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Palworld Xbox Server Setup & Crossplay Configuration Guide

Palworld Guide • Updated Jan 8, 2026

Xbox Server Setup

With the Sakurajima update (June 2024), Palworld introduced Xbox and Microsoft Store crossplay support, allowing dedicated servers to host Xbox-exclusive or cross-platform sessions. This guide covers everything you need to know about setting up and managing Xbox-compatible Palworld servers.

Understanding Xbox Server Types

Palworld servers can be configured in three modes:

  • Steam Only - Traditional dedicated server, accessible only by Steam PC players via direct IP connection
  • Xbox Only - Server appears in Xbox/Microsoft Store server browser, restricted to Xbox and Windows Store players
  • Crossplay - Allows both Steam and Xbox players to connect (requires community server listing)

Setting Up an Xbox Server

Via Control Panel

If your hosting provider offers a control panel:

  1. Open the Basic Server Settings or Game Settings tab
  2. Locate the Platform setting
  3. Select Xbox Only from the dropdown
  4. Enable Community Server (required for Xbox visibility)
  5. Save settings and restart the server

Via Configuration File

Edit PalWorldSettings.ini located in Pal/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ or LinuxServer/:

[/Script/Pal.PalGameWorldSettings]
OptionSettings=(
    ...
    bIsUseBackupSaveData=True,
    ServerPassword="",
    PublicPort=8211,
    ServerName="My Xbox Palworld Server",
    bEnablePlayerToPlayerDamage=False,
    bIsPvP=False,
    bUsePlatformAuth=True,
    Platform="Xbox",
    bShowPlayerList=True
)

Key settings for Xbox servers:

  • Platform="Xbox" - Sets server to Xbox mode
  • bUsePlatformAuth=True - Enables Xbox Live authentication
  • bShowPlayerList=True - Makes server visible in community browser

Why Community Server is Required

Unlike Steam servers that support direct IP connection, Xbox players cannot manually enter server IP addresses. They can only join servers that appear in the in-game server browser.

To appear in the Xbox server browser:

  1. Server must have bShowPlayerList=True
  2. Server must be publicly accessible (port forwarding configured)
  3. Server must pass Xbox Live authentication checks
  4. Server name must comply with Xbox Live guidelines (no offensive language)

How Xbox Players Join

From Xbox Console or Microsoft Store

  1. Launch Palworld
  2. From the title screen, select Join Multiplayer Game
  3. Choose Join Dedicated Server
  4. Browse the community server list
  5. Search for your server by name
  6. Select and join

Note: Servers may take 5-10 minutes to appear in the browser after starting. Refresh the server list if your server doesn't show immediately.

Port Requirements for Xbox Servers

Xbox servers require the same ports as Steam servers, but authentication adds additional considerations:

  • Port 8211 - UDP (game traffic)
  • Port 27015 - UDP (query port, optional but recommended)

Ensure both UDP ports are:

  • Open in your firewall
  • Forwarded on your router
  • Not blocked by your ISP or hosting provider

Crossplay Configuration

To allow both Steam and Xbox players on the same server:

  1. Set Platform="All" or Platform="Crossplay" (depends on version)
  2. Enable bUsePlatformAuth=True
  3. Enable bShowPlayerList=True
  4. Server will appear in both Steam server lists and Xbox browser

Important: Crossplay servers may experience compatibility issues with certain mods or unofficial server modifications. Stick to vanilla settings for maximum compatibility.

