FPS and server load on Palworld

Palworld on a host is not just RAM. CPU spikes when lots of people online build, spawn pals and run mods at the same time. On the Cattiva plan (12 GB) a closed group works, but a heavy world needs tuning or an upgrade.

Adjust how many can join

In PalWorldSettings.ini the key ServerPlayerMaxNum sets the cap. If the server chokes with 14 online, drop to 10 or 12 and test again. Edit in Files with Power off, save and start.

ServerPlayerMaxNum=12

Pair that with group rules: fewer spread out bases, fewer giant farms in the same chunk. The .ini guide explains other world and spawn keys.

Bases, pals and a living world

• Many bases far apart force the server to simulate more areas.
• Dozens of pals on workbenches and breeding eat CPU even offline.
• Items on the ground and piled corpses add weight too. Use decay and cleanup in the .ini if it makes sense for vale-cattiva.
• Raids and events with everyone in one spot spike load. Warn the group before a boss rush.

Mods and CPU use

A modded server almost always uses more CPU than vanilla. Each .pak adds assets and logic. If you installed a big pack, expect less headroom on Cattiva.

1. Install only mods the group will use.
2. Keep client and server on the same .pak files.
3. After adding a mod, watch the Console for errors and lag with 3 or 4 players before opening to 16.

UseUObjectArrayCache in Engine.ini

On modded servers the community often recommends turning off the UObject cache. The typical line goes in Engine.ini, inside the Pal config folder on the host. In the panel, open Files and look for Engine.ini under Saved/Config (exact path may vary by server image).

[/Script/Engine.GarbageCollectionSettings]
gc.UseUObjectArrayCache=False

Only apply it if your modded pack asks for it or you follow a trusted guide for your mod set. Vanilla with no mods rarely needs this. Always stop in Power, edit, save and start again.

When to upgrade the plan

If after tuning you still get bad tick with mods and a big base, the bottleneck is hardware. Grizzbolt (16 GB, ~32 players) or Kitsun (24 GB, unlimited slots) give room for community and a heavy world.

• Cattiva: friends, light vanilla or a few mods.
• Grizzbolt: medium community, big bases, moderate mod pack.
• Kitsun: public server, events, lots of pals and mods together.