Your Palworld server: installation and configuration on VPS/dedicated

Your Own Palworld Server: Installation and Setup on VPS/Dedicated Server

Installing and setting up your own Palworld server on a VPS or dedicated server gives you full control over the game world, allowing you to customize it to your needs, ensure stable performance, and protect against external threats for comfortable gameplay with friends or a community.

Why Do You Need Your Own Palworld Server, and Why is a VPS/Dedicated Server the Optimal Choice?

Palworld, like many popular multiplayer games, offers players the opportunity to explore a vast world, build bases, and interact with creatures – Pals. However, playing on official servers or through in-game hosting can come with several limitations: unstable connection, player count limits, lack of customization, and dependence on the host. Creating your own Palworld dedicated server on a VPS (Virtual Private Server) or a dedicated server solves these problems, providing complete freedom and reliability.

Advantages of Your Own Palworld Dedicated Server

• Stability and Performance: Your own server provides dedicated resources, minimizing lag and freezes often encountered on public or player-hosted servers. You control server load and can scale resources as needed.
• Full Control: You can customize all game parameters, from world rules and difficulty to resource gathering rates and Pal spawn rates. This allows you to create a unique gaming experience that perfectly matches your preferences.
• Privacy and Security: Hosting Palworld on your VPS or dedicated server ensures that only those you invite have access to your game world. This eliminates unwanted players, griefing, and cheating, creating a comfortable and safe environment for you and your friends.
• 24/7 Availability: Unlike in-game hosting, which depends on the host being online, your Palworld dedicated server will run around the clock. Players can join at any convenient time, regardless of who on the team is currently active.
• Modding: The ability to install modifications and plugins that extend game functionality, add new mechanics, or improve the user experience, which is not possible on standard servers.
• Backup: You get full control over creating world backups, which is critical for saving progress and recovery in unforeseen situations.

Differences Between VPS and Dedicated Server for Palworld

The choice between a VPS and a dedicated server depends on the scale of your project and your budget.

• VPS (Virtual Private Server): This is a virtual machine running on a physical server, which is divided into several independent virtual environments. Each VPS is allocated specific resources (CPU, RAM, disk) that are guaranteed to be available only to it.
  • Pros: More affordable price, flexibility in resource scaling, ease of management. Ideal for small to medium communities (up to 32 players).
  • Cons: Performance can be subject to the "noisy neighbor effect" (though minimized on quality hosting like Valebyte.com), resources are limited by the physical server's capabilities.
• Dedicated Server: This is an entire physical server that is fully at your disposal. All its resources (processor, RAM, disk space) are used only by you.
  • Pros: Maximum performance, complete isolation, high degree of hardware customization. Ideal for large communities, demanding mods, or multiple game servers simultaneously.
  • Cons: Significantly higher cost, requires deeper knowledge in server administration.

For most users looking to run their own Palworld server for a group of friends or a small community, a VPS will be an optimal and cost-effective solution. A dedicated server should be considered if you plan to host a very large server, multiple servers, or other demanding applications concurrently.

System Requirements for Palworld Server: CPU, RAM, Disk

The successful launch and stable operation of a Palworld server directly depend on adequate system resources. Palworld, being a game on Unreal Engine 5, is quite demanding on hardware, especially RAM and CPU performance.

Minimum and Recommended Specifications

Palworld developers have not officially published detailed requirements for a dedicated server, but based on community experience and testing, the following recommendations can be made:

