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Playing Valheim on a dedicated server offers a smoother, lag-free experience, allowing you and your friends to explore the Norse-inspired world together without relying on one player’s game session. Setting up a Valheim dedicated server is relatively simple, but it requires some configuration to ensure everyone can join seamlessly. This guide will walk you through the steps for setting up your own Valheim server, including port forwarding, server configurations, and tips on running mods to enhance your gameplay.
1. Prerequisites
Before setting up your Valheim server, make sure you have:
- A reliable PC with a stable internet connection. (Valheim’s server requirements are modest, but dedicated servers work best on machines with at least 8 GB of RAM and a decent processor.)
- Access to your router for configuring port forwarding.
- The Steam client to download Valheim’s dedicated server software.
2. Installing the Valheim Dedicated Server
The Valheim dedicated server software is included with the game files on Steam.
- Open Steam and go to Library.
- Search for Valheim in your game list.
- Under Valheim, find and install Valheim Dedicated Server.
Once installed, you’ll find the dedicated server files in your Steam folder:
- Default path:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Valheim Dedicated Server
3. Configuring the Server
In the Valheim Dedicated Server folder, there’s a file called start_headless_server.bat. You’ll need to edit this file to configure your server settings.
- Right-click on
start_headless_server.batand select Edit. - Modify the following lines:
- -name: Set this to your server’s name, visible to players in the server list.
- -world: Set the name of your world. You can create a new world or use an existing one.
- -password: Set a password to keep your server private.
Example:
valheim_server -nographics -batchmode -name "MyValheimServer" -port 2456 -world "MyWorld" -password "securepassword"
Save and close the file.
4. Port Forwarding
For players to connect, you need to open ports on your router to allow traffic to and from the server.
- Log in to your router. (The default gateway is typically
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1, but consult your router manual if unsure.) - Look for the Port Forwarding section.
- Open the following ports for both TCP and UDP:
- 2456
- 2457
- 2458
Note: If your router allows you to specify a device or IP, set this to the IP address of the PC hosting the server.
After saving the changes, your server should be accessible to players outside your network.
5. Running the Server
Now that your server is configured and ports are forwarded, you’re ready to start it up.
- Double-click
start_headless_server.batto launch the server. - A command prompt will open, displaying server logs. When you see “Game server connected” or “Game server listening on port…,” the server is running and ready to accept players.
6. Connecting to the Server
To join your server, follow these steps:
- Open Valheim on Steam.
- In the main menu, select Join Game.
- Either Search for your server by name or use the Direct Connect feature with your public IP address and port (
2456by default). - Enter the server password when prompted.
Your friends can also join using the same steps.
7. Installing Mods on Your Valheim Server
Mods can enhance your Valheim experience with new features, quality-of-life improvements, and customizations. Popular mods include ValheimPlus, which offers advanced configuration options.
How to Install ValheimPlus:
- Download the ValheimPlus mod from Nexus Mods or another trusted site.
- Extract the files to the Valheim Dedicated Server folder. Make sure the
BepInExandpluginsfolders are copied over. - Launch your server with the mods installed. Make sure all players joining also have the same mods installed to prevent compatibility issues.
8. Server Management Tips
- Automate Backups: Valheim worlds can be large, so set up automated backups to avoid data loss.
- Monitor Performance: Check server performance periodically, especially if you’re running mods or have a large number of players.
- Adjust World Settings: With mods like ValheimPlus, you can adjust world settings like player limits, resources, and environmental factors to customize your server experience.
Setting up a dedicated server for Valheim is a great way to explore and enjoy the game with friends in a stable, lag-free environment. By following these steps and configuring your server for optimal performance, you’ll be able to enjoy countless adventures in Valheim’s vast world. Don’t forget to explore mods and customizations to make the experience even more immersive!