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:
- Limit Base Pals: Set
BaseCampWorkerMaxNum=15-20inPalWorldSettings.ini(default is 20). - Optimize Base Layout: Design bases with clear paths and minimal obstacles to reduce Pal pathfinding calculations.
- Use Specialized Pals: Assign Pals with high work suitability to reduce idle time and inefficient task switching.
- Regular Base Maintenance: Clear dropped items, organize storage, and remove unnecessary structures.
- 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:
- Adjust View Distance: Reduce
ServerPlayerViewDistanceMode=MediumorLowfor large servers. - Optimize Save Intervals: Increase
AutoSaveIntervalMinutes=30-60to reduce save-related lag spikes. - Limit Player Count: Set appropriate
MaxPlayers=16-32based on server hardware capabilities. - Disable Unnecessary Features: Consider disabling
bEnablePlayerToPlayerDamage=falseif PvP isn't needed. - 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:
- Port Forwarding: Ensure ports 8211 (UDP) and 27015 (Steam query) are properly forwarded.
- Bandwidth Management: Palworld servers need 1-2 Mbps upload per 10 players with active bases.
- Server Location: Choose hosting location geographically close to majority of players.
- Network Monitoring: Use tools like
netstatandiftopto identify bandwidth hogs. - 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:
- CPU Requirements: Palworld server is CPU-intensive; recommend 4+ cores for 20+ players.
- RAM Allocation: Minimum 8GB RAM, 16GB recommended for modded servers or 30+ players.
- Storage Performance: Use SSD storage for faster world saves and chunk loading.
- Regular Restarts: Schedule daily server restarts to clear memory leaks and reset performance.
- 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:
- Graphics Settings: Reduce shadow quality, view distance, and post-processing effects.
- Disable V-Sync: Can cause input lag in multiplayer scenarios.
- Update Drivers: Ensure graphics card and network drivers are up to date.
- Close Background Apps: Free up system resources for Palworld.
- 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:
- Reduce Base Pal Count: Immediately lower
BaseCampWorkerMaxNumto 10-15. - Simplify Base Layout: Remove unnecessary decorations and complex structures.
- Spread Production: Create separate mining, farming, and crafting bases.
- Restart Server: Daily restarts clear accumulated AI pathfinding issues.
- 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:
- Scheduled Restarts: Implement daily or twice-daily server restarts.
- Memory Monitoring: Use monitoring tools to track memory usage trends.
- Update Server: Ensure running latest Palworld server version with bug fixes.
- Reduce Save Frequency: Increase
AutoSaveIntervalMinutesto reduce save-related memory spikes. - Consider Mod Conflicts: Some mods may cause memory leaks; test without mods.
Best Practices for Server Admins
Performance Maintenance Routine:
- Daily: Check server logs for errors, monitor resource usage, restart if needed.
- Weekly: Backup world saves, update server software, optimize database files.
- Monthly: Review server settings, player feedback, and performance metrics.
- 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.