How to Host a Valheim Deep North Dedicated Server

If you're not familiar with server hosting, we recommend using a Valheim Dedicated Server Provider like DatHost. We can handle the technical setup, so you can skip configuring ports, managing server files, and keeping your server online.

Install the Valheim Dedicated Server

First, you'll need a Windows or Linux computer that can stay online.

On Steam:

1. Open your Library.
2. Enable the Tools filter.
3. Find Valheim Dedicated Server.
4. Install it.
5. Right-click it → Manage → Browse local files.

You'll find a file called:

start_headless_server.bat

Make a copy of this file and rename it something like start_my_server.bat. Edit your copy rather than the original, since updates can overwrite the original file.

Configure your server

Open your copied .bat file with a text editor. You'll see a long startup command. Don't delete the existing settings. Find the server options and change them to what you want:

-name "My Valheim Server"
-port 2456
-world "MyWorld"
-password "MyPassword"
-public 1

What do these mean?

• -name - Your server's name.
• -world - The world the server will load.
• -password - The password your friends need.
• -port The network port, normally 2456.
• -public 1 - Makes the server visible in the server browser.

Keep the other settings already included in the file, such as -nographics and -batchmode.

Choose Steam or Crossplay

If everyone is playing through Steam, you can use the normal Steam setup. If your friends are playing on different platforms, add:-crossplay

Crossplay is also easier for home hosting because you normally don't need to set up traditional port forwarding.

Set up your network

Using Crossplay?

Add -crossplay to your startup command and allow the server through your computer's firewall when Windows asks.

That's usually all you need for outside connections.

Not using Crossplay?

You'll normally need to forward UDP ports 2456–2457 on your router to the computer running the server. You'll also need to allow the server through your firewall.

If possible, give your server computer a reserved local IP address so your router always sends the ports to the correct machine.

Start the server

Save your .bat file and double-click it.

A command window will open. Leave it running. Wait until you see:Game server connected. Your server is now online. Open Valheim and test the connection yourself before sending the details to your friends.

Use an existing world

You don't have to start a new world. If you already have a Valheim world, you can move it to the dedicated server. On Windows, your local worlds are normally found here:

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds_local

Your world will normally contain files such as:

MyWorld.db
MyWorld.fwl

Make a backup before moving anything. Copy the world files to the server's world-save folder and make sure your -world setting matches the world name. Keep your original backup until you've confirmed everything works.

Give your friends the connection details

Depending on your setup, your friends can find the server through the server browser or connect using the appropriate server address/join code.

Give them:

• Server name or address
• Password
• Join code if you're using Crossplay

And that's it you're ready to play.

Frequently Asked Questions