Palworld Server Settings (PalWorldSettings.ini) Explained | GPORTAL
Quick answer: Palworld server settings live in the PalWorldSettings.ini file at Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini. On a GPORTAL server you can edit the same options in the web interface. Always edit PalWorldSettings.ini (not DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini) and restart the server for changes to apply.
At a glance
- File name: PalWorldSettings.ini
- Path: Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/
- Edit via: GPORTAL web interface or FTP
- Setting groups: Server management, features, game balance, performance
- Apply changes: Save, then restart the server
Table of contents
- Where do I find the Palworld settings file?
- Which server management settings matter most?
- Which gameplay balance settings can I change?
- Which settings affect server performance?
- Example: a balanced multiplayer configuration
- Why are my Palworld settings ignored?
- FAQ
Palworld server settings are controlled through the PalWorldSettings.ini file. This guide explains where the file lives and what the most important parameters do, so you can configure your GPORTAL Palworld server exactly the way your community wants it.
Where do I find the Palworld settings file?
On a GPORTAL server the easiest way to edit your settings is directly in the web interface under Basic settings. If you prefer to edit the file manually, connect via FTP and open:
Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini
The config folder is created only after the server has started once. Always edit PalWorldSettings.ini, not the DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini, otherwise your changes are ignored.
Which server management settings matter most?
ServerName/ServerDescription– how your server appears in the browser.ServerPassword– password required to join.AdminPassword– password to gain admin rights.ServerPlayerMaxNum– maximum number of players.CrossplayPlatforms– which platforms may connect (Steam, Xbox, PS5, Mac).bIsUseBackupSaveData– enable automatic world backups.
Which gameplay balance settings can I change?
The game-balance block lets you tune the experience. Popular options include ExpRate (experience gain), PalCaptureRate (capture chance), CollectionDropRate (gathered resources), DeathPenalty (what you drop on death), DayTimeSpeedRate/NightTimeSpeedRate and PalEggDefaultHatchingTime (egg hatching time). Higher multipliers generally mean faster progression.
Which settings affect server performance?
Some settings raise processing load: BaseCampMaxNumInGuild (bases per guild, default 4, max 10), BaseCampWorkerMaxNum (Pals per base, max 50), PalSpawnNumRate (wild Pal density) and ServerReplicatePawnCullDistance (Pal sync distance). Increase these carefully on busy servers to avoid lag.
Example: a balanced multiplayer configuration
A popular starting point for a friendly multiplayer server: ServerPlayerMaxNum=16, ExpRate=2.0, PalCaptureRate=1.5, DeathPenalty=Item, bIsUseBackupSaveData=True and CrossplayPlatforms=(Steam,Xbox,PS5,Mac). This keeps progression brisk, protects your world with backups and lets players from every platform join. Adjust the multipliers to taste and restart after saving.
Why are my Palworld settings ignored?
Two mistakes cause almost every ‘settings not applied’ report. First, editing DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini instead of the active PalWorldSettings.ini – changes to the default file are ignored. Second, forgetting to restart the server after saving. The config folder is also only created after the server has started at least once, so start the server first if the file is missing.
Related topics
- Configure Palworld difficulty and death penalty
- Configure Palworld rates (EXP, capture, drops)
- How to become an admin on your Palworld server
FAQ
Where is PalWorldSettings.ini on a GPORTAL server?
Under Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini, accessible via FTP. On GPORTAL you can also edit the same settings in the web interface.
Why are my Palworld settings not applied?
The most common cause is editing DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini instead of PalWorldSettings.ini, or not restarting the server after saving. Always edit the active file and restart.
How do I reset Palworld settings to default?
Copy the values from DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini back into PalWorldSettings.ini, save and restart the server.
Can I edit Palworld settings without FTP?
Yes. On a GPORTAL server the most common settings are available directly in the web interface, so no FTP client is required for everyday changes.
What is the difference between PalWorldSettings.ini and DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini?
PalWorldSettings.ini is the active configuration your server reads. DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini is a reference template – editing it has no effect.
Do I need to restart after changing settings?
Yes. Palworld reads the configuration at startup, so save your changes and restart the server for them to take effect.
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