How to Install Valheim Server Mods: BepInEx and Valheim Plus

Vanilla Valheim is a great experience, but mods can take your server to the next level. Whether you want quality-of-life improvements, new crafting recipes, or entirely reworked combat, the mod ecosystem has it covered. This guide walks you through the two most important tools: BepInEx (the mod loader) and Valheim Plus (the all-in-one configuration overhaul).

What is BepInEx?

BepInEx is a general-purpose Unity mod framework. Valheim is built on Unity, so BepInEx acts as the bridge between the game and any plugin you want to load. Without it, most Valheim mods simply will not run. Think of it as the Forge equivalent for Valheim.

Installing BepInEx on your server

1. Download the latest BepInEx 5.x stable release from the official GitHub repository. Choose the BepInEx_x64 package for a Linux or Windows 64-bit server.
2. Extract the contents directly into your Valheim server root directory. You should see a BepInEx folder alongside valheim_server.exe (Windows) or valheim_server.x86_64 (Linux).
3. On Linux, make sure the run_bepinex.sh script is executable: chmod +x run_bepinex.sh.
4. Start the server once. BepInEx creates its folder structure on first boot: BepInEx/plugins, BepInEx/config, and BepInEx/patchers. Shut the server down again after the console confirms it loaded.
5. Place any mod DLL files into BepInEx/plugins. Each mod generates a config file in BepInEx/config on first load.

What is Valheim Plus?

Valheim Plus is a comprehensive mod that lets you tweak nearly every server setting without writing code. Inventory sizes, stamina rates, build piece snapping, shared map exploration, auto-pickup range: all configurable through a single INI file. It is particularly popular for servers where the group wants a less punishing experience without completely removing the survival challenge.

Installing Valheim Plus

1. Download the latest Valheim Plus release matching your server platform (Windows or Linux).
2. Extract the files into your server root directory. Valheim Plus bundles its own BepInEx version, so if you already installed BepInEx manually, back up your existing BepInEx folder first to avoid conflicts.
3. Edit BepInEx/config/valheim_plus.cfg to enable and configure the features you want. Each section has an [Enabled] toggle. For example:

[Inventory]
enabled = true
playerInventoryRows = 5

[Stamina]
enabled = true
staminaRegen = 1.5

4. Start the server. Check the console output for [Info: Valheim Plus] messages confirming the mod loaded.
5. Every player connecting needs the same Valheim Plus version installed on their client. Mismatched versions cause a connection error.

Common issues and fixes

• Mod does not load: Verify the DLL is in the correct BepInEx/plugins folder. Check BepInEx/LogOutput.log for errors.
• Version mismatch: After a Valheim game update, mods may need updating too. Always check mod compatibility before updating the game on your server.
• Client crashes on join: The client must have the same mods and versions as the server. Use a mod manager like Thunderstore or r2modman to keep everything in sync.
• Linux permission errors: Make sure all BepInEx files are owned by the user running the server process, and that .sh scripts have execute permission.

Tips for a smooth modded server

• Add mods one at a time and test after each. Finding conflicts in a stack of 30 mods at once is painful.
• Keep backups of your world before adding or removing mods. Some mods add custom items that disappear (or corrupt the save) if the mod is removed.
• Pin your mod versions. Automatic updates can break a running server mid-session.