Content reviewed October 20, 2026
The best Palworld server host should prove these five things
Short answer
Look for a host that runs Pocketpair's dedicated server and lists it so Xbox and PS5 players can find it. It should also sell the player count you need, let you edit PalWorldSettings.ini, and back up your world on its own. berrybyte does all five, from $9.95 a month for 4 players, and most groups pick 8 players at $12.95.
This page is written by berrybyte and reviews our own product. It does not give invented scores. Use the official links and current checkout prices below to check the claims that matter to your group.
The five checks at a glance
| Check | berrybyte | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Crossplay | Steam, Xbox, PS5, and Mac. Crossplay and the community listing are on by default. Microsoft Store players join through the Xbox option. | Pocketpair turns crossplay on by default and requires a community server for Xbox and PS5 players. |
| Player slots | 4, 8, 16, and 32 players, from $9.95 a month. 8 players is the default recommendation. | Pocketpair sets the cap with ServerPlayerMaxNum or the -players launch flag. |
| Server runtime | Pocketpair's native Linux dedicated server, with optional auto-updates. | Pocketpair publishes a free dedicated server for Windows and Linux. |
| Settings workflow | Game Settings in the dashboard, full file access, SFTP, and a free PalWorldSettings.ini generator. | The public generator follows Pocketpair's Palworld 1.0.3 settings reference. |
| Backups | Automatic off-site backups about every 24 hours, with at least the last seven days kept. Backups can be downloaded. | Ask any host how often it backs up, how long it keeps backups, and whether you can download your save. |
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Crossplay: can Xbox and PS5 players join?
Pocketpair turns crossplay on by default for Steam, Xbox, PS5, Mac, and the Microsoft Store PC version. Steam players can join by IP address, but Xbox and PS5 players can't type one in. They need the server listed as a community server, and then they search that list by name.
On berrybyte, crossplay and the community listing are already on. The dashboard shows the address for Steam and the server name for consoles, and Microsoft Store players use the Xbox option. Watch out for client-side mods: consoles can't install them, so a modded server can lock console players out.
Read how to join a Palworld server for the steps on each platform.
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Player slots: how many players, at what price?
Palworld sets the player cap with ServerPlayerMaxNum or the -players launch flag. The cap counts everyone connected at the same time, on any platform. A group of 15 friends who rarely play all at once may fit on 8 slots.
berrybyte sells Palworld by player count. Pick the tier for the most people you expect online together. You can upgrade later and pay only the difference.
| Players | Monthly price | Per player slot | Good for | Checkout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 players | $9.95 | $2.49 | A small co-op group | Choose |
| 8 playersRecommended | $12.95 | $1.62 | Most friend groups | Choose |
| 16 players | $19.95 | $1.25 | Larger groups and small communities | Choose |
| 32 players | $29.95 | $0.94 | Big communities | Choose |
Monthly prices in USD, checked against the live checkout on October 20, 2026. Checkout shows the final price before you pay. For more on sizing, read how many players can join a Palworld server.
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Runtime: does it run Pocketpair's dedicated server?
Pocketpair publishes a free dedicated server for Windows and Linux. A dedicated server runs the world by itself, so it stays online when the person who created it logs off. Ask which build a host runs and how it keeps that build current.
berrybyte starts Palworld on Pocketpair's native Linux dedicated server by default. With Auto Update on, the newest server build installs each time the server starts.
Your group needs to update the game too, because a version mismatch stops players from joining. The Palworld update guide covers the details.
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Settings: can you change PalWorldSettings.ini safely?
Most Palworld rules live on one long line of PalWorldSettings.ini. That line holds experience and capture rates, day length, PvP, death penalties, raids, and the player cap. Palworld can overwrite edits made while the server runs, so a good host makes changes easy and safe.
On berrybyte, Game Settings in the dashboard covers the common options. That includes difficulty, PvP, day length, raids, and Pal capture and breeding rates. For everything else you get full file access and SFTP.
Our free Palworld settings generator builds or imports a PalWorldSettings.ini, flags risky values, and makes a share link without your passwords. Every option is explained in Palworld server settings explained.
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Backups: can you get your world back?
A bad mod, a failed update, or a griefer can cost a group weeks of progress. Before you buy, ask how often the host backs up, how long it keeps backups, and whether you can download your save.
berrybyte takes an automatic off-site backup of the whole server about every 24 hours and keeps at least the last seven days. You can also make your own backups, restore single files, and download a backup as a ZIP.
Palworld's own autosave backups can run alongside them for quick rollbacks. See backups and restores and restoring a Palworld autosave.
Also ask before you buy
Mods
Compatible server mods install through the file manager or SFTP. Client-required mods must match on every PC and can't be installed on consoles. Installing Palworld mods
Moving an existing world
We help move an existing save for free. Some co-op saves need extra steps to keep the host's character, so ask us to check yours before you buy.
Location
Pick the region closest to most of your players. The plan selector lists every region where Palworld is available.
Refunds
If you are unhappy with a new purchase, contact us within 7 days of purchase for a full refund.
Frequently asked questions
Cost, memory, crossplay, and player limits for a Palworld dedicated server.
Have other questions?
If you have more questions, contact us on Discord so we can help.
Start with 8 players and change later
Choose a player count and region in checkout. The server installs on its own with crossplay and the community listing on. Your dashboard opens when setup finishes.