How to Set Up a Valheim Server: Complete Guide

Why Host Your Own Valheim Server?

Valheim took the gaming world by storm with its brutal exploration and survival experience. While you can host from your own PC, a dedicated server offers major advantages:

• 24/7 availability — friends can play even when you're offline
• Better performance — no lag from your PC running the game and server
• Persistent world — your Viking saga continues around the clock
• Full control — customize settings, enable crossplay, manage backups

Choosing the Right Plan

Valheim is surprisingly efficient, but larger worlds need more resources:

Tip: If your world is old with many structures and explored areas, go one tier higher.

Step 1: Deploy Your Server

Getting started takes under 2 minutes:

1. Go to HostedGG Valheim hosting
2. Choose your plan based on player count
3. Complete checkout
4. Your server is ready in 60 seconds

Once deployed, you'll receive an email with your server details and panel access.

Step 2: Access Your Control Panel

1. Log into the HostedGG panel
2. Click Manage on your Valheim server
3. Your server dashboard shows all controls and status

The server starts automatically with default settings on the latest version.

Step 3: Configure Server Settings

Navigate to the Startup tab to customize your server:

Essential Settings

Crossplay Settings

Valheim supports crossplay between Steam, Xbox, and Microsoft Store:

• Enable Crossplay: Set to 1 to allow all platforms
• Leave at 0 for Steam-only

Backup Configuration

Protect your Viking progress with automatic backups:

Step 4: Connect to Your Server

Method 1: Server Browser

1. Launch Valheim
2. Click Start Game → Select your character
3. Click Join Game
4. Find your server by name or use the Filter search
5. Enter the password when prompted
6. You're in!

Method 2: Direct IP Connect

If your server is private or not appearing:

1. Click Join Game → Add Server
2. Enter your server IP and port: your.ip.address:2456
3. Click Add
4. Select the server and click Connect
5. Enter password

Method 3: Steam Server Browser

1. In Steam, go to View → Game Servers
2. Click Favorites → Add Server
3. Enter your server IP:port
4. Find it in your favorites and connect

Step 5: Admin Commands

As admin, you can manage your server in-game. First, enable devcommands:

1. Press F5 to open console
2. Type devcommands and press Enter

Useful Commands

Manage Player Access

Edit the admin/ban/permit lists via File Manager:

• adminlist.txt — Steam IDs with admin powers
• bannedlist.txt — Blocked Steam IDs
• permittedlist.txt — Whitelist (if enabled)

Step 6: World Management

Transferring an Existing World

Have a local world you want to move to your server?

1. Find your local world files:
   • Windows: %appdata%\..\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds_local
2. Upload these files to your server via File Manager:
   • YourWorld.db
   • YourWorld.fwl
3. Update World Name in Startup settings to match
4. Restart the server

Creating a Fresh World

Simply change the World Name setting to any new name. Valheim will generate a fresh world on the next restart.

Troubleshooting

Server Not Appearing in Browser

• Wait 5-10 minutes after starting
• Verify Public Server is set to 1
• Try direct IP connect instead

Can't Connect to Server

• Double-check IP and port
• Ensure password is correct (minimum 5 characters)
• Verify server is Online in your panel
• Check that crossplay settings match (both enabled or both disabled)

Lag or Desync Issues

• Reduce explored map area if massive
• Use removedrops command to clear ground clutter
• Consider upgrading your plan for larger groups

Password Not Working

• Passwords must be at least 5 characters
• Cannot contain the server name
• Try a simple alphanumeric password

Best Practices for Server Admins

1. Regular restarts — Restart weekly to clear memory
2. Keep backups — Download world files periodically
3. Stay updated — Enable auto-update for latest patches
4. Set ground rules — Share building and PvP expectations
5. Monitor disk usage — Old worlds can grow large

Crossplay Guide

Valheim's crossplay lets Steam, Xbox, and Microsoft Store players unite:

To enable crossplay:

1. Set Enable Crossplay to 1 in Startup settings
2. Restart your server
3. All players must also enable crossplay in their game settings

Note: Crossplay uses different networking, so make sure all players have it enabled on their end too.

Ready to explore the tenth world with friends? Deploy your Valheim server now and be playing in 60 seconds.

Need help? Join our Discord for support and to find fellow Vikings.

More Valheim Guides:

• How to Play Valheim With Friends — all multiplayer methods explained
• Dedicated Server vs Hosting — Which Is Better?
• Top 10 Valheim Mods for 2026
• Crossplay Setup Guide (Wiki)
• Admin Commands Reference (Wiki)