Where does PalWorldSettings.ini go?

Place it in Pal/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/PalWorldSettings.ini after starting the dedicated server once. Linux servers use the LinuxServer directory.

Should I edit DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini?

No. The official documentation says editing the default file does not apply the changes. Copy it to the active configuration directory first.

How do I use Palworld admin commands?

Set AdminPassword, enter /AdminPassword followed by that password in game, then use commands such as /Save, /ShowPlayers or /Shutdown.

Can mods damage a Palworld save?

Yes. Official guidance warns that incompatible server mods may cause crashes or save-data corruption. Back up the world and verify server compatibility before enabling a mod.

Palworld Server Settings Generator & Admin Guide (1.0)

Before changing a live world

Palworld is actively updated. Stop the server, back up the world, change one group of settings at a time, and keep your previous INI.

STEP 1

Choose a server profile

STEP 2

Copy your generated settings

Active file: Pal/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/PalWorldSettings.ini

This generator covers common settings, not every reserved or deprecated key. Merge the generated values into the OptionSettings line of your active file.

REFERENCE

Official parameter finder

Search the key name or meaning. Performance warnings are highlighted.

REFERENCE

Admin command desk

Set AdminPassword first, then authenticate in chat. Click any command to copy it.

RUNBOOK

Setup, backup, mods and recovery

First-time setup

Install Palworld Dedicated Server through Steam or SteamCMD.
Start it once so the configuration directories are created.
Copy DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini to the active WindowsServer or LinuxServer folder.
Stop the server, edit the active file, then restart and verify.

steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit

Backup before every change

Use /Save and wait for completion before stopping.
Copy the Saved directory to a dated folder outside the server directory.
Enable bIsUseBackupSaveData=True for automatic rotating backups.
Keep at least one known-good INI together with the save.

Server mod checklist

Official docs currently limit server-side mods to Windows dedicated servers.
Confirm Info.json contains a server-compatible install rule and all dependencies.
Back up first: incompatible mods can cause crashes or save corruption.
Restart to deploy changes; use -NoMods to isolate a mod-related failure.

Fast troubleshooting order

Validate server files and confirm the active INI path.
Restore the last known-good INI and remove outdated mods.
Check ports, firewall, PublicIP/PublicPort and allowed platforms.
Change one setting group at a time and inspect logs after each restart.

Official sources and scope

Setting names and operational notes are based on Pocketpair's official Palworld Server Guide version 1.0. This independent tool is not affiliated with Pocketpair. Game updates may change defaults or behavior.

Official configuration parameters ↗ Official commands ↗ Official server mod guide ↗