Hosting a Valheim Server: Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on hosting a Valheim server, Dev! In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about hosting your own Valheim server, including the benefits of doing so, how to set it up, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, this guide is perfect for anyone who wants to take their Valheim experience to the next level.

Why Host Your Own Valheim Server?

Valheim is a survival game that can be played solo or with friends. While playing solo can be fun, playing with friends is even better. However, playing on a public server can be frustrating due to lag and griefing. This is where hosting your own Valheim server comes in handy. By hosting your own server, you can control who plays on it, have a faster connection, and prevent griefing. Here are some more benefits of hosting your own Valheim server:

1. Better Connections

When you play on a public server, you are at the mercy of the server’s connection speed. This can result in lag and other issues that can ruin your gaming experience. By hosting your own server, you can ensure that your connection speed is optimal, resulting in a smoother gameplay experience.

2. Control Over Who Plays

When you host your own server, you have complete control over who plays on it. This means you can invite your friends and people you trust to play with you, and prevent anyone you don’t want from joining. This is especially useful if you’re worried about griefers ruining your game.

3. More Customization Options

When you host your own Valheim server, you can customize it to your liking. This includes things like server settings, mods, and more. This can help you tailor your gaming experience to your preferences, and make the game even more enjoyable.

4. No More Waiting in Queues

Public servers can often have long queues, which can be frustrating if you want to play right away. By hosting your own server, you can skip the queue and start playing right away.

5. Free to Host

Hosting your own Valheim server is free. All you need is a computer and an internet connection. This means you can save money on server rental fees, and have more control over your gaming experience.

How to Host Your Own Valheim Server

Now that we’ve gone over the benefits of hosting your own Valheim server, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to set it up. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Check Your System Requirements

The first step in hosting your own Valheim server is to check your system requirements. Here are the minimum requirements you will need:

Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS: Windows 7 or newer 64-bit Processor: Intel Dual Core 2.6 GHz or better Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 520 or equivalent Storage: 1 GB available space	OS: Windows 7 or newer 64-bit Processor: Intel Quad Core i5 3 GHz or better Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or equivalent Storage: 1 GB available space

If your system meets the minimum requirements, you should be able to run a Valheim server without any issues. If your system doesn’t meet the requirements, you may experience lag and other issues.

2. Download the Dedicated Server Tool

The next step is to download the dedicated server tool from the Valheim website. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Valheim Dedicated Server page.
2. Click on the link to download the server tool.
3. Extract the contents of the zip file to a folder on your computer.

3. Configure Your Server Settings

Once you have the dedicated server tool downloaded and extracted, you’ll need to configure your server settings. Here are the steps:

1. Open the file “start_headless_server.bat” in a text editor.
2. Change the server name, password, and other settings to your liking.
3. Save the file.

4. Start Your Server

Now that you have your server settings configured, it’s time to start your server. Here’s how:

1. Double-click on the file “start_headless_server.bat”.
2. Wait for the server to start up.
3. You should see a message that says “Game server connected”.
4. Your server is now up and running!

FAQ

1. Can I Host a Valheim Server on a Mac?

Yes, you can host a Valheim server on a Mac. However, the dedicated server tool is only available for Windows at the moment. This means you will need to use a virtual machine or other workaround to run the server on a Mac.

2. Can I Play on My Own Server?

Yes, you can play on your own Valheim server. Simply connect to the server using the same IP address and password you set up when you configured the server.

3. How Many Players Can I Have on My Server?

The number of players you can have on your Valheim server depends on your system’s capabilities. The more RAM and processing power you have, the more players you can have. However, Valheim is optimized for up to 10 players, so aim for that number for the best experience.

4. Can I Use Mods on My Valheim Server?

Yes, you can use mods on your Valheim server. However, all players on the server will need to have the same mods installed for them to work properly.

5. How Do I Update My Server?

To update your Valheim server, simply download the latest version of the dedicated server tool from the Valheim website, and follow the same steps you did when setting up your server initially.

And there you have it, Dev! Everything you need to know about hosting your own Valheim server. We hope this guide was helpful, and wish you the best of luck in your Valheim adventures!