Minecraft is not the only survival game that plays better with friends. Palworld supports up to 32 players on a dedicated server, which is a big jump from the 4-player co-op session hosted by one player. If you want a persistent world everyone can log into, a dedicated server is the way to do it.

I tried hosting through the in-game co-op first. It worked for two of us for a few hours, but the world only existed when the host was online. A dedicated server solved that. Here is how to set one up through Steam.

Hosting vs. Joining: Two Different Paths

Mode	Max players	Persistent when host leaves?	Setup complexity
Online Multiplayer	4	No	Low
Dedicated Server	32	Yes	Medium

Use online multiplayer for small, temporary groups. Use a dedicated server for a long-term shared world.

How to Host a Dedicated Server on Steam

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. In the top-left filter dropdown, select Tools.
3. Search for Palworld Dedicated Server and install it.
4. Launch the tool from your Library by clicking Play Palworld Dedicated Server.
5. Wait for the console window to show the server is running.
6. Give your friends your public IP address and the default port, which is usually 8211.

That is the basic path. The server runs on the host machine, so the host needs enough CPU and RAM to run both the server and the game if they also plan to play from the same PC.

How to Find Your IP Address

On Windows:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet.
2. Click Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
3. Click Properties.
4. Look for IPv4 Address.

If your friends are not on the same local network, give them your public IP address. You can find it by searching “what is my IP” in a browser. You will also need to forward port 8211 on your router if players are connecting from outside your home network.

How to Join a Dedicated Server

1. Launch Palworld on Steam.
2. From the main menu, select Join Dedicated Server.
3. Enter the host’s IP address and port number in the box under the server list (format: IP:Port, for example 123.45.67.89:8211).
4. Click connect.

If the server does not appear or you get a connection error, double-check the IP, port, and any firewall or router port-forwarding settings.

Server Settings Worth Knowing

Dedicated servers can be customized with a server configuration file. Common settings include:

• Server name and password — so random players cannot join.
• Day/night speed — adjust how fast time passes.
• Pal capture rate and EXP rate — for faster or slower progression.
• Max players — up to 32.
• Death penalty — drop items, drop everything, or nothing.

These settings are edited in the server’s PalWorldSettings.ini file. Restart the server after making changes.

Crossplay Limitations

Palworld crossplay has a specific split:

Platform 1	Platform 2	Plays together?
Steam PC	Steam PC	Yes
Game Pass PC	Game Pass Xbox	Yes
Game Pass Xbox	Game Pass Xbox	Yes
Steam	Game Pass (any)	No

Plan your server around one platform group.

Internal Links and Sources

For co-op details, read our Palworld multiplayer guide and does Palworld have crossplay. For world settings, see best world settings for Palworld.

Authoritative sources: Palworld Wiki, Palworld on Steam.

FAQ

How many players can join a Palworld dedicated server? Up to 32 players. Online multiplayer co-op is limited to 4.

Do I need a separate PC to host the server? No, but the host PC must be powerful enough to run both the server and the game if the host also plays. A separate machine is more stable.

What port does Palworld use? The default port is 8211.

Can Steam players join a Game Pass dedicated server? No. Steam only plays with Steam. Game Pass PC and Xbox can play together.

Where do I change server settings? In the server’s PalWorldSettings.ini file. Restart the server after saving changes.