Palworld: Upload Existing Save
Introduction
Palworld stores dedicated server world data in a specific save folder and requires a matching configuration entry to load it correctly. In this guide, you will learn how to upload an existing save to your ZAP-Hosting Palworld server and configure the server so it starts with the correct world data.
You cannot transfer Xbox console or PS5 cloud saves directly to a dedicated Palworld server. Only saves from a PC installation or an existing dedicated server can be migrated with this method.
Preparation
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Existing Palworld save | A save folder from a PC installation or another dedicated server |
| Access to your ZAP-Hosting game server | You need access to the web interface, including the file manager and Configs section |
| Server stopped | The Palworld server should be stopped before replacing save data |
| Save folder name | You need the exact folder name of your uploaded save, for example [your_savefolder_id] |
On ZAP-Hosting, the relevant Palworld configuration files can be accessed through your game server administration under Configs. You do not need to edit the file directly through the file manager unless you prefer to verify the path manually.
Understand the Required Save Structure
Before you upload anything, it is important to understand which folder Palworld actually loads.
The server save location is:
Pal/Saved/SaveGames/0/[your_savefolder_id]/
Inside this folder, you should usually see files and folders similar to the following:
Level.sav
LevelMeta.sav
Players/
In some older or migrated saves, you may also see:
WorldOption.sav
If WorldOption.sav is present in the uploaded save folder, delete it before starting the server. This file is known to cause problems with newer Palworld server setups and should not be used for migrated saves unless specifically required by a confirmed current setup.
Find the Correct Configuration File
To make the server load your uploaded world, you need to edit GameUserSettings.ini.
In the ZAP-Hosting game server administration:
- Open your Palworld server.
- Go to
Configs. - Open
GameUserSettings.ini.
Depending on the current server environment, the underlying file path is typically one of the following:
| Possible path | Notes |
|---|---|
Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini | Common on Linux-based Palworld server deployments |
Pal/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/GameUserSettings.ini | May appear on Windows-based deployments |
Palworld server installations may use either LinuxServer or WindowsServer in the config path depending on the current platform used by the provider. If you are editing the file through Configs, the correct file is already exposed there, so you only need to make sure you are modifying GameUserSettings.ini.
Upload a Save From Another Dedicated Server
If your save already comes from another hosting provider, you can migrate it directly.
Back Up the Existing Save
On your previous provider, locate and download the existing save folder from:
Pal/Saved/SaveGames/0/
Copy the full folder with the random alphanumeric name, for example:
[your_savefolder_id]
Stop the ZAP-Hosting Server
Before you upload the new save, stop your Palworld server in the ZAP-Hosting web interface.
Do not replace save files while the server is running. This can lead to incomplete uploads, overwritten data, or a corrupted save.
Replace the Default Save Folder
Open the file manager for your game server and navigate to:
Pal/Saved/SaveGames/0/
Delete the default save folder that was created automatically by the server, then upload your existing save folder into the same location.
After the upload, the structure should look like this:
Pal/Saved/SaveGames/0/[your_savefolder_id]/
Set the Correct Save Folder in GameUserSettings.ini
Now open GameUserSettings.ini through Configs and look for the DedicatedServerName entry.
Set it to the exact name of your uploaded save folder:
DedicatedServerName=[your_savefolder_id]
| Config entry | Required value |
|---|---|
DedicatedServerName | The exact folder name inside Pal/Saved/SaveGames/0/ |
DedicatedServerName must match the uploaded folder name exactly, including all letters and numbers. If the value does not match, the server may start a different world or appear to load without map progress.
Start the Server
After saving the configuration, start your Palworld server again.
No additional console command is normally required after the upload. A full server restart is sufficient for the new save to be loaded.
Upload a Save From a Steam Co-op World
If you previously hosted your world locally through Steam co-op, you can also upload that save to your dedicated server.
