Change a Valheim dedicated server’s death rules with the startup argument -modifier DeathPenalty <value>. Iron Gate documents five values—casual, veryeasy, easy, hard, and hardcore. Add the argument to the server’s launch script, and place any -preset argument before it.
Prefer not to run the server on your own PC? Godlike.Host offers hosted Valheim servers with free DDoS protection and up to three free backups a day.
What the DeathPenalty setting does
DeathPenalty is a world modifier read when the dedicated server starts. It selects how severe death consequences are for the world, including the relative harshness of item, equipment, and skill loss. The official documentation defines the names and their order, but does not publish a complete numeric table for what percentage of gear, inventory, or skill progress each level removes.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
That means you can choose a direction—from the least severe documented option to the most severe—without honestly assigning percentages that Iron Gate has not specified. The setting belongs to Valheim’s broader world-modifier system, which also includes Combat, Resources, Raids, and Portals families.
DeathPenalty values and when to use them
| Value | Relative position | Best fit | What is established |
|---|---|---|---|
casual |
Least severe label | Groups that want deaths to be easier to recover from | Officially accepted value; exact retention and skill-loss figures are not published |
veryeasy |
Very low severity | Relaxed persistent worlds | Officially accepted value; no official percentage table |
easy |
Low severity | Co-operative worlds that still want deaths to matter | Officially accepted value; no official percentage table |
hard |
High severity | Groups that deliberately want costly recovery | Officially accepted value; no official percentage table |
hardcore |
Most severe label | Experienced groups seeking the harshest documented setting | Officially accepted value; no official percentage table |
Values are lowercase in the launch examples. Keep the spelling exact, and do not substitute a percentage or an undocumented word such as “off.”
#1 Best Overall
- [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
- [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
- [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
- [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
- [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.
Before changing a live server
- Stop the server cleanly. Do not edit a launch file while the process is still writing the world.
- Record the current command. Copy the complete launch line into a separate text file so you can restore it if the new setting behaves unexpectedly.
- Back up the world. Keep a known-good copy before changing a persistent shared world.
- Identify the actual startup file. The file you edit must be the one used by the service, scheduled task, container, or control panel that starts Valheim.
- Check whether a preset is present. Preset ordering determines whether your custom DeathPenalty value survives startup.
Steam updates can reset the original startup script. Iron Gate recommends editing a copy rather than relying on the distributed file, then pointing your normal launch process at that maintained copy.
Windows: change DeathPenalty in start_headless_server.bat
- Stop the dedicated server and wait for the process to exit.
- Make a backup copy of
start_headless_server.bat. Give the copy a clear name, such asstart_headless_server-before-deathpenalty.bat. - Open the working copy in a text editor.
- Find the command line beginning with
start valheim_server. - Add a space followed by the modifier. For the least severe documented label, the relevant fragment is:
-modifier DeathPenalty casual- Save the file without changing its extension. Ensure Windows has not silently saved it as
.bat.txt. - Start the server with that copy and wait until it has finished loading before allowing players to reconnect.
To select another level, replace only the final word with veryeasy, easy, hard, or hardcore. Keep the argument on the same launch command that actually starts the server.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Linux: change DeathPenalty in start_server.sh
- Stop the service or shell process that runs the server.
- Copy
start_server.shbefore editing it, or place your change in the maintained script used by your service manager. - Open the script and locate the Valheim launch command (the Linux equivalent of the Windows
start valheim_serverline). - Append the modifier to that command, for example:
-modifier DeathPenalty hard- Save the script, preserving executable permissions if you copied it.
- Start the server through the same service or command normally used for production. Editing a script that is not referenced by the service will have no effect.
The default Linux Valheim data location documented by Iron Gate is ~/.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim. A service running under a different account can therefore use a different home directory; verify the account before looking for backups.
Presets: put them before custom modifiers
The -preset argument accepts Normal, Casual, Easy, Hard, Hardcore, Immersive, and Hammer. A preset overwrites modifiers that appear before it. If you put a custom DeathPenalty argument first, the preset can replace it during startup.
Rank #2
- 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
- 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
- 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
- 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
- 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.
Use this order when combining a preset with a custom death rule:
-preset normal -modifier DeathPenalty casualIn that example, the preset is applied first and the custom DeathPenalty value is applied afterward. Use the exact syntax supported by the installed server version, and preserve the old command so you can revert quickly.
