Palworld Version Mismatch Fix for Dedicated Servers (1.0, 2026)

A Palworld version mismatch error means your game and the dedicated server are on different builds, so the server refuses the connection. The fix is to update the server, restart it, and make sure every player has updated too. It almost always happens on patch day, when Steam or a console updates the game before the server catches up.

Quick fix

1. Update and restart the dedicated server.
2. Fully close Palworld on every device and let the store finish updating it.
3. On Steam, right click Palworld, open Properties, Installed Files and click Verify integrity of game files if it seems stuck on an old build.
4. Rejoin by typing the address with the port, for example 203.0.113.10:8211, rather than using Recent Servers.

If that does not do it, work through the sections below.

Why does Palworld say version mismatch?

Palworld multiplayer needs the client and server on exactly the same build. Pocketpair ships patches often: five numbered updates came out between July 15 and September 15, 2026, from v1.0.1 to v1.0.5, as listed in our Palworld patch notes roundup. Each one moves the version number, and a self hosted server does not update itself. The moment Steam patches your game, an old server stops letting you in.

The error can also go the other way. If the server updated but one friend's game has not, that friend gets the mismatch while everyone else plays.

How do you check which side is out of date?

Since v1.0.4 (September 7, 2026), Pocketpair made "version mismatch errors now show the version of the connection target" (Steam). So the error itself tells you the server's version. Compare it with the latest patch:

On the server side, the RCON command Info returns the server name and the version it is running.

How do you update a self hosted Palworld server?

Run SteamCMD with the dedicated server's app ID 2394010, then restart:

steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit

Run it from the same install folder you used originally (with +force_install_dir if you set one), or you update a second copy and start the old one again. If you run the server in Docker, pull the latest image or restart a container that updates on start.

Before you update, copy Pal/Saved/SaveGames somewhere safe. Patches rarely damage saves, but a backup costs nothing.

Why do Xbox, PS5 or Game Pass players get a version mismatch?

Patches do not always land on every store at the same minute. Steam, Xbox, PlayStation and the Microsoft Store each process updates on their own schedule, so one platform can be a few hours ahead of another. During that window, a server updated for Steam can reject console players, or the other way round.

What to do:

• Console: fully close the game, check for updates in the console's game menu, and restart.
• PC Game Pass or Microsoft Store: open the Xbox app or Microsoft Store library, check for updates and install them.
• Everyone: if a patch is only out on Steam, either wait for the other platforms or hold the server on the old version until they catch up.

Pocketpair occasionally ships PC only builds. The v1.0.2.100993 and v1.0.2.101103 builds on July 30, 2026 were marked as not affecting crossplay with other platforms. If you still get errors with console players after a patch, our Palworld crossplay guide covers the CrossplayPlatforms side.

Other causes of a Palworld version mismatch

• Old Recent Servers entry. Recent Servers can keep stale details. Type the address into the box at the bottom of the Join Multiplayer Game screen.
• Leftover mod files. Before 1.0, Pocketpair warned that old mod files and loaders can still load even when disabled. Delete them and verify game files.
• A second server install. On a self hosted machine, make sure the folder you updated is the folder your start script runs.
• The server did not restart. Updating files while the server is running does nothing until it restarts.

If the error is a timeout rather than a version message, see Palworld server connection timed out instead.

Version mismatch on a GamezServers server

On our Palworld servers, Update on start is on by default, so a restart is the whole fix on the server side:

1. Restart the server from the panel once the patch is out.
2. Click Server info to see the version the server is running.
3. Have every player update their game and rejoin.

If you turned Update on start off to hold a version, turn it back on or everyone on the new build stays locked out.

FAQ

How do I fix version mismatch in Palworld?

Update the server and restart it, then make sure every player has installed the latest patch. Since v1.0.4 the error shows the server's version, so you can see which side is behind.

Why can my friend join but I get version mismatch?

Your game is on a different build from the server. Close Palworld, let your store update it, and verify the game files on Steam.

Does a Palworld update reset my server?

No. Updating replaces program files, not the world in Pal/Saved/SaveGames. Take a backup before major updates anyway.

Why do console players get version mismatch after a patch?

Console and Microsoft Store builds can arrive at a different time from the Steam build. Wait for the patch on their platform, or keep the server on the older build until it arrives.

How do I see my Palworld server version?

Run the Info command over RCON, or read the error itself, which shows the server's version since v1.0.4.