Palworld is an open-world game developed by Pocketpair, combining pet raising and survival elements. Players can capture, train, and interact with various virtual pets in the game, while also needing to survive and build bases in the game world. 

 When booting up Palworld for the first time, you'll need to select a multiplayer server or you'll need to join a personal save file of up to four friends. Personal save files will have a join code, so be sure you have that handy.

It may be difficult to get into a multiplayer server as Palworld is incredibly popular so plenty of players are trying to join at once. Additionally, the dedicated multiplayer servers can host up to 32 players at a time, which puts a lot of stress on the host's PC.

 Palworld dedicated servers can host up to 32 players combing through its islands for Pokémon-like monsters and valuable resources. Developer Pocketpair has plans to increase that number in a future update, as well as add an in-game method for server hosting. Right now, though, hosting your own Palworld dedicated server takes a few extra steps.

To set up a multiplayer server, you need the Steam version of the game. Due to the complexities of updating games on consoles, the Xbox/Microsoft Store/Game Pass version of the game doesn't currently allow dedicated servers of any kind. The only way to have a persistent multiplayer server for you and your friends is to buy it on Steam, and because crossplay isn't a thing yet, your friends will need it there too.

 Before we get started, it's worth remembering that only the Steam version of Palworld can have dedicated servers. This means if you're playing Palworld via GamePass or have purchased it on Xbox, you can not set up a dedicated server.

Here's a quick rundown of how to set up a dedicated server in Palworld - continue reading for more detailed instructions.

1. Get IPv4 address.
2. Download Palworld from Steam and boot up once.
3. Download Palworld Dedicated Server from Steam.
4. Open local files for Palworld Dedicated Server.
5. Run 'PalServer' until a line of code appears before closing.
6. Open 'DefaultPalWorldSettings'.
7. Copy and paste text from this folder, starting with [/Script/Pal.PalGameWorldSettings].
8. Close 'DefaultPalWorldSettings'.
9. Follow this folder path: PalServer > Pal > Saved > Config > WindowsServer.
10. Open 'PalWorldSettings'.
11. Paste in text.
12. Change Server Name, Server Description, Admin Password, Server Password and Public IP.
13. Save and close.
14. Allow Palworld to play through firewall software.
15. Port forward Palworld.
16. Launch Palworld Dedicated Server from Steam.
17. Select 'Play Palworld Dedicated Server.'

 Here we'll cover how to join your own dedicated server or one belonging to another player in Palworld. If this is the first time you've set up a dedicated server for this game, we recommend giving yourself admin privileges which we explain down below.

If you enter an error message stating 'No password has been entered' then we also have a dedicated section covering a solution for this issue later on in this guide.