How to host a Valheim server on Windows
This guide covers running your own Valheim dedicated server on a Windows PC by hand: what you need, which ports to open, where the config lives, and how to keep it updated and modded. At the end there's the shortcut: doing the same thing in Rackd.
Requirements
- Windows 10/11 64-bit, 4 GB RAM or more; dedicated server CPU use is modest.
- SteamCMD. The Valheim Dedicated Server is Steam app
896660and downloads anonymously (it's also in Steam's Tools list). - A wired connection and a router you can log in to for port forwarding.
Default ports
| What | Port | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Game port | 2456 | UDP |
| Query port | 2457 | UDP |
Manual setup, step by step
1. Install with SteamCMD
steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\ValheimServer +login anonymous +app_update 896660 validate +quit
2. Edit the start script
Copy start_headless_server.bat and set -name, -port 2456, -world and -password. The password must be at least 5 characters and can't appear in the server name, or the server refuses to start. Add -crossplay if Xbox/Game Pass players need to join (that routes through PlayFab instead of direct ports).
3. Admins and lists
World saves and adminlist.txt, bannedlist.txt and permittedlist.txt live in %UserProfile%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim. Add SteamIDs one per line.
4. Firewall and port forwarding
Forward UDP 2456–2457 to the host and allow valheim_server.exe in Windows Firewall. Players use Join Game → Add server with your.ip:2456.
5. Updates
Stop the server, back up the worlds folder, re-run the SteamCMD command. Clients refuse to join a server on a different version.
6. Mods
Valheim has no official mod support. The common route is BepInEx plus mods from Thunderstore, installed on the server and every client with matching versions.
Port forwarding tips
- Give the host PC a fixed local IP (a DHCP reservation in your router) before you create forwarding rules.
- If your router's WAN IP doesn't match what whatismyip shows, your ISP is using CGNAT and port forwarding won't work. Ask for a public IP or use a tunnel/VPN.
- Test from outside your network (a phone on mobile data), since many routers don't support loopback connections to your own public IP.
Or do it in a few clicks with Rackd
Rackd is a Windows 10/11 desktop app that does the steps above for you:
- One-click install: pick Valheim, name the server, and Rackd downloads the files through SteamCMD, and templates the server name, world and port from what you type so two Valheim servers don't collide.
- Rackd Connect: asks your router to forward the server's port over UPnP and shows you the address to share, so you don't have to dig through router menus. (If your router has UPnP off or you're behind CGNAT, you'll still need the manual steps.)
- Scheduled updates that never kick players: pick an update window. If anyone is online, Rackd waits and retries instead of shutting the server on them.
- Backups: zip the server folder in one click and restore it when something goes wrong.
- Live console so you can watch the log and send commands.
Download Rackd for Windows 7-day free trial, no card required.
See all games Rackd supports or browse more server hosting guides.