Valheim
Valheim mods run on BepInEx and come from Thunderstore. Mods are unofficial, so Valheim updates break them regularly.
Switch to the BepInEx server
Your server needs the BepInEx version of the Valheim server. If it was set up as plain Valheim, contact us to switch it; your world is kept.
Install mods
From a modpack (easiest): on Startup, set ModPack to a Thunderstore modpack name (Author-PackName). The panel installs it the next time you choose Settings → Reinstall Server.
By hand:
- Stop the server and make a backup.
- Upload each mod's
.dll(and any folders it comes with) intoBepInEx/plugins/. - Start, then check the console. BepInEx prints each mod as it loads, and errors in red.
Mod settings appear in BepInEx/config/ after the first start with the mod. Edit them with the server stopped.
Give players the same mods
- Every player needs the same mods at the same versions as the server, for any mod that changes gameplay, items or building pieces. A mismatch gets players kicked or causes items to vanish.
- The easiest way: publish a Thunderstore modpack, or share a profile code from r2modman / Thunderstore Mod Manager, and have everyone import it.
- Server-only mods (admin tools, backup and anti-cheat mods) don't need to be on players' PCs; their Thunderstore page says so.
World modifiers
Valheim's world modifiers (combat difficulty, death penalty, resources, raids, portals) and presets such as casual or hardcore are saved with the world when it's created. Changing them later doesn't affect an existing world.
The easiest way to set them: create the world with modifiers in your own game, then upload it. For a brand-new world on the server, ask us to add -preset and -modifier options to its launch command before the first start.
When an update breaks mods
- After a Valheim patch, check your mods support the new version before restarting (look at each mod's Thunderstore page).
- If the server fails to start or players crash, remove mods one at a time from
BepInEx/plugins/until it works, then wait for updated versions. - Make sure players update their mods in their mod manager too.
More on keeping a server healthy: Valheim server best practices.