• Operating System: Linux (Ubuntu Server 20.04/22.04 LTS preferred) or Windows Server. Linux is generally more performant and resource-efficient for game servers.
• Processor (CPU): Palworld uses multithreading, but not efficiently enough to require a huge number of cores. A higher clock speed (IPC) of one or two cores is more important.
  • Minimum: 2 vCPU with a frequency of 2.5+ GHz (e.g., Intel Xeon E3/E5 or modern AMD EPYC).
  • Recommended: 4 vCPU with a frequency of 3.0+ GHz (e.g., Intel Xeon Scalable or AMD EPYC 7002/7003 series).
• Random Access Memory (RAM): This is one of the most critical parameters. The Palworld server consumes a significant amount of RAM, which increases with the number of players and the size of the game world.
  • Minimum: 8 GB RAM (for 2-4 players).
  • Recommended: 16 GB RAM (for 4-16 players) or 32 GB RAM (for 16-32+ players).
• Disk Space: Palworld server files take up about 20 GB. However, you will need additional space for world saves, logs, and future updates. It is crucial to use a fast disk.
  • Minimum: 50 GB NVMe SSD.
  • Recommended: 100-200 GB NVMe SSD. NVMe drives provide significantly higher read/write speeds compared to SATA SSDs or HDDs, which is critical for fast world loading and minimizing lag.
• Network Connection: Stable, high-speed internet connection with low latency (ping). A 100 Mbps channel is usually sufficient, but 1 Gbps is preferable for larger servers.

Impact of Player Count on Resources

The number of concurrently connected players is the main factor determining resource consumption:

• 2-4 players:
  • CPU: 2 vCPU @ 2.5+ GHz
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Disk: 50 GB NVMe SSD
• 4-8 players:
  • CPU: 4 vCPU @ 3.0+ GHz
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Disk: 100 GB NVMe SSD
• 8-16 players:
  • CPU: 4-6 vCPU @ 3.0+ GHz
  • RAM: 24-32 GB
  • Disk: 150 GB NVMe SSD
• 16-32+ players:
  • CPU: 6-8 vCPU @ 3.0+ GHz
  • RAM: 32-64 GB
  • Disk: 200 GB+ NVMe SSD (a dedicated server may be required)

It is important to remember that these figures are approximate. Resource consumption can also depend on player activity, the number of bases built, Pals in the world, and installed mods. It's always better to have a small resource buffer to avoid performance issues.

Choosing an Operating System and Preparing Your VPS/Dedicated Server

For hosting a Palworld server, we recommend using the Linux operating system, specifically Ubuntu Server. It is well-optimized for server tasks, has extensive documentation, and an active community, which simplifies finding solutions in case of problems.

Ubuntu Server: Our Choice

Ubuntu Server LTS (Long Term Support) versions, such as 20.04 or 22.04, are an excellent choice. They provide long-term support and stability, which is critical for a game server. The process of installing a Palworld dedicated server on Ubuntu is well-documented and relatively simple.

Why Ubuntu Server:

• Stability: LTS versions guarantee predictable operation for several years.
• Performance: Lower overhead compared to desktop OSs or Windows Server.
• Security: Regular security updates and advanced protection tools.
• Community: A vast number of guides and an active community will help resolve any issues.

Initial Setup and Security

After gaining access to your VPS or dedicated server (usually via SSH), you need to perform a few basic steps for preparation and security.

1. System Update: Always start by updating all packages to their latest versions. This will ensure stability and close known vulnerabilities.

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Create a New User with Limited Privileges: It is not recommended to run game servers or other applications under the root account. Create a new user for the Palworld server.

   sudo adduser palworld_user
   sudo usermod -aG sudo palworld_user

   After creating the user, switch to it:

   su - palworld_user

   Subsequently, all commands will be executed as this user, or with the sudo prefix when necessary.

3. Firewall Configuration (UFW): UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is a convenient tool for managing iptables. It is necessary to restrict access to the server only through the required ports.

   sudo apt install ufw -y
   sudo ufw allow OpenSSH
   sudo ufw allow 8211/udp
   sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
   sudo ufw enable

   Port 8211/udp is used by the Palworld game server itself. Port 27015/udp (or 27016/tcp) may be required for Steam Query, which allows the server to appear in Steam server lists. Make sure you have allowed both ports. You can check the firewall status with the command sudo ufw status.

4. Install Required Dependencies: The Palworld server (like SteamCMD) requires certain libraries.

   sudo apt install libstdc++6 libgcc-s1 -y

   For 64-bit systems, 32-bit libraries may also be required if you encounter errors when launching SteamCMD or the server. For example, for Ubuntu 22.04:

   sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install libstdc++6:i386 libgcc-s1:i386 -y

   This step is especially important, as SteamCMD and the Palworld server may use 32-bit components.

