Set up a Valheim dedicated server on Windows

What HaruHost does for you

• SteamCMD: not needed. HaruHost downloads the Valheim dedicated server, without a Steam account, and updates it with one button.
• The start script: not needed. The Auto Config page sets the server name, world, password, public listing, save interval and Valheim's own backups.
• Crossplay: one switch, Enable Crossplay, so players on other platforms join too.
• World modifiers: pick a preset (Normal, Casual, Easy, Hard, Hardcore, Immersive, Hammer) or set combat, death penalty, resources and raids yourself.
• Port forwarding: friends join through the Tunnel with no router setup. If you forward ports instead, HaruHost opens them on your router and in Windows Firewall once Auto-manage UPnP and Auto-manage Firewall are on.
• Mods: build a Thunderstore mod profile and use it on the server and in your own Valheim from the Games page.
• Players and chat: who is online, admin, kick and ban, searchable chat logs and chat between Valheim and Discord.

Step by step

1. Download HaruHost for Windows and sign in.
2. Choose Add → New game server, pick this PC, then Valheim. Give the server a name and keep the latest version.
3. On the Connection step, choose Tunnel, or Ports to use your own address.
4. Create the server and wait for the download.
5. Open the server's Auto Config page and set the world, password, crossplay and world modifiers.
6. Start the server. Choose Without mods, or one of your mod profiles.
7. Send friends the Server Address and password from the Details tab.

Moving to Valheim 1.0

Make a backup in HaruHost before the world's first start on 1.0. An automation can also back up the server before every update.

Questions