Dev’s Guide to Setting up a Valheim Dedicated Server

Welcome, Dev! If you’re reading this, you’re probably interested in setting up a dedicated server for Valheim. This Viking survival game has taken the world by storm, and many players are looking for ways to enhance their gameplay experience. One of the best ways to do this is by setting up a dedicated server. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

1. Introduction

Valheim is a popular multiplayer game that allows players to explore a procedurally generated world, craft weapons and tools, and battle bosses. While playing on a public server can be fun, setting up a dedicated server allows you more control over the game settings, mods, and players you allow in. Plus, you can play with your friends without worrying about server queues or lag.

What is a dedicated server?

A dedicated server is a computer that is solely dedicated to running a specific program or application, in this case, Valheim. This type of server provides better stability, control, and performance compared to playing on a public server or your own computer.

Why set up a dedicated server?

Setting up a dedicated server has several benefits:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Complete control over the server settings	Requires a dedicated computer or hosting service
Ability to use mods and custom game settings	Requires technical knowledge and setup time
No server queues or lag	Potentially higher costs for hosting service or electricity bill
Ability to invite specific players or friends	No built-in anti-cheat system

2. System Requirements

Before starting the setup process, make sure your computer or hosting service meets the minimum system requirements:

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7 or later (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i3-4160 or AMD FX-6300
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia GTX 660 or AMD Radeon 6870 HD series card
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 1 GB available space

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7 or later (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 390
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 1 GB available space

3. Setting Up the Server

Now that you’ve ensured your system meets the requirements, you can start setting up the server. There are several steps involved in this process, including:

Step 1: Download SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update game servers through Steam. To download SteamCMD, follow these steps:

1. Go to the official SteamCMD website (https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD).
2. Click on the “Windows” link to download SteamCMD for Windows.
3. Create a new folder on your computer, such as “ValheimServer”.
4. Extract the contents of the SteamCMD ZIP file into the new folder.

Step 2: Create a Steam Account

In order to use SteamCMD, you will need a Steam account. If you don’t already have one, you can create one for free by visiting steamcommunity.com and clicking on “Join Steam”.

Step 3: Create a Valheim Server Folder

Next, you will need to create a dedicated folder for your Valheim server files.

1. Create a new folder in a location of your choice, such as “C:\ValheimServer”.
2. Inside this folder, create a subfolder named “Valheim”.
3. Copy the contents of the Valheim game files (located in your Steam library) into this folder.

Step 4: Install the Server Files

With SteamCMD and your Valheim server folder set up, you can now install the server files. Here’s how:

1. Open SteamCMD by double-clicking the “steamcmd.exe” file in the “ValheimServer” folder.
2. When the Steam> prompt appears, type the following commands:

Command	Description
login anonymous	Logs you in anonymously to SteamCMD.
force_install_dir C:\ValheimServer\Valheim	Sets the installation directory for the Valheim server files.
app_update 896660 validate	Installs the server files for Valheim. This may take some time.

3. Once the installation is complete, exit SteamCMD by typing “quit” at the Steam> prompt.

Step 5: Configure the Server

Now that you’ve installed the server files, you can configure the server settings. The server configuration files are located in the “C:\ValheimServer\Valheim\config” directory. Here are some of the most important settings:

Setting	Description
name	The name of your server.
world	The name of the world file to use.
password	The password required to join the server (if any).
public	Whether or not the server is public (visible to all players).
maxplayers	The maximum number of players allowed on the server.
difficulty	The difficulty level of the game (0 = easy, 1 = medium, 2 = hard).

Step 6: Start the Server

Once your server is configured, you can start it up by running the “start_headless_server.bat” file located in the “C:\ValheimServer\Valheim” folder. This will start the server in a command prompt window. You can minimize this window or run it in the background while you play the game or manage the server.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What if I want to use mods?

If you want to use mods on your server, you can create a subfolder in the “C:\ValheimServer\Valheim” directory called “BepInEx”. You can then install mods to this folder just like you would on your local computer.

Can I use a hosting service instead of my own computer?

Yes, there are several hosting services that offer Valheim servers. Some popular options include GameServers.com, HostHavoc, and Nodecraft.

How do I update the server files?

To update the server files, simply run SteamCMD again and type “app_update 896660 validate” at the Steam> prompt. This will update the server to the latest version.

How do I connect to my own server?

To connect to your own server, launch Valheim and go to the “Join Game” tab. Enter “localhost” as the server address, or the IP address of the computer running the server if you’re playing on a different computer.

Can I transfer my singleplayer game to a dedicated server?

Yes, you can transfer your singleplayer world to a dedicated server by copying the world files from your local computer to the server’s “C:\ValheimServer\Valheim\worlds” folder.

Conclusion

Setting up a Valheim dedicated server may seem intimidating, but with the right instructions, it’s easier than you think. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can customize your gameplay experience, invite your friends, and take your Viking adventures to the next level.