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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRun Valheim Dedicated Server on a computer that stays powered and connected, then launch it with a saved world, password, and the networking mode your players need. A dedicated server keeps the world available when the usual host has closed the game. Install it from Steam’s Tools library, copy the supplied Windows start_headless_server.bat or Linux start_server.sh before editing, and keep your edited copy separate because Steam updates can reset the original.
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For the Steam backend, forward the configured port and the next port (the defaults are 2456 and 2457) from your router and firewall to the server computer. For supported cross-platform play, add -crossplay; the PlayFab relay normally removes the need for inbound router forwarding. The server still needs a stable machine, disciplined backups, and a plan for updates and power failures.
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What a permanent Valheim server actually is
A permanent server is a Valheim dedicated-server process running independently of a player’s normal game client. The process loads one world, accepts connections while it is running, and saves that world on the server machine. Your friends can therefore play while you are offline, provided the host computer, network connection, and server process remain available.
This is different from opening a world through the regular game client. In a client-hosted session, the world normally disappears from the network when the host exits. A dedicated server moves the world and its availability to an always-on computer or a managed hosting service.
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“24/7” describes availability, not a guarantee that the process can never stop. Operating-system updates, game updates, power cuts, network outages, crashes, and maintenance will still create downtime. The practical goal is an unattended service that starts reliably, keeps its world data safe, and can be restarted or restored without guesswork.
Choose where the server will run
You have two workable models. The official Valheim documentation explains the dedicated-server software and networking, but it does not publish a universal CPU, memory, bandwidth, uptime, or hosting-price table. Treat capacity and cost as decisions that depend on your player count, world activity, mods, location, and provider rather than as fixed Valheim requirements.
| Consideration | Self-hosted computer | Managed hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring cost | No hosting bill, although electricity, hardware, and an internet connection still cost money. | A recurring service charge; official Valheim sources do not publish provider prices. |
| Setup and maintenance | You install the server, maintain the operating system, apply updates, restart the process, and diagnose failures. | The provider maintains the underlying machine; you still configure the game, world, passwords, and backups offered by the service. |
| File and mod control | Direct access to scripts, worlds, backups, and any compatible modifications. | Depends on the host’s control panel and terms; verify file access and mod support before subscribing. |
| Network exposure | Steam-backend play normally requires forwarding the configured port and the next port. Crossplay can use a relay instead. | The provider generally supplies the public network endpoint, but you must confirm which networking modes it supports. |
| Backup responsibility | Entirely yours unless you build a separate copy or backup service. | Read the provider’s retention and restore terms; do not assume a hosting snapshot is an independent backup. |
| Crossplay | Use -crossplay for supported non-Steam platforms. |
Confirm that the host exposes the crossplay option and does not replace it with a platform-specific setting. |
| Recovery after failure | You control the machine and can restore world files directly, but you must perform the recovery. | The provider may offer snapshots or replacement instances; recovery speed and retention are service-specific. |
A self-hosted machine is usually the lowest recurring-cost route when you already have suitable hardware and can handle administration. A managed service exchanges that maintenance for a recurring bill. Neither model removes the need for a tested world backup.
Requirements and platform limits
- An always-on host: a Windows or Linux computer, or a managed instance, that remains powered and connected whenever players need access.
- Valheim Dedicated Server: install it through Steam’s Library → Tools section. The server is a separate tool from the regular game client.
- A world name, server name, and password: these are supplied as launch arguments. Keep the password private; anyone who obtains it may be able to enter.
- Storage for live saves and backups: use
-savedirwhen you want world data on a deliberate data volume or backup path. - Network control: Steam-backend hosting requires router and firewall work; crossplay uses the PlayFab relay and normally avoids inbound forwarding.
An Xbox console cannot set up a dedicated server, according to Iron Gate Studio’s 2025 crossplay FAQ. Xbox players can join a dedicated server when crossplay is enabled. Microsoft Store players launch the server from the installed Server folder with StartHeadlessServer.bat and should follow the manual included with that installation.
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Install the dedicated server and preserve your configuration
Windows through Steam
- Open Steam and switch to Library.
- Use the library filter to show Tools, then install Valheim Dedicated Server.
- Open the installed server directory and locate the supplied
start_headless_server.bat. - Copy that file to a separate name before making edits. For example, keep the original as the vendor-supplied template and edit your copy. Steam updates can replace the original script.
- Open the copy in a text editor and change the server name, world name, password, port, visibility, and optional save or crossplay arguments.
- Run the edited batch file. Leave its server window running; closing it stops the dedicated server.
Linux
- Install Valheim Dedicated Server from Steam’s Tools library on the Linux host.
