Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesA Palworld dedicated server can hold up to 32 concurrent players. The setting is controlled by ServerPlayerMaxNum in PalWorldSettings.ini or, where supported, the -players launch flag; the documented range in third-party configuration guides is 1–32. This is different from menu-hosted co-op, which is limited to four players total. Cross-platform players use the same shared slot pool rather than separate platform quotas.
Prefer not to run the server on your own PC? Godlike.Host offers hosted Palworld servers with free DDoS protection and up to three free backups a day.
The figures below come from third-party hosting guides found in 2026 search results. Pocketpair’s official configuration documentation was not located for this check, so the 32-player ceiling should be treated as the current reported limit, not an officially verified guarantee. No evidence confirms that a 2026 patch changed it.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Palworld player limits at a glance
| Server type or setting | Player capacity | What the number means |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated server | Up to 32 concurrent players | The reported hard ceiling for one server instance. |
ServerPlayerMaxNum |
1–32 | The valid range stated by third-party configuration guides. |
| Menu-hosted co-op | 4 players total | A peer-to-peer session hosted from the game menu, not a dedicated server. |
| Crossplay | One shared pool | Players on supported platforms draw from the same server capacity; no separate per-platform allocation has been established. |
“Concurrent” means connected to that server at the same time. It does not mean the number of characters, accounts, guild members or people who may join at different times. A 32-slot configuration can therefore serve a larger community over a day, but only the configured number can be online simultaneously.
Dedicated server versus co-op hosting
Dedicated server
A dedicated server runs independently of a player’s game session. It can remain online when the original administrator is offline, making it suitable for a persistent world, a community schedule or a group that plays at different times. The server process reads its world and gameplay settings from its server configuration and enforces the player limit before admitting another connection.
#1 Best Overall
- BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
- EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
- COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.
Menu-hosted co-op
Starting a multiplayer world from the game menu creates a host-based, peer-to-peer session. Its four-player total is a separate restriction from the dedicated-server setting. Changing ServerPlayerMaxNum on a dedicated-server installation cannot turn a menu-hosted session into a larger server, and renting a dedicated instance is unnecessary if four participants are enough.
Why the distinction matters
Players often search for a single “Palworld server max players” value, but the answer depends first on the hosting model. Before changing files, decide whether you need a persistent dedicated world or simply a short co-op session. That choice determines which limit applies and which configuration files exist.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How to increase the player count on a dedicated server
Use the following procedure for a self-managed Linux or Windows installation. The exact control-panel labels can differ between hosts, but the underlying file and parameter are the same in the guides that document this setting.
Rank #2
- WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
- AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
- PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
- ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
- COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
- Stop the server completely. Shut down the server process before editing. Changes made while it is running may be overwritten when the process stops or restarts.
- Open the operating-system-specific configuration directory. On Linux, use
Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini. On Windows, usePal/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/PalWorldSettings.ini. - Check the template file. Locate
DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini. One commonly documented setup method is to copy the template’s settings intoPalWorldSettings.ini; editing only the default file does not change the running server. - Find the player-count parameter. The settings are stored inside one
OptionSettings=(...)line. FindServerPlayerMaxNum=and replace its value with the number of simultaneous players you want, using a value from 1 through 32. - Preserve the line format. Keep the surrounding parentheses, commas and other options intact. Because many settings share one line, deleting a comma or parenthesis can prevent the server from loading its configuration.
- Save, then restart. Start the server after saving and allow it to finish loading before testing a second connection. If your host offers a configuration editor, verify that it writes to the same
PalWorldSettings.inipath rather than to a similarly named template. - Use the launch option only when appropriate. Some server launchers expose
-playersas an alternative way to set the maximum. Use the launcher’s documented syntax and avoid assuming that a command-line value and an INI value will merge; check which one your launcher applies at startup.
Do not edit the file while players are connected and expect an immediate change. The server must reread the setting during startup, and existing connections may need to be closed before a new limit is observable.
Why your default may not match another guide
Third-party guides disagree about the out-of-the-box value. One describes a default of about four players that can be raised to the server ceiling, while sample configuration files published elsewhere show values such as 8, 16 or 20. Those examples are not a reliable universal default: a host image, game build, management panel or copied template may supply a different value.
