How to Host a Palworld Server on a VPS
Palworld is an open-world survival game where players collect creatures, build bases, and explore the world. Official servers are often overloaded, and co-op through a host player has limits: the world is available only when the host is online, and only a limited number of people can join. Running your own dedicated server on a VPS solves these problems: the world stays online around the clock, you control the settings, and the player count depends on the server resources.
In this article, we'll walk you through renting a VPS, installing and configuring a Palworld server, which settings matter, and how to avoid common mistakes. The material is written for readers without deep technical knowledge — every step is explained in plain language.
What Is a VPS and Why Use One for Palworld?
A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a virtual server running on a physical machine in a data center. You get a dedicated share of CPU, RAM, and disk space, plus your own IP address and the ability to install any software you need.
For Palworld, a VPS works better than a home computer: the server doesn't depend on the electricity or internet in your apartment, it has a stable network connection, and it runs 24/7. Unlike official servers, you control the settings yourself: difficulty, resource gathering speed, player count, and moderation.
VPS Requirements for Palworld
The Palworld server is a separate program that doesn't need a powerful graphics card, but it is sensitive to CPU and RAM. Official documentation recommends at least 4 CPU cores and 16 GB of RAM for stable operation. For small groups (up to 4 people), 8 GB may be enough, but memory usage grows with active base building and raids.
Storage: SSD or NVMe. Mechanical hard drives increase load times and can corrupt saves during a sudden shutdown. At first, the server takes up about 10–15 GB, but with saves and backups, you should plan for 40–60 GB.
Network port: UDP 8211 is used by default. Your VPS provider must allow incoming connections on this port.
Table: VPS requirements for Palworld based on player count
| Player count | Minimum RAM | Recommended RAM | CPU | Disk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 8 GB | 12 GB | 2–4 cores | 30 GB SSD |
| 4–16 | 12 GB | 16 GB | 4 cores | 40 GB SSD |
| 16–32 | 16 GB | 32 GB | 4+ cores | 60 GB SSD |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up a Palworld Server on a VPS
Step 1. Rent a VPS
Choose a provider with data centers in a region close to your players. The lower the latency (ping), the smoother the game. For example, Serverspace offers VPS configurations in multiple locations, so you can pick a server with the right resources and low ping for your team.
When ordering, select an operating system: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or Debian. These systems are well documented and use fewer resources than Windows Server.
Step 2. Connect to the server
After payment, you'll receive an IP address, username, and password. Connect to the server via SSH. On Windows, you can use PuTTY; on macOS and Linux, use the built-in terminal.
ssh root@YOUR_IP_ADDRESS
Step 3. Prepare the system
Update packages and install the necessary dependencies:
apt update && apt upgrade -y
dpkg --add-architecture i386
apt update
apt install -y lib32gcc-s1 steamcmd
Create a separate user for the game server so you don't run it as root:
adduser --disabled-password --gecos "" palworld
su - palworld
Step 4. Install the server via SteamCMD
SteamCMD is the console client for Steam that downloads server files. Launch it and log in anonymously:
/usr/games/steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit
App ID 2394010 is the identifier for the Palworld dedicated server. The first download takes 12–15 GB.
Step 5. First launch and configuration
Go to the server directory and start it:
cd ~/Steam/steamapps/common/PalServer
./PalServer.sh
On first launch, the configuration file PalWorldSettings.ini is created. Stop the server (Ctrl+C) and open the file for editing:
nano Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini
Main settings:
- ServerName — the server name players will see.
- ServerPassword — the password for joining.
- AdminPassword — the password for admin commands.
- ServerPlayerMaxNum — the maximum number of players.
- bIsPvP — enables or disables PvP mode.
After saving the file, start the server again.
Step 6. Configure the firewall
Allow incoming connections on UDP port 8211 (game traffic) and UDP port 8212 (for server list visibility):
ufw allow 8211/udp
ufw allow 8212/udp
ufw reload
Step 7. Connect to the server
Launch Palworld, select "Join Server," and enter the VPS IP address with the port: IP:8211. If you set a password, enter it.
Automation: Setting Up a systemd Service
To make the server start automatically after a reboot, create a systemd service. This saves you from having to log in via SSH and run the script manually every time.
