Can I run a Palworld dedicated server on a VPS, and will it stay online 24/7?

Yes. Palworld`s dedicated server binary runs as a background process — the world stays loaded regardless of whether any player is online. Use systemd to keep it running after you close SSH and to restart it automatically after a reboot. Unlike hosting from your own PC, the VPS doesn`t go offline when you quit the game.

How much RAM does a Palworld server need for 4–32 players?

8GB is the absolute minimum for a small group — the server process alone can use 6-7GB under load. For 10-20 players, 16GB is the practical baseline. At 32 players or with mods active, 24-32GB prevents the memory pressure that causes the lag and crashes Palworld servers are known for. CPU is less critical than RAM — 4 vCPUs handles most setups.

How do I install a Palworld server on a VPS with SteamCMD?

Install SteamCMD on your VPS, then download the Palworld dedicated server files using App ID 2394010 with anonymous login — no Steam account required. After download, configure your server settings in PalWorldSettings.ini, then launch the server binary. Set up systemd to start the server automatically on reboot and restart it if the process crashes.

Which ports does Palworld use, and how do I open them?

Palworld uses UDP port 8211 for game traffic and UDP port 27015 for Steam queries. Open both in your VPS firewall. If you enable the REST API for server management, also open TCP port 8212. No other ports are required for standard gameplay.

Can Xbox or Game Pass players join my dedicated server?

Partially. Xbox and Game Pass players can join Palworld dedicated servers, but only if the server is configured for crossplay and running on the same game version. Steam and Xbox builds sometimes diverge after updates, causing connection failures. Check that both client and server are on identical versions before troubleshooting crossplay issues.

How do I add mods to my Palworld server?

Place .pak mod files into the Content/Paks folder in your server directory, then restart the server. Clients need the same mod files installed locally to connect. Mod management is manual — there is no mod manager like BepInEx.

Why is my Palworld server lagging, and how do I fix it?

Three most common causes: insufficient RAM (check if swap is active — if yes, upgrade your plan), too many Pals spawned (reduce PalDensityMultiplier in PalWorldSettings.ini), and slow single-core CPU speed (Palworld`s server is poorly optimized for multi-core, so clock speed matters more than core count).

Run Your Own Palworld Server on a VPS

BlueVPS.com

8–16 GB RAM plans — enough headroom to eliminate the lag Palworld is known for
Full control over PalWorldSettings.ini — tune rates, mods, and server rules without restrictions
True 24/7 uptime — world stays loaded without the host player being online

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Run Your Own Palworld Server on a VPS

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