Creating a Dedicated Valheim Server – A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Minecraft has been dethroned as gamers flock to the Viking-inspired world of Valheim. The magic of this multiplayer game lies in what it has to offer- a seamless open-world environment, dynamic weather conditions, and engaging gameplay- all of which are best enjoyed on a dedicated server.

Are you looking to set up a dedicated Valheim server? It can be intimidating to get started, but don’t worry- we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take you through the process step-by-step and make sure you have all the information you need to create a successful and stable server.

Step 1: System Requirements

The first step in creating a dedicated Valheim server is to check if your system meets the following requirements:

Requirement	Minimum Specifications
Processor	Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
Memory	8GB RAM
Storage	5GB
Operating System	Windows 7/8/10 64-bit or Linux-based OS

If your system doesn’t meet these requirements, you may experience lag or other performance issues. It’s recommended to have a dedicated machine to run your Valheim server for optimal performance.

Step 2: Download and Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update Steam games and servers. You’ll need it to download and install Valheim on your server. Here’s how to download and install SteamCMD:

1. Download SteamCMD from the official Valve developer website: https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD
2. Extract the contents of the zipped file to a directory on your computer.
3. Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the folder where you extracted SteamCMD.
4. Run the SteamCMD executable to begin the installation process.

Step 3: Create a Valheim Dedicated Server Directory

The next step is to create a folder where your dedicated server files will be located. Here’s how:

1. Create a new folder on your computer. Name it something like “Valheim Dedicated Server”.
2. Within this folder, create a subfolder called “valheim_server”.
3. Download the dedicated server files from Steam using SteamCMD. Enter the following command in your terminal or command prompt:

login anonymous

force_install_dir \/valheim_server

app_update 896660 validate

4. This will download and install the Valheim server files into the “valheim_server” folder.

Step 4: Configure Your Valheim Server

Now that you have the dedicated server files installed on your system, it’s time to configure your Valheim server to suit your needs.

Server Name and Password

Open the file \/valheim_server/start_server.bat in a text editor. Here, you can customize your server settings by modifying the following parameters:

Parameter	Description
name “My Server”	Sets the name of your server
password “mypassword”	Sets the password for your server

Make sure to save your changes before moving to the next step.

Firewall Configuration

You’ll also need to configure your firewall to allow traffic to and from your Valheim server. Open the following ports:

Port	Description
TCP/UDP 2456	Game traffic port
TCP/UDP 2457	Query port
TCP/UDP 2458	Steam networking port

Step 5: Start Your Valheim Server

You’re almost there! All you need to do now is start your Valheim server. Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the folder where you extracted SteamCMD. Run the following command:

start_server.bat

Your Valheim server should now be up and running! You can access it by launching the game and selecting “Join Game” from the main menu. Enter your server name and password, and you’re in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I create a backup of my Valheim server?

To create a backup of your Valheim server, navigate to the folder where you installed the server files and create a copy of the entire “valheim_server” directory. You should also periodically back up your player data, which is stored in the “worlds” subdirectory.

How many players can join my Valheim server?

The maximum number of players allowed on a Valheim server is 10. However, the server’s performance may vary based on the number of players connected, and it is recommended to have a dedicated machine to run your Valheim server to avoid performance issues.

Is it possible to customize my Valheim server’s world seed?

Yes, you can customize your Valheim server’s world seed by modifying the “start_server.bat” file. Add the following parameter to set your desired world seed:

-world \

Make sure to save your changes and run the “start_server.bat” file again for the changes to take effect.

Can I run my Valheim server on Linux?

Yes, you can run your Valheim server on Linux. Simply download and install the server files using SteamCMD on a Linux machine and follow the same steps mentioned in this article.

What do I do if I’m experiencing lag on my Valheim server?

If you’re experiencing lag on your Valheim server, try the following:

• Reduce the number of players connected to your server.
• Reduce the draw distance and graphic settings to improve server performance.
• Upgrade your system’s hardware to meet the Valheim server’s requirements.
• Try running your Valheim server on a dedicated machine.

Conclusion

That’s it- you should now have a functional Valheim server up and running! With this guide, we hope that you have found all the information you need to create a stable and successful dedicated Valheim server for you and your friends. Happy gaming!