Palworld: How to Host a Dedicated Server and Open Ports

Author
GameVillage Team
Last updated on

Check out our guide on how to open a dedicated server in Palworld. Use this guide to help you set up dedicated servers or join existing servers in your PC!

Dedicated Server

NOTICE
This page may contain some AI-assisted content. All content is extensively proofread and reviewed by the GameVillage Editorial Team, using strategies and data derived from actual gameplay.

Types of Dedicated Server Setup

Setting Up on Rental Server

Dedicated servers can be set up on rental servers. Rental servers are paid services, but they allow 24/7 access and are easy to set up even for beginners, making them ideal for playing multiplayer Parworld with four or more players.

Setting Up on Home PC as a Server

Dedicated servers can be set up using a PC at home if the PC's specs are sufficient. However, when playing Palworld on the same PC, both the server and the game require a PC that meets the necessary specs, making it suitable for high-spec PCs.

Set Up the Server in the Game

Set Up the Server in the Game

In Palworld, when you navigate to the server selection screen, you can check how to set up a server. It is recommended to refer to the official setup guide, check the setup methods, and familiarize yourself with the types of setups available.

How to Set Up a Dedicated Server (Home PC)

Method Recommended Users
Windows
Steam
Recommended for server beginners
Windows
SteamCMD
・Can set up servers for different games
・Familiar with setting up servers
Linux
SteamCMD
Familiar with handling Linux

How to Set Up with Windows Steam

How to Set Up with Steam
1 Launch Steam
2 Select the Library tab and open the "Games, Software" tab in the top left corner of the screen
3 Check the "Tools" option
4 Select Palworld Dedicated Server from the list and download it
5 Choose to launch and check "Play Palworld Dedicated Server" and press Play
6 Once the console screen appears, you can log into the server

If You Can't Log In, Check the IP and Port

If you can't log in even after following the above steps to open the server, check the IP address and port forwarding. If the port number is incorrect, you won't be able to log in, so it is recommended to investigate the cause in the following order: "Check IP" → "Check Port Number" → "Check Port Forwarding".

How to Set Up Using WindowsSteamCMD

Method of Setting Up Using SteamCMD
1 Download and set up SteamCMD
2 Launch Command Prompt and download the dedicated serverSetting up SteamCMD server (Official Site)
3 After the download is complete, launch PalServer.exe

Downloading the Dedicated Server with Command Prompt

Command for Downloading the Dedicated Server
steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit

To set up a server using SteamCMD, enter the above command in Command Prompt to download the dedicated server. Once the download is complete, navigate to the installation folder and launch PalServer.exe.

Setting up with LinuxSteamCMD

Setting up with SteamCMD (Linux)
1 Download SteamCMD tailored for your Linux version
1 Execute the command to download the dedicated server Setting up a Linux server (official site)
1 Navigate to the download location and run the PalServer.sh script

Downloading the Dedicated Server via Command

Command for downloading the dedicated server
steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit

To set up a server on Linux, use SteamCMD just like on Windows. After downloading the dedicated server with the above command, type "./PalServer.sh" to start the server.

How to Open Ports

Open ports at your own risk.
Opening ports can compromise security, so please proceed with caution using the following methods at your own risk.
Steps to Open Ports
1 Open Firewall settings
2 Add a new rule to inbound rules
3 Add a new rule to outbound rules
4 Use port forwarding software to open ports If this is not possible, you will need to configure it directly from the router

Open Firewall

Open Firewall

To open ports, open the Firewall. You can access the Firewall by going to "Settings" → "Windows Security" → "Open Windows Security" → "Firewall & Network Protection" → "Advanced Settings".

Add a New Rule to Inbound Rules

Add a New Rule to Inbound Rules

To open ports, add a new rule to the inbound rules from the advanced settings screen. Once you open the new rule, check the port, select UDP, enter 8211, allow the connection, check "Private," give it a name, and the setup is complete.

Add a New Rule to Outbound Rules

Add a New Rule to Outbound Rules

Similar to inbound rules, add a new rule to outbound rules. The input fields will be the same as for inbound rules, making the process complete.

Opening Ports with Port Opening Software

Opening Ports with Port Opening Software

Once the Firewall settings are completed, let's open the ports using port opening software. Since the port number to be opened is UDP 8211, it is advisable to double-check before opening to avoid any mistakes.

Close Ports if Not Used for a Long Time

If you no longer use the port number that was opened for port forwarding, make sure to close the port. Leaving the port open can lead to decreased security, increasing the risk of unauthorized access and potential harm.

How to Change to a Community Server

Adding Options to Startup Arguments

Adding Options to Startup Arguments

To change to a community server, it is possible to make changes by adding Options to the arguments in the Command Prompt at startup. If it is troublesome to add Options every time at startup, it is recommended to create a bat file for launching.