Locate the Local Steam Save
On your Windows PC, press Windows + R and open:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Pal\Saved\SaveGames
Inside this location, open the folder named with your SteamID64. Then locate the world folder you want to upload:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Pal\Saved\SaveGames\[your_steamid64]\[your_savefolder_id]
Upload the Save to the Server
Once you have identified the correct save folder:
- Stop your Palworld server.
- Open the file manager.
- Navigate to
Pal/Saved/SaveGames/0/. - Delete the default save folder.
- Upload your existing save folder.
- Open
GameUserSettings.iniunderConfigs. - Set:
DedicatedServerName=[your_savefolder_id]
- Save the file and start the server again.
When migrating a local Steam co-op world, the host character is not transferred automatically in the same way as connected player data. In practice, this means the original host may need additional third-party save conversion or character transfer steps if character continuity is required.
Upload a Save From PC Game Pass
PC Game Pass saves use a different format and are not directly ready for a dedicated Palworld server.
Locate the Game Pass Save
The local Game Pass save data is typically stored in:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\PocketpairInc.Palworld_ad4psfrxyesvt\SystemAppData\wgs\
Convert the Save First
To use a PC Game Pass save on a dedicated server, you need to convert it to a Steam-compatible format using a third-party conversion tool.
One commonly used option is Palworld Save Tools.
Third-party save conversion tools are not developed or maintained by ZAP-Hosting. Their functionality can change over time, and compatibility is not guaranteed. Always create a backup of your original save before using any conversion tool.
After conversion, the exported save is commonly placed in a folder such as:
XGP_converted_saves
Upload the Converted Save
After the save has been converted:
- Stop your server.
- Open the file manager.
- Go to
Pal/Saved/SaveGames/0/. - Delete the default save folder.
- Upload the converted save folder.
- Open
GameUserSettings.iniinConfigs. - Set the correct folder name:
DedicatedServerName=[your_savefolder_id]
- Save the file and start the server.
Required Configuration Changes
The most important manual step in this process is editing GameUserSettings.ini correctly.
Configuration Entry Overview
| File | Location in ZAP interface | Entry to change | Example value |
|---|---|---|---|
GameUserSettings.ini | Configs | DedicatedServerName | DedicatedServerName=84B5E2264EC387DEDB43179D666031A1 |
Example Configuration
If your uploaded save folder is named 84B5E2264EC387DEDB43179D666031A1, the entry should look like this:
DedicatedServerName=84B5E2264EC387DEDB43179D666031A1
Do not add extra quotes unless they already exist in the file syntax used by your current configuration template.
Verify the Upload
After the server starts, join the server and check whether your world data has loaded correctly.
You should verify the following:
| Check | Expected result |
|---|---|
| World loads | The existing map and structures are present |
| Player data | Previously transferred player data is available where applicable |
| Save folder match | DedicatedServerName matches the uploaded folder exactly |
| Deprecated file removed | WorldOption.sav is no longer present if it caused issues |
Troubleshooting
If the upload does not work as expected, check these common causes.
Server Starts a Fresh World
If the server creates a new world instead of loading your uploaded save, the most common cause is an incorrect DedicatedServerName value.
Make sure:
- the uploaded folder is inside
Pal/Saved/SaveGames/0/ - the folder name is copied exactly
DedicatedServerName=[your_savefolder_id]matches that folder exactly
Map Data Is Missing
If the server starts but your world progress or map data appears missing, verify the same folder name match again.
This issue is commonly caused by a mismatch between:
- the uploaded save folder name
- the
DedicatedServerNamevalue inGameUserSettings.ini
Save Upload Looks Correct but Still Fails
If the folder structure looks correct but the save still does not load:
- confirm that the save came from a supported source
- remove
WorldOption.savif it exists - make sure the server was fully stopped before replacing files
- restart the server after saving the config changes
If you upload a large save, wait until the transfer has fully completed before starting the server. Starting too early can leave the save incomplete and prevent the world from loading properly.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you have successfully uploaded an existing Palworld save to your ZAP-Hosting server. For further questions or assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our support team, which is available daily to assist you!