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Run Valheim Dedicated Server on a computer that stays powered and connected, rather than hosting from a player’s game client. Install it from Steam’s Tools library, copy the supplied start_headless_server.bat (Windows) or start_server.sh (Linux), then edit the copy with your world name, password, port and visibility settings. For the Steam backend, forward the configured port and the next port (2456 and 2457 by default). Add -crossplay when supported non-Steam players need to join; the PlayFab relay removes the need for router port forwarding.
The sections below cover installation, launch arguments, networking, cross-platform access, backups, maintenance and recovery so the world remains available while you are offline.
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A normal cooperative Valheim session depends on the host player starting the game. A dedicated server runs the world as a separate process, so friends can connect while the usual host is away. Iron Gate describes this as a persistent world that friends can enter at any time.
“Permanent” does not mean the process can never stop. The machine must remain powered, connected to the network and able to restart the server after updates, crashes or power interruptions. You are responsible for the operating system, firewall, router, storage and backups when you host it yourself.
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Choose where the server will run
Self-hosted computer
A spare desktop, home server or other always-on computer gives you direct control over the world files, scripts and any supported modifications. You pay the machine’s electricity and maintain it yourself. The official guide expects you to edit a launch script and, for Steam networking, configure the router.
- Keep the computer powered whenever players may need access.
- Keep it connected to the internet and on a stable local network address so forwarding rules continue to point to the right machine.
- Apply operating-system and Valheim updates deliberately, then check that your copied launch script still contains your arguments.
- Plan how the process will be restarted after a reboot or failure.
- Store a second copy of the world data away from the running disk.
A UPS is a sensible accessory for a self-hosted machine because it can keep the server running through brief power interruptions. That is operational advice, not a Valheim hardware requirement; choose capacity for your particular computer and runtime.
Managed game hosting
A managed host moves machine maintenance, network configuration and some recovery work to a hosting company in exchange for a recurring bill. Iron Gate’s official material does not publish provider rankings, prices or uptime guarantees, so select a service only after checking its current plan, supported Valheim version, file access, backup policy, crossplay behavior and restore process.
Ask specifically whether you can download the complete world and permission files. A control panel backup that cannot be exported is not a substitute for an independent copy you control.
Install the dedicated server
Windows through Steam
- Open Steam and switch to the Library view.
- Use the library filter to show Tools, then install Valheim Dedicated Server.
- Open the installation folder and locate
start_headless_server.bat. - Copy that file in the same folder and give the copy a clear name, such as
my_valheim_server.bat. Edit the copy, not the original. Steam updates can reset the supplied file. - Open the copied file in a text editor and change the documented arguments. Save it, then run the copy to start the server.
Linux through Steam
- Install Valheim Dedicated Server from Steam’s Tools library.
- Find the supplied
start_server.shin the server installation directory. - Make a copy before editing, because an update can replace the original script.
- Edit the copied script with the arguments in the launch section below.
- Start the copied script from your server account and keep that process running whenever the world should be available.
Microsoft Store installation
Microsoft Store users launch the server from the installed Server folder with StartHeadlessServer.bat. The Valheim FAQ directs Microsoft Store users to the manual included with that installation, so use that manual for the Store-specific path and launch details.
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Build the launch configuration
The supplied script already contains the executable invocation. Keep that invocation and edit its argument list. This example uses a descriptive world name, a private password and the documented default save and backup timings:
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-name "Meadows Home" -port 2456 -world "MeadowsHome" -password "ChangeThisBeforeStarting" -public 1 -saveinterval 1800 -backups 4 -backupshort 7200 -backuplong 43200Use a long, private password and do not publish it in a forum or chat. The world name identifies the save; choose one spelling and keep it unchanged when reconnecting to the existing world.