- In the server directory, copy the supplied
start_server.shbefore editing it. Keep your working script separate from the file Steam may update. - Edit the copied script’s argument line with your server name, port, world, password, visibility, backup controls, and (if needed)
-crossplay. - Start the script from a terminal and keep the process running. Use your operating system’s service or session-management method if you need it to survive logout and restart automatically after a reboot; the exact service implementation depends on your Linux distribution.
Do not put the password in a publicly shared screenshot, forum post, or repository. If you later change the password, distribute it only to the players you intend to admit.
Build the launch configuration
The supplied scripts already contain the executable invocation. Replace or extend the argument portion rather than inventing a second launcher. A practical configuration uses the documented arguments below:
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems| Argument | Example | Purpose and qualification |
|---|---|---|
-name |
-name "My Valheim Server" |
The name players see for the server. |
-port |
-port 2456 |
Sets the server’s port. The documented default is 2456. |
-world |
-world "DedicatedWorld" |
Selects the world save by name. Use a consistent name so you do not accidentally create or open a different world. |
-password |
-password "use-a-private-password" |
Protects entry. Keep the value private and change it if it is exposed. |
-public |
-public 1 |
1 advertises the server in the browser. Use 0 to hide it and have players join by IP or code. |
-crossplay |
-crossplay |
Uses the PlayFab relay for supported cross-platform connections. This normally removes the need for router port forwarding. |
-savedir |
-savedir "D:ValheimData" or a Linux data path |
Moves world, permission, and related save data to a location you choose. Select a path on storage that is included in your backup plan. |
-saveinterval |
-saveinterval 1800 |
Sets the save interval. The documented default is 1,800 seconds, or 30 minutes. |
-backups |
-backups 4 |
Sets the number of automatic rolling backups under the documented policy. The default is four. |
-backupshort |
-backupshort 7200 |
Sets the short backup interval. The documented default is 7,200 seconds, or two hours. |
-backuplong |
-backuplong 43200 |
Sets the long backup interval. The documented default is 43,200 seconds, or 12 hours. |
For a private Steam-backend server, the key portion of the configuration can look like this inside the supplied script:
-name "My Valheim Server" -port 2456 -world "DedicatedWorld" -password "private-password" -public 0 -saveinterval 1800 -backups 4 -backupshort 7200 -backuplong 43200For crossplay, append -crossplay to the same argument line. Keep the server’s configured port consistent with the forwarding rule if you are using the Steam backend.
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Configure networking: Steam backend or crossplay relay
Steam backend
- Choose the port in the launch script. If you make no change, use the documented default
2456. - In the router’s port-forwarding page, create a rule for the configured port and a second rule for port plus one. With the default, forward
2456and2457to the host computer. - In the host operating system’s firewall, allow the dedicated-server traffic corresponding to those same ports and the server application.
- Give the host a stable address on your local network, such as a reserved DHCP lease, so the forwarding rule does not point to a different computer after a reboot.
- Start the server and test from a connection outside your home network. A test from inside the same network can produce different results because some routers do not support loopback connections.
Iron Gate’s documentation states that the Steam backend uses both the configured port and port+1. The example defaults therefore form the pair 2456–2457; if you choose another base port, forward that number and the next one.
Crossplay relay
Add -crossplay to the launch arguments when players on supported non-Steam platforms need to join. Iron Gate says this mode transmits data through a PlayFab relay and therefore does not require port forwarding for access from outside the local network. The configured port still identifies the server instance, so leave it set consistently in the script and in any management notes.
Crossplay changes the connection path; it does not make the server independent of the host machine. The computer must still be running, the process must be active, and the world must be saved correctly.
Make the server discoverable or private
Public browser listing
Use -public 1 when you want the server to appear in the in-game browser. A public listing makes discovery easier but exposes the server name to a wider audience. Keep the password strong and share it only with the intended group.
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Private server by address or code
Use -public 0 when the server should not appear in the browser. Players then join using the address or code provided by the server setup. This reduces casual discovery but is not a substitute for a private password or sensible firewall rules.
Join code for crossplay
- Start the dedicated server with crossplay enabled.
- Open the server’s pause menu and copy the join code, as described in Iron Gate’s crossplay FAQ.
- On the joining player’s device, open Join Game → Add server.
- Paste the join code and connect using the password supplied by the administrator.
An Xbox player can follow the crossplay join path but cannot create the dedicated server on the Xbox console itself.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Protect worlds with saves and backups
The documented default save and backup settings are designed to provide a rolling recovery window, not an archival system:
| Setting | Documented default | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Save interval | 1,800 seconds (30 minutes) | The server saves at this interval under the default configuration. Progress made after the last save may be lost if the host fails. |
| Short backup interval | 7,200 seconds (2 hours) | Creates the short-cycle backup according to the server’s rolling policy. |
| Long backup interval | 43,200 seconds (12 hours) | Creates the long-cycle backup according to the server’s rolling policy. |
| Backup count | 4 | Keeps four automatic backups under the documented default policy. |
Windows normally stores Valheim world and permission files in %USERPROFILE%/AppData/LocalLow/IronGate/Valheim. Linux normally uses ~/.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim. If you set -savedir, use the directory you selected instead of assuming those defaults.
