How to set up a Palworld dedicated server without coding

The two ways to run a Palworld server

There are only two real options. Pick based on whether you want to keep a PC on, and how much you want to spend.

This guide focuses on self-hosting, because it's the free option and the one most people get stuck on. If you'd rather not keep a PC on, a rented host or a cheap Windows VPS (with a manager installed on it) is a fine alternative.

What you need to self-host

• Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit. The official Palworld dedicated server runs on Windows and Linux; this guide uses Windows.
• RAM: ~8 GB for a small server, 16 GB for a comfortable 8–16 player world.
• An SSD with ~20–40 GB free (the server plus saves and backups).
• A wired connection. Your home upload speed limits how many players join smoothly.
• Router access to forward a port (covered below).

The easy way: step by step (no command line)

This is the fastest path. A server manager does the SteamCMD download, file setup and config for you, so you click instead of type.

1. 1

   Check your PC can host

   You need Windows 10/11 64-bit, ~16 GB RAM (8 GB minimum for a small world), an SSD, and a wired internet connection. The server runs on your own machine — no rented hardware required.

2. 2

   Download a server manager

   Download Royalty Manager Palworld (free) instead of using the command line. It installs the Palworld dedicated server for you via SteamCMD — no manual files, no terminal.

3. 3

   Create your server

   Open the app and create a server profile. Royalty downloads SteamCMD and the Palworld dedicated server automatically and configures the base files for you.

4. 4

   Adjust your world settings

   Use the visual settings editor to set XP rate, capture rate, PvP, day/night length and the rest — every PalWorldSettings.ini option is exposed with plain-language help.

5. 5

   Open the right ports

   Forward UDP port 8211 (the Palworld default) on your router to your PC's local IP so friends outside your network can connect. The guide below covers the common router steps.

6. 6

   Start the server and share your IP

   Click Start. Give your friends your public IP and the port (e.g. 203.0.113.10:8211). They add it as a community server in Palworld and join.

The manual way (SteamCMD), in short

If you prefer to do it yourself, the outline is:

1. Install SteamCMD and use it to download app 2394010 (the Palworld Dedicated Server).
2. Run PalServer.exe once to generate the default config files.
3. Copy DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini into Pal/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/PalWorldSettings.ini and edit it carefully.
4. Forward UDP port 8211, start the server, and write your own scripts for restarts and backups.

It works, but every step is a place to make a small mistake. That's exactly the friction a manager removes.

Opening your port so friends can join

This is where most people get stuck. To let players outside your home connect:

1. Find your PC's local IP (e.g. 192.168.1.20).
2. Open your router admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 in a browser).
3. Add a port forwarding rule: external UDP 8211 → your PC's local IP, port 8211.
4. Share your public IP (search "what is my IP") and the port with friends. They add it as a community/IP server in Palworld.

If players still can't connect, check Windows Firewall allows the server, and that your ISP isn't using CGNAT (in which case a VPS or a hosting provider is the workaround).

Common problems and fixes

• Friends can't join: port not forwarded, firewall blocking the server, or CGNAT from your ISP.
• Server won't start: usually a typo in PalWorldSettings.ini — a visual editor avoids this.
• Lag with more players: raise RAM, lower view distance, and check your home upload speed.
• Crashes when you're away: use an auto-restart "guardian" so the server comes back without you.

Frequently asked questions