Palworld Dedicated Server Setup for Windows and Linux

Requirements that prevent avoidable crashes

Pocketpair notes that an 8 GB machine may start, but out-of-memory crashes become more likely. Slow storage also raises the risk of save trouble. Size the host for the real player and world load, not only whether the process launches once.

CPU

4 cores or more recommended

Memory

16 GB baseline; 32 GB+ for larger servers

Storage

SSD recommended

Network

UDP 8211 by default

OS

64-bit Windows or Linux

Windows: Steam client method

1. 01

   Open Steam Library, enable Tools in the library filter and install Palworld Dedicated Server.

2. 02

   Launch the tool and keep the console window open.

3. 03

   Confirm PalServer.exe remains running and the log directory is created.

4. 04

   Connect locally first, then allow UDP 8211 in Windows Firewall and configure router forwarding for outside players.

SteamCMD and Linux method

SteamCMD is the better fit for a machine without the Steam desktop client. Install or update the Palworld Dedicated Server app, then launch the generated server binary from its install directory. The official guide provides separate Windows and Linux command paths.

Pocketpair documents an official Docker path as well, but warns against Docker Desktop for this workload because storage I/O can create save risk. Use a native server unless your container environment is already understood and monitored.

Private versus community listing

A private dedicated server can be joined through the IP-and-port field below the server list. Add the public-lobby startup argument only when the server should appear in the Community Server browser.

Home networks can fail a same-LAN test when Hairpin NAT is unsupported even while outside friends can connect. Test local and external paths separately before changing the server application.

Launch verification

1. 01

   Confirm the server process stays alive and does not log a bind or fatal error.

2. 02

   Join from the host or local network using the correct local address.

3. 03

   Join from another network using public IP:8211.

4. 04

   Run a manual save, restart the server, and confirm the same world returns before inviting a group.