| Argument | What it controls | Documented value or behavior |
|---|---|---|
-name |
Name displayed for the server | Choose your own server name |
-port |
Network port used by the instance | 2456 by default |
-world |
World save to load or create | Choose a stable world name |
-password |
Join password | Choose a private value; no public default is specified |
-public |
Whether the server appears in the browser | 1 makes it public; 0 hides it |
-crossplay |
Use the PlayFab relay for supported cross-platform joins | Optional; add it when non-Steam platforms must connect |
-saveinterval |
How often the world saves | 1800 seconds, or 30 minutes, in Iron Gate’s 2024 documentation |
-backups |
Number of rolling automatic backups | 4 under the documented default policy |
-backupshort |
Short backup interval | 7200 seconds, or 2 hours |
-backuplong |
Long backup interval | 43200 seconds, or 12 hours |
-savedir |
Location of world and related save data | Optional; use it to place data on a deliberate volume or backup path |
To hide a server from the public browser, change -public 1 to -public 0. Players then join with the appropriate address or code instead of browsing for the name. If you need cross-platform access, append -crossplay to the same argument line.
Configure networking and ports
Steam backend
With the Steam backend, forward the configured port and the next port through both the router and the host firewall. With the default configuration, that means ports 2456 and 2457. Iron Gate’s documentation says the server uses both ports; forwarding only 2456 leaves the instance incompletely reachable.
- Give the server computer a stable local address, using your router’s address-reservation feature or an equivalent method.
- In the router’s port-forwarding section, create rules for 2456 and 2457 to that computer.
- Allow the server process through the computer’s firewall, or create matching firewall rules for the forwarded ports.
- Start the copied script and have a friend test from outside your home network.
- If you change
-portto another value, forward that value and the immediately following port instead of 2456 and 2457.
Do not expose the password while testing. If the server is visible but a friend cannot complete a connection, verify the second forwarded port, the firewall rule and the destination address before changing the world configuration.
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Crossplay backend
Add -crossplay when supported non-Steam platforms need to join. The PlayFab relay carries the server traffic, so an internet-facing router port-forward is not required for accessibility outside your local network. The configured port still identifies the server instance, so leave it consistent in your script and documentation.
Crossplay does not remove the need for an always-on machine, a valid world save or a private password. It changes how players reach the running process.
Make saves and backups recoverable
Understand the documented defaults
Iron Gate’s 2024 defaults save the world every 1,800 seconds (30 minutes) and retain four rolling backups. The short-backup interval is 7,200 seconds (2 hours), and the long-backup interval is 43,200 seconds (12 hours). The documented policy therefore provides frequent short-interval recovery and longer-spaced backups while the server continues running.
These are rolling backups on the server host. They are useful after an accidental change or corruption, but they do not protect against a failed disk, theft, ransomware or a damaged machine when every copy is stored on that same machine.
Find the files
On Windows, world and permission files normally live under %USERPROFILE%/AppData/LocalLow/IronGate/Valheim. On Linux, the normal location is ~/.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim. The exact location changes when you supply -savedir.
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Choose a deliberate data volume with -savedir if the operating-system disk is small, if you want a dedicated backup job, or if you need to migrate the world to another machine. Record the chosen path with the server’s password and port settings so recovery does not depend on memory.
Use a second copy
- Keep the server’s active save directory on the host.
- Copy the world and permission data to a separately mounted disk or another computer on a schedule that fits how much progress you can afford to lose.
- Retain at least one copy that is not permanently mounted to the server. This protects against failures that would destroy every online copy.
- Periodically verify that a copied world can be identified and restored; a backup that has never been checked is only an assumption.
For the cleanest manual copy, stop the server process first so files are not changing during the transfer. Keep the built-in rolling backups enabled even after adding external copies; they provide a faster first recovery point.
Keep the server running around the clock
Power and connectivity
- Disable sleep or hibernation on the host computer.
- Use a wired connection where practical and confirm that the machine reconnects after a router restart.
- Use a UPS for brief power events if an uninterrupted world matters.
- Check available disk space; a full volume can prevent saves and backups.
Updates and restarts
Steam updates can reset the supplied launch script, which is why the first installation step is to copy it. After an update, compare your working copy with the newly installed original and reapply any required arguments. Never assume a patch preserved -world, -savedir, -crossplay or backup settings.
Arrange for the copied script to start after a planned reboot and decide how it will be restarted after an unexpected exit. Windows Task Scheduler, a service manager or a supervised shell process can perform that job; the exact mechanism depends on your operating system. Test a deliberate stop-and-start before inviting friends so you know which account runs the process and where its saves are written.
Operational checklist
- Confirm the host is powered and reachable.
