How to Create a Free Dedicated Valheim Server: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating a dedicated Valheim server for free is entirely achievable, allowing you and your friends to explore the Viking afterlife without the limitations of a locally hosted game. The key lies in leveraging your own computer and taking the time to set up the necessary software and configurations. This guide will walk you through the steps to accomplish just that, along with FAQs to ensure a smooth server-hosting experience.

Setting Up Your Free Dedicated Valheim Server

Before we begin, it’s important to understand that hosting a free server on your personal computer will mean your machine needs to be on and connected to the internet for the server to be accessible.

Step 1: Install the Valheim Dedicated Server Tool

The first step is downloading the Valheim Dedicated Server tool through Steam:

1. Open your Steam client.
2. Navigate to the Library tab.
3. In the search bar, type “Valheim Dedicated Server.”
4. Select it from the search results and click Install.

This tool is free to download and does not require you to purchase Valheim again. It contains all the server files and settings you’ll need.

Step 2: Configure the Server Files

Once the installation is complete, you need to configure the server:

1. Navigate to your Steam library and right-click on “Valheim Dedicated Server.”
2. Go to Manage and select Browse local files. This will open the installation directory.
3. Locate the file named startheadlessserver.bat (or start_server.sh if you are on Linux).
4. Right-click on it and select Edit. This will open the file in a text editor.
5. You’ll see a line that starts with valheim_server.exe. This is where you set up your server name, world name, password, and other parameters. You should see lines similar to this
   
start valheim_server.exe -name "My Server Name" -world "MyWorld" -password "MyPassword"

6. Modify the following:
   • Replace "My Server Name" with your desired server name.
   • Replace "MyWorld" with your desired world name (or create a new one). Keep in mind that you will need the world files to play the existing world.
   • Replace "MyPassword" with your desired server password.
7. Save the changes and close the text editor.

Step 3: Port Forwarding

To allow players outside your local network to connect, you need to set up port forwarding on your router. This process can vary by router brand and model:

1. Locate your router’s IP address (usually found in your network settings).
2. Access your router’s settings by entering the IP address in your web browser.
3. Find the port forwarding section (it may be under NAT, Firewall, or similar).
4. Create rules to forward the following TCP/UDP ports: 2456, 2457, and 2458 to the local IP address of your machine hosting the server.
5. Save the changes.

You will need to use your public IP address for your friends to connect. To find that you can Google “What is my IP”.

Step 4: Configure Firewall

You also need to ensure your computer’s firewall isn’t blocking connections:

1. Open your Windows Firewall settings.
2. Click on “Allow an app through Windows Firewall”.
3. Click on “Change settings” and then “Allow another app…”
4. Find and add valheim_server.exe.
5. Ensure both Private and Public network checkboxes are checked.
6. Save changes.

Step 5: Start the Valheim Server

With everything configured, you can now start the server:

1. Navigate back to the directory where you edited the start_headless_server.bat file.
2. Double-click the start_headless_server.bat file to run the server. A command window will appear and you will see the server spinning up.
3. The server will be ready when you see messages such as “Game Server Connected”.

Step 6: Connecting to the Server

Players can connect via the game menu:

1. Launch Valheim.
2. Select “Join Game”.
3. Click on the “Add Server” button in the bottom left.
4. Enter the public IP of the machine running the server. For local networks, the local IP is used.
5. Enter the server password.
6. Click on Connect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much RAM does a free Valheim server need?

The official minimum requirement is 2GB of RAM, but in practice, a server will use closer to 3GB of RAM, especially with a larger world or more players. Ensure your machine has enough resources for both the server and your other tasks.

2. Can you play Valheim without the host?

With a locally hosted game using the in-game ‘Start Server’ option, you need to be online to allow other players to connect. This is a limitation of that style of hosting. However, a dedicated server lets your friends play even when you are offline.

3. How do I host a 24/7 Valheim server for free?

To achieve 24/7 hosting, your computer needs to be online, and the dedicated server needs to be running constantly. Ensure you have proper cooling to avoid overheating.

4. What is the disadvantage of hosting a server for free on my computer?

Hosting on your own computer means it needs to be always on, consuming power and resources. Also, it means you are limited by your own internet speed for all players.

5. Can I use cheats on my free dedicated Valheim server?

Yes, you can. You have to shut down the dedicated server, load the world using a single player game, then enable devcommands in the in-game console. Once that is done, you can start the dedicated server again.

6. What does crossplay mean in Valheim and does it affect my server?

Crossplay means players on PC and Xbox can play together. This functionality is not impacted by how you host the server, as it works for both locally hosted and dedicated servers.

7. What is the max server size for Valheim?

Servers are currently capped at 10 players.

8. How does a dedicated Valheim server work?

A dedicated server is a separate application from the game client that runs the world continuously, allowing players to connect and play regardless of whether the host is actively in the game.

9. Can anyone join my free Valheim server?

With a dedicated server, anyone with the server details (public IP and password) can join your game. If you are using the in-game ‘Start Server’ option, it is only visible to friends, while the “Community Server” option allows anyone to join.

10. How do I get the Valheim invite code for a dedicated server?

There is no ‘invite code’ like there is in a game hosted through the client. You need to share your Public IP address and the password with the players that wish to connect.

11. How do I move my existing world to the dedicated server?

Find your world file and upload them into the “SaveDir/worlds” directory of the server. Modify the start_headless_server.bat file to use the name of that world when the server starts. The world data files are stored on your PC in the C:UsersusernameAppDataLocalLowIronGateValheimworlds directory.

12. How do I run a dedicated Valheim server with mods?

Use a mod manager like r2modman or Thunderstore Mod Manager. Select “Valheim Server” as your game and mod it just like the game. Ensure all players have the same mods enabled.

13. How do I enable console commands on a Valheim dedicated server?

You need to install the Server_devcommands mod. Then, add -console to the Valheim launch options in Steam. Access the in-game console with the F5 key and type devcommands.

14. Is it safe to host a dedicated server on my computer?

It is relatively safe, but you should ensure you have a firewall and strong passwords for your network. The game files are relatively secure.

15. How much does it cost to run a dedicated server if I use a hosting service?

While this guide focused on a free setup, using a hosting service can cost from $9 to $15 dollars depending on the provider and the number of player slots. It is worth remembering that a server hosted on your PC is completely free.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying endless hours of Valheim with your friends on your own free dedicated server. Remember to troubleshoot when necessary, and have fun building your Viking legacy!