Download the dedicated Valheim server from Steam's Tools library, configure the BAT file to customize server settings, and launch the server to enable multiplayer and crossplay features.

Download the Dedicated Server Software

To begin hosting a Valheim server, you need to download the official dedicated server software via Steam.

steps

  1. Open Steam and navigate to your library. Click the dropdown menu in the top left corner and select the "Tools" category.
  2. Locate the "Valheim Dedicated Server" entry in the list.
  3. Click "Install" to download and install the server software to your system.

Steam Tools library showing Valheim Dedicated Server selected.

The Steam Tools library displays the Valheim Dedicated Server selected for installation. — All Things Hosting

Locate and Configure the Server Files

Once the software is downloaded, you'll need to adjust its configuration files to set up your server.

steps

  1. Right-click "Valheim Dedicated Server" in your Steam library, select "Properties," and navigate to "Installed Files."
  2. Click "Browse" to open the server installation folder.
  3. Locate the "start_headless_server.bat" file and open it with a text editor.
    • Update parameters such as -name for the server name, -world for world data, -password for access control, and -port for network configuration (typically set to 2456 or 2457).

Folder view showing the contents of the Valheim dedicated server folder.

The server installation folder for Valheim is opened and displays its contents. — All Things Hosting

Enable Crossplay Functionality

To allow cross-platform multiplayer, make an additional adjustment to the BAT file.

steps

  1. In the BAT configuration file, add the -crossplay argument. This ensures the server supports connections from Xbox and Game Pass clients.
  2. Save and close the BAT file after making your changes.

A BAT file editor showing server settings including the crossplay argument.

The BAT file editor displays server command arguments, including the crossplay parameter. — All Things Hosting

Launching the Server

With the configuration complete, it's time to launch your Valheim server.

steps

  1. Double-click the modified "start_headless_server.bat" file to launch the server.
  2. A console window should appear. Look for the message "Game server connected" to confirm the server is running.
  3. Share the server's connection details (IP, port, or join code) with other players.

A server console window displaying process logs, including the message 'Game server connected'.

The server console log displays the message 'Game server connected'. — All Things Hosting

Backup and Security Tips

Safeguarding your server's data and ensuring secure connections are crucial.

Alternative: Hosting Providers

If self-hosting feels too complex or you want a fully managed solution, consider using a professional hosting provider.

comparison

Self-Hosting You have full control over server settings, but need to manage backups, security, and performance manually. Requires you to keep your machine powered on when players need access.

Hosting Providers Services like Pine Hosting offer near 100% uptime, robust security against DDoS attacks, and professional support to handle technical issues. Costs are manageable when shared among players, and setup is effortless.

A website page displaying hosting services for Valheim servers, with pricing and features outlined.

Details and pricing of Valheim server hosting services by Pine Hosting are displayed. — All Things Hosting

FAQ

how to host a dedicated Valheim server for crossplay and multiplayer

To host a dedicated server in Valheim, download the Valheim Dedicated Server software from Steam's Tools library. Configure the "start_headless_server.bat" file, adding details like server name, world data, and the -crossplay argument for Xbox and Game Pass support. Launch the server and share connection details with players.

Sources

Screenshots on this page are frames from the videos below, used to illustrate the steps they describe. All rights remain with their creators.

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