To enable mods on your Valheim dedicated server, install a mod loader like BepInEx, configure server-side and client-side mod support, upload mod files via FTP into the server's plugins folder, and restart the server to apply changes.

Preparing Your Server Environment

Before you begin modding your Valheim server, ensure your environment is ready to handle mods safely.

prerequisites

  • Backup your existing world files to prevent accidental data loss.
  • Download necessary modding tools like BepInEx or a mod manager such as Thunderstore or R2ModMan.
  • Verify that your server and client systems meet the hardware and mod requirements.

Downloading and Installing BepInEx for Valheim

BepInEx is the essential mod loader required to run mods on your Valheim server.

steps

  1. Visit Thunderstore's Valheim page and locate the BepInEx Pack.
  2. Download the BepInEx Pack manually to a location you can easily find.
  3. Extract the downloaded files into a dedicated folder.
  4. Using an FTP client like FileZilla, upload the extracted BepInEx files to your server's root directory.
  5. Restart your server to allow BepInEx to install itself automatically.

Webpage for downloading BepInExPack Valheim showing installation options.

The Thunderstore webpage displays downloading options for BepInExPack Valheim. — moCronik

Adding Server-Side Mods to Your Valheim Server

Server-side mods are installed only on the server and don't require additional installation for connected clients.

steps

  1. Access the server-side mod files extracted from your Thunderstore downloads.
  2. Find the appropriate .dll files for the server-side mods you wish to install.
  3. Upload these files to the plugins folder located in the BepInEx directory on your server using an FTP client.
  4. Restart the server to apply the mods.
  5. Optionally, edit mod configuration files using a text editor like Notepad++ for customization.

FileZilla interface showing a server's BepInEx/plugins folder in the remote site directory.

FileZilla interface displaying the server's BepInEx plugins folder, facilitating server-side mod management. — moCronik

Installing and Configuring Client-Side Mods

Client-side mods need to be installed both on the server and on each player's client device.

steps

  1. Download and extract the client-side mod files from Thunderstore.
  2. Locate and upload the .dll files into the server's plugins folder within the BepInEx directory.
  3. Restart the server to activate the mods.
  4. Ensure all clients download and install the same mods to successfully connect to the modded server.

FileZilla interface showing mod files being transferred to a server folder.

The FileZilla interface displays client-side mod files being uploaded to the server. — moCronik

Using Thunderstore and R2ModMan

Mod managers like Thunderstore or R2ModMan make it easier to organize, install, and update mods.

steps

  1. Download and install a mod manager such as Thunderstore or R2ModMan.
  2. Use the mod manager to create mod profiles for different configurations.
  3. Share and synchronize mod profiles with other players for consistency on the server.
  4. Use the mod manager to update mods regularly for optimal performance.

Thunderstore mod manager interface displaying a list of games for mod management.

The Thunderstore mod manager interface shows a list of games available for mod management. — Waffles

Managing Existing World Data and Backups

Proper management of world data and backups is critical to ensure the safety and continuity of your server.

The 'worlds_local' directory in a file management interface with various world data files listed.

The 'worlds_local' directory displays multiple files related to world data backups. — moCronik

Dealing with Mod Compatibility Issues

Mod conflicts or incompatibilities can impact server performance or limit player connections. Managing these issues is critical for stable modded gameplay.

Recommendations

  • Review mod descriptions for compatibility and dependency requirements.
  • Avoid using outdated mods that may conflict with the current version of Valheim.
  • Disable mods individually to troubleshoot and identify problematic ones.
  • Refer to mod documentation or community forums for specialized troubleshooting tips.

FAQ

how to enable mods on a Valheim dedicated server safely

To enable mods safely, install the BepInEx mod loader, back up your existing world files, and ensure both server and client versions meet mod requirements. Upload server-side and client-side mod files into the appropriate folders using an FTP client, then restart the server. Regularly update and maintain consistent mod profiles among all players to reduce conflicts and crashes.

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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