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Palworld Server Performance Optimization Guide

Palworld Server Performance Optimization Guide

Complete guide to maximizing Palworld dedicated server performance. Fix lag, improve FPS, optimize base settings, manage Pal AI efficiently, and troubleshoot common performance bottlenecks for smooth multiplayer gameplay.

Quick Tip: Most Palworld performance issues stem from excessive base Pals, unoptimized server settings, or network bottlenecks. Start by reducing BaseCampWorkerMaxNum and adjusting view distance settings.

Critical Performance Factors

1. Base Management & Pal AI Optimization

Problem:

Bases with too many active Pals cause severe server lag due to AI pathfinding calculations and task management.

Solutions:

  1. Limit Base Pals: Set BaseCampWorkerMaxNum=15-20 in PalWorldSettings.ini (default is 20).
  2. Optimize Base Layout: Design bases with clear paths and minimal obstacles to reduce Pal pathfinding calculations.
  3. Use Specialized Pals: Assign Pals with high work suitability to reduce idle time and inefficient task switching.
  4. Regular Base Maintenance: Clear dropped items, organize storage, and remove unnecessary structures.
  5. Consider Multiple Small Bases: Spread production across several smaller bases instead of one massive base.

2. Server Configuration Optimization

Problem:

Default server settings may not be optimized for your hardware or player count, causing unnecessary performance overhead.

Solutions:

  1. Adjust View Distance: Reduce ServerPlayerViewDistanceMode=Medium or Low for large servers.
  2. Optimize Save Intervals: Increase AutoSaveIntervalMinutes=30-60 to reduce save-related lag spikes.
  3. Limit Player Count: Set appropriate MaxPlayers=16-32 based on server hardware capabilities.
  4. Disable Unnecessary Features: Consider disabling bEnablePlayerToPlayerDamage=false if PvP isn't needed.
  5. Memory Allocation: Ensure server has adequate RAM (minimum 8GB for 20+ players with bases).

Advanced Optimization Techniques

3. Network Performance Tuning

Problem:

Network bottlenecks cause desync, rubberbanding, and connection issues for remote players.

Solutions:

  1. Port Forwarding: Ensure ports 8211 (UDP) and 27015 (Steam query) are properly forwarded.
  2. Bandwidth Management: Palworld servers need 1-2 Mbps upload per 10 players with active bases.
  3. Server Location: Choose hosting location geographically close to majority of players.
  4. Network Monitoring: Use tools like netstat and iftop to identify bandwidth hogs.
  5. Quality of Service (QoS): Prioritize Palworld traffic on network routers if self-hosting.

4. Hardware & Resource Management

Problem:

Insufficient hardware resources cause server instability, crashes, and poor performance.

Solutions:

  1. CPU Requirements: Palworld server is CPU-intensive; recommend 4+ cores for 20+ players.
  2. RAM Allocation: Minimum 8GB RAM, 16GB recommended for modded servers or 30+ players.
  3. Storage Performance: Use SSD storage for faster world saves and chunk loading.
  4. Regular Restarts: Schedule daily server restarts to clear memory leaks and reset performance.
  5. Monitoring Tools: Use htop (Linux) or Task Manager (Windows) to track resource usage.

Palworld-Specific Performance Settings

# Optimized PalWorldSettings.ini Configuration [/Script/Pal.PalGameWorldSettings] OptionSettings=(Difficulty=None,DayTimeSpeedRate=1.000000,NightTimeSpeedRate=1.000000,ExpRate=1.000000,PalCaptureRate=1.000000,PalSpawnNumRate=1.000000,PalDamageRateAttack=1.000000,PalDamageRateDefense=1.000000,PlayerDamageRateAttack=1.000000,PlayerDamageRateDefense=1.000000,PlayerStomachDecreaceRate=1.000000,PlayerStaminaDecreaceRate=1.000000,PlayerAutoHPRegeneRate=1.000000,PlayerAutoHpRegeneRateInSleep=1.000000,PalStomachDecreaceRate=1.000000,PalStaminaDecreaceRate=1.000000,PalAutoHPRegeneRate=1.000000,PalAutoHpRegeneRateInSleep=1.000000,BaseCampWorkerMaxNum=15, # REDUCE FOR PERFORMANCE DropItemMaxNum=3000, # REDUCE IF EXPERIENCING LAG CollectionObjectHpRate=1.000000,CollectionObjectRespawnSpeedRate=1.000000,EnemyDropItemRate=1.000000,bDeathPenalty=True,DeathPenalty=All,bEnablePlayerToPlayerDamage=False,bEnableFriendlyFire=False,bEnableInvaderEnemy=True,bActiveUNKO=False,bEnableAimAssistPad=True,bEnableAimAssistKeyboard=False,DropItemMaxNum_UNKO=10,BaseCampMaxNum=128,BaseCampWorkerMaxNum=15, # CRITICAL FOR PERFORMANCE DropItemAliveMaxHours=1.000000,bAutoResetGuildNoOnlinePlayers=False,AutoResetGuildTimeNoOnlinePlayers=72.000000,GuildPlayerMaxNum=20,PalEggDefaultHatchingTime=72.000000,WorkSpeedRate=1.000000,bIsMultiplay=False,bIsPvP=False,bCanPickupOtherGuildDeathPenaltyDrop=False,bEnableNonLoginPenalty=True,bEnableFastTravel=True,bIsStartLocationSelectByMap=True,bExistPlayerAfterLogout=False,bEnableDefenseOtherGuildPlayer=False,CoopPlayerMaxNum=4,ServerPlayerMaxNum=32,ServerName="Optimized Palworld Server",ServerDescription="",AdminPassword="",ServerPassword="",PublicPort=8211,PublicIP="",RCONEnabled=False,RCONPort=25575,Region="",bUseAuth=True,BanListURL="",ServerPlayerViewDistanceMode=Medium, # SET TO MEDIUM OR LOW ServerPalViewDistanceMode=Medium, # SET TO MEDIUM OR LOW bIsSaveDataAutoUpload=False,bIsSaveDataAutoDownload=False,bShowPlayerList=False,AllowConnectPlatform=Steam,bUseDefenseOtherGuildPlayer=False,bEnableWorldBoundsCheck=True,AllowConnectPlatform=Xbox,bAllowConnectPlatform=Steam)

