Valheim shines in multiplayer. A dedicated server runs around the clock so everyone can log in whenever it suits them, without the host needing to be online. With the Ashlands update and more content on the way, a private server is the best way to explore the world together.
System requirements
- RAM: 2 GB minimum, 4 GB recommended for a group of up to 10 players. The world grows as players explore more terrain.
- CPU: a single core is sufficient. Valheim's server process is not demanding.
- Storage: 2 to 5 GB, depending on the size of the world.
- Ports: 2456 to 2458 UDP (default).
Starting the server on the game panel
- Select Valheim in the server configurator or choose the Valheim egg in the game panel.
- Set the server name and password. The password must be at least 5 characters and cannot contain the server name.
- Start the server. The first launch generates the world, which can take a few minutes.
Connecting
Two ways to join:
- In Valheim: click "Join Game" and search for the server name. Discovery over Steam can take a few minutes to appear.
- Via Steam: open the server browser (View > Game Servers), click Favorites, then Add Server. Enter the IP and port (default 2457).
Uploading an existing world
Your local world on Windows lives in %appdata%/../LocalLow/IronGate/Valheim/worlds_local/. You need two files: worldname.fwl and worldname.db. Upload both via SFTP to the server's worlds folder and set the world name in the startup parameters to match.
Mods with BepInEx
Valheim mods run through the BepInEx mod loader:
- Download BepInEx from Thunderstore.
- Upload the contents to the server directory.
- Download mods from Thunderstore or Nexus Mods and place them in
BepInEx/plugins/. - Restart the server.
Popular server mods include Valheim Plus (tweak game settings), Server Devcommands and Plant Everything. All players need to install the same mods as the server.
Key startup parameters
Valheim has fewer configuration options than most games. The important ones are set through startup parameters:
-name "ServerName": the name shown in the server list.-world "WorldName": the name of the world file.-password "password": required, minimum 5 characters.-crossplay: allow Xbox Game Pass players to join alongside Steam players.
Performance tips
- Spread bases across the map. Concentrated building in one area (thousands of pieces in a small zone) can slow the server down.
- Restart the server once a day. Valheim's server process accumulates memory over long sessions.
- Keep an eye on the world file size. If it grows past 200 MB, performance may start to suffer.
How many players can a Valheim server handle?
The hard limit is 10 players. This is a game design decision, not a server constraint. Mods can raise the cap, but stability suffers noticeably beyond 10.
Does crossplay work on a dedicated server?
Yes. With the -crossplay flag, players on Steam and Xbox Game Pass (PC) can play together. Console players (Xbox) cannot connect to dedicated servers at this time.
What if the server crashes near large builds?
Valheim calculates structural stability for every building piece. Massive constructions with thousands of pieces in a small area can overload the simulation. Spread your bases out and keep the piece count per location reasonable.
Check the game server plans for a Valheim server, or pick a KVM VPS for full control.
