Panel/ControlPanel/docs/games/valheim.md

Valheim — Complete Dedicated Server Guide

Startup Parameters

Default command line

valheim_server.exe -name "My Server" -port 2456 -world "Dedicated" -password "secret" -public 1

Parameters (exhaustive, server-relevant only)

• -name "<name>" — Server name visible in browser.
• -port <port> — Server port. Default: 2456.
• -world "<worldname>" — World name to load/create.
• -password "<pass>" — Server password.
• -public <0|1> — Advertise on public server list.
• -savedir "<path>" — Save directory location.
• -logFile "<path>" — Log file location.
• -saveinterval <seconds> — World save interval.
• -backups <num> — Number of world backups to keep.
• -backupshort <num> — Short interval backup count.
• -backuplong <num> — Long interval backup count.
• -crossplay — Enable crossplay between platforms.

Ports

• Game: UDP 2456 (primary)
• Steam Query: UDP 2457 (game port + 1)
• Additional: UDP 2458 (game port + 2)

Config Files & Locations

Windows:

• Data/ — Game data directory
• Logs/ — Log files directory
• ServerConfig/ — Configuration files (varies by game)

Linux:

• ~/valheim/Data/ — Game data directory
• ~/valheim/Logs/ — Log files directory
• ~/valheim/ServerConfig/ — Configuration files

Key Files:

• Configuration file names and locations vary significantly between Unity games
• Common patterns: server.cfg, config.json, settings.xml
• Check game-specific documentation for exact file locations

Steam Workshop

Not supported by this game.

Common Mods (curated)

Admin/Management Mods

• Check official mod repositories or community sites for Valheim
• Look for server administration, anti-cheat, and quality-of-life mods
• Install according to game's modding framework (if available)

Popular Community Mods

• Search Steam Workshop (if supported) for highly-rated server mods
• Check game's official forums and community sites for recommended mods
• Verify mod compatibility with current server version

Installation Notes

• Follow each mod's specific installation instructions
• Some games require mod loading frameworks or special startup parameters
• Test mods individually before combining multiple mods

Database

Not applicable - this game does not use a database for core functionality.

Administration & Scripting

Remote Administration:

• RCON (Remote Console) access for server management
• Web-based admin panels (game-specific or third-party)
• In-game admin commands and permissions

Backup Strategy:

• Automated daily backups of save files and configuration
• Rotate backups (keep 7 daily, 4 weekly, 12 monthly)
• Test backup restoration procedures regularly
• Store backups in separate location/drive

Auto-Update:

• Use SteamCMD for automatic server updates (Steam games)
• Schedule updates during low-traffic periods
• Backup before applying updates
• Monitor for update announcements and patch notes

Monitoring:

• Server performance monitoring (CPU, memory, network)
• Player connection logs and statistics
• Error log monitoring and alerting
• Uptime tracking and availability reporting

Troubleshooting (game-specific)

Server not starting

• Cause: Missing dependencies, incorrect configuration, or port conflicts
• Fix: Check server logs, verify all required files are present, ensure ports are available

Players cannot connect

• Cause: Firewall blocking server port or incorrect network configuration
• Fix: Open required ports in firewall, verify server is binding to correct IP address

Performance issues/lag

• Cause: Insufficient server resources or suboptimal configuration
• Fix: Monitor CPU/memory usage, optimize server settings, reduce player/entity limits

Configuration not loading

• Cause: Syntax errors in config files or incorrect file paths
• Fix: Validate configuration file syntax, check file permissions, review server logs

Mod/plugin conflicts

• Cause: Incompatible mods or plugin version mismatches
• Fix: Test mods individually, update to compatible versions, check for known conflicts