How to Set Up a Valheim Dedicated Server on Windows or Linux
To set up a Valheim dedicated server, install the Valheim Dedicated Server tool from Steam, configure its supplied launch script with a server name, world and password, select the Steam or crossplay backend, and confirm the server reaches “Game server connected.” The following steps follow Iron Gate’s published server guide and highlight the differences between self-hosting and managed hosting.
Before you install: choose your server environment
Valheim’s dedicated server can run on a compatible Windows or Linux machine, while a managed game host handles the software installation and networking layer for you.
For self-hosting, make sure your operating system has the current runtime dependencies, sufficient available resources and a reliable power/network connection. Review Valheim hardware requirements before provisioning the machine.
Decide whether your group is Steam-only or needs console crossplay. The choice changes the connection backend and whether home-router port forwarding is normally required.
Install the Valheim Dedicated Server tool in Steam
Install the official dedicated-server application from Steam Library → Tools → Valheim Dedicated Server → Install.
On Windows, locate the installation folder through Steam → right-click the tool → Manage → Browse local files. Make a copy of start_headless_server.bat, then edit the copy. The Linux distribution includes start_server.sh; keep an edited copy of that script for the same reason.
When Steam updates the dedicated-server application, the original launch script may be replaced. Store your intended settings in a separate file or backed-up configuration.
Configure name, world, password and ports
Use -name, -world, -password and -port to describe the server identity, save selection, access password and network port.
The following are startup arguments to incorporate into the command supplied by your installed server package, not a complete replacement for the original Windows or Linux startup script.
-name "UK Viking World" -world "Dedicated" -password "ReplaceWithStrongPassword" -port 2456 -public 1Allow the correct Valheim ports
The official Steam-backend setup uses the chosen UDP port and the following port, normally 2456–2457, and requires suitable firewall/router rules for remote access.
On Windows, allow the server executable through Windows Firewall when prompted and verify the network profile. On Linux, check your firewall and hosting provider’s security-group rules. On a home router, forward the required UDP range to the server’s local address.
The -crossplay backend uses PlayFab relays and does not normally require port forwarding for access from outside the LAN. However, the server cannot be joined using a local or loopback IP address in that mode. Details: Valheim crossplay server setup.
Start and verify your dedicated server
A Valheim dedicated server is ready for connections once the server log reports “Game server connected,” according to Iron Gate’s guide.
Launch the edited script and leave the server process running. Test the join method appropriate for your backend with a second device or a friend outside the local network; testing only from the same computer is not sufficient to confirm remote reachability.
For the Steam backend, confirm the public IP, game ports and firewall rules. For PlayFab, verify that crossplay is enabled and use a join code or an appropriate public join method.
Linux notes: runtime dependencies and updates
Linux hosting requires compatible libraries and a current server build, not just an executable copied from Windows.
Iron Gate lists GLIBC 2.29, GLIBCXX 3.4.26 and additional Linux packages as dependencies. Check these against your distribution; the developer also documents a Docker startup option for suitable systems.
Do not casually paste a third-party SteamCMD shell script into production. If you use SteamCMD instead of Steam Tools, obtain the current app installation instructions, run under a non-root service account and keep the launch parameters separate from game files.
Stop, update and maintain the server safely
Stop the server cleanly with CTRL+C in its command window, preserve a backup and update the dedicated-server tool before inviting players back.
Iron Gate advises CTRL+C rather than simply closing the window. An update may also require you to recheck third-party mods and ensure that all players are on compatible builds.
Before world changes, read our backup and restore workflow. If you already have a local world, follow the world transfer guide to move it to the server.
When renting hosting is the simpler choice
A managed Valheim host is often more practical when your group wants a persistent world without leaving a home PC on or managing router rules.
Look for a suitable UK/EU location, clear recurring pricing, backups, full file access and crossplay controls. We compare these considerations in Best Valheim Server Hosting.
Sources and verification
We distinguish the developer’s published documentation from our own buying advice. Operating-system paths, host panels and game builds can change; check your current version before editing a live server.
