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The reliable method is to install SteamCMD on a Linux host, download Valheim’s dedicated-server app (Steam app ID 896660) with anonymous login, open the server’s UDP ports, and start valheim_server.x86_64 with its launch arguments. The standard install or update command is steamcmd +force_install_dir <folder> +login anonymous +app_update 896660 validate +quit. By default, forward UDP ports 2456 and 2457, then have players connect through the server browser or with a client-side +connect option.
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What you need before installing
This procedure is for a Linux Valheim dedicated server. The host can be a computer at home, a virtual private server, or a rented game-server machine. It must remain powered on and connected whenever you want the world available. You need shell access with permission to install SteamCMD, enough disk space for the server files and world saves, and access to the host firewall. If the machine is behind a home router, you also need administrator access to create port-forwarding rules.
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- A Linux host: choose a home machine for maximum hardware and configuration control, or a rented host for easier always-on availability.
- SteamCMD: this is Valve’s command-line content tool and is what downloads the dedicated server.
- A server directory: pick a permanent path rather than a temporary folder. The same path is used for later updates.
- A world name, server name and password: decide these before starting so players know what to look for.
- Network control: you must be able to allow UDP traffic on the game port and the next port.
The dedicated server itself is free to install through SteamCMD. Hosting still may cost money, and a home server uses your electricity and upstream bandwidth.
Choose where the server will run
Home Linux machine
A home machine gives you direct control over files, backups, firewall rules and upgrades. It is useful when you already have an unused computer that can stay online. The trade-offs are router configuration, changing residential IP addresses, power outages and the need to maintain the operating system yourself.
Rented VPS or game-server host
A rented host is generally easier to keep online and usually provides a public network address. You still need to install or update the server and configure its firewall, unless the provider supplies a managed Valheim template. Check that the plan permits a persistent game process and gives you access to the server directory and UDP firewall rules.
Crossplay versus direct connections
The -crossplay launch option enables Valheim crossplay. It changes how players reach the server, so decide whether your group needs it before publishing connection instructions. One third-party guide claims that crossplay removes the need for router port forwarding; that behavior is not confirmed here, so do not assume it replaces firewall testing. Treat the official Valheim guidance for your current build as authoritative if its networking instructions differ.
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Install SteamCMD using your Linux distribution’s package method or the current SteamCMD distribution supplied for your host. The exact package prerequisites vary by distribution and were not established in the available documentation, so follow the instructions for the Linux release you selected. Once the steamcmd command is available, create or select a directory dedicated to Valheim.
Run the installation command
- Open a shell on the Linux host and choose the destination directory, such as
/srv/valheim. Use a path that the account running the server can read and write. - Run
steamcmd +force_install_dir <folder> +login anonymous +app_update 896660 validate +quit, replacing<folder>with the full installation path. For example:steamcmd +force_install_dir /srv/valheim +login anonymous +app_update 896660 validate +quit. - Wait for SteamCMD to finish. The command logs in anonymously, selects app ID 896660, downloads the dedicated-server files, validates them, and exits.
- Inspect the destination directory for the server executable. A commonly cited Linux binary name is
./valheim_server.x86_64.
Do not install into a disposable working directory. Your world and configuration workflow will depend on knowing exactly where this installation lives.
Why validate matters
+app_update 896660 validate is both an installation and repair command. Running it again against the same directory downloads a newer build when one is available and checks for missing or incorrect files. It is safer than assuming the existing executable is current.
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Start the Valheim server with launch arguments
Valheim reads its server settings from arguments supplied when the executable starts. A basic command looks like this:
./valheim_server.x86_64 -name 'My Valheim Server' -port 2456 -world 'MyWorld' -password 'change-this-password' -savedir '/srv/valheim-data' -public 1
Run that command from the installation directory, or call the executable with its full path. Keep the terminal or process running while you test. Add -crossplay when you intentionally want crossplay enabled:
./valheim_server.x86_64 -name 'My Crossplay Server' -port 2456 -world 'MyWorld' -password 'change-this-password' -savedir '/srv/valheim-data' -public 1 -crossplay
The exact full list of arguments is not reproduced here because the official Iron Gate reference was not available in full. The options below are the consistently reported settings needed for a basic installation.
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| Argument | Purpose | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
-name |
Sets the name shown in the server list. | Use a recognizable name that does not expose private information. |
-port |
Selects the game port. | Valheim also uses the next port, so the default pair is UDP 2456–2457. |
-world |
Creates a world with that name or loads an existing world with the same name. | Changing the value points the server at a different world. |
-password |
Sets the join password. | One third-party guide says the password must contain at least five characters and must not appear in the server name; treat that as a practical restriction and verify it against the current game build. |
-savedir |
Chooses where worlds and administrative lists are stored. | The cited administration guide identifies world, admin, ban and permitted lists in this location. Back up this directory. |
-public |
Controls server-browser visibility. | 1 lists the server in the community browser; 0 keeps it out of that listing for IP or code-based joining. |
-crossplay |
Enables crossplay. | Use it only when the players and your connection plan require cross-platform access. |
Choose a stable save directory
Keep -savedir outside the downloaded program files when practical, for example /srv/valheim-data. This makes it easier to update or reinstall the executable without touching worlds. Make sure the account that launches the server can write there. If the directory is not writable, the process may start but fail to create or update world data.
Use a unique world name
The value after -world is a lookup name, not a display label. Reusing an existing name loads that world; a new name causes a new world to be created. Confirm the spelling before your first launch so you do not accidentally create a second world when you meant to continue an established one.
