How to Handle Cheaters and Griefers on Your Palworld Server
Most players are there to have fun, but a few can spoil it for everyone. Being prepared makes problems easier to handle.
Prevention first
- Use a server password or whitelist to control who joins.
- Write clear rules and explain the consequences.
- Keep your admin password private and change it if you suspect it leaked.
- Keep the server updated.
See our guides on server and admin passwords and on ban lists for how to set these up.
Spotting problems
Signs can include unexpected item counts, destroyed bases, strange movement or complaints from players. Encourage members to report issues with details such as time, location and the player involved.
Gather evidence
Check the server console and logs around the time of the incident. See our guide on reading Palworld server logs. Screenshots and clips from players help too. Avoid acting on rumour alone.
Respond fairly
- Talk to the person if it looks like a misunderstanding.
- Issue a warning for minor issues.
- Remove or ban for serious or repeated offences.
- Record what happened and what you decided.
Consistent responses make your moderation more trusted.
Fixing the damage
Regular backups are your safety net. If a base is destroyed, you may choose to restore a backup, though that rolls back everyone's progress, so weigh it carefully and tell the community before doing it.
Anti-cheat and tools
Some owners use mods or tools to help detect cheating, but their availability and compatibility change with game updates. Check documentation and test any tool on a copy of your world before using it, and be aware it can cause issues if it is out of date.
Be transparent
Tell your community what rules exist and how enforcement works. You do not need to share every detail, but players should know that reports are taken seriously.
Protect yourself
Take a backup before any major cleanup. Use DDoS protection and avoid publishing sensitive information like admin credentials in public channels.
Calm, consistent moderation protects your community better than harsh reactions.