You’re correct, items in Palworld can despawn under certain circumstances. While many assume it’s simply a way to encourage active collecting, here’s a breakdown of what causes item despawn and how to avoid it:
Item Despawn Triggers:
Dropped Items: Any item dropped on the ground (excluding Pals) will eventually despawn after a set period of inactivity. The exact time varies depending on the server settings, but it’s typically around 30-60 minutes.
Resource Piles: Resource piles created by harvesting nodes also have a despawn timer, usually shorter than individual items, around 10-20 minutes.
Abandoned Storage: Items left in chests located outside active bases (those without Pals currently inside) will despawn after a longer period, around 4-8 hours.
Important Exceptions:
Active Items: Items currently equipped by Pals, used in crafting stations, or placed in active structures like furnaces or generators will not despawn.
Storage Within Active Bases: Chests located within bases with active Pals inside will prevent items from despawning.
Preventing Item Despawn:
Collect Promptly: Pick up dropped items quickly, especially valuable ones, before the timer runs out.
Utilize Pals Efficiently: Task Pals with gathering resources and depositing them in chests within active bases to prevent despawn.
Optimize Storage: Organize your chests and place them strategically within active bases to ensure continuous activity and prevent despawn.
Communicate with Teammates: If playing multiplayer, inform your team about valuable items dropped and ensure someone retrieves them before despawn occurs.
Additional Notes:
Server admins can adjust despawn timers on their servers, potentially leading to longer or shorter durations than mentioned above.
While not officially confirmed, some players report items in abandoned chests within bases despawning faster if the entire server becomes inactive for extended periods.
By understanding these triggers and implementing preventive measures, you can effectively manage your resources and avoid losing valuable items to despawn in Palworld. Remember, efficient resource management and teamwork are key to maximizing your gains!