After these steps, your VPS or dedicated server is ready for Palworld dedicated server installation. If you are looking for tools to monitor or manage your VPS, you might consider Dashy on VPS or Homepage on VPS to create a convenient control panel.

Step-by-Step Installation and Launch of Palworld Dedicated Server

The installation of a Palworld dedicated server on your VPS or dedicated server involves several stages: installing SteamCMD (a tool for downloading Steam game servers), downloading Palworld files, and the first launch.

Installing SteamCMD

SteamCMD is the console version of the Steam client, which allows you to download and update server files for games. SteamCMD should be installed as the user you created (e.g., palworld_user).

1. Create a directory for SteamCMD:

   mkdir ~/steamcmd
   cd ~/steamcmd

2. Download SteamCMD:

   wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

3. Unpack the archive:

   tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

4. Launch SteamCMD:

   ./steamcmd.sh

   On the first launch, SteamCMD will update and install the necessary components. You will see the Steam> prompt. If you see an error "command not found" or "No such file or directory", make sure you are in the ~/steamcmd directory and that the steamcmd.sh file has execute permissions (chmod +x steamcmd.sh).

Downloading Palworld Server Files

After successfully launching SteamCMD, execute the following commands to download the Palworld dedicated server files:

1. Log in anonymously:

   login anonymous

2. Specify the installation directory for the Palworld server: Create a new folder for the server. For example, ~/palworld-server.

   force_install_dir ~/palworld-server

3. Download Palworld server files (App ID 2394010):

   app_update 2394010 validate

   This command will download all necessary Palworld server files to the specified directory. The process may take some time depending on your internet connection speed and disk performance. The validate parameter checks file integrity.

4. Exit SteamCMD:

   quit

First Launch and Verification

Now that all files are downloaded, you can perform the first launch of the Palworld dedicated server.

1. Navigate to the server directory:

   cd ~/palworld-server

2. Launch the server:

   ./PalServer.sh

   On the first launch, the server may create necessary configuration files. You will see many text messages in the console. If everything went successfully, you will see lines indicating the server's startup and its readiness to accept connections.

   Important: If you see an error about missing libraries, refer back to the "Install Required Dependencies" section and ensure all 32-bit libraries are installed.

3. Running in the Background (using Screen): To keep the server running after closing the SSH session, it is recommended to launch it using the screen utility.

   First, install screen if it's not already installed:

   sudo apt install screen -y

   Then, create a new screen session and launch the server within it:

   screen -S palworld
   cd ~/palworld-server
   ./PalServer.sh

   Now you can detach from the screen session by pressing Ctrl+A, then D. The server will continue to run in the background. To reattach to the session, use screen -r palworld.

After launching the server, you can try connecting to it from the game using your VPS's IP address and port 8211. Make sure the firewall is configured correctly.

Palworld Server Configuration: Settings, Ports, and Management

After the first launch of the Palworld dedicated server, it is necessary to fine-tune its settings. This will allow you to adapt the gameplay to your preferences and ensure stable server operation.

Main Configuration Parameters (PalWorldSettings.ini)

Palworld server configuration files are located in the directory ~/palworld-server/Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/. The main file you will need for configuration is PalWorldSettings.ini.

Important Note: On first launch, the server creates a default DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini file in the directory ~/palworld-server/Pal/Content/Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/. You need to copy it to the directory ~/palworld-server/Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ and rename it to PalWorldSettings.ini for editing.

cp ~/palworld-server/Pal/Content/Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini ~/palworld-server/Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini
nano ~/palworld-server/Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini

Open the PalWorldSettings.ini file for editing. It contains many parameters enclosed in the [/Script/Pal.PalGameWorldSettings] section. Here are some of the most important ones:

