Palworld Server Setup: Dedicated Server Guide
Complete Palworld dedicated server setup with SteamCMD, port configuration, server settings, mod support, auto-start, and performance optimization.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Palworld is a popular multiplayer open-world survival game that combines creature collection mechanics with base building. By setting up your own dedicated server, you can create a private world for your friends or community. This guide covers the complete Palworld dedicated server setup on your REXE VDS step by step.
System Requirements
| Resource | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 4 Cores | 6+ Cores |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16+ GB |
| Disk | 30 GB SSD | 50+ GB NVMe |
| OS | Ubuntu 22.04+ | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS |
| Bandwidth | 5 Mbps | 10+ Mbps |
Palworld server is memory-intensive. 16 GB or more RAM is strongly recommended, especially for servers with 10+ players.
Prerequisites
Connect to your server via SSH and install the required packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y lib32gcc-s1 lib32stdc++6 wget tar screen
Create a dedicated user for the server:
sudo adduser palworld --disabled-login --gecos ""
sudo su - palworld
SteamCMD Installation
SteamCMD is required to download Palworld server files:
mkdir -p ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd
wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
tar -xzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
rm steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
Verify the installation:
./steamcmd.sh +quit
Download Palworld Server Files
Download the Palworld dedicated server files using SteamCMD:
~/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir ~/palworld-server \
+login anonymous \
+app_update 2394010 validate \
+quit
App ID 2394010 is the Steam ID for Palworld Dedicated Server. The initial download is approximately 5-6 GB.
Server Configuration
Creating the Settings File
Palworld server settings are stored in PalWorldSettings.ini:
mkdir -p ~/palworld-server/Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer
cp ~/palworld-server/DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini \
~/palworld-server/Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini
Core Settings
Edit the settings file:
nano ~/palworld-server/Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini
Key parameters:
[/Script/Pal.PalGameWorldSettings]
OptionSettings=(Difficulty=None,
DayTimeSpeedRate=1.000000,
NightTimeSpeedRate=1.000000,
ExpRate=1.000000,
PalCaptureRate=1.000000,
PalSpawnNumRate=1.000000,
PalDamageRateAttack=1.000000,
PalDamageRateDefense=1.000000,
PlayerDamageRateAttack=1.000000,
PlayerDamageRateDefense=1.000000,
PlayerStomachDecreaceRate=1.000000,
PlayerStaminaDecreaceRate=1.000000,
PlayerAutoHPRegeneRate=1.000000,
BuildObjectDamageRate=1.000000,
CollectionDropRate=1.000000,
CollectionObjectHpRate=1.000000,
EnemyDropItemRate=1.000000,
DeathPenalty=All,
ServerName="My REXE Palworld Server",
ServerDescription="REXE Palworld Dedicated Server",
AdminPassword="STRONG_ADMIN_PASSWORD",
ServerPassword="",
PublicPort=8211,
PublicIP="SERVER_IP",
RCONEnabled=True,
RCONPort=25575,
ServerPlayerMaxNum=32,
bEnableInvaderEnemy=True,
bIsPvP=False,
CoopPlayerMaxNum=4)
Key Parameters Explained
| Parameter | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| ExpRate | Experience gain rate | 1.0 |
| PalCaptureRate | Pal capture rate | 1.0 |
| ServerPlayerMaxNum | Maximum player count | 32 |
| DeathPenalty | Death penalty (None/Item/ItemAndEquipment/All) | All |
| bIsPvP | PvP mode | False |
| DayTimeSpeedRate | Daytime speed | 1.0 |
| NightTimeSpeedRate | Nighttime speed | 1.0 |
| RCONEnabled | Remote management | True |
Port Configuration
| Port | Protocol | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 8211 | UDP | Palworld game port |
| 27015 | UDP | Steam query port |
| 25575 | TCP | RCON (remote management) |
Firewall Rules
sudo ufw allow 8211/udp comment "Palworld Game"
sudo ufw allow 27015/udp comment "Palworld Steam Query"
sudo ufw allow 25575/tcp comment "Palworld RCON"
Path Panel Firewall
From the REXE Path Panel:
- Palworld UDP: Protocol: UDP, Port: 8211
- Steam Query: Protocol: UDP, Port: 27015
- RCON: Protocol: TCP, Port: 25575 (restrict to your IP only)
Only open the RCON port to your management IP addresses. Leaving it publicly accessible poses a security risk.
Starting the Server
Startup Script
Create a startup script:
nano ~/palworld-server/start.sh
#!/bin/bash
cd ~/palworld-server
export tempLDPath="$LD_LIBRARY_PATH"
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=./linux64:$LD_LIBRARY_PATH
export SteamAppId=1623730
./PalServer.sh \
-port=8211 \
-queryport=27015 \
-useperfthreads \
-NoAsyncLoadingThread \
-UseMultithreadForDS \
EpicApp=PalServer
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH="$tempLDPath"
chmod +x ~/palworld-server/start.sh
Running with Screen
screen -S palworld
~/palworld-server/start.sh
Detach from screen with Ctrl+A then D.