- Confirm the copied script, not the vendor original, is being launched.
- Confirm the intended
-worldand-savedirvalues. - Confirm the password is private and current.
- Confirm the server is public only when you want browser discovery.
- Confirm either the 2456/2457 forwarding rules or the
-crossplayrelay choice. - Confirm that an external copy of the world exists.
Let Steam, Xbox and other supported platforms join
For Steam-only play, use the Steam backend and its port-forwarding configuration. For supported non-Steam joins, add -crossplay. The relay is the practical path when players are on different supported platforms or when you cannot configure the home router.
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An Xbox console can join a dedicated server when crossplay is enabled, but Iron Gate’s Crossplay FAQ states that an Xbox cannot set up a dedicated server itself. The server must therefore run on a supported computer or hosting service.
Join with a code
Iron Gate’s FAQ documents a code-based flow: start the server, open the pause menu to copy the join code, then have the other player paste it under Join Game → Add server. Use this method when the server is not discoverable in the browser or when the crossplay relay provides the code.
Self-hosting versus managed hosting
| Decision factor | Self-hosted machine | Managed host |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring expense | Hardware electricity and your existing internet service | A recurring hosting charge; Iron Gate does not publish a universal price |
| Setup effort | You install the server, edit scripts, configure firewall and possibly forward ports | The provider supplies a control panel or managed setup, but you still configure the world |
| File and mod control | Direct access to scripts and save directories | Depends on the provider’s file access and supported modifications |
| Network exposure | Steam backend normally requires forwarding 2456 and 2457; crossplay uses the relay | Provider handles its network, but crossplay support must be verified |
| Backup responsibility | You must create and test copies outside the host | Read the retention and export terms; keep your own downloadable copy |
| Recovery after failure | UPS, restart automation and spare hardware are your responsibility | Recovery depends on the provider’s restore process and availability |
Choose self-hosting when control and local file access matter and you can maintain an always-on computer. Choose managed hosting when avoiding operating-system and router maintenance is worth the recurring charge. In either case, keep an independent world copy.
Hardware and capacity expectations
Iron Gate’s official material supplies launch arguments, paths, ports and platform behavior, but it does not publish a universal CPU, memory or bandwidth sizing table for every player count. Do not treat a generic specification as a guarantee. Start with a machine that can remain powered, monitor its resource use while your group is active and leave storage headroom for saves and backups.
Capacity also depends on the number of simultaneous players, world activity and any server-side additions. If the process struggles, reduce competing workloads on the host, verify that the disk is healthy and compare behavior with modifications removed before replacing hardware.
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Troubleshoot the common failures
The server is not visible
- Check whether
-public 0intentionally hides it. Use the configured address or join code instead. - For Steam networking, verify both forwarded ports: the configured port and port+1.
- Confirm the host firewall permits the server process.
- Confirm the process is running on the machine that receives the router forwarding rules.
A friend can see it but cannot join
Recheck the password, then test the second port and firewall rule. If players are on supported non-Steam platforms, add -crossplay and use the documented code-based join flow rather than relying on Steam browser discovery.
The world appears to have reset
Stop the process and inspect the launch copy for an unchanged -world value and the expected -savedir. An update may have reset the original script, causing the server to start with different arguments. Check the normal Windows or Linux save path if -savedir was never set, then restore the intended world from a known-good copy if necessary.
Backups are missing
Verify that the server account can write to the save directory and that the disk has free space. Confirm the backup arguments are still present after an update. Remember that built-in backups are local rolling copies; they do not replace an offline or separately mounted copy.
Quick Recap
Final pre-launch checklist
- Install Valheim Dedicated Server from Steam’s Tools library, or use the Microsoft Store Server folder and its included manual.
- Copy the supplied Windows or Linux launch script before editing it.
- Set a unique server name, stable world name and private password.
- Choose
-public 1for browser discovery or-public 0for hidden access. - Use port 2456 plus 2457 with Steam forwarding, or add
-crossplayfor the relay path. - Keep the documented save and backup controls, or change them intentionally.
- Set
-savedirwhen you need a deliberate data volume. - Copy the world data outside the host and test the recovery process.
- Test a restart before sharing the join details.
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