• ServerName="My Awesome Palworld Server": The name of your server that will appear in the server list.
• ServerDescription="Welcome to my custom Palworld adventure!": Server description.
• AdminPassword="YourStrongAdminPassword": Administrator password for executing in-game commands. Be sure to set a strong password.
• ServerPassword="": Password for joining the server. Leave empty if you want an open server.
• Port=8211: The port on which the server runs. Not recommended to change unless there's a strong reason.
• PublicPort=8211: Public port used for display in server lists.
• RCONPort=25575: Port for RCON connection (remote server console management).
• RCONEnabled=False: Enable RCON. Recommended to enable only when necessary and with caution.
• MaxPlayers=32: Maximum number of players.
• Difficulty=None: World difficulty (None, Easy, Normal, Hard).
• DayTimeSpeedRate=1.000000: Speed of in-game day progression.
• NightTimeSpeedRate=1.000000: Speed of in-game night progression.
• ExpRate=1.000000: Experience multiplier.
• PalCaptureRate=1.000000: Pal capture rate.
• DropItemRate=1.000000: Item drop multiplier.
• CollectionDropRate=1.000000: Resource collection drop multiplier.
• DeathPenalty=All: Death penalty (None, Item, ItemAndEquipment, All).
• bEnablePlayerToPlayerDamage=False: Enable PvP.
• bEnableFriendlyFire=False: Enable friendly fire.
• bCanPickupOtherPlayerDroptem=False: Allow picking up other players' dropped items.
• bEnableFastTravel=True: Enable fast travel.
• bIsStartLocationSelectByMap=True: Select starting location on map.
• bExistPlayerAfterLogout=False: Does the player remain in the world after logging out (true = AFK farming, false = exit world).
• bEnableInvaderEnemy=True: Enable enemy invasions.

Save changes (Ctrl+O, Enter, Ctrl+X) and restart the server for them to take effect:

screen -r palworld # if you are in another session
# Then in the Palworld session:
Ctrl+C # Stop server
./PalServer.sh # Start again

If you are not using screen, simply stop and start the server script.

Opening Ports and Firewall Rules

As mentioned, for the Palworld server to function correctly, the following UDP ports must be opened in your firewall:

• 8211/udp: Main Palworld game port.
• 27015/udp: Port for Steam Query, allowing the server to appear in Steam lists.
• 25575/tcp: (Optional) Port for RCON connection, if you have enabled it.

If you are using UFW, the commands to open ports are:

sudo ufw allow 8211/udp
sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
sudo ufw allow 25575/tcp # If RCON is enabled
sudo ufw reload

In addition to the firewall on your VPS, ensure that your hosting provider (Valebyte.com) does not block these ports at the network equipment level. Typically, by default, all necessary ports are open for VPS.

Server Management: Commands and Monitoring

Palworld dedicated server management is done via the in-game console (if you are an administrator) or via RCON.

In-game commands (after joining the server and entering AdminPassword):

• /Shutdown {seconds} {message}: Shuts down the server after the specified time with a message.
• /Broadcast {message}: Sends a message to all players.
• /Save: Saves the current world state.
• /Info: Displays server information.
• /ShowPlayers: Shows a list of connected players.
• /KickPlayer {SteamID}: Kicks a player from the server.
• /BanPlayer {SteamID}: Bans a player.

Standard Linux utilities can be used to monitor the server's status and resources:

• htop: Interactive process monitor. Shows CPU, RAM, disk, and network activity.
• free -h: Shows RAM usage.
• df -h: Shows disk space usage.
• tail -f Pal/Saved/Logs/Pal.log: To view server logs in real-time.

Regular monitoring will help identify performance or stability issues. If you need more advanced monitoring tools, consider installing Dozzle on VPS for container logging if you are running the server in Docker, or other system monitors.

Modifications and Plugins for Palworld Server

One of the main reasons for running your own Palworld server is the ability to install modifications. Mods can significantly expand the gaming experience, add new features, improve balance, or change the visual aspect of the game.

