Palworld Linux Dedicated Server Tutorial

An in-depth tutorial on how to get started with a Palworld Dedicated Server running on Debian 12 / Ubuntu 23.10

Note

For a Palworld Modding Guide, Check Here

Important Stuff Please Read

Note

This is based on the Tutorial by A1RM4X, I have tweaked and changed it to suit my purposes a bit more See here

Important

This is a work in progress, please standby for more updates!

Caution

• This script is based on Debian 12 and Ubuntu 23.10, it might work with other distros it might not

Finding a Host

I chose Hetzner, you can use This Referral Link if you decide to use Hetzner!

I am running:

• 4 VCores
• 8GB Ram
• 40GB SSD

This is around 15 euros for me on Hetzner and it runs perfectly fine for my 32-slot server, you may opt for less.

Update and upgrade everything:

apt update && apt dist-upgrade

SteamCMD Installation

On Debian, install SteamCMD with all the dependencies:

apt install software-properties-common && apt-add-repository non-free && dpkg --add-architecture i386 && apt update && apt install steamcmd

On Ubuntu, install SteamCMD with all the dependencies:

apt install software-properties-common && apt-add-repository main universe restricted multiverse && dpkg --add-architecture i386 && apt update && apt install steamcmd

Creation of the Steam user (This is required)

Install sudo and create a new user steam:

apt install sudo && useradd -m steam && passwd steam

Log in as steam:

sudo -u steam -s

Installing the Palworld Dedicated Server

Go to the steam home folder:

cd /home/steam

Install the Palworld dedicated server via SteamCMD:

/usr/games/steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit

Fix server log errors by creating symlinks:

cd ~/.steam && ln -s steam/steamcmd/linux32 sdk32 && ln -s steam/steamcmd/linux64 sdk64

Launch the server, this first run will create the settings files that we need:

cd ~/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/PalServer && ./PalServer.sh -useperfthreads -NoAsyncLoadingThread -UseMultithreadForDS

Copy the server settings file in the right directory then edit the settings using nano:

cp DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini && nano Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini

Setup a service to automate the server

Make sure all the commands below are executed as root.

1. Set up the maintenance script for server backups and updates.

Create the maintenance script, make it executable and give it the right user permissions:

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/A1RM4X/HowTo-Palworld/main/palworld-maintenance.sh -P /home/steam/ && chmod +x /home/steam/palworld-maintenance.sh && chown steam:steam /home/steam/palworld-maintenance.sh

Create the backup folder and give it the right permissions:

mkdir -p /home/steam/Palworld_backups && chown steam:steam /home/steam/Palworld_backups

Download the Palworld service file: Credit A1RM4X for the service file.

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/A1RM4X/HowTo-Palworld/main/palworld.service -P /etc/systemd/system/

Enable and start the service file:

systemctl enable palworld.service && systemctl daemon-reload && systemctl start palworld.service

Installing and configuring UFW (Firewall)

First, install it sudo apt get install ufw

Now allow the correct ports

ufw allow 22 && ufw allow 8211

Note

• 22 is SSH port
• 8211 is Palworld Dedicated Server Port

Caution

• YOU MUST ENABLE PORT 22 IF YOU ARE CONNECTING VIA SSH, IF YOU DO NOT YOU WILL DISCONNECT AND NOT BE ABLE TO LOG IN AGAIN

Now enable it

ufw enable

Cloudflare domain and DNS stuff

Note

• This is only needed if you want a custom domain for your server
• EG. play.paltopia.online:8211 instead of 123.4.5.6:8211

1. Get a domain, I recommend using NameCheap
2. Connect the domain to Cloudflare, GUIDE
3. Add an A record and point it towards your server IP GUIDE

Note

• For the A record, the Host will be the subdomain, for example, a Host of "play" will mean that "play.yourdomain.yourtld" will point to the IP address
• If you don't want a subdomain at the start, just type "@" in the Host field. this way "yourdomain.yourtld" will point to the IP.
• If you do not understand what I just said, the GUIDE will explain it better. When connecting in-game, use the domain name and then append ":8211" at the end. EG. play.paltopia.net:8211

Credit

This is based on the Tutorial by A1RM4X, I have tweaked and changed it to suit my purposes a bit more See here