How to Set Up and Host Dedicated Valheim Server

Greetings Dev! If you are a fan of Valheim, then you might have thought about hosting your own server instead of relying on someone else’s. That’s where we come in! In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to set up and host your own dedicated Valheim server. Let’s get started!

Before You Begin

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of server setup, there are a few things you need to consider first:

System Requirements

The first thing you need to consider before setting up a dedicated server is your system requirements. A dedicated server will require a powerful system that can handle the load. Here are the minimum system requirements for running a Valheim server:

Requirement	Minimum Specs
Processor	Intel Core i5-2500K @ 3.3GHz or AMD FX-6300 @ 3.5GHz
Memory	8GB RAM
Storage	5GB of free space
Operating System	Windows 7/8/10 64-bit or Linux

It’s always a good idea to have a system that exceeds the minimum requirements. This will ensure that your server runs smoothly and can handle the load.

Internet Connection

The second thing you need to consider is your internet connection. A dedicated server will require a stable internet connection with good upload and download speeds. The recommended upload speed for hosting a server is 3Mbps, and the recommended download speed is 5Mbps. If your internet connection doesn’t meet these requirements, you might experience lag and connectivity issues.

Step 1: Download SteamCMD

The first step in setting up your Valheim server is to download SteamCMD. SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update Steam games and dedicated servers.

What is SteamCMD?

SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update Steam games and dedicated servers. It’s the go-to tool for server administrators who want to set up a dedicated server for any Steam game, including Valheim.

How to Download SteamCMD

SteamCMD is available for download on the Valve Developer Community website. Here’s how you can download it:

1. Go to the Valve Developer Community website.
2. Click on “Downloads” in the top navigation menu.
3. Scroll down until you see “SteamCMD”.
4. Click on “Windows” to download the Windows version of SteamCMD.
5. Extract the downloaded zip file to a location of your choice.

Step 2: Create a Steam Account

Before you can proceed with setting up your Valheim server, you will need to create a Steam account if you don’t already have one. This is because Valheim is a Steam-only game and requires a Steam account to run.

How to Create a Steam Account

If you don’t have a Steam account, here’s how you can create one:

1. Go to the Steam website.
2. Click on “Join Steam” in the top-right corner of the homepage.
3. Fill in your details and click on “Create My Account”.
4. Follow the instructions to verify your email address.
5. You now have a Steam account!

Step 3: Create a Valheim Server Folder

The next step is to create a folder where you will store your Valheim server files. This can be anywhere on your system, but we recommend creating a dedicated folder for your server files.

How to Create a Valheim Server Folder

Here’s how you can create a Valheim server folder:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Right-click in the location where you want to create the folder.
3. Select “New” > “Folder”.
4. Name the folder something like “Valheim Server”.
5. You now have a folder where you will store your Valheim server files.

Step 4: Install Valheim Server Files

The next step is to install the Valheim server files into your server folder. This can be done using SteamCMD.

How to Install Valheim Server Files

Here’s how you can install Valheim server files using SteamCMD:

1. Launch SteamCMD.
2. Enter the following command: login anonymous
3. Enter the following command: app_update 896660 validate
4. Wait for the download to complete.
5. Exit SteamCMD.
6. You now have the Valheim server files installed in your server folder.

Step 5: Configure Valheim Server Settings

The next step is to configure your Valheim server settings. This is where you can customize your server to your liking.

How to Configure Valheim Server Settings

Here’s how you can configure your Valheim server settings:

1. Open the server folder.
2. Open the “start_headless_server.bat” file. This will launch the server.
3. Open the “start_headless_server.bat” file with a text editor like Notepad.
4. Find the line that says “valheim_server -name MyServer -port 2456 -world World1 -password MyPassword -savedir C:\ValheimServer”.
5. Edit the values to your liking. For example, you can change “MyServer” to the name of your server and “World1” to the name of your world.
6. Save the changes and close the text editor.
7. Launch the server again using the “start_headless_server.bat” file.
8. Your Valheim server is now configured!

Step 6: Port Forwarding

The last step is to set up port forwarding to allow external players to connect to your Valheim server. This step varies depending on your router, so we can’t provide specific instructions here. However, you can find instructions on port forwarding for your specific router by doing a quick Google search.

FAQ

Can I run a Valheim server on my own computer?

Yes, you can run a Valheim server on your own computer. However, keep in mind that running a server will take up system resources and bandwidth, so you might experience lag and other issues.

How many players can join my Valheim server?

The number of players that can join your Valheim server depends on the specs of your system and the bandwidth of your internet connection. However, Valheim supports up to 10 players per server.

Do I need a dedicated server to host a Valheim server?

No, you don’t need a dedicated server to host a Valheim server. You can run a server on your own computer, as long as it meets the minimum system requirements.

Can I use mods on my Valheim server?

Yes, Valheim supports mods on both client and server sides. However, be aware that using mods can cause compatibility issues and other problems. Always back up your server files before installing mods.

Do I need a Steam account to run a Valheim server?

Yes, Valheim is a Steam-only game and requires a Steam account to run. You will need to create a Steam account if you don’t already have one.

Can I adjust the difficulty of my Valheim server?

Yes, you can adjust the difficulty of your Valheim server by changing the settings in the “start_headless_server.bat” file. For example, you can lower the amount of resources available or increase the difficulty of the enemies.