For a quick game with friends, host a multiplayer session from your own game. If you want a world that stays available while you are offline, set up a dedicated server. Valheim supports both approaches, but the right server backend depends on your platforms and whether you can configure your network.
How does a Valheim multiplayer server work?
A player-hosted session runs from the host’s game, so the host needs to be playing for the group to use that session. A dedicated server is a separate process that can keep a shared world available when its operator is offline. Iron Gate describes a dedicated server as a way to provide a persistent world for friends to play anytime in its dedicated-server guide.
Iron Gate says Valheim servers support up to 10 players and that the studio does not provide official servers; a player or third-party service must host the world. Iron Gate’s FAQ does not show a publication date.
Which hosting option should you choose?
| Option | World availability | Network setup | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Player-hosted session | Available while the host is playing | Start from the game; connection details depend on the session and platform | Friends who usually play together at the same time |
| Dedicated server with Steam backend | Can remain available while the operator is offline, if the server process is running | External access requires router port forwarding for the configured port and the next port in sequence | Steam groups whose operator can make the ports reachable from the internet |
| Dedicated server with Crossplay backend | Can remain available while the operator is offline, if the server process is running | Uses a relay, so external port forwarding is not required | Groups that need the Crossplay backend or want to avoid port forwarding |
The dedicated-server backend and connection requirements are documented in Iron Gate’s server guide. Running a dedicated server still means someone is responsible for keeping it running, managing access, and maintaining saves. A managed host is an optional alternative if you want a persistent world without operating the server yourself; check that any service you consider supports your platforms and the Crossplay backend if your group needs it.
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Choose a backend and connection method
Steam backend
Choose the Steam backend for a Steam group when the operator can configure router port forwarding. Iron Gate’s documented default port range is 2456–2457; these are configuration defaults, not a guarantee that every network uses the same settings. The server uses the configured port and the next port in sequence. Follow your router’s documentation or contact your ISP for device-specific forwarding steps: router and modem interfaces vary, so there is no universal sequence of instructions. Iron Gate’s guide covers the ports and network caveat.
Crossplay backend
Use the Crossplay backend when the group needs Crossplay access. It relays traffic and avoids external port forwarding. Players can connect using the server list, a join code, or a public IP and port. The port still distinguishes multiple servers on the same public IP. Crossplay servers cannot be joined by local or loopback IP. These connection details are in Iron Gate’s dedicated-server guide.
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How can friends on different platforms join?
For a cross-platform friend, use the join-code flow rather than relying on everyone to find the same platform-specific listing. The host opens the pause menu and copies the join code, then sends it to the others. Each friend chooses Join Game → Add server and pastes the code. Iron Gate documents this method in its Crossplay FAQ.
Iron Gate announced Valheim 1.0 for September 9, 2026, with crossplay across the announced PC, Linux, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2 platforms. Its September 25, 2026 patch note said Crossplay remained functional while updates were being distributed across platforms. Because platform releases and update parity can change, check the current game and platform status if friends cannot connect. See the release announcement and September 25 patch note.
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Start a dedicated server
Steam version
- In the Steam Library, open Tools and install Valheim Dedicated Server.
- Copy the startup file before editing it. Iron Gate recommends this because Steam updates can reset the original.
- Edit the copied startup script to set the server name, world, password, port, visibility, and any other desired arguments.
- For the Steam backend, configure the required port forwarding on your router. For Crossplay, enable the Crossplay backend with the appropriate server argument instead; the relay removes the need for external port forwarding.
- Launch the server and wait for the message Game server connected.
Iron Gate notes that setup involves some scripting and that network configuration may be needed depending on the setup. Its April 11, 2024 guide contains the server arguments and configuration details.
Microsoft Store version
Iron Gate’s Crossplay FAQ gives the Store server folder as C:XboxGamesValheimContentServer. Read the included Valheim Dedicated Server Manual, then run StartHeadlessServer.bat from the installed Server folder. An Xbox console itself cannot host a dedicated server. See the Crossplay FAQ.
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Manage access, saves, and backups
Permission lists
The dedicated-server save path contains three access files: adminlist.txt, bannedlist.txt, and permittedlist.txt. Put one Platform User ID on each line; IDs are case-sensitive. Use the permitted list carefully: adding anyone to it excludes everyone else who is not listed. Admins can also use in-game console commands to kick or ban players, unban them, and list banned players. See Iron Gate’s guide for file and command details.
Save intervals and automatic backups
Iron Gate documents a default save interval of 30 minutes (1,800 seconds). Its default automatic backup setup keeps four backups: one from two hours earlier and three spaced 12 hours apart. Server arguments can change the save interval and backup settings. Before a substantial change, update, or migration, make copies of the world saves and permission files; the guide identifies the save directory and backup controls. These defaults are documented in the April 11, 2024 server guide.
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