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
Since Valheim 1.0 (9 September 2026), Valheim supports crossplay between PC (Steam and Microsoft Store/Game Pass), Xbox, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. Crossplay is off by default. In your own start script you enable it with the -crossplay parameter. On a HostValues server you open the Startup tab in the game panel, set Crossplay to 1 and restart the server. The console then shows a line like Session ... registered with join code 123456. Players on every platform connect with that six-digit join code (in game via Join game). The code can change after a restart.
Keep in mind that BepInEx mods like Valheim Plus are not supported with crossplay on, and console players cannot use mods. For a modded server, keep Crossplay at 0. The server then works as a classic Steam server: players join via the server browser or IP:port with the password, PC only.
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.