Choosing the Right Palworld Server Type

Choosing the Right Palworld Server Type

Not every Palworld server fits every play style. Understanding the differences between official, community, and dedicated servers helps you pick the best home for your pals.

Official servers

Official servers are hosted by Pocketpair and require no setup. They are a quick way to play multiplayer, but they can be crowded and do not allow custom rules or mods. They are a good starting point for new players who want to jump in immediately.

Community and dedicated servers

Community servers are player-hosted and appear in the in-game Community Servers list. Dedicated servers can be self-hosted on your own hardware or rented from a game server provider. Both give you control over rates, passwords, mods, and world persistence.

Renting a dedicated server is a good middle ground. You get full control without maintaining the hardware. Self-hosting at home costs less but requires port forwarding, adequate upload bandwidth, and a stable PC.

PvE vs. PvP

PvE servers focus on capturing pals, building bases, and exploring together. PvP servers allow guild-versus-guild combat. For PvP to work correctly, three flags must be true:

bIsPvP=True
bEnablePlayerToPlayerDamage=True
bEnableDefenseOtherGuildPlayer=True

Server owners should also configure anti-logout and anti-exploit settings to prevent abuse. Read the server's description or ask the admin how PvP is enforced.

Rates and time scaling

Pay attention to ExpRate, PalCaptureRate, DayTimeSpeedRate, and NightTimeSpeedRate when choosing a server. Higher ExpRate and PalCaptureRate speed up progression, while lower values create a longer survival experience. Time speed rates change how long days and nights last.

Crossplay and versions

Crossplay connects Steam, Xbox/Game Pass PC, and PS5 players. Because Steam and Game Pass patches sometimes release at different times, update both the client and server to the same version before inviting friends. Mismatched versions will block connections.

Hosting hardware and community

Self-hosting on a home PC is inexpensive but depends on your internet upload speed. Each connected player uses bandwidth, and a slow upload causes lag and desync. A dedicated machine or rented VPS removes that bottleneck and keeps the world online when your own PC is off.

Community matters just as much as hardware. Look for servers with active Discord communities, posted rules, and admins who respond to reports. A well-moderated server with modest rates is usually more fun than a heavily modded server with no admin support. Read descriptions for wipe schedules; some PvP servers wipe monthly, while PvE servers often never wipe.

Final tips

If you want full control, rent or build a dedicated server. If you want a curated experience, browse the community list and read the descriptions carefully. The right server matches your schedule, your friends' platforms, and the balance of challenge you enjoy most. Look for active admins, clear rules, and a stable uptime history.