Players Can't Join My Palworld Server
Your server is up but a friend gets an error, an endless load, or "server not found." Nine times out of ten it's one of the causes below. Work through them in order.
1. Crossplay Platform Mismatch (the #1 cause)
Palworld servers only accept the platforms you've turned on. If your friend is on Xbox, PS5 or Game Pass but your server only allows Steam, they simply can't connect — and there's no error that says so clearly.
Fix: Open the World Settings tab and check Crossplay Platforms. Make sure every platform your group plays on is enabled, then restart. Remember: Game Pass and Microsoft Store PC count as Xbox, not Steam. Full detail: Crossplay platforms explained.
2. Console Players Can't Type an IP
This one catches everyone. Xbox and PS5 players cannot enter a server IP — there's no box for it on console. They can only join by finding your server in the in-game community server list, or via an invite.
Fix: Make sure Xbox (and PS5 if relevant) is enabled in Crossplay Platforms, give them the exact server name to search for, and have them look in the community/dedicated-server browser. If a console friend still can't find it after a restart, contact support and we'll check the server's listing.
3. The Server Hasn't Finished Booting
Palworld takes 30–90 seconds to fully start, and longer right after an update. If people try to join during boot, they get a timeout. Watch the Console — once the world finishes loading, it's ready.
4. Version Mismatch After a Patch
When Palworld ships an update, clients update automatically but your server may still be on the old build until it restarts. Mismatched versions can't connect.
Fix: Restart the server (with Auto-Update on in World Settings, it pulls the latest build on boot). More on what patches change: Palworld 1.0 dedicated server changes.
5. A Password Is Set
If you set a Server Password, players must enter it. Double-check the password you shared matches exactly — it's case-sensitive — or clear it for an open server.
6. PC Players: Use Connect-via-IP, Not the Browser
The in-game server list is notoriously flaky and doesn't always show every server. For Steam and Mac players, don't rely on it.
Fix: Give PC players your server's IP and port, shown at the top of your panel. In Palworld: Join Multiplayer (Dedicated Server) → Connect via IP → enter IP:port. This works even when the browser doesn't list you. (Console players can't do this — see #2.)
7. Server Is Full
Every plan supports the full 32 players, but if Max Players is set lower, extra players are turned away. Bump it up in World Settings and restart.
Reading the Console
The Console tab almost always tells you what happened when someone failed to join. Look at the log lines from the moment they tried to connect. If you're stuck, contact support with a screenshot of those lines and the platform your friend is on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't my friends join my Palworld server?
Most often a crossplay platform mismatch — their platform isn't enabled in your server's Crossplay Platforms. Enable it, restart, and confirm the server has finished booting.
Can Xbox or PS5 players join my Palworld server?
Yes, but only if their platform is enabled in Crossplay Platforms. Consoles can't type an IP, so they join by searching your server name in the in-game server list.
Why isn't my Palworld server showing in the list?
The in-game browser is unreliable and slow to populate. PC players should connect by IP instead; console players may need a restart before it appears — contact support if it never does.
My friends get a version mismatch after an update — how do I fix it?
Restart the server so it pulls the latest Palworld build. Everyone must be on the same version to connect.