How to set up a Palworld server

Joseph McKeown -

Want to explore the world of Palworld with friends on your own terms? Setting up a server is a great way to do just that. 

Whether you're planning a private co-op experience or inviting others to join your world, hosting your own server gives you control over how you play – without relying on public servers.

Here’s a simple guide to help you get started.

1. Choose how you want to host

First, decide whether you want to host the server yourself or use a hosting company.

  • Self-hosting means running the server from your own computer. It's free, but your PC needs to stay on whenever you want the server to be active, and your internet needs to be reliable.
  • Third-party hosting involves paying a company to run the server for you. It’s quicker to set up and usually includes support, so it's ideal if you're not very technical or just want a smoother experience.

2. Get the server files

If you're hosting the server yourself, you’ll need to download the Palworld Dedicated Server files. These are free and available on Steam, but don't worry – you won’t need to play the game on the same computer you're using to host the server.

If you're using a hosting company, they usually handle this step for you automatically.

3. Set your preferences

One of the best parts about running your own server is the ability to customise the experience. You can tweak gameplay settings like difficulty level, max player count, and whether or not to require a password for access. This gives you full control over how your Palworld sessions unfold.

Using a hosting provider means these options are easy to adjust through a web-based dashboard. If you're hosting the server yourself, you may need to manually edit configuration files to make changes, but there are plenty of tutorials and community guides available to help you out.

4. Invite your friends

Once your server is running, it’s time to bring in your fellow gamers. If you’ve used a hosting service, they’ll usually give you a link or code to share. If you’re hosting it yourself, your friends may need your IP address to connect.

Either way, once they’re in, it’s game on.

5. Keep things running smoothly

Here are a few quick tips:

  • Save your progress regularly, just in case.
  • Check for updates now and then so your server runs the latest version of the game.
  • Keep an eye on performance to see if you notice any lag or connection issues.

And remember, you’re not alone! The Palworld community is active and growing – forums and Discord servers are great places to ask questions or troubleshoot any issues you run into.

Setting up a Palworld server doesn’t have to be too technical or time-consuming. Whether you do it yourself or use a hosting provider, the key is to start simple and choose the setup that works best for you and your friends.

Ready to get started? Check out our game server hosting options, so you find the best fit.