Valheim Dedicated Server on Windows

Method 1: Via Steam

  1. Open Steam → Library → Tools
  2. Install "Valheim Dedicated Server"
  3. Right-click → Properties → Launch options:
-name "My Server" -world "World" -password "pw" -port 2456

Method 2: Via SteamCMD (recommended)

:: Download and install SteamCMD
steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +app_update 896660 validate +quit

Open ports

Valheim requires these ports:

Port Protocol Usage
2456 UDP Game traffic
2457 UDP Query

Windows Firewall

netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Valheim" dir=in action=allow protocol=UDP localport=2456-2457

Router

  1. Open router admin (192.168.1.1)
  2. Port forwarding → UDP 2456-2457 → Your local IP

Set up autostart

Create a batch file start_valheim.bat:

@echo off
start "" "valheim_server.exe" -nographics -batchmode -name "Server" -port 2456 -world "World" -password "pw" -public 1

Place the batch file in the Windows Startup folder.

Disadvantages of self-hosting

  • Electricity: PC must run 24/7
  • Internet: Your upload bandwidth limits the players
  • Security: Your PC is reachable from the internet
  • Maintenance: Install updates manually

Better: Rented server

From 3.99 EUR/month at game-serverhosting.de:

  • No electricity consumption
  • Professional connectivity
  • Automatic updates and backups
  • DDoS protection included