Palworld Troubleshooting Guide: Repairs, Build Permission and Crashes

Below: why repairs fail, every documented reason building gets blocked, how to get unstuck, what to do about crashes after an update, and the connection problems we see most on dedicated servers.

Last updated 9 October 2026. Checked against Palworld 1.0.5 and the official server docs (version 1.0.4). The old text of this page was Pocketpair's Early Access troubleshooting guide, which is no longer published on guideline.palworldgame.com, so every claim here was re-checked against Pocketpair's patch notes, its server documentation and the game's data files.

Palworld can't repair: weapons, armour and structures

There are two different repair systems, and mixing them up is the most common reason people think repair is broken.

Weapons, armour and tools: the Repair Bench

The game's data files describe the Repair Bench as a workbench for repairing broken tools that needs materials to make repairs. From the same data (version 1.0):

If the repair option won't work, go through these in order:

1. You haven't unlocked or built the bench. Spend a technology point on Repair Bench, then place it from the build menu. Gear is repaired at the bench.
2. You don't have the materials. Repairs consume materials, so check your inventory and your base chests.
3. You're on a server that has switched the technology off. Pocketpair's server docs use RepairBench as the example for DenyTechnologyList, the setting that disables technologies. Ask the admin, or if it's your server, remove it from the list.
4. Your base is being attacked in PvP. With PvP turned on, the docs say you can't build or repair inside the base during the battle. Wait for the raid to end.
5. Chest permissions (older versions). Patch 1.0.4 fixed an issue where chest access permissions weren't applied correctly when crafting from base chests. Make sure the game and server are on 1.0.4 or later (the latest is 1.0.5).

Armour also wears out slower than it used to: version 1.0 reworked the armour durability formula so armour is less prone to breaking. On a server, the admin controls the wear rate with EquipmentDurabilityDamageRate, a multiplier on equipment durability loss.

Buildings and structures: Pals with Handiwork

Looking for a Repair Kit to fix your walls? It's gone. The 1.0 patch notes say the Repair Kit previously required for repairing structures was removed, and Pals with Handiwork work suitability can now repair structures without using items. Put a Handiwork Pal at the base and damaged structures get fixed on their own. How fast buildings decay is a server setting (BuildObjectDeteriorationDamageRate).

"You do not have permission to build" or can't place a structure

We couldn't find the exact wording of this message in Pocketpair's documentation, so rather than guess, here is every documented rule that can stop you placing or building something. Check them top to bottom.

Since 1.0 the game also shows who placed a structure and which guild owns it, and on dedicated servers the placer's player ID too when bEnableBuildingPlayerUIdDisplay is on. That is handy when you're not sure whose base you are standing in.

If you run the server, the settings live in PalWorldSettings.ini. Copy the defaults into it first, because editing DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini changes nothing. On a GTX server you can change them from the panel; see how to change your Palworld server settings, and our guide to the best world settings for Palworld. If you're still working out where to build, our base building guide helps.

Stuck in a wall or outside the map

Open the options menu and use Emergency Escape (this was called Respawn before 1.0). Pocketpair changed it so no items are dropped, whatever your world settings are. The 1.0 notes also mention that if you carried a save over from 0.7.3 or earlier, you may spawn outside the new, adjusted edge of the map after the update; Emergency Escape is the official fix for that too.

Crashes and broken saves after an update

Pocketpair's own warning for 1.0 is that old mod files are the usual cause of crashes at launch, saves that won't load and missions that can't progress. Turning a mod off isn't enough, because disabled mod files and loaders left in the game folder can still load. Its recommended steps:

1. Back up your save data.
2. Manually delete old mod files from the game folder, even if you only installed mods in the past and they are switched off now. If you used Steam Workshop mods, unsubscribe too, then still delete the leftovers.
3. In Steam, right-click Palworld, choose Properties, then Installed Files, then Verify integrity of game files.
4. Check the game launches with no mods before you reinstall any of them, then add mods back one at a time, and only ones their authors have updated for 1.0.

Pocketpair also says problems caused by mods or modified game data aren't covered by its support, and that saves containing mod-dependent items or Pals may not load once the mods are removed. On a server, the docs add that server-side mods only work on a Windows dedicated server and may cause crashes or save corruption. The -NoMods launch argument disables all mods in one go. Want mods on your own server anyway? Follow our guides for Steam Workshop mods and UE4SS mods.

Lost progress is the worst case, so for servers turn on world backups: bIsUseBackupSaveData creates a backup folder in the save data directory and keeps 5 saves per 30 seconds, 6 per 10 minutes, 12 per hour and 7 per day (it adds disk load). See how to manage your Palworld server backups. Patch 1.0.1 also fixed an issue where save data could be unintentionally discarded after certain operations, so stay on the latest version.

Can't connect to a Palworld server

• Wrong address or port. To join a dedicated server, enter its IP address and port in the server list. To join a community server, pick it from the Community server tab of the server list instead. Our walkthrough: connect to your Palworld dedicated server.
• Port not open (self-hosted). The default is UDP port 8211, and you need to forward it on your router. You can change it with -port=.
• Xbox or PS5 can't find the server. To join from Xbox or PS5 the server has to be a community server, started with -publiclobby. Crossplay is on by default for Steam, Xbox (including the Microsoft Store PC version), Mac and PS5, and CrossplayPlatforms controls which are allowed.
• Same network, community server. If your router doesn't support Hairpin NAT, you can't join a community server hosted on your own network from inside it.
• Version mismatch. Since 1.0.4 the error shows the version of the server you're connecting to, so update whichever side is behind. Servers update through SteamCMD with app ID 2394010.
• Still stuck. Read the server log: how to view your server logs.

If you'd rather not deal with ports and routers at all, you can rent a Palworld server that's already reachable and running 24/7.

Palworld troubleshooting FAQ

Why can't I repair my weapon in Palworld?

Weapons and armour are repaired at a Repair Bench, which needs the Repair Bench technology (level 2) and 10 Wood and 10 Stone to build, and repairs cost materials. On a server it can also be disabled by the admin, and in PvP you can't repair inside a base that is under attack.

Is there a Repair Kit in Palworld 1.0?

No. Patch 1.0 removed the Repair Kit that structures used to need. Pals with Handiwork work suitability now repair structures without using items.

What does "you do not have permission to build" mean in Palworld?

Pocketpair doesn't document that exact message, but building can be blocked by a no-build zone, the per-player building cap, base limits, being too close to another guild's base, a guild role without access, a disabled technology, or a PvP raid on your base. The table above explains each and how to fix it.

How do I get out if I'm stuck in the terrain?

Use Emergency Escape from the options menu. It works regardless of world settings and you won't drop any items.

Do I need to remove mods before playing Palworld 1.0?

Pocketpair strongly recommends it if you have ever installed mods. Delete old mod files and loaders from the game folder by hand, verify your game files in Steam, and test the game unmodded before adding mods back.

Running your own world? Our Palworld server guide covers setup, settings, backups and mods in one place, and our admin commands list helps when you need to kick, save or restart in a hurry.