How to Increase Your Player Limit in Valheim

The default player limit for Valheim servers is 10. However, with the help of server configurations and, more commonly, mods, it’s possible to host a server that accommodates more than 10 players. Directly modifying the game files provides one path to increase the player limit, while using mods offers a more user-friendly and flexible approach. Let’s delve into the specifics of how to achieve this.

Modifying Server Configuration to Increase Player Count

One method to increase your player limit involves manually editing your Valheim server’s configuration file. This requires direct access to your server files, meaning it’s primarily applicable to dedicated servers or those hosted on your personal machine. Here’s how:

1. Locate Your Server Files: You need to find the directory where your Valheim server files are stored. This is often found within the Steam installation directory or a custom location if you’ve set up the server manually.
2. Find the Configuration File: Within the server files, locate a configuration file, often named start_server.bat, start_server.sh, or sometimes valheim_server.cfg. This file contains important settings that control how your server operates.
3. Edit the Max Players Setting: Open the configuration file in a text editor, like Notepad or VS Code. Look for a line that reads something similar to maxPlayers=10.
4. Change the Value: Modify the numerical value following maxPlayers= to your desired player limit. For example, to allow 20 players, you would change it to maxPlayers=20.
5. Save the Configuration: Once you’ve made the change, save the configuration file.
6. Restart Your Server: For the changes to take effect, you’ll need to restart your Valheim server. The new player limit should be active once the server is back online.

Important Note: While manually modifying the maxPlayers setting can work, it’s not always guaranteed to function perfectly or to scale well for high player counts. This is where mods provide a more robust and stable solution.

Using Mods to Increase Player Limit

Mods are the most reliable way to increase the player limit in Valheim. There are several mods available that are specifically designed for this purpose. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the modding process:

1. Install a Mod Manager: Start by downloading a mod manager like Thunderstore Mod Manager or Nexus Mod Manager. These programs streamline the process of installing and managing mods.
2. Locate the Relevant Mod: Search for a mod that is specifically designed to increase the max player limit in Valheim. Examples include “BiggerLobby” and similar mods focusing on server capacity.
3. Install the Mod: Using your mod manager, install the chosen mod. Typically, this is a simple click-and-install process.
4. Configure the Mod (If Necessary): Some mods offer configuration options that allow you to specify the exact player limit you desire. If so, follow the instructions of the particular mod to change the settings.
5. Launch Valheim Through the Mod Manager: Ensure you launch Valheim via your mod manager, as this is how the game loads with the active modifications.
6. Verify the New Player Limit: Once in-game, verify that your new player limit is in effect by checking your server’s player capacity.
7. Test the Setup: It’s highly recommended that you test your server with the intended number of players to make sure it runs smoothly, as larger player counts can affect server performance.

Using mods provides an easier and more efficient method to increase your player count. It is also worth noting that some server hosts may have plugins to also assist with this process through their own control panels, streamlining the process even further.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

While it’s straightforward to increase the player limit, some factors should be taken into account:

• Server Performance: Increasing the player limit drastically can put a strain on your server’s resources. Make sure your server has adequate RAM, CPU, and network bandwidth to handle the increased load. You may need to consider better hardware for larger groups.
• Game Balance: Valheim is primarily designed for smaller groups of 3-5 players. Increasing the player limit can significantly impact the game’s difficulty. With more players, the game can become much easier.
• Mod Compatibility: When using mods, ensure they are compatible with each other and the current version of Valheim. Incompatible mods can lead to crashes or unexpected behavior.
• Community Guidelines: Always be respectful of any rules or guidelines associated with the server host provider, as they may prohibit using certain types of mods or server configuration changes.
• Server Stability: Remember to monitor the stability of your server closely when you make modifications, especially if you are changing the player limit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the default player limit in Valheim?

The default player limit for Valheim servers is 10 players. This is the maximum number of players that can join a standard un-modded server.

2. Can you play Valheim solo?

Yes, Valheim can be played solo, offering a challenging and immersive survival experience. The game scales down in difficulty if you are the only player present.

3. Is Valheim easier with more people?

While more players can tackle challenges more effectively, the game does attempt to balance difficulty. Creature health and damage scale up with more players nearby, although the scaling caps at 5 players, making bigger groups generally more powerful.

4. How many bosses are there in Valheim?

Currently, there are six bosses in Valheim, each located in a different biome. Defeating all bosses is a primary objective in the game.

5. Does Valheim scale with player count?

Yes, Valheim scales with player count. Creature damage is increased by 4%, and health is increased by 30% for each player within 100 meters, up to a maximum of 5 players.

6. How many skills are in Valheim?

There are a total of 15 skills in Valheim that you can develop. These skills enhance different aspects of gameplay, such as combat, crafting, and resource gathering.

7. How big is the Valheim map?

The Valheim map is approximately 314 square kilometers, a circular map with a 10-kilometer radius. This is notably larger than the map in Skyrim.

8. What is the goal of Valheim?

The main objective of Valheim is to defeat the six bosses located in different biomes. This involves exploring, crafting, and combat, ultimately leading you to your ascension to Valhalla.

9. How long does it take to 100% Valheim?

On average, completing 100% of Valheim takes about 140 hours, as it involves fully exploring all aspects of the game and defeating all bosses. Just focusing on the main storyline might take closer to 75 hours.

10. Can you mod Valheim multiplayer?

Yes, Valheim supports modding for multiplayer servers. This allows you to add new features and experiences to the game.

11. What is the hardest boss in Valheim?

The hardest boss in Valheim is The Queen, located in the Mistlands biome, and found in Infested Citadels.

12. How do I set up a dedicated Valheim server?

Setting up a dedicated Valheim server involves downloading the necessary files from Steam, configuring server settings, and opening required ports in your firewall. Several online guides provide step-by-step instructions.

13. Should I play Valheim with Vulkan?

Using Vulkan can improve performance for some users, especially those with older hardware. It can result in higher FPS and smoother gameplay.

14. Why do all Valheim servers have passwords?

Passwords provide privacy and security for Valheim servers. They ensure that only authorized players can join.

15. Can I host multiple Valheim servers?

Yes, you can host multiple Valheim servers by running different server instances on different ports. Each server will need its own unique world and port forwarding configuration.

By understanding these methods, limitations, and considerations, you can effectively increase the player limit in your Valheim server and provide a shared and exciting experience for a larger community. Always ensure your server is adequately equipped to handle the increased load.