Palworld: Restoring Saves & Fixing "Fresh World" Bug
A common nightmare for Palworld admins is restarting the server only to be asked to "Create Character" again. Usually, your save isn't gone—the server simply forgot where to look.
If the save you are restoring originally came from co-op, the free Save Migration Doctor verifies the folder is structurally sound - and its companion Palworld Save Converter fixes the host-character mismatch that produces the same "Create Character" symptom.
1. The Cause
The server tracks which save folder to load via the DedicatedServerName string in the config. If this resets or mismatches, the server generates a brand new folder.
2. The Check
Before panicking, check /Pal/Saved/SaveGames/0/. If you see TWO folders (e.g., your old 2F4A... and a new 8B1C...), your data is safe.
3. The Fix
We need to tell the server to ignore the new folder and point back to the old GUID folder.
Step-by-Step Recovery Guide
- Stop the Server immediately to prevent new data from overwriting old backups.
- Open File Manager and go to
/Pal/Saved/SaveGames/0/. - Identify the folder with the larger size or older date (this is your original save). Copy its name (the long random string).
- Navigate to
/Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/. - Edit
GameUserSettings.ini. - Find the line:
DedicatedServerName=.... - Paste your original folder name here.
Example:DedicatedServerName=2F4A9999... - Save and Restart.
"I'm Still Level 1 but the World is Built?"
If you log in and see your base, but you are forced to create a new character, this is a GUID mismatch - the classic "host save fix" case.
- This happens when moving from co-op to a dedicated server, or when server ownership changes.
- Co-op stores the host under a fixed player ID; a dedicated server derives each player's ID from their platform account, so it does not recognise the character and hands you a fresh one.
- Solution: rebind the character's ID inside the save. The free Palworld Save Converter does it in your browser - no Python install, and no "join the server once first" step, because it derives the server-side ID straight from the Steam ID. It carries the character's level, tech unlocks, map, pals, palbox, guild, structures and door locks across, and it can rebind any player, not just the host.
If you would rather run a local script, the long-standing palworld-host-save-fix project does the same job from the command line - but note it predates Palworld 1.0's Oodle save format and Xbox Game Pass containers, both of which the converter reads.
Emergency: If fixing the config doesn't work, delete the contents of the config file `DedicatedServerName` (leave it blank). Start the server, let it generate a new folder, stop it, then COPY the contents of your OLD folder into the NEW folder.
Never lose progress. Host your Palworld server with Supercraft, where our automated systems handle GUID mapping and daily backups for you.