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Fixed: Palworld dedicated server lag (and other optimization tips)
Renting a dedicated server for Palworld is a solid move—more power, better bandwidth, and 24/7 uptime. But even with high-end specs, lag can creep in thanks to early access optimization issues, memory leaks, and in-game load. If your world feels sluggish or unstable, here’s how to fix it and keep gameplay smooth for everyone.
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What causes Palworld dedicated server lag?
Even on a rented machine, your server isn’t immune to performance problems. Most lag issues come from the game itself, not your hardware.
- Unoptimized resource usage: Palworld is still in early access, and it struggles to distribute CPU and RAM efficiently.
- Memory leaks: Long uptime without a restart leads to gradual slowdowns and degraded tick rates.
- Network issues: VPNs, Wi-Fi, and bad player routing can introduce jitter or packet loss.
- In-game complexity: Big bases, tons of Pals, and raids generate major AI and physics overhead.
1. Restart your rented server regularly
Palworld doesn’t have built-in memory management, so servers bog down over time. Regular restarts help clear leaks and reset thread activity.
- Schedule restarts every 4–6 hours, especially on public or high-activity servers.
- Use cron jobs or your provider’s automation panel to set restart intervals.
- Restart after major events like raids or when lag spikes appear mid-session.
2. Optimize your connection to the hosted server
Your dedicated Palworld server may be fast—but if players connect through poor routes, it won’t matter.
- Avoid VPNs when connecting to your server. They often cause higher latency and inconsistent routing.
- Use wired Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi whenever possible.
- If some players have consistently high ping, consider relocating your server to a data center closer to your core player group.
3. Watch your server’s real-time resource usage
Even dedicated hosting has limits. Monitor your usage regularly to catch problems early.
- Use htop, nload, or your hosting provider’s control panel to track CPU usage, RAM usage, and bandwidth.
- Watch for gradual memory creep—a sure sign your server needs more frequent restarts.
- Spikes during raids or large builds are normal, but sustained usage over 80% means you may need to upgrade.
4. Upgrade your server hardware (if needed)
If your hosting plan is too lightweight, you’ll run into lag even with perfect configuration.
- Minimum recommendation: 4 physical cores, 8GB RAM, and NVMe SSD storage.
- For modded servers or high-player counts, go bigger: 6–8 cores, 16GB+ RAM, and high IOPS storage.
- Some providers offer burstable CPU plans that can help with temporary raid or base-related load.
5. Edit Engine.ini to improve multithreading and frame pacing
Palworld uses Unreal Engine, which supports manual performance tweaks via config files.
Edit your server’s Engine.ini to include:
ini
CopyEdit
[/Script/Engine.RendererSettings]
r.ThreadedRendering=true
r.OneFrameThreadLag=1
[/Script/Engine.Engine]
bSmoothFrameRate=true
MinSmoothedFrameRate=30
MaxSmoothedFrameRate=60
- These settings improve multithreaded rendering and smooth out lag spikes.
- Use SFTP or your hosting panel’s file manager to access Engine.ini.
- Always back up the original before making changes.
6. Disable raids and reduce AI load
Raids are some of the most demanding events in Palworld—they spawn tons of enemies with physics and AI.
- Disable raids in your PalWorldSettings.ini or via admin tools.
- Limit active Pals per player or base, especially if automation and fighting overlap.
- Encourage players to store unused Pals rather than letting them roam.
7. Simplify base structures
Lag isn’t always server-wide—it’s often caused by specific locations with too many objects or NPCs.
- Ask players to build compact, minimal bases rather than sprawling settlements.
- Avoid overuse of item storage, automation systems, or workbenches that run in parallel.
- If needed, set server rules that limit the number of placeable objects or structures per base.
8. Keep Palworld and mods up to date
New patches regularly improve backend performance and fix known memory issues.
- Watch for updates via your hosting provider’s control panel or Palworld’s Steam server page.
- Update both server binaries and mods—outdated files cause crashes and lag.
- Use version managers like PalworldModSync (if compatible) to keep mods in sync.
9. Consider switching to a Linux-based server
Linux often runs Palworld servers more efficiently, especially on long uptimes.
- Linux consumes less idle memory and CPU, which helps with memory leaks and tick rate consistency.
- Ubuntu and Debian are the most compatible options.
- Use Wine or Proton if required for mod support. Some providers offer pre-configured Linux game server templates.
10. BONUS: Add launch flags to improve runtime performance
Even before Palworld loads, you can influence performance with startup commands.
Add these to your server’s launch line:
bash
CopyEdit
./PalServer.sh -USEALLAVAILABLECORES -NoAsyncLoadingThread -nothreadtimeout
- -USEALLAVAILABLECORES: Forces the game to use all available CPU threads.
- -NoAsyncLoadingThread: Can reduce crashes caused by thread stalls.
- -nothreadtimeout: Prevents the server from auto-killing threads during high CPU load (like raids).
Check your hosting provider’s documentation to insert these into your startup script or panel.
Next steps for fixing Palworld dedicated server lag
Renting a dedicated server gives you power and stability—but only if you configure it to work with Palworld’s quirks. Game-side memory leaks, raid overload, and AI physics stress can slow things down fast.
To reduce lag, start with scheduled restarts, tweak Engine.ini, and keep mods updated. From there, upgrade hardware as needed and explore launch flags or Linux hosting for maximum stability.
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Additional resources
What is a game server? →
A complete beginner’s guide, including different types, how they work, benefits, and more
Palworld dedicated server benefits →
Learn the pros and cons of using a dedi server for your Palworld game
How to set up a Palworld dedicated server →
Server requirements, setup, tips, server management, and more