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Linux or Windows/Proton: which to choose?

At YorkHost, a Palworld server can run on native Linux (default) or on Windows via the Proton overlay (a +€0.99/month add-on). The right choice comes down to a single question: do you need UE4SS mods?

Decision table​

Your needRecommended environment
Vanilla server (no mods)Linux
Content / config .pak modsLinux
Best performance (CPU/RAM)Linux
UE4SS mods (Lua scripts, LogicMods)Windows + Proton
The simple rule

Windows + Proton only if you want UE4SS. In every other case, Linux is recommended: it's the native environment of the Palworld server, lighter and more performant.

Why Linux by default?​

The Palworld dedicated server is natively designed for Linux. This environment:

  • Uses fewer resources (no emulation layer)
  • Offers superior stability and performance at equal load
  • Incurs no add-on cost

.pak mods (content and config) work perfectly on Linux — see Install PAK mods.

Why Windows + Proton for UE4SS?​

UE4SS relies on injecting a Windows DLL (UE4SS.dll), which is incompatible with a native Linux server. The Proton overlay (Valve's compatibility layer) runs the server in an emulated Windows environment, allowing UE4SS to load.

This extra resource cost is billed at +€0.99/month. Details and UE4SS installation: UE4SS mods.

Switching from Windows/Proton to Linux​

If you no longer use UE4SS, going back to Linux gains you performance and removes the add-on.

UE4SS mods will not follow

Switching Proton → Linux disables all UE4SS mods. UE4SS files (UE4SS.dll, ue4ss/Mods/) do not work on native Linux. Your LogicMods and Lua scripts will stop loading. Classic content .pak mods, however, keep working.

Procedure:

  1. Back up your server (the Backups tab) and download the SaveGames/0/ folder for safety
  2. From your client area:
  3. Select your Palworld server
  4. In server options, disable the Windows + Proton option
  5. The server will automatically restart on Linux
  6. Verify in-game that your world and content .pak mods are present
info

The world save (SaveGames/) is independent of the environment: your progress is preserved during the switch. Only UE4SS mods are affected.

Switching from Linux to Windows/Proton​

The reverse direction (to enable UE4SS) is just as simple: enable the Windows + Proton option from the client area, then install UE4SS by following UE4SS mods.