- Setting up dedicated servers using Steam tools on Windows and opening ports on the router.
- Deployment of free 24/7 servers using Oracle Cloud instances with Ubuntu and emulators like FEX.
- Mod management through BepInEx and use of administration tools such as PuTTY, FileZilla and screen.
- Professional hosting alternatives to obtain DDoS protection and resource scalability without technical complications.
If you're into survival games and want to share your Viking adventures with friends, you'll know that Valheim's co-op mode is a blast. While playing a local game is easy, there comes a point where you want something more serious: a private, dedicated server that allows everyone to drop in and out without the host having to be glued to the screen the whole time.
Setting up your own space in the world of Odin might seem like a headache if you're not tech-savvy, but don't worry. Depending on how complicated you want things to be, you can opt for quick solutions on Windows , venture into the cloud with Linux, or let a professional hosting service handle the dirty work to save you the hassle.
Simple option: Dedicated server on Windows
The most direct route for those who want to avoid complications is to use the official Steam tool. First, go to your library and, in the game filter, check the box for Tools to locate the Valheim Dedicated Server. Once installed, don't run the program directly; ideally, go to your local files and look for the file called start_headless_server.bat.
To truly own the server, make a copy of that file and rename it (for example, "my_viking_world.bat"). Open this file with Notepad and adjust the parameters: the server name , the port (2456 by default), the world name, and a password of at least 5 characters. If you want your console friends to join as well, don't forget to add the `-crossplay` tag , and if you prefer to prevent strangers from joining, change the `public` value to 0.
Be careful with security, because Windows will likely block your access. You must allow the connection in your firewall by selecting private networks. Additionally, to allow others to access your network from outside your home, you'll need to access your router's settings and enable port forwarding , directing traffic from port 2456 to your computer's local IP address.
Advanced option: Free cloud server with Oracle Cloud
For tech-savvy users looking for a 24/7 up-to-date server without spending a penny, Oracle Cloud is a powerful, albeit more complex, option. The process begins by creating an account, and if you want to avoid endless waits due to insufficient capacity, it's recommended to upgrade to a pay-as-you-go account (which still offers a very generous free tier). You'll need to create a virtual machine instance with Ubuntu 22.04 and use Ampere processors with either 12 GB or 24 GB of RAM, depending on current availability.
To manage this server, you'll need tools like PuTTY for SSH connections , FileZilla for moving files, and Notepad++ for editing configurations. Once you're in the Linux console, the path diverges: if you want a vanilla server, use BOX64; but if you prefer mods, you should install FEX-Emu . After installing steamcmd and downloading the Valheim server, you'll need to configure inbound rules in the Oracle control panel and modify the Linux firewall by editing the rules.v4 file to open the corresponding TCP and UDP ports.
If you've decided to add mods, the standard is to use BepInEx . You'll need to upload the files to the server folder via SFTP and edit the startup script to load the server with the desired parameters. To prevent the process from closing when you close PuTTY, it's essential to use `screen` , which allows you to leave the console running in the background and return to it whenever you want with the command `screen -r`.
Professional Hosting Alternatives
If all of the above sounds like gibberish to you, or you simply don't have time to deal with IPs and firewalls, there are services like AxentHost. These platforms offer an intuitive interface where the server is set up in just a few clicks. The big advantage is that they include DDoS protection , preventing your personal IP from being exposed to attacks, and they offer 24/7 technical support.
This type of hosting allows you to easily scale resources (RAM and disk) as your village and the number of players grow. Furthermore, it greatly simplifies backup management and uploading custom worlds via FTP, eliminating the need to manually configure each network rule on your router.
Technical considerations and performance
It's important to understand that hosting a server consumes resources. If you're doing it on your own PC, remember that your computer must be able to handle both the server and the game simultaneously. As you build larger bases or explore deeper dungeons, the load on your CPU and RAM will increase, which can cause lag if your hardware is limited.
Regardless of the method chosen, it is recommended to perform regular backups of the valheim_data folder. This is vital in case of game updates that could break mod compatibility. Additionally, restarting the server instance once a week helps clear memory and reduce connection issues or crashes when saving the game.
Whether you're setting up a virtual machine on Linux, editing .bat files on your Windows machine, or outsourcing everything to external hosting, the key is ensuring a good internet connection and open ports for a smooth experience. With proper RAM configuration, smart mod management, and weekly system maintenance, you'll have a stable Viking haven where your friends can build and battle without interruption.