Valheim is a cooperative Viking survival game where you and your friends explore a procedurally generated world full of mythological creatures. A dedicated server runs around the clock, so the world is always available even when you are offline.
Server requirements
- RAM: at least 4 GB is recommended. For groups of 6 to 10 players with extensive builds, 6 to 8 GB is a safer choice.
- CPU: 2 vCPU cores are the minimum. Valheim gets heavier as players build more and the world grows.
- Storage: the server files take up around 2 GB. Worlds grow slowly, but reserve at least 5 GB for saves and backups.
Installation with SteamCMD
- Install SteamCMD on your VPS:
apt install steamcmd -y - Create a dedicated user:
adduser valheim - Download the server files:
steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/valheim/server +login anonymous +app_update 896660 validate +quit - Edit the startup script
start_server.shin the server directory and adjust the following parameters:
The startup script contains a line like:
./valheim_server.x86_64 -name "My Server" -port 2456 -world "MyWorld" -password "secret" -public 1
- -name: the name shown in the server browser.
- -port: the base port, default
2456. - -world: the world name. If it does not exist yet, a new one is generated.
- -password: required, at least 5 characters. Must not appear in the server name.
- -public:
1lists the server in the browser,0makes it reachable by IP only.
Ports and firewall
Valheim uses three consecutive UDP ports: 2456 (game traffic), 2457 (Steam query) and 2458 (Steam master server). Open all three in your firewall:
ufw allow 2456:2458/udp
Without these ports open, players cannot find or connect to your server.
Mods: Valheim Plus and BepInEx
Valheim supports mods through the BepInEx framework. BepInEx is a mod loader that you install in the server directory. Most mods are distributed as BepInEx plugins.
- Download BepInEx for Valheim and extract it into the server directory.
- Place mod files in the
BepInEx/pluginsfolder. - Restart the server.
Valheim Plus is one of the most popular mods and offers features such as a shared map, custom building and inventory rules and improved performance settings. All players must run the same mod version as the server.
Server administration
Valheim has built-in lists for administration:
- adminlist.txt: add Steam IDs of players who should have access to in-game admin commands (such as kick and ban).
- bannedlist.txt: blocked players are listed here.
- permittedlist.txt: if you populate this file, it acts as a whitelist and only listed players can join.
These files are located in the server directory or in ~/.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim/. Changes take effect after a restart or by using the in-game reload command (as admin).
Cross-play
Valheim supports cross-play between Steam and the Microsoft Store / Game Pass through Playfab. Cross-play is enabled by default. Players on the Microsoft version connect using a join code instead of IP and port. You can disable cross-play by omitting the -crossplay parameter from the startup script. Keep in mind that mods such as Valheim Plus can break cross-play, because the Microsoft version does not support BepInEx mods.
Tips for HostValues customers
- Use a game hosting plan with at least 4 GB of RAM. For larger groups or intensive building, you can upgrade at any time through the client area.
- Run the server in a
screenortmuxsession on a VPS, or use the game panel for easy management. - Always make a backup before major updates. World files are stored by default in
~/.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim/worlds_local/on the server. - Schedule a daily restart to free up memory, especially during long-running sessions with many builds.
- Questions or need help? Open a support ticket or reach us on Discord.