The WinGDK difference
The Xbox app version of Palworld is the WinGDK build: same game, different packaging. The executable lives under a WinGDK binaries folder instead of Win64, save files use different locations, and the install directory is locked down until you take ownership of it.
Finding the files
In the Xbox app: Palworld → Manage → Files → Browse opens the install folder, then navigate Palworld\Pal\Binaries\WinGDK for the loader target and Palworld\Pal\Content\Paks for pak mods. If Windows denies you write access, enable mod support for the drive in the Xbox app settings first — that unlocks the folder without breaking signatures.
What works and what doesn't
Pak mods and the Okaetsu UE4SS build work on WinGDK — the July 2026 release explicitly supports it. What you lose is everything Steam-specific: no Workshop (use Nexus manual downloads), and the Xbox app can revert modded files when it updates or repairs the game, so keep your mod zip library outside the install folder and expect to reinstall after big patches.