In this guide, you’ll learn exactly How to Update Palworld Server Fast Without Losing Progress—whether you’re hosting it yourself on PC or using a paid server hosting provider. We’ll also cover tips, fixes, and FAQs that most other websites leave out, so you won’t be left confused. Let’s get started.
If you’re running a Palworld server and wondering how to update it, the process is actually quite simple. To update a Palworld server, you need to stop the server, then either run an update command if you’re using SteamCMD, or reinstall/update the game files through your hosting provider if you are using a game server host like GPORTAL, Nitrado, or Shockbyte. Once updated, restart the server.
This step is important because Palworld releases regular patches that fix bugs, improve stability, and sometimes add new features. If your server software isn’t up to date, it can cause problems like crashes, version mismatches, and player connection issues. Updating ensures everyone can join without errors and you’re running the latest version of the game.
Why Updating Your Palworld Server
Keeping your Palworld server updated is critical for several reasons:
- Compatibility: Your server and game must be on the same version or your players can’t join.
- Bug Fixes: Developers patch issues in almost every update.
- Security: Outdated files may be vulnerable to crashes or hacks.
- New Content: Occasionally, updates bring new Pal abilities, items, or world events.
If you don’t keep the server updated, players can get kicked out, experience game-breaking bugs, or see a “version mismatch” error.
Who Needs This Guide?
You’ll benefit from this guide if:
- You host a dedicated Palworld server (on your PC or rented machine)
- You use a third-party game server host like Nitrado, GPORTAL, or Shockbyte
- You want to know when and how to update safely without losing files
Even if you’re just starting out, this guide uses simple, beginner-friendly language so no experience is necessary.
Option 1: Updating Palworld Server (SteamCMD Method – Self-Hosted PC Server)
If you host your own Palworld server using SteamCMD, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Stop your server
- Always stop the server before an update to avoid file corruption.
- Close the server console window or use
Ctrl + Cin the command line.
- Open SteamCMD
- Navigate to your SteamCMD folder and launch SteamCMD.
- Or open your command prompt and navigate to the directory.
- Run the Update Command
Here’s the basic update command:
login anonymous
app_update 2394010 validate
quit
2394010is Palworld’s dedicated server app ID.validatechecks for missing or corrupted files and replaces them.anonymouslogin works unless you’re using a purchased tool/mod that requires a Steam account.
- Restart your server
Once the update downloads and finishes, reopen your server tool or launch PalworldServer.exe to start hosting again.
Note: If you use a batch file (
.bat) to launch your server, make sure it points to the correct updated file path.
Option 2: Updating Through Game Server Hosting Provider
If you rent a server using services like GPORTAL, Nitrado, Shockbyte, or Survival Servers, updating is usually very easy.
Steps to Update with a Hosting Service:
- Log in to your hosting provider’s account dashboard.
- Navigate to your Palworld server panel.
- Stop the server.
- Look for “Update,” “Reinstall,” or “Update Game Files”.
- The exact wording depends on host.
- Some may say “Force Update” or “Verify Game Files.”
- Click the update option.
- It will download the newest version of the server directly from Palworld’s Steam build.
- Restart the server once the update finishes.
Check for a version number display in your server control panel. It helps confirm the update was successful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Forgetting to stop the server | Can corrupt game files |
| Running update without validation | May skip broken files |
| Not backing up world/save files | Risk of losing player progress |
| Updating while players are online | Players may be kicked out mid-game |
How to Know When an Update Is Needed
- Check the Official Palworld Discord or Twitter
- Developers release patch notes regularly.
- Look for Mismatch Errors
- If players see “Client Version Mismatch” when joining, your server needs an update.
- Steam News or Patch Notes Tab
- Visit Palworld on Steam and look at the latest updates section.
- In-Game Behavior
- Glitches like missing pals or sudden crashing? Might be an outdated server.
How to Backup Before Updating (Very Important!)
Before you update your server, protect your game progress.
Manual Backup Steps (PC Servers):
- Go to your Palworld install folder. Default path:
C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Pal\Saved - Copy the “Saved” folder to a backup location.
- Rename it with today’s date.
- Proceed with the update.
Hosting services often do this automatically, but you can manually download the save file using their file manager or FTP access.
Advanced Tips (For Continued Use and Heavy Servers)
- Use automated scripts to update your SteamCMD files daily
- Run a dedicated backup tool for hourly auto-saves
- Add plugins or mods after a fresh update to avoid conflicts
What If the Server Won’t Restart After Update?
If your server fails to launch after an update:
- Check for mod conflicts – remove or update your mods
- Verify game files using SteamCMD: use
app_update 2394010 validate - Update your .ini files if game settings have changed
- Check hosting panel logs for crash messages
Often, just verifying the files and cleaning out mod issues fixes the problem.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to update manually every time? | Yes, unless your host does auto-updates |
| Will updating delete my world or Pals? | Not if you back up correctly |
| Can I update while players are online? | No – always stop the server first |
| How often are updates released? | Weekly or bi-weekly during early access |
| Do I need SteamCMD to update? | Only if you self-host on a PC |
| Is verifying files necessary? | Yes, it ensures nothing is broken |
Keep Your Palworld Server Running Smoothly
Updating your Palworld server may sound technical at first, but once you understand the process, it only takes a few minutes. Whether you’re running your own dedicated server with SteamCMD or using a hosting provider, following the right steps keeps your server stable, up to date, and fun for all your players.
Always remember to:
- Stop the server first
- Back up your saved files
- Update only from official sources
- Restart carefully and test after every major update
Players will thank you for a smooth experience, and you’ll avoid downtime, bugs, and major issues by keeping your server patched.
That’s everything you need to know to update your Palworld server without messing up your world or wasting time. Bookmark this guide for future updates, and happy taming!