How to Host a Valheim Server: A Guide for Devs

Welcome, Devs! If you’re looking to host your own Valheim server, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to set up and manage your own server. Whether you’re hosting a server for you and your friends or running a public server for a larger community, this guide will help you get started.

System Requirements

Before you start hosting a Valheim server, it’s important to make sure your system meets the minimum requirements. Here are the recommended system specifications:

OS	Windows 7 or later, 64-bit
Processor	Intel Core i5-2500K @ 3.3GHz or AMD FX-6300 @ 3.5GHz
Memory	8 GB RAM
Storage	2 GB available space

Operating System

The Valheim server software is currently only available for Windows, so you will need a Windows-based server to run the software. You can use a physical server, a virtual machine, or a cloud-based server. It’s recommended to use a 64-bit operating system.

Processor

The processor is one of the most important components for hosting a Valheim server. You will need a processor with at least 4 cores and a clock speed of at least 3.3 GHz. The Intel Core i5-2500K and the AMD FX-6300 are good options.

Memory

The Valheim server software requires at least 8 GB of RAM to run. Make sure your server has enough memory to handle the number of players you plan to host.

Storage

You will need at least 2 GB of available storage space to install the Valheim server software and any additional files or mods.

Installation

The first step to hosting a Valheim server is to download and install the server software. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Download the Server Software

You can download the Valheim server software from the Steam client or from the Valheim website. To download from the Steam client, follow these steps:

1. Open the Steam client.
2. Click on the Library tab.
3. Select Tools from the dropdown menu.
4. Scroll down and find Valheim Dedicated Server.
5. Right-click on Valheim Dedicated Server and select Install Game.
6. Follow the prompts to install the server software.

To download from the Valheim website, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Valheim website at https://www.valheimgame.com/.
2. Click on the Downloads tab.
3. Find the section for Valheim Dedicated Server and click on the link to download the server software.
4. Follow the prompts to download and install the server software.

Step 2: Configure the Server

Once you have the server software installed, you will need to configure the server settings. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Valheim server software.
2. Click on the Start Server button.
3. Enter a name for your server.
4. Set a password if you want to restrict access to your server.
5. Adjust the maximum number of players and the world size to your preference.
6. Click on the Start Server button again.
7. Your server is now up and running!

Management

Once your server is up and running, you will need to manage it. Here are some tips for managing your Valheim server:

Backups

It’s important to regularly backup your server files to prevent data loss. You should backup your server files at least once a week, or more frequently if you have a lot of players or make frequent changes to your server.

Plugins and Mods

You can enhance your Valheim server by installing plugins and mods. However, be careful when installing mods as they can introduce bugs and instability to your server. Only install mods that have been tested and are known to work with your server version.

Server Rules

It’s important to establish server rules to promote a positive gaming experience for all players. Be sure to clearly communicate your server rules to all players and enforce them consistently.

Server Maintenance

You should regularly perform server maintenance tasks to keep your server running smoothly. This includes updating the server software, monitoring server performance, and resolving any server errors or issues.

FAQs

Q: How many players can I host on my Valheim server?

A: The Valheim server software can support up to 10 players. However, larger servers with more players are possible with additional hardware and modifications.

Q: How much does it cost to host a Valheim server?

A: The cost of hosting a Valheim server varies depending on the hosting provider and the server specifications. You can host a server for free using your own hardware, or you can rent a server from a hosting provider for a monthly fee.

Q: Can I run a Valheim server on a virtual machine?

A: Yes, you can run a Valheim server on a virtual machine. However, you will need to make sure that your virtual machine meets the minimum system requirements and has enough resources to run the server.

Q: Can I customize the server settings?

A: Yes, you can customize the server settings to your liking. This includes the maximum number of players, world size, and other settings such as PvP and player damage.

Q: Do I need a powerful internet connection to host a Valheim server?

A: Yes, you will need a stable and fast internet connection to host a Valheim server. The recommended internet speed is at least 10 Mbps for hosting up to 10 players.

That’s it, Devs! We hope this guide was helpful in getting you started with hosting your own Valheim server. Remember to always follow best practices for server management and have fun!