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Use a second copy, not only rolling backups
Automatic backups on the same machine help with an accidental in-game change or a damaged current save, but they do not protect against disk failure, theft, ransomware, or a mistake that deletes the whole save directory. Keep an additional copy on offline or separately mounted storage. A simple routine is:
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- Stop the server cleanly before copying live world files, or use a backup method that guarantees a consistent snapshot.
- Copy the world data and the relevant backup files from the configured save directory to storage that is not permanently mounted to the server.
- Retain more than one dated copy so a bad save is not the only available version.
- Periodically test restoring a copy to a separate location. A backup that has never been restored is an assumption, not a recovery plan.
Document the world name, save path, launch arguments, password-change procedure, and the date of the latest verified copy. This turns an emergency restoration into a repeatable task.
Keep a self-hosted server running continuously
Power and connectivity
The host must stay powered and connected. Disable sleep or hibernation that would suspend the process, and check that the machine reconnects to the network after a reboot. A UPS can bridge brief power interruptions and give the operating system time to shut down cleanly; its capacity and runtime depend on the specific hardware and are not specified by Iron Gate.
Process restarts
Plan how the server starts after a reboot and how it is restarted after a crash. On Windows, keep the edited batch file in a known folder and use the operating system’s startup or service mechanism if you require automatic launch. On Linux, run the copied script through the distribution’s service or session-management tools. Test a deliberate reboot before inviting players, and verify that the correct world opens afterward.
Updates
Steam updates can reset the supplied launcher template, which is why your edited script must be a separate copy. Before updating, record the current arguments and make a fresh world backup. After the update, compare the new template with your working script, reapply only the needed arguments, start the server, and check that players see the expected world. Do not assume an update preserved custom paths or flags.
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Access control
- Use a password that is not reused for another account.
- Share the password and join code through a private channel.
- Keep the server private with
-public 0if discovery is unnecessary. - Allow only the required server traffic through the host firewall.
- Restrict operating-system accounts and remote administration to people who maintain the machine.
Troubleshoot by symptom
| Symptom | Likely cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The server is not visible in the browser. | -public 0, a startup failure, or a network path problem. |
Confirm the process is running, check the server name and password arguments, and use a direct address or join code when the server is intentionally private. |
| Steam players cannot connect from outside the home network. | One of the two required ports is not forwarded, the firewall blocks it, or the router points to the wrong host address. | Verify the configured base port and port+1, confirm both router rules target the server computer, and check the host firewall. |
| Crossplay players cannot connect. | -crossplay is missing, the server process is not running, or the join code is stale. |
Restart with -crossplay, generate a current join code, and have the player use Join Game → Add server. |
| The wrong world opens or a new world appears. | The -world name or -savedir path changed. |
Stop the server, compare the launch arguments with your documented configuration, and confirm that the expected world files exist in the selected save directory. |
| Recent progress is missing after a crash. | The crash occurred before the next save interval, or the current save was damaged. | Check the rolling backups, identify the newest known-good copy, and restore only after making a separate copy of the damaged data. |
| The server stops after a reboot. | The script is not configured to start automatically, the host sleeps, or an update changed the launcher. | Run the copied script manually, test the operating-system startup/service configuration, disable unwanted sleep, and compare the script with the latest supplied template. |
A practical first-day checklist
- Install Valheim Dedicated Server from Steam’s Tools library.
- Copy the supplied launcher before editing it.
- Choose a stable world name and private password.
- Select
-public 1for browser discovery or-public 0for address/code-only access. - Add
-crossplayif supported non-Steam platforms must join. - For Steam-backend hosting, forward the configured port and port+1; with defaults, that is
2456and2457. - Set or verify
-savedirand record the actual location. - Keep the documented save and backup defaults unless your group has a reason to change them.
- Make a separate offline or separately mounted copy of the world data.
- Reboot the host, reconnect from an external network, and verify the expected world before calling the server permanent.
What you can and cannot promise players
You can promise that a dedicated server is designed to provide a persistent world without the usual host’s game client remaining open. You cannot promise universal uptime, a fixed hardware requirement, or a particular hosting price from the official documentation. Those depend on the machine, connection, operating system, and—if applicable—the provider’s service terms.
The most dependable setup is therefore specific rather than extravagant: a continuously powered host, a copied and documented launcher, the correct network mode, a private password, and backups stored somewhere the host failure cannot destroy.
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