Creating a Dedicated Palworld Server with Steam

There are two official ways to install and run a Palworld Dedicated Server using Steam:

• Using the Steam Client
• Using SteamCMD (recommended for headless or Linux servers)

Option 1-Install with the Steam Client

This is the easiest method if you're running the server from a desktop.

1. Open Steam.
2. Switch your Library filter to Tools.
3. Search for Palworld Dedicated Server.
4. Install it like any other Steam application.
5. Once installed, launch Palworld Dedicated Server from your Steam Library.
6. Choose whether to start a Dedicated Server or Community Server.

The server files will typically be installed alongside your Steam library.

Option 2-Install with SteamCMD

SteamCMD is ideal for dedicated servers, automation, Docker containers, and systems without a graphical desktop.

1-Install SteamCMD

Download and install SteamCMD for your operating system.

2-Create an install directory

For example:

C:\PalworldServer

or

/opt/palworld

3-Install the server

Run SteamCMD and execute:

login anonymous
force_install_dir ./PalworldServer
app_update 2394010 validate
quit

Or place the commands into a script:

Windows

(install.cmd)

@echo off
steamcmd.exe ^
  +login anonymous ^
  +force_install_dir C:\PalworldServer ^
  +app_update 2394010 validate ^
  +quit

Linux

(install.sh)

#!/bin/bash

./steamcmd.sh \
  +login anonymous \
  +force_install_dir /opt/palworld \
  +app_update 2394010 validate \
  +quit

Starting the Server

After installation, launch the dedicated server executable.

Windows

PalServer.exe

Linux

./PalServer.sh

Additional launch options can be used to configure ports, performance, and server behavior.

Updating the Server

To update an existing installation, rerun:

login anonymous
app_update 2394010 validate
quit

SteamCMD will download only the files that have changed.

Which Method Should You Use?

SteamCMD is generally the preferred option for long-running community servers because it is easy to automate and doesn't require the full Steam client.