Open the network ports
Valheim uses the selected game port and the following port. With the default -port 2456, allow UDP 2456 and UDP 2457 on the Linux host firewall and, for a home server, forward the same UDP ports from the router to the server’s local IP address.
- Reserve or otherwise keep the host’s local IP address stable on your home network.
- Create a router rule forwarding UDP 2456–2457 to that local address.
- Allow UDP 2456–2457 in the Linux host firewall.
- If you changed
-port, substitute your chosen port and the immediately following port in both places. - Restart the server after changing the launch port, then test from a device outside your home network.
Opening only TCP, opening only one port, or forwarding to the wrong local address will make an otherwise healthy server appear unreachable. Do not publish your router’s administration interface or unrelated ports.
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Start, stop and change the server
First start
- Change to the installation directory.
- Run the launch command with your chosen values.
- Watch the console for startup messages and errors.
- Leave the process running while you test a local and, if applicable, an external connection.
The executable name ./valheim_server.x86_64 is commonly cited for Linux installations. If your downloaded build uses a different filename, use the executable present in the installation directory rather than guessing.
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Stopping safely
Stop the process from the same terminal or process manager you used to start it, and allow it to shut down normally so world data can be written. Avoid killing the process during a save unless there is no alternative.
Changing settings
Stop the server, edit the launch command, and start it again. For example, change -public 1 to -public 0 to remove browser listing, or change -port 2456 to another port pair after updating firewall and router rules. Changing -world selects a different world; it does not rename the old save.
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Public browser listing
With -public 1, players can search for the value supplied to -name in Valheim’s community server browser. A common name can produce multiple matches, so include a distinctive word and give players the password separately.
Private or IP-based access
With -public 0, players can join by direct address or code rather than relying on the public listing. This improves discoverability control but requires you to distribute the current address and port.
Steam launch-option connection
A Cloudron forum procedure describes adding +connect your_server_ip:your_game_port to the player’s own Steam launch options. For the default port, the form is +connect 203.0.113.10:2456. This is a client-side setting; do not add +connect to the valheim_server.x86_64 command. Replace the example address with the server’s reachable IP or hostname and use the same port passed to -port.
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When crossplay is enabled
Crossplay changes the connection path and may present players with a code or a different browser entry. Give the group one consistent method and test it with the platforms you intend to support. Because the claim that crossplay eliminates router forwarding is not confirmed, verify reachability rather than relying on that assumption.
Keep the server current
Valheim clients and dedicated servers must run compatible builds. After every game update, stop the server, rerun the SteamCMD update command against the same installation directory, and start the server again:
steamcmd +force_install_dir /srv/valheim +login anonymous +app_update 896660 validate +quit
- Announce a maintenance window to players.
- Stop the running server cleanly.
- Run
app_update 896660 validate. - Review the SteamCMD output for a completed update or validation.
- Start the server with the same world, save directory, password and port arguments.
- Have a player connect before declaring maintenance complete.
Re-running the command when no update is available is harmless and still checks files. If you skip an update, players may be unable to connect to an older server build.
Back up worlds and administrative files
The directory supplied to -savedir is the critical data location. Back it up while the server is stopped, or use a method that produces a consistent copy. Retain more than one dated backup so a corrupted or accidentally overwritten world can be recovered. Include the files that hold administrator, ban and permitted-player lists, not just the world files.
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-worldand-savedirvalues used to launch the server. - Keep a copy outside the host in case the machine or disk fails.
- Test restoring a backup to a separate directory before you need it.
- Do not expose save files or passwords in a public web directory.
Troubleshooting by symptom
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| SteamCMD cannot find or install the server | Wrong destination, unavailable SteamCMD command, or an interrupted download. | Confirm SteamCMD runs, use an absolute +force_install_dir path, and rerun +app_update 896660 validate. |
| The executable is missing | Installation did not complete or you are in the wrong directory. | Inspect the folder selected by +force_install_dir and verify the downloaded Linux binary name. |
| Players cannot see a public server | The process is stopped, -public is set to 0, or the server is on an outdated build. |
Confirm the running command, update with SteamCMD, restart, and search for the exact -name. |
| Direct connection times out | UDP forwarding or firewall rules are missing, incorrect, or pointed at the wrong host. | Allow and forward both the chosen port and port+1, then test from outside the local network. |
| The wrong world loads | The -world value does not match the intended save name. |
Stop the server and correct the world name; do not delete files until backups are confirmed. |
| The server starts but cannot save | The account lacks write permission to -savedir. |
Check ownership and permissions for the save directory and relaunch with a writable path. |
| Players receive a version or compatibility error | The server was not updated after a game update. | Stop it, run app_update 896660 validate, and restart. |
| A password is rejected | The value may violate a game or build-specific rule. | Use a password of at least five characters, avoid putting it in the server name, and verify the current game requirements. |
Public listing or private access?
| Choice | Advantages | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
-public 1 |
Players can find the server in the community browser. | The name is discoverable and similar names can be difficult to distinguish. |
-public 0 |
Better privacy and no dependence on browser search. | You must distribute an address, port or join code to every player. |
For a private group, start with -public 0 and direct connection instructions. For a community server that needs discovery, use -public 1 and a distinctive name.
Quick Recap
A repeatable operating checklist
- Install SteamCMD and choose a permanent Valheim install directory.
- Run
+login anonymous +app_update 896660 validate. - Set
-name,-port,-world,-password,-savedirand-public; add-crossplayonly when needed. - Allow and forward UDP port and port+1.
- Start the Linux executable and test a connection.
- Back up the save directory.
- After every Valheim update, stop, update with SteamCMD, validate, and restart.
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