Managing a Palworld server on Linux can offer more control, stability, and performance compared to other operating systems. Linux’s flexibility and efficiency make it an excellent choice for hosting game servers, but it does require some technical know-how. This guide will walk you through the essential tasks for managing your Palworld server on a Linux system, covering everything from installation to performance optimization. Whether you’re a seasoned sysadmin or a beginner, these steps will help you maintain a smooth-running server.
POV: you after our guide
Why choose Linux for your Palworld server?
Linux is known for its reliability and efficiency, making it a popular choice for server management. It’s an open-source operating system that provides you with a high degree of customization and control. Unlike Windows, Linux is less resource-intensive, which can result in better performance, especially on servers that handle multiple players and mods. Moreover, Linux distributions like Ubuntu and CentOS have strong community support, making it easier to find solutions and tools tailored to server management.
1. Installing your Palworld server on Linux
Choosing the right Linux distribution
Before you start, choose a Linux distribution that suits your needs. Ubuntu and CentOS are popular choices for game servers due to their stability and extensive support. If you’re new to Linux, Ubuntu might be the best option because of its user-friendly interface and strong community support.
Setting up the server environment
Once you have your Linux distribution installed, you’ll need to set up the server environment. Begin by updating your system to ensure all packages are up to date:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
Next, install the necessary dependencies. Palworld typically requires Java, so install it using the following command:
sudo apt-get install openjdk-17-jre
Downloading and running the server
Download the Palworld server files from the official source or your hosting provider. Once downloaded, create a directory for the server and move the files there:
mkdir ~/palworld-server
mv path/to/downloaded/files/* ~/palworld-server/
Navigate to the server directory and start the server:
cd ~/palworld-server
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar palworld.jar nogui
This command starts the server with 1GB of RAM allocated, which you can adjust according to your server’s needs.
2. Managing server processes
Running the server as a background process
To keep your server running even when you’re not logged into the terminal, run it as a background process. You can do this using the screen or tmux command:
sudo apt-get install screen
screen -S palworld-server
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar palworld.jar nogui
With screen, you can detach from the session while keeping the server running:
Ctrl + A, then D
To reattach to the session:
screen -r palworld-server
Automating server start at boot
To ensure your server starts automatically when the system reboots, create a systemd service:
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/palworld.service
Add the following configuration:
[Unit]
Description=Palworld Server
After=network.target
[Service]
User=your-username
WorkingDirectory=/home/your-username/palworld-server
ExecStart=/usr/bin/java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar palworld.jar nogui
Restart=always
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
Enable and start the service:
sudo systemctl enable palworld.service
sudo systemctl start palworld.service
3. Monitoring server performance
Using Linux monitoring tools
Linux provides several tools to monitor your server’s performance, which is crucial for ensuring smooth gameplay.
-
htop: An interactive process viewer that shows CPU, memory usage, and running processes.
sudo apt-get install htop htop -
iftop: A network bandwidth monitoring tool that shows real-time bandwidth usage by process or connection.
sudo apt-get install iftop sudo iftop -
netdata: A powerful, real-time monitoring tool that provides detailed metrics and visualizations.
bash <(curl -Ss https://my-netdata.io/kickstart.sh)
Analyzing logs
Regularly checking server logs is essential for troubleshooting issues and ensuring everything is running smoothly. Server logs are usually stored in the logs directory within your server files. You can view them using:
tail -f ~/palworld-server/logs/latest.log
This command displays the most recent entries in your log file and updates in real-time as new logs are generated.
4. Securing your Palworld server
Setting up a firewall
Securing your server is crucial, especially when it’s accessible over the internet. Use ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall) to manage firewall rules:
sudo apt-get install ufw
sudo ufw allow 7777/tcp # Replace with your server port
sudo ufw enable
Regular updates and backups
Ensure your server and all its components are regularly updated to protect against vulnerabilities. Automate this process by setting up a cron job:
sudo crontab -e
Add the following line to update and upgrade the system daily:
0 3 * * * apt-get update && apt-get upgrade -y
Additionally, regularly back up your server data to avoid losing progress in case of an issue. You can automate backups using cron jobs as well.
5. Simplifying management with Dedicated Gaming Servers
Managing a Palworld server on Linux can be rewarding but also challenging, especially if you’re new to server administration. At Dedicated Gaming Servers, we offer a range of services to make this process easier:
- Automated installation: We handle the initial setup and configuration of your Palworld server, so you don’t have to worry about complex installations.
- Performance monitoring: Our servers come with built-in monitoring tools, allowing you to keep track of performance metrics effortlessly.
- 24/7 support: Our expert support team is available around the clock to assist with any issues, ensuring your server runs smoothly.
Conclusion
Running a Palworld server on Linux gives you the flexibility and control to create an optimized gaming environment. From installation to security, this guide has covered the essential steps to manage your server effectively. However, if you prefer to focus on gaming rather than server management, consider using Dedicated Gaming Servers. We provide the tools and support you need to keep your server running smoothly, so you can enjoy Palworld without the hassle. Explore our hosting plans today and see how we can help you manage your Palworld server with ease.
