Greetings, Dev! If you’re a fan of Valheim and want to host your own server, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up a Valheim server on Amazon Web Services (AWS), step by step. Let’s dive in!
What is Valheim?
Valheim is a multiplayer survival game that has taken the gaming world by storm. It’s an adventure game set in a Viking-inspired world, where players must explore and battle their way through a procedurally generated world filled with dangers and challenges. Valheim is known for its unique gameplay mechanics, beautiful graphics, and open-world exploration, making it a fun experience for players of all ages.
Why Host Valheim on AWS?
Hosting a Valheim server on AWS has several advantages. Firstly, you’ll have complete control over your server settings and gameplay experience. You can customize the game settings, add mods, and control who has access to your server. Secondly, hosting on AWS is reliable and affordable, with flexible pricing options that can accommodate your needs. Finally, you can take advantage of AWS’s global network of servers, ensuring that your server is accessible from anywhere in the world.
Setting Up Your AWS Account
The first step in hosting a Valheim server on AWS is to set up your AWS account. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1 – Go to the AWS website
Head to the AWS website and click on the “Create an AWS Account” button. Follow the prompts to set up your account.
Step 2 – Add Payment Information
Next, add your payment information to your AWS account. This will allow you to pay for any services you use on AWS.
Step 3 – Set up Your First EC2 instance
Now that you have an AWS account, it’s time to set up your first EC2 instance. An EC2 instance is a virtual server in the cloud that you can use to host your Valheim server. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1 – Launch an Instance
From the AWS dashboard, click on “Launch Instance” to start the process of creating a virtual server.
Step 2 – Choose an Amazon Machine Image (AMI)
Next, select an Amazon Machine Image (AMI) that you want to use for your Valheim server. We recommend using the Amazon Linux 2 AMI for your server.
Step 3 – Configure Instance Details
On the next screen, you can configure the instance details. You can choose the instance type, network settings, and more. We recommend starting with the default settings.
Step 4 – Add Storage
Next, you can add storage to your instance. We recommend starting with the default settings for now.
Step 5 – Add Tags
You can add some tags to your instance for easy identification. This is optional but can be useful if you have multiple instances running.
Step 6 – Configure Security Group
Finally, you need to configure the security group for your instance. This is where you’ll open up ports for your Valheim server to be accessible to the internet. We’ll cover this in more detail below.
Installing Valheim on Your EC2 Instance
Now that you have your EC2 instance set up, it’s time to install Valheim. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1 – Connect to Your EC2 Instance
First, you need to connect to your EC2 instance using SSH. You can do this by following the instructions provided by AWS when you launched your instance.
Step 2 – Update Your Instance
Next, update your instance using the following command:
Command |
What it Does |
|---|---|
sudo yum update -y |
Updates your instance and installs any missing packages. |
Step 3 – Install SteamCMD
Now, install SteamCMD using the following command:
Command |
What it Does |
|---|---|
sudo yum install steamcmd -y |
Installs SteamCMD on your instance. |
Step 4 – Install Valheim Server
Finally, install the Valheim server using SteamCMD with the following command:
Command |
What it Does |
|---|---|
app_update 896660 |
Installs the Valheim dedicated server files. |
Configuring Your Valheim Server
Now that you’ve installed Valheim on your EC2 instance, it’s time to configure your server to your liking. Here’s how:
Step 1 – Edit Your Server Settings
You can edit your server settings by navigating to the “valheim_server_Data” folder and opening up the “start_headless_server.sh” file. Here, you can change the server name, password, and other settings to your liking.
Step 2 – Open Ports for Your Server
To allow your Valheim server to be accessible from the internet, you need to open up some ports in your instance’s security group. Here are the ports you need to open:
Port |
Description |
|---|---|
2456 |
Game communication |
2457 |
Game communication |
2458 |
Websockets |
Starting Your Valheim Server
Now that you’ve configured your Valheim server, it’s time to start it up. Here’s how:
Step 1 – Connect to Your EC2 Instance
Connect to your EC2 instance using SSH.
Step 2 – Navigate to the Valheim Server Folder
Navigate to the “valheim_server” folder using the following command:
Command |
What it Does |
|---|---|
cd /home/ec2-user/steamcmd/valheim_server |
Navigates to the Valheim server folder. |
Step 3 – Start the Server
Finally, start your Valheim server using the following command:
Command |
What it Does |
|---|---|
./start_headless_server.sh |
Starts the Valheim server. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How much does it cost to host a Valheim server on AWS?
Answer: The cost of hosting a Valheim server on AWS depends on several factors, including the instance type you choose, the amount of storage you need, and how much data your server uses. However, hosting a small Valheim server can cost as little as a few dollars a month.
Q2. How many players can join my Valheim server on AWS?
Answer: The number of players that can join your Valheim server on AWS depends on the instance type and configuration you choose. However, most small Valheim servers can support up to 10-20 players at once.
Q3. Can I use mods on my Valheim server hosted on AWS?
Answer: Yes, you can use mods on your Valheim server hosted on AWS. However, you’ll need to install and configure the mods yourself, as they are not included with the Valheim server files.
Q4. Can I run multiple Valheim servers on the same EC2 instance?
Answer: Yes, you can run multiple Valheim servers on the same EC2 instance. However, you’ll need to configure each server separately and open up different ports for each server to be accessible from the internet.
Q5. Can I back up my Valheim server data on AWS?
Answer: Yes, you can back up your Valheim server data on AWS using Amazon’s EBS (Elastic Block Store) service. This allows you to create snapshots of your server data and store them in the cloud for safekeeping.
Conclusion
Hosting a Valheim server on AWS is a great way to enjoy the game with friends and customize your gameplay experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up your own Valheim server on AWS and start playing in no time. Happy gaming, Dev!