Auto-Start with systemd
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/palworld.service
[Unit]
Description=Palworld Dedicated Server
After=network.target
Wants=network-online.target
[Service]
Type=simple
User=palworld
Group=palworld
WorkingDirectory=/home/palworld/palworld-server
ExecStartPre=/home/palworld/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir /home/palworld/palworld-server +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 +quit
ExecStart=/home/palworld/palworld-server/start.sh
Restart=on-failure
RestartSec=20
LimitNOFILE=100000
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable palworld
sudo systemctl start palworld
The ExecStartPre line automatically checks for updates every time the server starts.
Performance Optimization
Memory Management
Palworld server can experience memory leaks over time. Create an auto-restart script:
nano ~/palworld-server/restart.sh
#!/bin/bash
MEM_LIMIT=12000 # Limit in MB
PROCESS="PalServer"
MEM_USAGE=$(ps aux | grep $PROCESS | grep -v grep | awk '{print $6/1024}' | head -1)
if [ ! -z "$MEM_USAGE" ]; then
MEM_INT=${MEM_USAGE%.*}
if [ $MEM_INT -gt $MEM_LIMIT ]; then
echo "$(date): Memory limit exceeded ($MEM_INT MB). Restarting..."
sudo systemctl restart palworld
fi
fi
chmod +x ~/palworld-server/restart.sh
crontab -e
*/30 * * * * /home/palworld/palworld-server/restart.sh >> /home/palworld/restart.log 2>&1
Kernel Parameters
sudo sysctl -w net.core.rmem_max=26214400
sudo sysctl -w net.core.wmem_max=26214400
echo 'net.core.rmem_max=26214400' | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
echo 'net.core.wmem_max=26214400' | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo sysctl -p
Mod Support
To add mods to your Palworld server:
mkdir -p ~/palworld-server/Pal/Content/Paks/Mods
cp /tmp/ModFile.pak ~/palworld-server/Pal/Content/Paks/Mods/
sudo systemctl restart palworld
All players must have the same mods installed. Incompatible mods can cause server crashes.
Automatic Backups
nano ~/palworld-server/backup.sh
#!/bin/bash
BACKUP_DIR="/home/palworld/backups"
SAVE_DIR="/home/palworld/palworld-server/Pal/Saved"
DATE=$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)
mkdir -p $BACKUP_DIR
tar -czf $BACKUP_DIR/palworld_$DATE.tar.gz -C $SAVE_DIR .
find $BACKUP_DIR -name "palworld_*.tar.gz" -mtime +7 -delete
echo "$(date): Backup completed - palworld_$DATE.tar.gz"
chmod +x ~/palworld-server/backup.sh
crontab -e
0 */6 * * * /home/palworld/palworld-server/backup.sh >> /home/palworld/backup.log 2>&1
RCON Management
With RCON enabled, you can send remote commands using rcon-cli:
./rcon -a localhost:25575 -p ADMIN_PASSWORD "ShowPlayers"
./rcon -a localhost:25575 -p ADMIN_PASSWORD "Broadcast Server_restarting_in_5_minutes"
./rcon -a localhost:25575 -p ADMIN_PASSWORD "Save"
./rcon -a localhost:25575 -p ADMIN_PASSWORD "Shutdown 300 Server_restarting"
Troubleshooting
Server won't start
tail -50 ~/palworld-server/Pal/Saved/Logs/PalServer.log
sudo ss -tulnp | grep -E '8211|27015|25575'
High memory usage
free -h
ps aux --sort=-%mem | head -5
Conclusion
Palworld dedicated server setup can be completed quickly with SteamCMD. With proper port configuration, performance optimization, and regular backups, you can provide a stable server experience. REXE VDS high-performance infrastructure provides an ideal environment for your Palworld server.
Related Articles
How to Set Up a FiveM Server: Step-by-Step Guide
Complete FiveM server setup guide on REXE VDS: installation, txAdmin configuration, port settings, and performance optimization tips for GTA V roleplay servers.
How to Set Up a Minecraft Server: Paper Installation Guide
Complete Minecraft server setup guide on REXE VDS: Paper/Spigot installation, Java configuration, plugin management, and performance optimization for stable gameplay.
How to Set Up a CS2 Dedicated Server: Complete Guide
Complete CS2 dedicated server setup guide on REXE VDS: SteamCMD installation, GSLT token, server configuration, game modes, and DDoS protection with Path Panel.