Survival Guide

Palworld

Detailed Palworld dedicated server setup, config, admin, mods, backups, and troubleshooting guide.

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Connect & First Checks

Before editing files

Use Community Servers or direct IP with the game port from the panel.
Set a strong AdminPassword if you plan to use in-game admin commands.
If the server is passworded, use ServerPassword for players and AdminPassword for staff.

Files & Folders

Stop server before edits

Pal/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/PalWorldSettings.ini	Primary settings. Often copied from DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini syntax.
DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini	Reference/default settings. Do not rely on edits here unless your template says so; copy values into the active settings file.
Pal/Saved/SaveGames	World, guild, player, and Pal data. Back up before updates/wipes.

Common Settings

High-use values

ServerName	Public server name.
ServerDescription	Browser description.
ServerPassword	Password players enter to join.
AdminPassword	Password used with /AdminPassword for admin commands.
PublicIP / PublicPort	Community server listing values. PublicPort does not change the server listening port; use the panel-assigned ports.
ServerPlayerMaxNum	Maximum players who can join. Match purchased slots.
Difficulty / ExpRate / PalCaptureRate / WorkSpeedRate	Gameplay/rate controls. Change gradually.
bIsMultiplay / bIsPvP / DeathPenalty	Major rule toggles. Restart after edits.

Admin Setup

Staff access

Set AdminPassword in PalWorldSettings.ini or the matching panel field.
Join the server and run /AdminPassword yourpassword before using admin commands.
Useful commands include /Info, /Save, /Broadcast, /ShowPlayers, /KickPlayer, /BanPlayer, /TeleportToPlayer, /TeleportToMe, /Shutdown, and /DoExit.
If RCON or REST API is enabled, keep those ports and passwords private.

Mods & Plugins

Install carefully

Palworld modding is loader-dependent. Confirm the mod supports dedicated servers and your current game version.
Back up the save before adding gameplay-changing mods.
If the server fails after a mod, remove the latest mod and verify clean startup.

Backups, Wipes, Rollbacks

Protect player data

Back up Pal/Saved/SaveGames and PalWorldSettings.ini before every update or mod change.
Use /Save before stopping if you are doing manual work.
For wipes, archive the save folder and generate a fresh world.

Troubleshooting

Common tickets

Admin command denied	Run /AdminPassword with the exact AdminPassword first.
Settings ignored	Syntax in PalWorldSettings.ini is strict. Compare with DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini and check panel startup overrides.
Server not listed	PublicIP/PublicPort/listing behavior may lag. Test direct connect first.
Players cannot join	Check ServerPassword, version, crossplay/platform settings, and max player cap.

Reference Links

Docs and sources