How to Host Valheim Server for Free: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Hey Dev, are you tired of constantly losing progress on your Valheim game due to server crashes or lag? The solution to your problem is simple: host your own Valheim server. And the best part? You can do it for free! In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to host your Valheim server for free.

What is Valheim and Why Should You Host Your Own Server?

Valheim is a popular survival game that has taken the gaming community by storm. It has gained popularity due to its unique Viking-inspired setting and its multiplayer feature, which allows players to play with their friends. However, relying on a public server can cause various problems, such as crashes, lag, or even issues with other players. Hosting your own server can eliminate these problems and provide a smoother gaming experience.

How to Host a Valheim Server for Free: Steps to Follow

Before we dive into the details, here is a summary of the steps you need to follow to host your Valheim server for free:

Step	Description
Step 1	Download Valheim Dedicated Server
Step 2	Create a Server
Step 3	Configure the Server
Step 4	Port Forward the Server
Step 5	Invite Friends to Play

Now let’s dive into the details.

Step 1: Download Valheim Dedicated Server

The first step is to download the Valheim Dedicated Server files. This can be done through SteamCMD, a command-line tool used to download and manage game server files.

Here are the steps to download SteamCMD:

1. Download SteamCMD from https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD#Downloading_SteamCMD
2. Extract the SteamCMD files into a folder on your computer

Now that you have SteamCMD installed, it’s time to download the Valheim server files. Here are the steps:

1. Open Command Prompt or Terminal
2. Navigate to the folder where SteamCMD is installed
3. Enter the following command: cd <path_to_folder>\steamcmd.exe
4. Enter the following command: login anonymous
5. Enter the following command: app_update 896660
6. Wait for the download to complete
7. Exit SteamCMD by entering the command: quit

Congratulations, you have successfully downloaded the Valheim Dedicated Server files!

Step 2: Create a Server

Now that you have the Valheim Dedicated Server files, it’s time to create your own server. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Create a new folder on your computer where you want to store your server files
2. Copy the Valheim Dedicated Server files to the new folder
3. Open the “start_headless_server.bat” file in a text editor
4. Edit the file to include the name of your server in the following format: start valheim_server.exe -name "My Server"
5. Save the file
6. Double-click the “start_headless_server.bat” file to start your server

Congratulations, you have successfully created your own Valheim server!

Step 3: Configure the Server

Now that you have your own server, it’s time to configure it to your liking. Here are some of the configurations you can make:

Server Name and Password

You can change the name of your server and set a password to protect it from unauthorized access. Here are the steps:

1. Open the “start_headless_server.bat” file in a text editor
2. Edit the file to include the name of your server and a password in the following format: start valheim_server.exe -name "My Server" -password "My Password"
3. Save the file
4. Restart your server

Server Configuration File

You can also configure your server using the “start_headless_server.bat” file. Here are some of the configurations you can make:

1. Open the “start_headless_server.bat” file in a text editor
2. Edit the file to include the configurations you want in the following format: start valheim_server.exe -name "My Server" -password "My Password" -world "My World" -public 1 -port 2456 -nographics -batchmode -savedirectory "C:\My Server"
3. Save the file
4. Restart your server

Step 4: Port Forward the Server

Port forwarding is necessary to allow external players to connect to your server. Here are the steps to port forward your server:

1. Open your router’s configuration page
2. Find the port forwarding settings
3. Add a new port forwarding rule with the following information:
   • Protocol: TCP + UDP
   • External Port: 2456
   • Internal IP: Your computer’s local IP address
   • Internal Port: 2456
4. Save the settings

Congratulations, you have successfully port forwarded your server!

Step 5: Invite Friends to Play

Now that you have your own Valheim server, it’s time to invite your friends to play with you. Here are the steps:

1. Share your external IP address with your friends
2. Have your friends start Valheim and select “Join Game”
3. Have your friends enter your external IP address and the server password (if applicable)

Congratulations, you and your friends can now play Valheim together on your own server!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I host a Valheim server for free?

Yes, you can host a Valheim server for free using the Valheim Dedicated Server files and a computer.

2. Will hosting my own server improve the gameplay experience?

Yes, hosting your own server can eliminate problems such as crashes, lag, or issues with other players.

3. Can I set a password for my server?

Yes, you can set a password for your server to protect it from unauthorized access.

4. Can I configure my server to my liking?

Yes, you can configure your server using the “start_headless_server.bat” file.

5. How can I invite friends to play on my server?

You can share your external IP address with your friends and have them enter it in the “Join Game” screen.

Conclusion

Hosting your own Valheim server can provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. With this comprehensive guide, you can host your own server for free and customize it to your liking.

Thanks for reading, Dev! Happy gaming!