To determine your actual starting limit, open the DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini supplied with your installation and then inspect the active PalWorldSettings.ini. The active file is the one that matters after the server starts. If the two files differ, changing the template alone will not retroactively alter a world that is already using the active file.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
- Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
- Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
- Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
Choosing a sensible value for your hardware
The maximum slot count is not the same as a performance recommendation. Every connected player can add movement, world simulation, inventory activity, construction, combat and network traffic. CPU speed, available memory, storage performance, network upload capacity, world complexity and the server’s operating system all affect how many people can play smoothly.
One hosting vendor claims that stutters may begin above roughly 24 concurrently active players. That is a single vendor’s practical observation, not an independent benchmark or an official Pocketpair threshold. Use it as a warning to test your own instance rather than as a universal cutoff.
Start with a staged increase
- Set a conservative value that matches the number of people who will actually play during your first session.
- Monitor server tick behavior, player-reported delay, disconnects and operating-system CPU, memory and network usage.
- Add several slots only after a stable session, then repeat the test during the busiest activity you expect, such as a base build, dungeon run or large fight.
- If performance degrades, reduce the limit or improve the host before inviting more players. A lower stable cap is preferable to a nominal maximum that causes rollbacks or repeated disconnects.
Capacity planning questions
- How many people will be online at the same time, rather than merely registered in the community?
- Will players cluster in one heavily built base or spread across the map?
- Does the host have enough upload bandwidth for the expected number of connections?
- Can the machine sustain the game server alongside backups, monitoring or other services?
- Do you need all slots open immediately, or would a smaller initial cap make troubleshooting easier?
Crossplay and shared slots
Available guidance describes crossplay as a single shared pool: players on different supported platforms count against the same server capacity instead of receiving separate platform-specific allocations. In practice, a player joining from one platform occupies one slot just as a player joining from another platform would.
Rank #4
- Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
- Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
- 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
- Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
- USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
This crossplay detail has lower confidence than the dedicated-server ceiling because it has not been confirmed against an official Pocketpair configuration reference. Platform support, account requirements and crossplay behavior can also change with updates. If a particular platform cannot connect, treat that as a compatibility or version problem rather than assuming an unused platform quota exists.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Troubleshooting a player-limit change
The server still rejects players at the old limit
- Confirm that the server process was stopped before the edit and fully restarted afterward.
- Check that you changed the active file under the correct
LinuxServerorWindowsServerdirectory. - Make sure the value is attached to
ServerPlayerMaxNum, not to a similarly named option. - Inspect the startup log or host panel for configuration errors caused by a missing comma, parenthesis or quotation mark.
- Check whether a control panel regenerates
PalWorldSettings.inifrom its own saved profile during startup.
The server starts with default settings
Restore a clean copy of the template’s OptionSettings line, then apply your player-count edit carefully. A malformed one-line configuration can cause the server to ignore the file or fall back to defaults. Keep a backup of the last known-good file before each change.
The setting exceeds the accepted range
Use a value from 1 through 32. A number above the documented range is not a supported way to create a larger server, and a launcher may clamp it, reject it or start with another value. If you need more simultaneous players than one instance supports, separate server worlds are a different architecture; they do not create one shared 33-plus-player world.
Best Value
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
Players connect but experience stutter
Reduce the configured count and reproduce the busiest scenario. Compare performance with fewer active players, then examine CPU, memory, storage and network utilization. If lowering the cap resolves the problem, the issue is capacity rather than the connection procedure. Continue with a smaller limit until the server remains stable under realistic activity.
What is and is not established about the current cap
The 32-player dedicated-server ceiling is consistently reported by the third-party guides available for 2026, and the same guides identify ServerPlayerMaxNum and -players as controls. However, no official Pocketpair statement or configuration page was located to independently verify those figures. There is also no confirmed report that a 2026 patch raised or lowered the limit.
For a production community server, verify the parameter against Pocketpair’s current configuration documentation when available, then test the exact game build and server package you operate. Version changes can alter file paths, templates or accepted options even when the general limit remains unchanged.
Practical answer for planning a server
If you are deciding how to host a group, use the four-player co-op limit for a small, host-based session and a dedicated server for a persistent community world. Configure the dedicated instance using the active INI file, begin below the reported ceiling if hardware or activity is uncertain, and increase the value only after a controlled performance test. Treat the maximum as a slot limit, not a promise that every machine can run that many active players smoothly.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
