Valheim How to Host Dedicated Server

Hello Dev, are you ready to take your Valheim game to the next level? If yes, then you must be looking for ways to host your own dedicated server. By hosting your dedicated server, you can customize your gaming experience, play with your friends, and avoid the hassles of lag and disconnections. In this article, we will guide you on how to host a dedicated Valheim server step by step, so let’s get started!

Things You Need to Host a Dedicated Valheim Server

Before we dive into the technical aspects of hosting a dedicated Valheim server, let’s have a look at the things you need to get started:

Item
Description
Hardware
You need a powerful PC or a dedicated server machine to run the game and host the server smoothly.
Internet Connection
You need a fast and stable internet connection with a minimum upload speed of 1 Mbps.
Valheim Game Client
You need to purchase and install the Valheim game client from Steam or any other authorized platform.
Valheim Dedicated Server Software
You need to download and install the Valheim Dedicated Server software from the Steam Tools Library.
Port Forwarding
You need to configure your router to allow incoming connections on the Valheim server port.

Step-by-Step Guide to Host a Dedicated Valheim Server

Step 1: Download and Install the Valheim Dedicated Server Software

The first step is to download and install the Valheim Dedicated Server software from the Steam Tools Library. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open your Steam Library and click on the “Tools” tab.
  2. Search for “Valheim Dedicated Server” and download it.
  3. Once downloaded, install the server software on your dedicated server machine or PC.

Step 2: Configure the Server Settings

The second step is to configure the server settings according to your preferences. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open the “start_headless_server.bat” file in the server installation folder.
  2. Enter the server name, password, and other settings as per your requirements.
  3. Save the changes and close the file.

Step 3: Port Forwarding

The third step is to configure your router for port forwarding. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Log in to your router’s configuration page using your web browser.
  2. Find the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” option.
  3. Add a new port forwarding rule for the Valheim server port (2456-2458 by default).
  4. Save the changes and restart your router.

Step 4: Run the Server

The final step is to run the server and join the game. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Run the “start_headless_server.bat” file again.
  2. Open the Valheim game client and click on “Join Game”.
  3. Enter the server IP address and password and click on “Join”.
  4. Enjoy playing Valheim on your own dedicated server!

Troubleshooting Tips and FAQ

1. How Do I Check If My Server is Running?

You can check if your server is running by opening the server console window that appears after running the “start_headless_server.bat” file. If the console shows “Game server connected”, then your server is up and running.

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2. How Do I Manage My Server?

You can manage your server by typing commands in the server console window. Some useful commands are:

Command
Description
help
Shows a list of available commands.
save
Saves the game world.
kick [playername]
Kicks a player from the server.
ban [playername]
Bans a player from the server.

3. Why Can’t My Friends Join My Server?

If your friends can’t join your server, it could be due to several reasons:

  • Your server is not running.
  • Your server IP address or port is incorrect.
  • Your router is not configured for port forwarding.
  • Your firewall or antivirus is blocking incoming connections.

4. Can I Customize My Server?

Yes, you can customize your server by modifying the server settings in the “start_headless_server.bat” file. Some settings you can customize are:

  • World Name
  • World Seed
  • Maximum Players
  • Difficulty Level
  • Permadeath Status

5. How Do I Backup My Server?

You can backup your server by making a copy of the “worlds” folder located in the server installation folder. You should also periodically save the game world using the “save” command in the server console.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You have successfully hosted your own dedicated Valheim server and customized your gaming experience. We hope this step-by-step guide and troubleshooting tips have been helpful to you. Now it’s time to invite your friends and start playing Valheim like a pro!