How to Set Up a Palworld Private Server (PalServer) on a Cloud VM

This guide explains how to deploy a private server for the game Palworld using a cloud virtual machine. It covers machine preparation, SteamCMD installation, PalServer download, configuration, and server startup, along with common troubleshooting.

1. Machine Preparation

Choose a cloud server (e.g., Tencent Cloud) with at least 4 CPU cores and 16 GB RAM. Ubuntu or Debian is recommended because they provide apt packages. The author notes a promotional price of 93 CNY/month.

After purchasing, note the server's public IP, username, and password from the cloud console.

2. Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is the command‑line version of the Steam client used to download dedicated server files.

Ubuntu:

sudo add-apt-repository multiverse
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install steamcmd

Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install software-properties-common
sudo apt-add-repository non-free
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install steamcmd

After installation, create a symbolic link so steamcmd is in the system PATH:

sudo ln -s /usr/games/steamcmd /usr/bin/steamcmd

3. Create a Dedicated Steam User

For security, create a non‑root user named steam and set a strong password (≥8 characters, include symbols).

sudo useradd -m steam
sudo passwd steam   # set a strong password

Grant sudo privileges to the steam user:

echo "steam   ALL=(ALL:ALL) ALL" | sudo tee -a /etc/sudoers

4. Download PalServer

Log in as the steam user and run SteamCMD to download the Palworld server files (app ID 2394010):

steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit

If the command fails repeatedly, retry a few times.

5. Configure the Server

Copy the default configuration file and edit it as needed:

cd ~/.steam/SteamApps/common/PalServer
cp ./DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini
vim Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini

Adjust settings such as player limits, passwords, and world parameters.

6. Start the Server

Prepare the required 64‑bit libraries:

mkdir -p ~/.steam/sdk64
cp linux64/* ~/.steam/sdk64

Run the server script:

cd ~/.steam/SteamApps/common/PalServer
./PalServer.sh

To keep the server running after the terminal closes, use nohup :

# If the Steam user’s home uses ".steam"
cd /home/steam/.steam/SteamApps/common/PalServer
nohup ./PalServer.sh &
# If it uses "Steam"
cd /home/steam/Steam/steamapps/common/PalServer
nohup ./PalServer.sh &

7. Open Firewall Ports

Ensure the cloud firewall allows inbound UDP/TCP traffic on port 8211 . Add the rule in the cloud console.

8. Connect from the Game

In Palworld’s dedicated‑server UI, replace 127.0.0.1 with the server’s public IP and click “Connect”.

9. Q&A Highlights

Q1: How to restart after a VM reboot? A: Log in as steam and run the nohup ./PalServer.sh & command again.

Q2: Missing steamclient.so error? A: Copy the 64‑bit libraries to ~/.steam/sdk64 as shown above.

Q3: How to upload files to Tencent Cloud? A: Use the web console or rz after SSH login (see Tencent Cloud docs).

Additional questions cover Windows hosting, Vim usage, and firewall configuration.