Performance Monitoring & Diagnostics

Server Console Commands

# Check server status and connections netstat -tulpn | grep 8211 # Monitor server process (Linux) top -p $(pgrep PalServer) # View server logs tail -f ~/.local/share/Palworld/Saved/Logs/PalServer.log tail -f "C:\Program Files\Palworld Dedicated Server\PalServer.log" # Check memory usage free -h # Linux wmic computersystem get totalphysicalmemory # Windows # Test network connectivity nc -zvu your_server_ip 8211 nc -zvu your_server_ip 27015

Client-Side Performance Tips

For Players Experiencing Lag:

  1. Graphics Settings: Reduce shadow quality, view distance, and post-processing effects.
  2. Disable V-Sync: Can cause input lag in multiplayer scenarios.
  3. Update Drivers: Ensure graphics card and network drivers are up to date.
  4. Close Background Apps: Free up system resources for Palworld.
  5. Use Wired Connection: Ethernet provides more stable connection than WiFi.

Troubleshooting Common Performance Issues

5. Severe Lag During Base Operations

Symptoms:

  • Game freezes when approaching or working in bases
  • Pals stuck or moving erratically
  • Inventory/storage operations cause lag spikes

Solutions:

  1. Reduce Base Pal Count: Immediately lower BaseCampWorkerMaxNum to 10-15.
  2. Simplify Base Layout: Remove unnecessary decorations and complex structures.
  3. Spread Production: Create separate mining, farming, and crafting bases.
  4. Restart Server: Daily restarts clear accumulated AI pathfinding issues.
  5. Monitor Specific Pals: Some Pals with complex animations may cause more lag.

6. Memory Leaks & Server Crashes

Symptoms:

  • Server RAM usage increasing continuously
  • Regular server crashes after extended uptime
  • Performance degradation over time

Solutions:

  1. Scheduled Restarts: Implement daily or twice-daily server restarts.
  2. Memory Monitoring: Use monitoring tools to track memory usage trends.
  3. Update Server: Ensure running latest Palworld server version with bug fixes.
  4. Reduce Save Frequency: Increase AutoSaveIntervalMinutes to reduce save-related memory spikes.
  5. Consider Mod Conflicts: Some mods may cause memory leaks; test without mods.

Best Practices for Server Admins

Performance Maintenance Routine:

  1. Daily: Check server logs for errors, monitor resource usage, restart if needed.
  2. Weekly: Backup world saves, update server software, optimize database files.
  3. Monthly: Review server settings, player feedback, and performance metrics.
  4. As Needed: Adjust settings based on player count changes and new game updates.

Advanced Server Hardware Recommendations

For Different Player Counts:

  • 10-20 Players: 4 CPU cores, 8GB RAM, SSD storage, 100 Mbps connection
  • 20-40 Players: 6-8 CPU cores, 16GB RAM, NVMe SSD, 1 Gbps connection
  • 40+ Players: 8+ CPU cores, 32GB RAM, RAID SSD array, dedicated hosting recommended

When Performance Issues Persist

If you've implemented all optimizations and still experience issues:

  • Check Official Channels: Palworld Discord, Pocketpair support, patch notes for known issues
  • Community Resources: Reddit r/Palworld, Palworld community wiki, Steam discussions
  • Hosting Provider: Contact Supercraft support for dedicated server diagnostics and optimization
  • Bug Reporting: Report persistent performance bugs to Pocketpair with detailed reproduction steps
  • Alternative Hosting: Consider professional hosting with guaranteed performance SLAs

Final Advice: Palworld is Early Access and performance characteristics change with updates. Stay flexible with settings, monitor regularly, and don't be afraid to experiment with different configurations to find what works best for your specific server and player base.

Need professionally optimized Palworld server hosting? Launch your Palworld server with Supercraft for guaranteed performance, automated optimizations, and 24/7 support.

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