The base loop is central to Palworld: location, layout and worker staffing together decide your resource efficiency.
Location and base planning
The default base count is limited, so do not rush your first settlement. Prefer open, resource-rich areas and save base slots for mid- and late-game planning.
Production lines and automation
Letting Pals handle gathering, transporting and production is the key to efficiency: staff each station by work suitability, keep food supplied, and the line keeps running.
Staffing worker Pals
Choose workers by work suitability level: high Handiwork or Mining Pals visibly speed everything up. The data-driven ranking lives in the best-pals chart; acquisition paths are on each how-to-breed page.
Starter base-location checklist
Check four things for the first base: open terrain, nearby ore/wood/food, a reasonable distance from spawn, and don't burn a base slot you want for late-game plans. The first base only needs to run the production loop — relocating later is fine.