Start with the package type
The official Palworld loader supports UE4SS core, Lua, LogicMods, Paks and PalSchema-dependent packages on Windows Steam. If a mod is available through Workshop with a valid Info.json, let the official loader place its dependencies instead of layering a second manual UE4SS installation over it.
Prefer Workshop for supported mods
Subscribe, launch the game and enable the package in Options → Mod Management. The loader reads InstallRule entries at startup and deploys UE4SS to Mods\NativeMods\UE4SS, Lua packages below its Mods directory and LogicMods to Pal\Content\Paks\LogicMods. Those paths are controlled by the package rather than copied by guesswork.
Use manual UE4SS only for a documented legacy mod
Some older Nexus packages still require a manual UE4SS build. Follow that author's current instructions and supported revision exactly, because DLL names and settings change between builds. Avoid copying a dated configuration from an unrelated guide, and never mix two UE4SS cores in the same installation.
Keep client and server rules separate
The official loader supports the Windows Steam client and Windows dedicated server. A server package needs an InstallRule with IsServer set to true; a client-only package does not become server-compatible merely because its files can be copied there.
Diagnose without rewriting the install
Disable all packages, verify the unmodded game and enable one dependency chain at a time. Check PalModSettings.ini, the PackageName values and each mod's required revision. If the game works with -NoMods, the failure is in the active mod set rather than the base installation.