Mod Installation and Compatibility

The Palworld community actively develops mods, but their installation process can vary. Primarily, Palworld mods are divided into two types:

1. Client-side mods: Only change the appearance or interface of the game on the player's side. Do not require server installation.
2. Server-side mods/plugins: Change game logic, add new mechanics, or administrative functions. Require installation directly on the Palworld dedicated server.

Most server-side mods for Palworld on Linux servers use FML (Fabric Mod Loader) or similar solutions that require additional software to be installed on the server. This usually includes:

• Installation of UE4SS (Unreal Engine 4/5 Scripting System): This is a framework that allows injecting scripts and plugins into Unreal Engine games. For Palworld, it serves as the foundation for many mods.
• Placement of mod files: Mods are usually .pak or .dll files that need to be placed in specific server directories (e.g., Pal/Content/Paks/~mods or Pal/Binaries/Win64/Mods for UE4SS).

General algorithm for installing server-side mods:

1. Stop the Palworld server.
2. Download and install UE4SS (if required by the mod). This usually involves downloading an archive, unpacking its contents into the ~/palworld-server/Pal/Binaries/Win64/ directory, and configuring the UE4SS-settings.ini file (e.g., bUseUObjectArrayCache=True).
3. Download the mod files.
4. Place the mod files in the appropriate directory, as specified in the mod's instructions (e.g., ~/palworld-server/Pal/Content/Paks/~mods/ for .pak files or ~/palworld-server/Pal/Binaries/Win64/Mods/ for UE4SS-based mods).
5. Check dependencies. Some mods may require other mods or specific UE4SS versions.
6. Launch the Palworld server. Check logs for errors related to mods.

Important notes:

• Always back up server and world files before installing mods.
• Carefully read the instructions for each mod.
• Not all mods are compatible with each other or with the latest game version.
• Mods can increase server resource consumption.

Backup and Updates

Regular backup is the cornerstone of stable operation for any server, especially a game server where player progress holds high value.

The main data to back up are world saves. They are located in the directory:

~/palworld-server/Pal/Saved/SaveGames/

You can use tar to create an archive:

tar -czvf ~/palworld_backup_$(date +%Y%m%d%H%M%S).tar.gz ~/palworld-server/Pal/Saved/SaveGames/

It is recommended to save backups not only on the same server but also on remote storage (e.g., cloud storage or another server) for maximum reliability. This process can be automated using cron jobs.

Updating the Palworld server:

Palworld developers regularly release updates that fix bugs, add new content, and improve performance. Updating the server is necessary to maintain compatibility with player clients and to get all the benefits of new versions.

The update process:

1. Stop the Palworld server. If you are using screen, enter the session (screen -r palworld) and press Ctrl+C.
2. Navigate to the SteamCMD directory:

   cd ~/steamcmd

3. Launch SteamCMD and update the server:

   ./steamcmd.sh
   login anonymous
   force_install_dir ~/palworld-server
   app_update 2394010 validate
   quit

   The command app_update 2394010 validate will only download changed files, which is usually much faster than a full reinstallation.

4. Launch the Palworld server.
5. Check mod compatibility. After a game update, mods may stop working or cause crashes. It may be necessary to update mods or temporarily disable them.

Protecting Your Palworld Server from DDoS Attacks and Unauthorized Access

Game servers, especially popular ones, often become targets for DDoS attacks and attempts at unauthorized access. Effective protection is critically important for ensuring stable operation and the security of user data.

Basic Security Measures

While your hosting provider (Valebyte.com) offers a certain level of protection, you should also take measures at the operating system level:

1. Strong SSH Password and Keys:
   • Use a complex, unique password for SSH.
   • Set up SSH key authentication and disable password login for the root user. This significantly enhances security.
2. Firewall Configuration (UFW):
   • As mentioned, UFW should be configured to allow traffic only on necessary ports (SSH, Palworld Game Port 8211/udp, Steam Query Port 27015/udp, RCON 25575/tcp).
   • Close all other ports to minimize the attack surface.
3. Install Fail2Ban:
   • Fail2Ban automatically blocks IP addresses that make multiple failed login attempts (e.g., via SSH).

   sudo apt install fail2ban -y
   sudo systemctl enable fail2ban
   sudo systemctl start fail2ban

   • You can configure Fail2Ban rules to monitor Palworld server logs if you notice suspicious activity.
4. Regular Updates:
   • Keep the operating system and all installed software up to date by regularly applying security updates.