Recommended Free Tools
Can you turn off skill loss or guarantee that gear stays with you?
Iron Gate’s published guide does not document a separate “disable skill loss” switch, nor does it provide a complete item-retention table for the five DeathPenalty levels. The safest supported choice is therefore to select the least severe documented label and verify the result in your own world rather than promise a specific retention percentage.
For a controlled check:
- Make a world backup and note the current DeathPenalty argument.
- Use a temporary test character or a copy of the world.
- Equip and carry only items you can afford to lose, then deliberately test a death.
- Record what happens to inventory, equipped items, and skills for your server version.
- Restore the backup if the result is unsuitable, or keep the tested value and tell all players exactly what to expect.
Do not infer exact behavior from another server’s percentage chart unless it identifies the same Valheim version and configuration; the official guide does not establish those numbers.
Rank #3
- [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
- [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
- [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
- [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
- [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by
Backups and rollback planning
Death settings affect a persistent world, so a rollback plan matters more than the few seconds needed to edit the command. Iron Gate documents these dedicated-server options:
| Argument | Documented value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
-saveinterval |
1800 |
Save every 1,800 seconds (30 minutes) |
-backups |
4 |
Keep four backup copies |
-backupshort |
7200 |
Short backup interval of 7,200 seconds (2 hours) |
-backuplong |
43200 |
Long backup interval of 43,200 seconds (12 hours) |
These values belong to the server command line; use the values appropriate for your retention needs and available disk space. A scheduled backup system or hosting control panel may add another layer, but it should not replace keeping a copy you can identify and restore.
On Windows, Iron Gate places the Valheim data under %USERPROFILE%/AppData/LocalLow/IronGate/Valheim. On Linux, the documented default is ~/.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim. Before copying files, stop the server and confirm which operating-system account owns the running world.
Network settings do not change the DeathPenalty command
DeathPenalty is a world modifier, not a networking option. Steam-backend dedicated servers use ports 2456–2457 by default and normally require router port forwarding for players outside the local network. Crossplay uses a relay and does not require router port forwarding for external access. Either backend uses the same DeathPenalty syntax in the startup command.
Rank #4
- Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
- Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
- All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
- Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
- Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.
If players can connect but deaths behave unexpectedly, investigate the launch command and preset order first; changing ports or switching backend does not rewrite the modifier.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Why the setting appears to reset
A preset comes after the modifier
This is the most common ordering problem. Move -preset <preset> before -modifier DeathPenalty <value>, then restart the server.
You edited the wrong file
Services, panels, containers, and scheduled tasks can call a different script from the one you opened. Inspect the service definition or launch configuration and edit the referenced copy.
A Steam update restored the original script
Compare the active command with your saved copy after updates. Maintain a separate startup file and use that file for normal launches.
The argument is misspelled or incomplete
Use the exact form -modifier DeathPenalty <value> and one of the five documented values. Check for missing hyphens, extra punctuation, or a value placed on a line that is not part of the launch command.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The server was not fully stopped
A running process continues using the old arguments and can also overwrite world data while you are copying it. Stop it cleanly, verify that it has exited, then start it again from the edited script.
You changed a client setting instead
The dedicated server’s startup command controls this world modifier. A local game shortcut or client-side launch option does not replace the server’s command.
A practical choice for a shared persistent world
- Choose
casualwhen minimizing recovery friction is the group’s priority and you are willing to verify the exact consequences in a test copy. - Choose
veryeasyoreasywhen deaths should matter but not derail a cooperative session. - Choose
hardwhen recovering equipment and skills is intended to be a substantial part of the game. - Choose
hardcoreonly after every player understands that the documented scale reaches its harshest label.
Because Iron Gate supplies labels rather than numeric loss percentages, agree on the intended experience with the group, test the chosen level on a backup, and document the active command for anyone who administers the server.
Quick Recap
Quick checklist
- Stop the server cleanly.
- Copy the current startup file and command line.
- Back up the world.
- Edit
start_headless_server.baton Windows orstart_server.shon Linux. - Add
-modifier DeathPenalty <value>. - Place any
-presetargument before the custom modifier. - Save the correct file and restart through the normal service.
- Test on a copy before exposing a valuable shared world to the new death rules.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
