HaruHostWindows or Linux
- Windows, on the PC you play on or a spare one. The desktop app or the background service runs the server; see Valheim on Windows.
- Linux, on an Ubuntu VPS or home server. One command installs HaruHost as a service; see Valheim on Linux.
Either way you run the server from the desktop app or the web panel, on your phone too.
What HaruHost does for you
- Downloading the server: no SteamCMD, no Steam account. HaruHost downloads the Valheim dedicated server and updates it with one button.
- Ports: every server gets its own ports, so several Valheim worlds run side by side.
- Getting friends in: with the Tunnel, friends join without port forwarding, even behind CGNAT or on Starlink.
- Start scripts: nothing to write. Server name, world, password, public listing and crossplay are set in the manager.
- Players and chat: HaruHost's own server add-on shows who is online, makes admins, kicks and bans, keeps the chat and sends it to Discord.
Step by step
- Install HaruHost on Windows (download) or on Ubuntu (one command).
- Choose Add → New game server, pick the PC or server, then Valheim.
- On the Connection step, choose Tunnel to skip router setup, or Ports to use your own address.
- Create the server. HaruHost downloads it.
- Set the server name, world and password, then start it.
- Send friends the Server Address and password from the server's Details tab.
Questions
Do I need a Steam account to download the Valheim server?
No. HaruHost downloads the Valheim dedicated server from Steam for you, without a Steam account or SteamCMD.
Does my world keep running when I stop playing?
Yes. The server runs on its own, so friends can play while you are offline. On Linux and with the Windows background service it also runs without anyone signed in.