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/palworld.service
Insert the configuration:
[Unit]
Description=Palworld Server
After=network.target
[Service]
Type=simple
User=palworld
WorkingDirectory=/home/palworld/Steam/steamapps/common/PalServer
ExecStart=/home/palworld/Steam/steamapps/common/PalServer/PalServer.sh
Restart=on-failure
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
Activate the service:
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable palworld
sudo systemctl start palworld
Now the server will start when the VPS boots and restart after failures.
Pros and Cons of Using a VPS for Palworld
Advantages:
- The world runs 24/7 regardless of whether the host is online.
- Full control over settings and moderation.
- Stable network connection and low ping when you choose the right region.
- Ability to play with friends from different countries.
Disadvantages and limitations:
- You need at least a basic understanding of Linux and SSH.
- Monthly hosting fees.
- You must update the server yourself after game patches.
- You are responsible for backing up saves.
Common Use Cases
Case 1. Small group of friends (4–6 people). A VPS with 8–12 GB of RAM is enough. You can keep the settings close to default and disable PvP. The main goal is a stable world without lag.
Case 2. Public community server (16–32 players). You'll need 16–32 GB of RAM and 4+ cores. Enable a password and assign administrators. Set up regular backups.
Case 3. Modded server. Mods increase memory usage and can conflict with each other. Plan for extra RAM and test mods on a separate server before installing them on the main one.
Case 4. PvP arena. Enable bIsPvP and set respawn rules. PvP puts extra load on the CPU during large battles.
Case 5. Test server for new patches. A separate VPS lets you test game updates before updating the main server and avoid losing saves.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1. Too little RAM. Over time, Palworld accumulates data and uses more memory than on first launch. If the server suddenly crashes with an out-of-memory error, increase RAM or add a swap file.
Mistake 2. Closed port. The most common cause of "Connection timed out" is a firewall or provider blocking UDP 8211. Check your UFW settings and make sure the port is open in the VPS control panel.
Mistake 3. Running as root. The game server should not run with superuser privileges. Use a separate user — this limits the damage if the server is compromised.
Mistake 4. No backups. Palworld saves can be corrupted during updates or power failures. Set up automatic copying of the SaveGames folder once a day.
Mistake 5. Ignoring updates. After a patch is released, the client and server must be on the same version. If players can't connect, check the server version via SteamCMD.
Table: Symptoms, causes, and solutions
| Symptom | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Connection timed out | Port 8211 is closed | Open UDP 8211 in UFW and the VPS panel |
| Server crashes after a few hours | Not enough RAM | Increase RAM or add swap |
| Settings are not applied | Server was not restarted | Stop and start the server again |
| Players can't see the server in the list | Port 8212 is closed | Open UDP 8212 |
| Version error when connecting | Client updated, server not | Update the server via SteamCMD |
Conclusion
Running your own Palworld server on a VPS gives you a stable world that is available around the clock and full control over the game process. To get started, you just need to rent a VPS with 8–16 GB of RAM, install the server via SteamCMD, and configure the settings in the configuration file. The main risks are related to insufficient memory and closed ports, but they are easy to avoid if you follow the instructions and make backups.
If you want to host your server in a reliable data center with flexible configurations, take a look at Serverspace VPS solutions — they are suitable for game projects that require stable operation and minimal latency.
FAQ
How much does a VPS for Palworld cost?
The price depends on the provider and configuration. For a small group, a VPS for $5–10 per month will work; for 16+ players, expect $20 or more.
Can I run a Palworld server on a Windows VPS?
Yes, but Linux servers use fewer resources and run more reliably. Windows is chosen if you need specific mods.
How do I update the server after a Palworld patch?
Stop the server, run the SteamCMD command with the +app_update 2394010 validate parameter, then start the server again.
Can I transfer saves from another server?
Yes, copy the SaveGames folder from the old installation to the corresponding directory on the new VPS.
Do I need a separate IP address?
Yes, players need a public IP to connect. A VPS provides one by default.
What should I do if the server won't start?
Check the logs: journalctl -u palworld or ~/Steam/steamapps/common/PalServer/Pal/Saved/Logs. Most often, the problem is related to permissions or insufficient memory.
