworld server?
Players search this as “how to make palword server”. Here is the verified Palworld 1.0 answer, plus the tools that let you act on it right away.
Short answer
On PC, you set up a Palworld dedicated server by downloading the free PalServer files through Steam's SteamCMD tool, configuring the server settings file, opening the required ports, and running the server executable. Alternatively, you can rent a pre-configured server from a game-hosting provider, or use in-game dedicated server options available on console.
Quick answer
To make a Palworld dedicated server on PC, you download Pocketpair's free PalServer files using SteamCMD, edit the server configuration file to set your world's name, password, and rules, forward the required ports on your router, and launch the server executable. Alternatively, you can rent a ready-made server from a game-hosting company if you don't want to manage the technical setup yourself.
Self-hosting on PC (free method)
- Install SteamCMD if you don't already have it.
- Download the dedicated server files using SteamCMD with Palworld's dedicated server App ID (it's a separate download from the main game, and it's free even if you don't own the game on Steam).
- Edit `PalWorldSettings.ini` to configure your world name, password, max players, XP rate, hatch time, and other rules.
- Forward the required UDP port (commonly 8211, though check current Pocketpair documentation since this can change with updates) through your router so external players can connect.
- Run `PalServer.exe` to start the server; it will stay online as long as the host machine is running and connected.
- Share your public IP and port (or use the in-game server browser/direct connect) with players who want to join.
Renting a hosting provider (paid method)
If you don't want to manage port forwarding, uptime, or keeping a PC running 24/7, third-party game-hosting companies offer pre-configured Palworld servers for a monthly fee. This is generally the simpler option for a group that wants a server online continuously without relying on someone's home PC and internet connection staying up.
| Method | Cost | Effort | Uptime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted PC (SteamCMD) | Free | Higher — manual setup and port forwarding | Only while your PC is running |
| Rented hosting provider | Paid, usually monthly | Lower — mostly pre-configured | Continuous, provider-managed |
Settings worth configuring before you launch
- Hatch time and egg settings — dramatically changes the pace of breeding if you speed them up.
- XP multiplier — affects how quickly your group reaches end-game content.
- Capture rate and death penalty — changes overall difficulty and how punishing losses are.
- Max players — adjust based on your group size and your server hardware's ability to handle simultaneous Pal work simulation.
After setup: inviting players
Once your dedicated server is running, players connect using the server's IP address and port (or a direct-connect option in-game) rather than an invite code, and crossplay means this works across Steam, Xbox, Game Pass, and PlayStation 5 as long as everyone is on the same game version.
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
- Is running a Palworld dedicated server free?
- Self-hosting on your own PC using Pocketpair's free PalServer tool costs nothing beyond your own hardware and internet, though renting from a third-party host is a paid alternative for reliability and uptime.
- Do I need to open ports for a Palworld server?
- Yes, self-hosted dedicated servers typically require forwarding the game's UDP ports through your router so external players can connect.
- Can console players host a dedicated server?
- Console players can typically join PC-hosted dedicated servers, and some in-game hosting options exist, but the most flexible and widely used dedicated server tools are PC-based via SteamCMD.
Go deeper
Full reference page for this topic, kept in sync with the game data.
How do you make a Palworld dedicated server? →