Calling all Palworld tamers! The exciting new creature capture and befriending game has taken the world by storm, and with the recent update, Xbox players can now experience the thrill of Palworld together.
But what if you want to create your own world, with your own rules, for you and your friends to explore? This guide will walk you through the process of setting up your very own Palworld dedicated server for Xbox. It might seem complex at first, but by following these steps carefully, you’ll be capturing Pals with your friends in no time!
Important Note: Before we begin, keep in mind that Xbox players cannot directly connect to servers using an IP address. This means you’ll need to configure your server as a “Community Server” so that it shows up on the in-game server list for your friends to join.
Before We Begin: What You’ll Need
First things first, let’s gather the supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A PC: This will be your server machine, running the game nonstop for your friends to connect to. Make sure it has enough processing power and memory to handle the demands of the game.
- A Stable Internet Connection: You’ll want a reliable internet connection to ensure smooth gameplay for everyone on your server.
- Steam Account: You’ll need a Steam account to download the server files.
- SteamCMD: This is a command-line tool that helps you manage Steam games from outside the Steam client.
Downloading the Dedicated Server
- Head to Steam: Log in to your Steam account and visit the Steam website.
- Download SteamCMD: Navigate to the “Tools” section and search for “SteamCMD.” Download the version compatible with your PC’s operating system (Windows, Linux, or macOS).
- Extract SteamCMD: Extract the downloaded files to a folder on your PC. This folder will become your base for managing the server.
Installing the Dedicated Server with SteamCMD
- Open Command Prompt: Open the Command Prompt application on your PC.
- Navigate to SteamCMD folder: In the Command Prompt window, use the
cd
command to change the directory to the folder where you extracted SteamCMD. For example, if you extracted it to a folder named “steamcmd” on your Desktop, type:
cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop\steamcmd
- Start SteamCMD: Type the following command and press Enter to start SteamCMD:
steamcmd.exe
- Log in anonymously: In the SteamCMD window, type the following command and press Enter to log in anonymously:
login anonymous
- Download the Server: Now, it’s time to download the Palworld dedicated server files. Type this command and press Enter:
app_update 2394010 -beta insiderprogram validate +quit
Important Note: The number “2394010” is the unique identifier for the Palworld Dedicated Server on Steam. This command downloads the server files while opting into the Xbox Insider Program, which is necessary for Xbox players to join your server.
Configuring the Server for Xbox
- Launch the server (once): After the download finishes, close the Command Prompt window. Now, you can actually launch the Palworld Dedicated Server application once. You’ll find it in the Steam library under “Tools.” This initial launch creates some configuration files needed for further customization. Close the server application after it launches.
- Locate the configuration file: Navigate to the following folder on your PC (the path may differ slightly depending on your operating system):
<Steam Library Folder>\steamapps\common\PalServer\Pal\Saved\Config\WindowsServer
Here, you’ll find a file named “PalWorldSettings.ini.” This is the configuration file for your server.
- Edit the configuration file: Open the “PalWorldSettings.ini” file with a text editor like Notepad.
- Enable Xbox connections: Locate the line that says “AllowConnectPlatform = Steam.” Change “Steam” to “Xbox” to allow Xbox players to connect to your server.
- Set a server name: Find the line that says “ServerName = .” Replace the dot (.) with a unique and descriptive name for your server. This name will be visible to players searching for your server in the game.
- Optional: Set server password: For added security, you can set a password for your server. Locate the line “ServerPassword = .” and replace the dot (.) with your desired password. Players will need to enter this password to join your server.
- Optional: Set admin password: You can also set a separate password for server administration tasks. Find the line “AdminPassword = .” and replace the dot (.) with your desired admin password. This password will be used for server commands and configuration changes.
- Save the configuration file: Once you’ve made your changes, save the “PalWorldSettings.ini” file.
Starting the Server
- Navigate to the server folder: Open the Command Prompt window again and use the
cd
command to navigate to the folder where the Palworld Dedicated Server files are located. Typically, this would be:
cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Steam\steamapps\common\PalServer
- Run the server: Type the following command and press Enter to start the server:
./PalServer.exe -worldname MyServerWorld (Optional) -password serverpassword
- Replace
MyServerWorld
with your desired world name for the server. - If you set a server password earlier, replace
serverpassword
with your actual password. You can omit the-password
part entirely if you don’t want a password.
Connecting to Your Server on Xbox
Here’s where things differ slightly for Xbox players:
- Open Palworld on Xbox: Launch Palworld on your Xbox console.
- Go to Multiplayer: Navigate to the “Multiplayer” section in the game’s main menu.
- Join Community Server: Select the option to “Join Community Server.”
- Search for your server: In the search bar, type the exact name you assigned to your server in the configuration file (remember, it’s case-sensitive).
- Join the server: If you set a server password, you’ll be prompted to enter it here. Once everything matches, select your server and click “Join.”
Additional Considerations
- Port Forwarding: For players outside your local network to join your server, you may need to set up port forwarding on your router. Consult your router’s manual for specific instructions on how to forward port 8211, which is the default port used by the Palworld dedicated server.
- Server Management: The Palworld Dedicated Server can be managed through the Command Prompt window while it’s running. You can find a list of available commands in the official Palworld dedicated server documentation.
- Server Performance: The performance of your server will depend on your PC’s hardware and the number of players connected. Monitor your server’s resource usage and adjust settings or upgrade your hardware if necessary to ensure a smooth gameplay experience for everyone.
Final Verdict
With these steps, you should be able to set up your very own Palworld dedicated server for Xbox! Now, gather your fellow tamers, explore the world, capture cute creatures, and build your own Palworld paradise together. Remember, this is just the beginning. Keep an eye out for future updates and guides that delve deeper into server customization, community management, and advanced gameplay features. Happy Palworlding!
Also Read This: Turn Your Android Phone into a Gaming Beast
Q&A Section
Q: Do I need a powerful PC to run a server?
A: Not necessarily, but a decent PC with good processing power and memory is recommended. More players will require more resources.
Q: Can I use my Xbox to host the server?
A: No, you’ll need a separate PC to run the dedicated server software.
Q: Do I need to buy Palworld on Steam to host a server?
A: Nope! You can download the server files for free using SteamCMD.
Q: My friends on Steam can’t join my Xbox server, is that normal?
A: Currently, Palworld dedicated servers don’t support crossplay between Xbox and Steam.
Q: Why isn’t my server showing up in the server list?
A: Double-check your server name spelling and ensure port forwarding is set up on your router if needed.