If you’re a developer looking to host a Valheim server on Linux, this guide is for you. Valheim is a popular multiplayer game that can be played with friends and has gained widespread popularity among gamers. But hosting a Valheim server on Linux can be a challenging task, especially if you’re new to server hosting. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, starting from the installation of required software to troubleshooting common problems.
1. Choose Your Linux Distribution
The first step to hosting a Valheim server on Linux is choosing a Linux distribution. There are a variety of Linux distributions available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your familiarity with Linux, you may want to choose a distribution that is user-friendly and has a large community of users. Some popular choices include Ubuntu, Debian, and CentOS.
1.1 Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution that is known for its user-friendly interface and large community of users. It’s a good choice if you’re new to Linux and want to host a Valheim server without too much hassle. Ubuntu also has a large number of available packages and a robust package management system, making it easy to install and manage software.
1.2 Debian
Debian is another popular Linux distribution that is known for its stability and security. It’s a good choice for hosting a Valheim server if you want a reliable and secure system. Debian also has a large number of available packages and a robust package management system, making it easy to install and manage software.
1.3 CentOS
CentOS is a popular Linux distribution that is known for its stability and long-term support. It’s a good choice for hosting a Valheim server if you want a reliable and well-supported system. CentOS also has a large number of available packages and a robust package management system, making it easy to install and manage software.
2. Install Required Dependencies
Before you can host a Valheim server on Linux, you’ll need to install several required dependencies. These include:
Dependency |
Description |
|---|---|
SteamCMD |
A command-line interface for installing and managing Steam games. |
OpenSSL |
A toolkit for SSL and TLS protocols. |
Screen |
A terminal multiplexer that allows you to create and manage multiple terminal sessions. |
Libsodium |
A library for network communication and cryptography. |
Valheim Server |
The Valheim server software. |
Each Linux distribution has a different method for installing these dependencies, so make sure to follow the instructions for your chosen distribution.
2.1 Installing Dependencies on Ubuntu
To install the required dependencies on Ubuntu, you can use the following commands:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install steamcmd openssl screen libsodium-dev
You can then download the Valheim server software from the official website.
2.2 Installing Dependencies on Debian
To install the required dependencies on Debian, you can use the following commands:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install steamcmd openssl screen libsodium-dev
You can then download the Valheim server software from the official website.
2.3 Installing Dependencies on CentOS
To install the required dependencies on CentOS, you can use the following commands:
sudo yum update
sudo yum install steamcmd openssl screen libsodium-devel
You can then download the Valheim server software from the official website.
3. Configure the Valheim Server
Once you’ve installed the required dependencies, you’ll need to configure the Valheim server. This includes setting up the server with the appropriate settings, creating a user account for the server, and configuring the firewall to allow incoming connections to the server.
3.1 Setting Up the Server
To set up the Valheim server, you’ll need to create a directory where the server files will be stored. You can use the following command to create the directory:
sudo mkdir /opt/valheim_server
You can then navigate to the server directory and download the server files using SteamCMD:
cd /opt/valheim_server
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./valheim_server +app_update 896660 validate +exit
You can then set up the server with the appropriate settings using a configuration file. You can create a configuration file using the following command:
sudo nano /opt/valheim_server/start_valheim.sh
You can then add the following settings to the configuration file:
#!/bin/bashexport templdpath=$LD_LIBRARY_PATHexport LD_LIBRARY_PATH=./linux64:$LD_LIBRARY_PATHexport SteamAppId=892970./valheim_server.x86_64 -name "EnterServerNameHere" -port 2456 -world "EnterWorldNameHere" -password "EnterPasswordHere" -savedir "/opt/valheim_server/saves" -public 1export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$templdpath
Make sure to replace “EnterServerNameHere” with the desired name for your server, “EnterWorldNameHere” with the desired name for your world, and “EnterPasswordHere” with the desired password for your server.
3.2 Creating User Account for the Server
To create a user account for the Valheim server, you can use the following command:
sudo adduser valheim_server
You can then switch to the newly created user account using the following command:
su - valheim_server
Make sure to navigate to the server directory before running the Valheim server software.
3.3 Configuring Firewall
To allow incoming connections to the Valheim server, you’ll need to configure the firewall on your Linux system. The specific commands to configure the firewall will depend on the firewall software you’re using. For example, if you’re using the default firewall on Ubuntu, you can use the following commands:
sudo ufw allow 2456
sudo ufw allow 2457
sudo ufw allow 2458
These commands will allow incoming connections on ports 2456-2458, which are the ports used by Valheim for multiplayer connections.
4. Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful configuration, you may still encounter common problems when hosting a Valheim server on Linux. Here are some of the most common problems and their solutions:
4.1 Connection Issues
If players are having trouble connecting to your Valheim server, you may need to forward incoming connections on your router. This can typically be done through the router’s administration interface.
4.2 Performance Issues
If your Valheim server is experiencing performance issues or crashes, you may need to adjust the server settings to better fit your system specifications. This can be done through the configuration file or through the game’s console interface.
4.3 Server Updates
When Valheim updates, you’ll need to update your server software to match. You can do this using SteamCMD with the following command:
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./valheim_server +app_update 896660 validate +exit
FAQ
1. How Many Players Can Join a Valheim Server?
A Valheim server can support up to 10 players at once.
2. Can I Host a Valheim Server on a Raspberry Pi?
While it is possible to host a Valheim server on a Raspberry Pi, it may not provide sufficient performance for a smooth gameplay experience.
3. How Much RAM is Required to Host a Valheim Server?
A Valheim server requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM to run smoothly.
4. Can I Use a GUI Interface to Manage the Valheim Server?
While it is possible to use a GUI interface to manage the Valheim server, it is generally recommended to use a terminal interface for better performance and control.
5. Can I Host a Valheim Server on a Virtual Machine?
Yes, it is possible to host a Valheim server on a virtual machine, but it may require additional configuration and performance may be lower than on a physical machine.
With this guide, you should be able to host a Valheim server on Linux without too much trouble. Make sure to follow each step carefully and troubleshoot any common problems as they arise. Happy gaming!