Why choose a dedicated Valheim server?

Hosting a Valheim server offers several advantages:

• Stable performance – No delays or crashes caused by other people's servers.
• 24/7 uptime – Your world stays online even when you're not logged in.
• More control – Customize game rules, mods, and backups as needed.
• Better security – Protect your server from unwanted players.
• Optimized for multiplayer – With a dedicated server, you can invite friends without relying on a single player to host.
• Future-proof performance – With dedicated hardware, you can be sure your server can handle future updates and expansions.
• Modding capabilities – Add custom mods and plugins to enhance gameplay.
• Faster troubleshooting – Easier access to server logs and diagnostic tools.

PineRiver offers powerful dedicated Valheim servers optimized for gaming with Ryzen processors and low latency.

Requirements for a Valheim server

Before setting up your server, make sure your hardware and software meet the minimum requirements:

Minimum hardware requirements:

• CPU: 2-4 cores (Ryzen recommended for high GHz)
• RAM: 4GB (8GB recommended for multiple players)
• Storage: Minimum 10GB free space (SSD recommended)
• Network: A stable internet connection with low latency

Software requirements:

• Windows Server or Linux (Ubuntu recommended)
• SteamCMD (to install and update the server)
• Firewall and port settings
• A stable power supply or a cloud solution to avoid interruptions
• Terminal access (SSH for Linux, PowerShell for Windows)
• Backup solution to prevent data loss

Step-by-step guide: Setting up a Valheim server

1. Rent a Valheim server from PineRiver

For the easiest setup, you can rent a Valheim VPS from PineRiver, where everything is optimized for gaming. If you want to set up the server yourself, follow the steps below.

2. Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is used to download and update the Valheim server files.

Ubuntu/Linux:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install steamcmd -y

Windows:

1. Download SteamCMD from Steam's official website.
2. Unzip and run steamcmd.exe.

3. Download and install the Valheim server

Start SteamCMD and run the following commands:

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /valheim +app_update 896660 validate +quit

This will download the necessary server files.

4. Configure server settings

Find start_server.sh (Linux) or start_server.bat (Windows) in your Valheim folder and edit it:

./valheim_server.x86_64 -name "MinServer" -port 2456 -world "MinVerden" -password "hemmeligtkode" -public 1

Replace MinServer, MinVerden and hemmeligtkode as desired.

5. Open ports in the firewall

In order for players to connect to your server, you must open the relevant ports.

Linux (UFW):

sudo ufw allow 2456/udp
sudo ufw allow 2457/udp
sudo ufw allow 2458/udp

Windows Firewall:

1. Search for "Windows Defender Firewall".
2. Add a new rule for UDP ports 2456-2458.

6. Start the server

Linux:

cd /valheim && ./start_server.sh

Windows:
Double-click start_server.bat.

The server will now start, and you can connect to it via Valheim -> Community Servers or directly via IP.

Optimizing Valheim server performance

To get a smooth gaming experience, you can optimize the server:

1. Use a more powerful VPS or dedicated server

At PineRiver, we offer Ryzen-based VPSs, which provide better performance than cheaper server solutions.

2. Automatic server restart

A restart every 24 hours can prevent lag.

Linux cron job:

0 4 * * * /valheim/start_server.sh restart

This restarts the server at 4:00 a.m. every day.

3. Optimize network settings

Adjust sysctl to reduce latency:

echo "net.core.rmem_max=2500000" >> /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo sysctl -p

4. Reducing server lag with many players

Use valheim_plus the modification to adjust server settings that reduce lag.

5. Active monitoring and troubleshooting

Set up log file monitoring with a system such as logwatch to detect errors and handle issues quickly.

6. Automate backup solutions

Use a script to take daily backups:

tar -czvf /backup/valheim_$(date +%F).tar.gz /valheim/worlds

Conclusion

Setting up a Valheim server requires a little technical work, but it provides a much better gaming experience for you and your friends. If you want to avoid the hassle, you can rent a pre-configured Valheim server from PineRiver, which ensures optimal performance and stability.

Do you have questions or need help? Contact us at PineRiver – we are experts in gaming hosting!