Valheim: How to Host a Dedicated Server

Hello Dev! If you’re looking to explore the vast and exciting world of Valheim with your friends, hosting a dedicated server is the way to go. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up your own server, so you can enjoy the game with your friends without any interruptions. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. Requirements
3. Setting Up a Dedicated Server
   1. Installation
   2. Port Forwarding
   3. Configuring the Server
   4. Launching the Server
   5. Troubleshooting
4. FAQ

Overview

Valheim is a survival game that takes place in a procedurally generated world inspired by Norse mythology. The game allows you to play alone or with friends, with up to 10 players supported in a single game.

To play with friends, you have two options: join a public server or host your own dedicated server. Joining a public server is straightforward, but hosting your own server gives you greater control over the game settings and allows you to play with only your friends.

Requirements

Before you can host a dedicated server for Valheim, you’ll need to make sure your system meets the following requirements:

• A computer running Windows or Linux
• A stable internet connection with upload and download speeds of at least 1 Mbps
• At least 2 GB of RAM
• A processor with at least 2 cores

Additionally, you’ll need to have a copy of Valheim installed on your computer. You can purchase the game on Steam.

Setting Up a Dedicated Server

Setting up a dedicated server for Valheim involves several steps. We’ll go through each step in detail, so you can easily follow along.

Installation

The first step is to download and install the Valheim dedicated server software. You can download the software from the official Valheim website.

Once the download is complete, extract the contents of the ZIP file to a new folder on your computer.

Port Forwarding

Before you can launch your server, you’ll need to forward the necessary ports in your router. This will allow players to connect to your server from outside your network.

The ports you need to forward are:

• 2456 (UDP)
• 2457 (UDP)
• 2458 (UDP)

The process for port forwarding varies depending on your router model. Refer to your router’s user manual for instructions on how to forward ports.

Configuring the Server

Once you’ve installed the server software and forwarded the necessary ports, it’s time to configure the server. Open the server configuration file (start_headless_server.bat on Windows or start_headless_server.sh on Linux) in a text editor.

In the configuration file, you can set various options for your server, such as the server name, password, and world size. Make sure to save your changes after editing the configuration file.

Launching the Server

With the server software installed, ports forwarded, and configuration file edited, it’s time to launch the server. Run start_headless_server.bat on Windows or start_headless_server.sh on Linux to start the server.

The server will generate a world file and log file in the same folder as the server software. Players can connect to your server using the IP address of your computer and the port number (default is 2456).

Troubleshooting

If you run into any issues with your server, check the server log file for error messages. You can also try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Make sure your firewall is not blocking the Valheim server software.
• Ensure your router is forwarding the correct ports.
• Check your internet connection for stability.
• Try restarting your server.

FAQ

Can I run a Valheim server on a Raspberry Pi?

Possibly, but it may not perform well with more than a few players. The Raspberry Pi 4 has 4 GB of RAM, which is the minimum recommended amount for hosting a Valheim server. However, the CPU may struggle with more than a few players, especially in busy areas of the game.

How many players can join my Valheim server?

Up to 10 players can join a Valheim server.

Do I need a powerful computer to host a Valheim server?

No, but you’ll need a computer with at least 2 GB of RAM and a processor with at least 2 cores.

Can I play on the same computer that’s hosting the server?

Yes, you can play on the same computer that’s hosting the server. Just launch the game as you normally would and connect to “localhost” as the server address.

Can I change the server settings after it’s been launched?

Yes, you can edit the configuration file at any time and restart the server to apply the changes.

Do I need to keep the server software running all the time?

If you want your server to be available 24/7, you’ll need to keep the server software running all the time. However, you can shut down the server when you’re not playing to save on resources.

Conclusion

Hosting a dedicated server for Valheim is a great way to enjoy the game with your friends. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up your own server and start playing with your friends. We hope you found this guide helpful!