Palworld server setup and first join

Ordering, the startup variables, the in-game server browser and joining by address.

1 min readUpdated 2026-09-14Diese Anleitung auf Deutsch lesen →

The dedicated server is a Steam download of a few gigabytes; the first install takes 5-15 minutes. Then, in Startup:

  • SERVER_NAME and SERVER_DESCRIPTION: shown in the community browser.
  • SERVER_PASSWORD: optional join password.
  • ADMIN_PASSWORD: we generate one for every new server; it is needed for admin commands and RCON. Change it if you like.
  • MAX_PLAYERS: default 32.
  • CROSSPLAY_PLATFORMS: Steam,Xbox,PS5,Mac by default; remove platforms you do not want.

Start. The console shows Running Palworld dedicated server when ready.

Joining

Join Multiplayer Game → Enter IP address → node1.penguhost.com:<port> from the Network tab. The community server list also works if the server has a name and is not passworded, but direct joining is faster.

RAM

Palworld is memory-hungry and leaks over time: 8 GB minimum, 12-16 GB for 10+ players with a big base. Schedule a nightly restart (see Updates and performance).