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Sandbox / Building Guide

Valheim

Detailed connection, admin, file, settings, mods, backup, wipe, and troubleshooting notes for Valheim dedicated servers.

Connect & First Checks

Before editing files

  • Use Join Game > Add Server or Steam favorites with IP:PORT.
  • Valheim often uses a game port plus adjacent query ports; use the exact panel connection address.
  • Server password must be at least 5 characters and cannot be the same as the server name.

Files & Folders

Stop server before edits

Startup parameters-name, -port, -world, -password, -public are common Valheim dedicated server settings.
worlds_local or worldsWorld .db and .fwl files. Both are needed for a usable backup.
adminlist.txtPermitted admin Steam IDs.
bannedlist.txtBanned Steam IDs.
permittedlist.txtAllowlist when permitted-list behavior is used.
BepInExCommon mod loader folder for modded Valheim.

Common Settings

High-use values

-nameServer name.
-worldWorld file name without extension. Changing it loads/creates another world.
-passwordPlayer password.
-portBase game port. Panel controls final allocation.
-public1 for public listing, 0 for private/unlisted.

Admin Setup

Staff access

  • Add SteamID64 to adminlist.txt.
  • Restart server.
  • In-game admin commands require devcommands/admin status depending on current Valheim behavior.

Mods & Plugins

Install carefully

  • BepInEx mods require server-side install and often client-side matching installs.
  • Keep server/client mod versions aligned.
  • After game updates, verify BepInEx and mods still support the current Valheim build.

Backups, Wipes, Rollbacks

Protect player data

  • Back up both .db and .fwl world files together.
  • Back up BepInEx/config if modded.
  • Before a wipe, archive world files and set a new -world name.

Troubleshooting

Common tickets

Password rejectedToo short or same as server name.
World missingOnly .db or .fwl restored; both are required.
Version incompatibleClient/server or mods differ.
Server not listedCheck -public and use direct IP while browser updates.