How To Set Up a Valheim Dedicated Server

If you want a persistent Viking world that stays online even when you log off, setting up a Valheim dedicated server is the best way to do it. A dedicated server gives you a world your group can join at any time, and it is much better than relying on one player to host every session.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to set up a Valheim dedicated server, what ports to use, how to edit the startup file, and what to know about crossplay. If you would rather skip the manual setup, take a look at our Valheim server hosting guide.

What Is a Valheim Dedicated Server?

A Valheim dedicated server is a separate server process that runs your world independently from the game client. That means your friends can keep building, exploring, and dying to mosquitoes even if you are not in-game.

This setup is ideal if you want:

• a world that stays online 24/7
• better control over server settings
• a shared map for a regular group
• easier long-term progression

For broader hosting options across other survival games, our game server hosting guide is also worth a look.

Before You Start

Before setting up your Valheim dedicated server, make sure you have:

• a Windows or Linux machine to host it on
• Steam installed if you are using the Steam dedicated server tool
• a stable internet connection
• access to your router settings if you plan to use the Steam backend with port forwarding

Valheim also supports crossplay, but the connection method changes depending on which backend you use. That matters later when you choose how players will connect.

How To Set Up a Valheim Dedicated Server

The easiest official method is to install the dedicated server tool from Steam, then edit the startup script with your server details.

1. Install the Valheim Dedicated Server tool

Open Steam and make sure Tools are visible in your library.

Then:

1. Open your Steam Library.
2. Click the library filter and enable Tools.
3. Find Valheim Dedicated Server.
4. Install it like a normal Steam tool.

Once it finishes, right-click it and choose Manage > Browse local files so you can open the install folder.

2. Make a copy of the startup file

Inside the install directory, you will see the startup script:

• start_headless_server.bat on Windows
• start_server.sh on Linux

Make a copy of the file before editing it. The original file can be reset during updates, so keeping your own edited copy saves time later.

3. Edit the server name, world, and password

Open the startup file in a text editor and find the line that starts the Valheim server.

You will want to change values such as:

• server name
• world name
• password
• port
• backend options if needed

Pick a strong password, especially if the server is exposed to the internet. If you want a more private setup for a small group, that is usually enough without needing a public listing.

4. Choose your connection method

Valheim dedicated servers can work in two main ways.

Steam backend

If you use the Steam backend, you generally need to forward the server port range through your router so outside players can connect.

The default port range is:

• 2456-2457

If you go this route, make sure those ports are forwarded to the machine running the server.

Crossplay backend

If you use the crossplay backend, the server communicates through a relay service instead of depending on classic port forwarding in the same way.

That makes it easier for mixed groups, but there is one important tradeoff:

• players can connect using a public IP, join code, or server list
• they cannot connect using a local IP or loopback IP in the same way

So before inviting people, decide whether you want a simple Steam-only setup or crossplay support.

5. Start the server

Save the edited startup file and run it.

If Windows prompts you with a firewall popup, allow the server through. On Linux, make sure the script has permission to run and that any required packages are installed.

When the server output shows Game server connected, your Valheim dedicated server is up and ready for players.

How Players Join Your Valheim Server

Once your server is running, players can usually join using one of these methods:

• the public IP and port
• the server list
• a join code if you are using crossplay

If you are using the Steam backend and standard networking, your friends will normally need your public IP and the correct port.

If they cannot connect, the first things to check are:

• whether the server is fully started
• whether the ports are forwarded correctly
• whether your firewall is blocking traffic
• whether everyone is on the expected backend

Valheim Dedicated Server Admin Basics

Valheim lets you manage admins, bans, and permitted users with text files stored in the save path.

The main files are:

• adminlist.txt
• bannedlist.txt
• permittedlist.txt

Each line should contain one platform user ID in the expected format. This is useful if you want a controlled private server instead of a fully open one.

There are also in-game admin console commands for actions like:

• kicking players
• banning players
• unbanning players
• listing bans

If you are planning a long-running survival world, it is worth setting this up early so moderation does not become a mess later.

Common Valheim Dedicated Server Problems

Here are the issues most people run into first.

The server does not appear online

If the server is running locally but nobody can see it, check:

• firewall rules
• router port forwarding
• whether the startup file has the right values
• whether you launched the correct edited script instead of the default original file

Players cannot join from outside your network

This is usually a networking issue.

For Steam backend servers, port forwarding is the first thing to verify. If you are stuck on that part, our Palworld port forwarding guide covers the same general router workflow.

Crossplay connection confusion

Crossplay changes how clients connect. If someone is trying to use a local IP on a crossplay-enabled server, that can fail even if the server itself is healthy.

Make sure everyone uses the correct method for the backend you chose.

Is It Better To Self-Host or Rent Valheim Server Hosting?

Self-hosting is great if you already have hardware, a decent connection, and do not mind editing startup files or router settings.

Managed hosting is better if you want:

• faster setup
• easier backups
• less networking hassle
• a server that stays online without using your own PC

That is why a lot of groups start with self-hosting, then move to a hosted server once the world becomes a longer-term project. If that sounds familiar, compare providers in our Valheim server hosting breakdown.

For official setup details and updates, you can also read Iron Gate’s dedicated server guide and visit the Valheim Steam page.

Conclusion

Setting up a Valheim dedicated server is not too hard once you know where the startup script lives and which connection method you want to use. Install the dedicated server tool, edit the config, decide between Steam backend or crossplay, and make sure your networking matches that choice.

Once it is online, your Viking world becomes much easier to share and maintain. That makes a dedicated server one of the best upgrades you can make if your group is serious about Valheim.