How to Convert & Upload a Local Save to Your Palworld Server

The process to upload local saves to a Palworld server can be a challenging task, as it involves locating the files, converting data, then uploading everything correctly in the server. Due to that, we’ve created this Apex Hosting guide to show you how to successfully transfer your local save to your Palworld server. We’ve broken down the exact steps to find your files, convert the save data, upload it all, and how to properly configure the server.

If you have any trouble during this process, review the “Common Issues” section below.
 

1. Find Your Local Save Files

You need to find and make a copy of your local save, as it will be modified for the server.

1. Launch Palworld and select Start Game, then click your world.
2. Select the Folder Icon at the bottom left corner of your screen.
   
3. Click the other folder at the top to view the main save folder.
   

   The other folder is your SteamID64, e.g. “76561198371917908”.

4. Copy the main folder and paste it on your Desktop or somewhere easily accessible.
   

   Keep this handy for later use.

2. Convert Your Local Data

Local save data is different from server data, so you need to convert a few files.

1. Head towards the Palworld Save Converter by TroubleChute.
2. Drag + drop your Level.sav file in the Co-op Level field.
3. Now Drag + drop the entire Players folder in the Co-op Players Folder field.
   
4. Enter your SteamID64 (click here to find yours).
   
5. Click Convert in the bottom right corner, then download the zip file.
   
6. Open this zipped file, then drag + drop its contents in your main save folder.

 
This will replace existing files with your converted data so the server registers it properly.
 

3. Upload Converted Save to Server

Now it’s time to upload the converted save files to the server!

1. Head towards your Apex server panel and click Stop at the top.
2. Navigate to File Management > FTP File Access on the left.
   
3. Create a password or use your existing password to login.
4. Navigate to the Pal / Saved / SaveGames / 0 directory.
   
5. Drag + drop the main save folder into this area (not individual files).
   

   Wait for everything to successfully transfer.

 
⚠️ If your Palworld save folder is too large, you need to use an FTP Client to upload it.
 

4. Configure Server Settings

With the files uploaded, you need to tell the server to load that converted local save.

1. Make sure the Palworld server is stopped.
2. Navigate to Pal / Saved / Config / LinuxServer from the FTP area.
   
3. Locate and double-click the GameUserSettings.ini file.
   
4. Copy & paste your main save folder name in the DedicatedServerName= setting.
   

   E.g. DedicatedServerName=EFC861A04CA791D3EB701CBD4EA1463E

5. Click Save at the bottom, then return to the main panel and start the server.

5. Join Your Palworld Server

Now you need to confirm if this successfully worked by joining the server. When you connect, you should be all set. Double-check that your character is correct, structures are there, and items are stored properly. If all of that is good, then you’ve uploaded your local save into the Palworld server! 👏
 

Common Issues

Here are some common issues that you and others might encounter when following this guide.
 

Server Loads a Fresh World

If the server boots up and it’s a brand new save file (no structures, new characters), then the server configuration file cannot find or read your uploaded save folder.

Solution:

1. Stop the server and open the GameUserSettings.ini file.
2. Verify that DedicatedServerName= matches your save folder’s name exactly.
3. Ensure the save folder was uploaded directly into the 0 directory.

Being Forced to Create a New Character

If you see structures and bases in the world, then that means the only data missing are the players.

Solution:

1. Stop your server completely.
2. Double-check your SteamID64 to ensure it is 100% accurate.
3. Run the converter again, and select your entire Players folder plus the right SteamID64.
4. Re-upload and overwrite the files inside the server’s Players folder.

File Upload Freezes or Times Out

This happens due to having a large save folder, as Palworld can accumulate a massive amount of tiny files quickly. The standard FTP File Access panel can occasionally freeze or time out due to large file transfers.

Solution:

1. Download an external FTP client like FileZilla or Cyberduck.
2. Use your FTP login credentials to log into the client.
3. Upload the save folder accordingly via the FTP client.

 
If you still have any concerns or questions, contact our Support Team for assistance.