How to Set up a Dedicated or Local Server for Valheim Multiplayer co-op – Guide
If you’re not interested in playing solo and your Viking journey only took place on a game server hosted by someone else, you may have run into some problems. Valheim is still in Early Access, so in our experience the connection isn’t always stable, and if you want to play while your GM is offline, you’re out of luck. This is where Valheim’s dedicated servers come in. You can host a dedicated server on your PC that your friends can access even when you’re not playing, or you can pay for a hosting service that runs one for you 24/7. The good news is that you don’t have to start from scratch either – we’ll walk you through transferring your save file to your new Valheim server.
Before you can run this server, you need to edit some information. Right-click Valheim Dedicated Server in your Library and go to Manage and Browse Local Files. This will open a folder called Valheim Dedicated Servers on your computer. Make a duplicate of “start_headless_server.bat” as a backup before playing with it.
How does Valheim multiplayer work?
Multiplayer in Valheim is a bit like playing a game on your own. You can take any character and their inventory from one game to another, but be aware that any gear you lose in one world will still be lost in another if you leave before retrieving it, or if a griefer prevents you from doing so to retrieve it. Developers Iron Gate AB suggest having a separate character for single and multiplayer, and those who are very cautious should probably do so.
The game has become harder for players as they join and leave the game. Some players are reporting that they are getting more generous drops when playing solo, but I was not able to confirm this after some light testing.
local hosting
If you only play Valheim multiplayer with one or two other players and never play separately, having a dedicated server is probably overkill. Just have the person with the best internet connection and gaming platform host. ..
To host a game locally, create a new world or select an existing one and select the “Start Server” option. You will then be asked to enter a name for your server and when you are done, click “Start” to load. Others can now search for your server in Join Game and enter the name to connect. ..
Valheim dedicated server
You can set up a dedicated server for your call on any PC. Some will put you on a second computer, others on the same machine they will be playing on. If this is a good idea it is up for you, how good your internet connection is and how powerful your gaming PC is. Valheim isn’t a very demanding game, nor does it run a server, but together they tax most machines – and the quality of the connection for other players.
In my experience, a machine with a 15 year old processor stuttered badly with three players connected, but became quite unplayable with more. A computer with a 2013 Intel i7 was fine at 100Mbps down, 10Mbps up internet with five players connected, with occasional lag or crashes – so a spare old PC or your media compilation might be ideal for the job.
Final note
Setting up a dedicated or local server for Valheim Multiplayer co-op can be a great way to enjoy the game with friends. In case you have any questions about this guide, feel free to ask us. Additionally, please share this guide with your friends to help them get started playing Valheim Multiplayer co-op. ..
