Palworld is an open-world multiplayer survival game that allows players to explore, battle, and trade creatures with friends. However, many players report issues where Palworld multiplayer mode doesn’t work, preventing them from joining friends, experiencing server disconnects, or dealing with lag.

If you’re struggling with Palworld multiplayer not working, follow these steps to fix the issue and restore online gameplay.

Why Isn’t Palworld Multiplayer Working?

Palworld multiplayer issues can happen due to:

• Server downtime – The game servers might be under maintenance.
• Connection errors – Network restrictions, NAT issues, or unstable internet can prevent online access.
• Game bugs – Outdated versions or missing game files can break multiplayer.
• Friend invite failures – Crossplay and friend-list syncing issues may cause problems.
• High ping and lag – Network congestion or poor optimization can lead to delays in multiplayer mode.

Understanding these causes helps in applying the correct fix.

How to Fix Palworld Multiplayer Not Working

If Palworld multiplayer isn’t working, follow these steps to troubleshoot and restore connectivity.

1. Check Palworld Server Status

Before making any changes to your system, verify if Palworld’s servers are online.

• Visit Pocketpair’s official X or Discord for maintenance updates.
• Use DownDetector to see if other players are experiencing similar connection issues.
• Try playing at a different time if the servers are overloaded.

If the servers are down, you will need to wait for an official fix before multiplayer mode becomes available again.

2. Restart the Game and Your Device

If the servers are fine but multiplayer still doesn’t work, restart the game and your system:

• Close Palworld completely and relaunch it.
• Restart your PC, Xbox, or Steam Deck to clear any temporary system issues.
• Relaunch the game and try connecting again.

This helps resolve minor bugs that could be interfering with multiplayer mode.

3. Ensure Your Internet Connection is Stable

A poor internet connection can cause disconnects, high ping, or failure to join friends.

• Restart your router and modem to refresh the connection.
• Switch to a wired (Ethernet) connection for lower latency and stability.
• Run a speed test to check if your internet is stable enough for online gaming.
• Disable any VPNs or proxies that may interfere with the game’s connection.

If your network is unstable, multiplayer mode may fail to work correctly.

4. Check NAT Type and Network Restrictions

Your NAT (Network Address Translation) type can affect online multiplayer connectivity.

For Xbox Users:

• Go to Settings > Network > NAT Type and ensure it’s Open.

For PC Users:

• Disable your firewall or antivirus temporarily to check if it’s blocking the game.
• Open Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an App Through Firewall, find Palworld, and enable Private and Public Network access.
• Restart the game and check if multiplayer mode now works.

A strict NAT type can prevent Palworld from properly connecting to online servers, affecting matchmaking and co-op play.

5. Verify Game Files and Update Palworld

If the game is crashing or failing to join multiplayer, missing files or outdated versions may be causing the issue.

For Steam Users:

• Open Steam > Library > Right-click Palworld > Properties > Local Files.
• Click Verify Integrity of Game Files to scan for missing or corrupted files.
• Restart Steam and relaunch Palworld.

For Xbox Users:

• Open My Games & Apps > Palworld > More Options > Check for Updates.

Keeping the game updated ensures that bug fixes and multiplayer improvements are applied.

6. Fixing Friend Invites & Co-op Connection Issues

If you can’t join a friend’s session or multiplayer invites aren’t working, try these fixes:

• Ensure both players have the same game version.
• Open Palworld > Multiplayer > Friends List and confirm your status is set to Online.
• Try joining through Steam/Xbox social features instead of in-game invites.
• Restart the game and resend the invite.

Sometimes, friend list syncing issues can prevent multiplayer invites from working correctly.

7. Reduce Lag & High Ping in Palworld Multiplayer

If you experience multiplayer lag, stuttering, or high ping, optimize your network settings:

• Close background applications like Discord, Twitch, or large downloads that consume bandwidth.
• Lower graphics settings in Palworld > Options > Graphics to reduce system load.
• Select a server region closest to your location for better ping.

For Xbox users, playing on a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi can drastically reduce lag.

8. Fix Crossplay Not Working in Palworld

Palworld supports crossplay between PC and Xbox, but some players report issues when trying to play across platforms.

• Confirm that both players have crossplay enabled in Settings > Multiplayer.
• Restart the game after enabling crossplay to refresh settings.
• Ensure both players have the latest game version installed.
• If crossplay still doesn’t work, try switching to a different multiplayer server.

Since Palworld’s multiplayer is still evolving, crossplay issues may occasionally arise.

9. Reinstall Palworld if Nothing Else Works

If multiplayer issues persist after trying all fixes, reinstalling the game might be the best option.

• Uninstall Palworld from your PC or Xbox.
• Restart your system before reinstalling the game.
• Download the latest version from Steam or Xbox Store.
• Launch the game and test multiplayer mode.

Reinstalling removes any corrupt game files that may be preventing multiplayer functionality.

Final Thoughts

If Palworld multiplayer isn’t working, the best fixes include checking server status, verifying game files, adjusting NAT type, and ensuring the game is updated. Many issues can be resolved by simply restarting the game, adjusting network settings, or reinstalling Palworld.

If none of these solutions work, consider reaching out to Palworld’s official support for further assistance. Let us know in the comments if this guide helped you!