Valheim is a cooperative Viking survival game where you explore a procedurally generated world full of mythological creatures together with friends. Your own dedicated server runs 24/7, so the world is always accessible even when you are offline.
System Requirements
- RAM: a minimum of 4 GB is recommended. For groups of 6 to 10 players with extensive builds, 6 to 8 GB is advisable.
- CPU: 2 vCPU cores is the minimum. Valheim becomes heavier as players build more and the world grows.
- Storage: the server files take up approximately 2 GB. Worlds grow slowly, but reserve at least 5 GB for saves and backups.
Installation via SteamCMD
- Install SteamCMD on your VPS:
apt install steamcmd -y - Create a separate user:
adduser valheim - Download the server files:
steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/valheim/server +login anonymous +app_update 896660 validate +quit - Edit the start script
start_server.shin the server directory and adjust the following parameters:
The start script contains a line like:
./valheim_server.x86_64 -name "My Server" -port 2456 -world "MyWorld" -password "secret" -public 1
- -name: the name that appears in the server list.
- -port: the base port, default
2456. - -world: the world name. If it does not exist yet, a new one is generated.
- -password: required, minimum 5 characters. Must not appear in the server name.
- -public:
1shows the server in the browser,0makes it reachable only via IP.
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, players cannot find or connect to the server.
Mods: Valheim Plus and BepInEx
Valheim supports mods via 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 a shared map, custom building and inventory rules, and improved performance settings among other things. All players must run the same mod version as the server.
Server Management
Valheim has built-in lists for management:
- adminlist.txt: add Steam IDs of players who may use in-game admin commands (such as kick and ban).
- bannedlist.txt: blocked players are listed here.
- permittedlist.txt: if you populate this, it functions as a whitelist and only the listed players may join.
These files are located in the server directory or in ~/.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim/. Changes take effect after a restart or via the in-game command reload (as admin).
Crossplay
Valheim supports crossplay between Steam and the Microsoft Store/Game Pass via Playfab. Crossplay is enabled by default. Players with the Microsoft version connect via a join code instead of IP and port. You can disable crossplay by not including the -crossplay parameter in the start script. Keep in mind that mods like Valheim Plus can interfere with crossplay, because the Microsoft version does not support BepInEx mods.
Tips for HostValues Customers
- Use a game hosting package with at least 4 GB RAM. For larger groups or intensive building, you can upgrade at any time via 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 sessions with many builds.
- Questions or need help? Open a support ticket or reach us on Discord.
Tip: at HostValues you can rent a Valheim server and be online within minutes.