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

5. User Privilege Restriction:
   • Run the Palworld server as an unprivileged user (e.g., palworld_user), not as root. This minimizes damage in case of server compromise.
6. Set a Strong Palworld Admin Password:
   • In the PalWorldSettings.ini file, be sure to set a strong AdminPassword to prevent unauthorized access to the in-game server console.

The Role of the Hosting Provider in Protection

Valebyte.com, as a reliable hosting provider, plays a key role in protecting your Palworld server from DDoS attacks:

• Hardware DDoS Protection: Valebyte.com offers specialized solutions for filtering DDoS traffic at the network level. This means that most attacks are stopped before they even reach your VPS or dedicated server.
• Network Monitoring: Constant monitoring of network traffic allows for quick detection and response to anomalies related to DDoS attacks.
• Geographical Distribution: Locating servers in different data centers with high-speed communication channels ensures resilience to regional issues and improves accessibility for players from various parts of the world.

When choosing hosting for Palworld, always pay attention to the availability of built-in DDoS protection, as this significantly reduces risks for your game server. The combination of internal security measures on your server and external protection from the provider ensures the best level of defense.

Which Palworld Hosting to Choose: Valebyte.com Recommendations

Choosing the right VPS or dedicated server is a crucial step towards successfully launching a Palworld dedicated server. Valebyte.com offers a wide range of plans optimized for various needs, including game servers. Our recommendations are based on Palworld's system requirements and community experience.

Recommended Configurations by Player Count

When choosing a plan, it's important to consider the number of players you plan to host on your server. Palworld actively consumes resources, especially RAM and CPU.

• For 2-4 players (small group of friends):
  • CPU: 2 vCPU @ 2.5+ GHz
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Disk: 50 GB NVMe SSD
  • Comment: A basic VPS plan, sufficient for comfortable gaming without excess.
• For 4-8 players (medium group):
  • CPU: 4 vCPU @ 3.0+ GHz
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Disk: 100 GB NVMe SSD
  • Comment: Optimal choice for most groups, ensuring good performance.
• For 8-16 players (active community):
  • CPU: 6 vCPU @ 3.0+ GHz
  • RAM: 24-32 GB
  • Disk: 150 GB NVMe SSD
  • Comment: More powerful resources are required to avoid lag during high activity. A dedicated server may be needed if further expansion is planned.
• For 16-32+ players (large public server):
  • CPU: 8+ vCPU @ 3.0+ GHz
  • RAM: 32-64 GB
  • Disk: 200+ GB NVMe SSD
  • Comment: For such scales, a dedicated server is highly recommended. This will provide maximum performance, stability, and complete resource isolation.

Comparison Table of VPS Plans for Palworld

Below is an approximate table of Valebyte.com plans suitable for Palworld hosting, with estimated prices. Exact prices and current specifications are always available on our website.

*Prices are approximate and subject to change. For current information, please visit our website. All Valebyte.com plans include DDoS protection and 24/7 technical support.

When choosing a plan, always consider the potential growth of your community. It's better to select a plan with a small resource buffer to avoid needing an upgrade in the near future. Valebyte.com allows you to easily scale VPS resources if your needs increase. If you plan to use your VPS not only for Palworld but also for other applications, such as Coder on VPS or Woodpecker CI on VPS, be sure to account for their system requirements.

Conclusion

Creating your own Palworld dedicated server on a VPS or dedicated server from Valebyte.com is a reliable way to gain full control over the gameplay, ensure stability, and customize the world to your rules. For most groups of up to 8-16 players, a VPS with 16-32 GB RAM and 4-6 vCPU will be the optimal choice, while for larger communities, dedicated servers are recommended. Don't forget about regular backups, firewall configuration, and using a strong administrator password for maximum security of your game world.