Xbox Server Limitations

Authentication Requirements

Xbox servers require valid Xbox Live authentication:

  • Players must have active Xbox Live accounts
  • Server must maintain connection to Xbox Live services
  • Authentication failures can prevent players from joining
  • Offline mode not supported for Xbox servers

Mod Compatibility

Xbox servers have limited mod support:

  • Server-side mods that only affect gameplay may work
  • Client-side mods are not supported on Xbox
  • Texture mods, UI mods won't work for Xbox players
  • Stick to vanilla or server-only mods for best experience

Save File Compatibility

  • Xbox server saves are compatible with Steam server saves
  • You can convert a Steam server to Xbox by changing platform setting
  • Always backup before switching platforms
  • Player data may require re-authentication after platform change

Troubleshooting Xbox Servers

Server Not Appearing in Browser

Common causes:

  • bShowPlayerList is set to False
  • Ports 8211/27015 not properly forwarded
  • Server name contains prohibited characters or words
  • Xbox Live authentication failing (check server logs)
  • Server hasn't fully started yet (wait 5-10 minutes)

Solutions:

  1. Verify all Xbox-required settings are configured
  2. Test port forwarding using online port checkers
  3. Restart server and wait for full initialization
  4. Check server logs for Xbox Live authentication errors
  5. Ensure server name is family-friendly (Xbox Live requirement)

Xbox Players Can't Connect

Error: "Failed to connect to server"

  • Verify Xbox Live authentication is enabled
  • Check player has valid Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass subscription
  • Ensure server version matches client version exactly
  • Try restarting both server and client

Error: "Authentication failed"

  • Player's Xbox Live account may have restrictions
  • Server may be overloaded or reaching player limit
  • Network issues between player and Xbox Live services
  • Password mismatch if server is password-protected

Crossplay Issues

When running a crossplay server with both Steam and Xbox players:

  • Voice chat may not work between platforms - Use third-party solutions like Discord
  • Input method differences - Controller users may have advantage/disadvantage in certain scenarios
  • Update timing - Xbox updates sometimes lag behind Steam, causing version mismatches
  • Mod incompatibility - Remove all client-side mods for fairness

Performance Considerations

Xbox Authentication Overhead

Xbox servers require constant connection to Xbox Live authentication servers:

  • Slightly higher network overhead vs Steam-only
  • Authentication can add 50-200ms latency per connection
  • Server needs stable internet connection to Xbox Live infrastructure

Player Count Recommendations

Xbox servers tend to perform better with conservative player limits:

  • Xbox Series X/S: 8-16 players (clients, not server)
  • Dedicated Server: 32 players maximum (same as Steam)
  • Crossplay: Consider 20-24 player cap for optimal experience

Best Practices for Xbox Servers

Server Naming

  • Use descriptive, family-friendly names
  • Include "[Xbox]" or "[Crossplay]" in name for clarity
  • Avoid special characters that may not display properly
  • Keep name under 50 characters for full visibility

Community Guidelines

  • Xbox Live enforces stricter content policies than Steam
  • Monitor and moderate player behavior carefully
  • Implement clear server rules visible to all players
  • Be prepared for Xbox Live reputation system impacts

Regular Maintenance

  • Xbox servers benefit from daily restarts (due to authentication overhead)
  • Monitor Xbox Live service status for outages affecting your server
  • Keep server updated to latest Palworld version promptly
  • Backup saves before any configuration changes

Converting Between Platforms

Steam to Xbox Conversion

  1. Backup your current save files
  2. Stop the server
  3. Edit PalWorldSettings.ini: change Platform to "Xbox"
  4. Enable bUsePlatformAuth=True
  5. Enable bShowPlayerList=True
  6. Restart server
  7. Wait 10 minutes for Xbox Live authentication to initialize

Xbox to Steam Conversion

  1. Backup save files
  2. Stop server
  3. Change Platform to "Steam" or comment out the line
  4. Set bUsePlatformAuth=False
  5. Restart server
  6. Server will be accessible via direct IP again

Warning: Player authentication data may need to be rebuilt when switching platforms. Players may need to rejoin and re-authenticate.

Future of Xbox Support

As Palworld continues development, expect:

  • Improved crossplay features and mod support
  • Better Xbox-specific optimizations
  • Enhanced authentication reliability
  • Possible cross-progression between platforms

Stay updated on official Palworld patch notes for Xbox-related changes and improvements.

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