How to Install .pak Mods on a Palworld Server

Learn how to safely install manual .pak mods on a GuavaHost Palworld Proton and UE4SS server.

3 min read · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · By GuavaHost Team

This guide explains how to install manual .pak mods on a GuavaHost Proton and UE4SS Palworld server.

Important: Standard Linux Palworld servers may not support server-side mods. Contact GuavaHost support if you need the Proton and UE4SS installation service.

Before You Begin

Check the mod's download page and confirm that:

It supports the current Palworld version
It works on dedicated servers
It does not require another mod
It supports your players' platforms
It uses the manual .pak installation method

If the downloaded mod contains an Info.json file or specifically mentions Workshop installation, follow the mod author's Workshop instructions instead.

Create a server backup before installing the mod.

Step 1: Download and Extract the Mod

Download the mod to your computer and extract its archive.

The mod may contain:

ExampleMod.pak

Some mods also include matching files:

ExampleMod.pak
ExampleMod.ucas
ExampleMod.utoc

Keep all matching files together.

Do not upload the original .zip or .rar unless you intend to extract it through the panel.

Step 2: Stop the Server

Stop the server completely before uploading mod files.

Step 3: Open the Mods Folder

Open the Files tab and go to:

Pal/Content/Paks

Create a folder named:

~mods

The complete path should be:

Pal/Content/Paks/~mods

Step 4: Upload the Mod

Upload the mod's .pak file and any matching .ucas or .utoc files directly into ~mods.

Correct:

Pal/Content/Paks/~mods/ExampleMod.pak

Incorrect:

Pal/Content/Paks/~mods/ExampleMod/Pal/Content/Paks/ExampleMod.pak

Step 5: Start and Test

Start the server and watch the console.

Join and confirm that the mod works before installing another one.

Install mods one at a time so a broken or incompatible mod is easier to identify.

Client-Side Installation

Some .pak mods must also be installed by every player.

The mod page should state whether client installation is required.

Players normally use the matching folder on their computer:

Palworld/Pal/Content/Paks/~mods

Players who do not install a required client mod may be unable to connect or may experience missing content.

Updating a Mod

Create a backup.
Stop the server.
Remove the old mod files.
Upload the updated files.
Start and test the server.

Do not leave two versions of the same mod installed.

Removing a Mod

Create a backup.
Stop the server.
Remove the mod's files from ~mods.
Start the server.

Warning: Removing a mod that added Pals, items or structures may damage or remove that content from the world.

Troubleshooting

The Mod Does Not Work

Check that:

It supports dedicated servers
It supports the current Palworld version
The actual mod files are directly inside ~mods
All required dependencies are installed
The server was restarted
Client files were installed where required

The Server Crashes After Installing the Mod

Stop the server and remove the newest mod files.

Start the server again. If it starts normally, the mod is incompatible, outdated or missing a dependency.

The Archive Contains Different Folders

Follow the mod author's instructions.

Some mods use:

Pal/Content/Paks/LogicMods

or the official Workshop mod system instead of ~mods.

Do not move files between these folders unless instructed by the mod developer.

Related Guides

palworld
mods
pak
ue4ss
proton

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