How to install BepInEx and mods on your Valheim server

BepInEx is the mod framework for Valheim. Without BepInEx, you cannot load mods on your server. This guide teaches you how to install BepInEx, add mods and understand the difference between server-side and client-side mods.

Step 1: Download BepInEx

1. Go to the BepInEx page on Thunderstore or GitHub.
2. Download the BepInExPack Valheim (note: use the Valheim-specific version, not the generic BepInEx).
3. Extract the archive on your computer.

Step 2: Install BepInEx on the server

1. Connect via SFTP to your Valheim server.
2. Upload the contents of the BepInEx archive to the root folder of your server (where valheim_server.x86_64 is located).
3. Verify that the folder structure is correct: BepInEx/ should be in the root folder, with subfolders like plugins, config and patchers.
4. Restart the server. BepInEx is loaded automatically.

Step 3: Install mods

1. Download mods from Thunderstore (thunderstore.io). Make sure the mod is compatible with your Valheim version.
2. Upload the mod .dll files to the BepInEx/plugins/ folder on your server.
3. Restart the server. The mods are loaded automatically and configuration files appear in BepInEx/config/.

Server-side vs client-side mods

This distinction is important:

• Server-side mods: these only need to be installed on the server. Examples: spawn adjustments, loot tables, server tools. Players do not need to install anything extra.
• Client-side mods: these must be installed on both the server and every player. Examples: UI changes, new items or crafting recipes, map mods.
• Client-only mods: some mods only work on the player side and do not need to be on the server. Examples: HUD improvements, minimap mods.

Always check the mod description to know whether a mod is server-side, client-side or both.

Adjusting configuration

After the first load, each mod creates a configuration file in BepInEx/config/. Open this file to adjust settings such as spawn rates, difficulty or crafting costs. Restart the server after making changes.

Tips

• Use a mod manager like r2modman for managing mods on your own computer (client-side).
• Add mods one at a time and test after each addition to quickly identify problems.
• Make a backup of your world before adding or updating mods.
• See our Valheim server setup guide if you do not have a server running yet.

Tip: at HostValues you can rent a Valheim server ready for mods and BepInEx.