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Valheim

How to create or join a Valheim server

Want to join friends or keep a world available for them? Choose your path and check the result at each step.

In this guide

What do you want to do?

Creating a server: this path covers the Windows dedicated server program from Steam. It does not cover Linux, mods or individual hosting control panels.

Join a server · Join with the community’s code

  1. Ask the community for its join code.
  2. In Valheim, open Join Game, then Add server, and paste the code.
  3. On Xbox, check that crossplay is enabled both in your game and on the server.

Check: you can see the world and your friends.

Community join code
Add server
Your world
Learning diagram · not a game screenshot

Create on Windows with Steam · Install the server program

  1. In your Steam library, show Tools. Install Valheim Dedicated Server.
  2. Open Manage → Browse local files. Duplicate start_headless_server.bat: updates can replace the original.

Check: you have a copy of the startup file.

Original file
Copy to edit
Learning diagram · not a game screenshot

Create on Windows with Steam · Prepare the world and network

  1. Edit the copy: -name sets the display name, -world the world and -password the password. Save the file.
  2. With -crossplay, the server uses a relay. Without it, only Steam users can join; configure the required port forwarding for your router (2456–2457 by default).

Check: the network mode suits the players you are inviting.

Choose the network
Steam only
Crossplay relay
Learning diagram · not a game screenshot

Create on Windows with Steam · Start and test with a friend

  1. Run your copy of the file. Wait for Game server connected. Your computer and the server program must stay running while your friends play.
  2. Share connection details privately and ask a friend to test. With crossplay, use the join code or public address, not a local address.
  3. To stop the server program properly, press Ctrl+C in its window.

Check: a friend can enter the world while the server is running.

Server ready
Test with a friend
Learning diagram · not a game screenshot

If connecting fails

My crossplay server rejects the local address

Use the join code or public address. The crossplay backend cannot be joined through a local or loopback address.

I do not want to configure my computer

Compare Valheim hosting and check crossplay options. Control panels differ: follow your provider’s startup procedure.

Your next game

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Official sources

Instructions checked on September 28, 2026. Diagrams explain the steps; they do not reproduce an interface.