Technical Setup

Valheim Dedicated Server Setup Guide

Step-by-step instructions for hosting a headless Valheim dedicated server with SteamCMD, port forwarding, and systemd automation.

1. Port Forwarding & Firewall Rules

Ensure UDP ports 2456 – 2458 are forwarded on your router and allowed through the host firewall (e.g. ufw allow 2456:2458/udp).

2. SteamCMD Installation Command

steamcmd +force_install_dir /opt/valheim_server +login anonymous +app_update 896660 validate +quit

3. Startup Command Flags Explained

./valheim_server.x86_64 -name "NorseRealm" -port 2456 -world "Expedition1" -password "SecretViking" -public 1 -crossplay

-name: Name shown in the server browser list.
-port: Main game port (default 2456).
-world: Name matching your .db and .fwl save files.
-password: Required server password (minimum 5 characters).
-crossplay: Enables PlayFab backend for Xbox/PS5 console support.