Welcome, Dev, to this comprehensive guide on setting up a dedicated server for Valheim. As a developer, you know the importance of having a reliable and efficient server setup for your games. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about setting up a dedicated server for Valheim, including hardware requirements, software installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
Hardware Requirements
The first thing you need to consider when setting up a dedicated server for Valheim is the hardware requirements. You will need a computer with the following specifications:
Component |
Minimum Requirement |
Recommended Requirement |
|---|---|---|
CPU |
Intel Core i5-2500K |
Intel Core i7-4790K |
Memory |
8 GB RAM |
16 GB RAM |
Storage |
5 GB free space |
10 GB free space (SSD) |
It is important to note that these are the minimum and recommended requirements for running a dedicated server only. If you plan to play the game on the same computer, you will need higher specifications.
CPU
The CPU is the most important component when it comes to running a dedicated server for Valheim. The game is CPU-intensive, especially when multiple players are connected. We recommend using an Intel Core i5-2500K or above for the best performance.
However, if you plan to run mods or have more than 10 players on your server, we recommend using an Intel Core i7-4790K or above. This will ensure that the server can handle the increased load without any performance issues.
Memory
The amount of memory you need depends on the number of players and mods you plan to use. For a standard server with 5-10 players and no mods, 8 GB of RAM is sufficient. However, if you plan to use mods or have more players, we recommend using 16 GB of RAM or above.
Storage
The game files and server files require around 5 GB of free space. However, we recommend using an SSD for faster loading times and better performance. If you plan to use mods or have more players, we recommend using a larger capacity SSD.
Software Installation
Once you have the hardware requirements covered, it’s time to install the required software.
Valheim Dedicated Server
The first step is to download and install the Valheim Dedicated Server application from the Valheim website. Follow these steps:
- Go to https://www.valheimgame.com and click on “Download Valheim Dedicated Server” at the bottom of the page.
- Extract the downloaded file to a folder on your computer.
- Run the “start_headless_server.bat” file to start the server.
Once the server is running, you can connect to it using the game client.
Firewall Configuration
You will need to configure your firewall to allow incoming connections to the Valheim Dedicated Server. Follow these steps:
- Open the Windows Firewall settings.
- Click on “Inbound Rules” and then “New Rule”.
- Select “Port” and click “Next”.
- Enter “2456-2458” as the port number and click “Next”.
- Select “Allow the connection” and click “Next”.
- Enter a name for the rule and click “Finish”.
Repeat these steps for port 27015 if you plan to use the Steam Server Browser.
Configuration
Now that you have the software installed and your firewall configured, it’s time to configure the server settings.
Server Configuration File
The server settings are stored in the “start_headless_server.bat” file. You can edit this file to change the server settings. Here are some of the most important settings:
Setting |
Description |
|---|---|
-name “ServerName” |
Sets the name of your server. Replace “ServerName” with your desired server name. |
-world “WorldName” |
Sets the name of your world. Replace “WorldName” with your desired world name. |
-password “Password” |
Sets the password for your server. Replace “Password” with your desired password. Leave blank for no password. |
-public 1 |
Enables public listing of your server. Set to 0 to disable listing. |
-port 2456 |
Sets the port number of your server. Change to a different port number if needed. |
-worldsize 1 |
Sets the size of your world. 1 = small, 2 = medium, 3 = large. |
Save the changes to the file and restart the server for the changes to take effect.
Player Configuration File
The player settings are stored in the “start_headless_server.bat” file as well. Here are some of the most important settings:
Setting |
Description |
|---|---|
-password “Password” |
Sets the password for the admin console. Replace “Password” with your desired password. Leave blank for no password. |
-savedir “SaveDir” |
Sets the directory where the server saves the world data. Replace “SaveDir” with your desired directory. |
Troubleshooting
Even with the best setup, you may encounter issues with your dedicated server. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.
Firewall Issues
If you are unable to connect to your server, ensure that your firewall is configured correctly. Double-check that the ports are open and that there are no other firewalls blocking the connection.
Performance Issues
If you are experiencing performance issues, such as lag or low FPS, try lowering the graphics settings and reducing the number of players or mods.
Crashes
If your server crashes frequently, try updating your hardware drivers and software to the latest version. Additionally, check the server logs for any error messages that may indicate the cause of the crash.
FAQ
Can I use a hosting service for my Valheim dedicated server?
Yes, there are many hosting services that offer dedicated Valheim server hosting. However, we recommend setting up the server yourself for better control and customization.
How many players can join my Valheim dedicated server?
The server can handle up to 10 players by default. However, with a powerful CPU and sufficient memory, you can increase the number of players to around 20-30.
Can I use mods on my Valheim dedicated server?
Yes, you can use mods on your dedicated server. However, ensure that all players have the same mods installed to prevent compatibility issues.
Do I need a powerful internet connection to run a Valheim dedicated server?
No, you only need an internet connection with sufficient upload and download speeds. A standard home internet connection should be sufficient for a small server with a few players.
How do I update my Valheim dedicated server?
To update your Valheim dedicated server, simply download the latest version from the Valheim website and replace the existing files on your server.
That concludes our comprehensive guide on setting up a dedicated server for Valheim. We hope you found this article helpful and informative. Good luck with your server setup, Dev!