Making the Server Public

Making the Server Public

By changing the server to a community server, it becomes possible for players to search and join the server from within the game, not just those who know the IP and port number. It is a good choice when you want to play with players from all over the country besides your friends.

Creating a bat File for Easier Launches

Creating a bat File for Easier Launches

Contents of the bat File
start PalServer "EpicApp=PalServer"
exit

A bat file is a file for executing the contents written in the Command Prompt, making server launches easier once created. While the name of the bat file is optional, naming it in English such as "start" or "Community" is recommended to avoid potential issues or errors that may arise when using Japanese characters.

Updating the Dedicated Server

WindowsSteam Automatically Updates on Startup

If you are running a dedicated server using WindowsSteam tools, it will automatically update on startup. Since the update may take some time, it's recommended to perform the update when you have some spare time.

Re-enter DL Command in SteamCMD

Dedicated Server DL Command
steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit

For servers set up using SteamCMD, you can update the server data by re-entering the command. If you forget the process, refer back to the way you set up the server or consult the official guide to update it.

Palworld Official Guide

How to Join a Dedicated Server

Select "Join Multiplayer Game"

Join Multiplayer Game

To join a dedicated server, select "Join Multiplayer (Dedicated Server)" from the title screen. Personally created servers will not appear in the server list, so they will not show up even if you search for them.

Enter the IP and Connect

Enter IP and Connect

Once you are on the server selection screen, enter the IP address and port number of the server in the IP input field at the bottom of the list, and connect. If the default settings are used, entering "Port Number: 8211" will allow you to join.

Palworld Walkthrough Wiki
Palworld Walkthrough Wiki
Beginner Tips and Tricks
Beginner Tips and Tricks
Recommended Beginner Pals
Recommended Beginner Pals
Strongest Pals
Strongest Pals
Recommended Difficulty Level
Recommended Difficulty Level
How to Set Up and Move Multiple Bases
How to Set Up and Move Multiple Bases
Complete Pal List - Paldeck
Complete Pal List - Paldeck
How to Level Up
How to Level Up
How to Earn Money
How to Earn Money
How to Build a Ranch and Assign Pals
How to Build a Ranch and Assign Pals
World Map
World Map
Adventure and Exploration Guide
How to Create a Character Recommended Difficulty Level
Multiplayer Is PvP Available?
Fast Travel Locations Building Guide
Beginner Tips and Tricks Death Penalty Setting
Technology Rewards Controller Settings
How to Earn Money Ancient Technology Points
How to Change Name Pal Elements Guide
Is There a Story? Moving and Placing Bases
Black Marketeer Locations How to Build a Ranch and Assign Pals
How to Level Up How to Cure Pal Injuries and Sickness
How to Craft and Equip Saddles How to Restore Sanity
Merchant Locations How to Restore HP
Boss Respawn Timers How to Catch Humans
How to Save Your Game How to Craft and Use Grappling Guns
Dungeon Locations Recommended Settings
How to Move Bases Base Level Missions
General Tips and Tricks Permanent Game Mechanics
Basebuilding Tips How to Deal with the Overweight Status
How to Change Time Difference between Solo and Multiplayer
How to Assign Pals Benefits of Joining a Guild
How to Recover Stamina Advantages at Night
How to Slide Base Size and Recommendations
Combat Mechanics
Pal Related Guide
How to Catch Pals How to Use Pals
How to Raise Pals Breeding Calculator
How to Rank Up Pals How to Get Lucky Pals
How to Use Pal Souls Best Starter Pals
How to Restore Hunger How to Get Fusion Pals
Strongest Pals Recommended Stat Allocation
Skill List Partner Skills
Active Skills Passive Skills
Wildlife Sanctuary Pals How to Butcher Pals
All Legendary Pals Pals that Increase Weight Limit
How to Hatch Eggs Inheriting Legendary Skills
How to Trade Pals How to Revive a Dead Pal
How to Check Passive Skills How to Cure Cold
How to Cure Sprain How to Cure Overfull Pals
How to Cure Ulcer How to Cure Fracture
How to Cure Weakness How to Cure Depression
How to Increase Movement Speed How to Breed Unique Pals
How to Increase Work Speed How to Speed Up Breeding
Pal Sphere Types
Item and Material Related Guide
How to Get Skill Fruits Item List
Equipment List Building List
Weapon List Material List
Accessory List Chest Types and Crafting Benefits
How to Get Schematics How to Get Food
Legendary Schematics How to Repair Items
How to Get the Best Equipment How to Get and Hatch Eggs
Product Information
Game Information Game Release Date
Compatible Platforms PC System Requirements
Achievements How to Set Up a Dedicated Server
Is Cross-Play Possible? Is VRM Supported?
Will There Be a Mobile App Version? Troubleshooting for Hosting Failures
Ratings and Reviews How to Install Mods
How to Rent a Server How to Set Up A Server
Latest Patch and Updates Bugs and Solution