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How to set up a Valheim dedicated server (with crossplay)

3 min readUpdated Oct 31, 2026

Set up a Valheim dedicated server: buy the plan, let it install, set the name, password and world, turn on crossplay, join, and make yourself admin.

A dedicated server keeps your Valheim world running even when the host player is offline, so your group can play whenever they want. ESN installs the Valheim dedicated server for you; you only set it up and invite friends.

Set it up #

  1. Sign in to the panel's plans page, choose Buy on the Valheim plan (4 GB RAM) and pay on Stripe. The server is set up automatically.
  2. Wait for the first install to finish. Valheim is a big download, so it can take a few minutes; the Start button waits until it's done.
  3. Open the Startup tab and set Server Name, World Name and Server Password. The password needs at least 5 characters and must not be part of the server name.
  4. Turn on Public Server if you want it in the in-game server list, or leave it off for a private server.
  5. Turn on Enable Crossplay if friends play on Xbox or the Game Pass version.
  6. Restart the server and watch the Console until it says the server started.

Join the server #

On PC: Start game, pick a character, Join game, Add server, then enter the IP:port shown on your server's page in the panel, and type the password. Your server gets the two ports in a row that Valheim needs; use the one the panel shows.

With crossplay on, the server also prints a join code in the Console. Xbox and Game Pass players join with that code instead of an IP.

Make yourself admin #

  1. Find your SteamID64 (a 17-digit number starting with 7656).
  2. Stop the server, open Files and find adminlist.txt in the Valheim save folder.
  3. Add your SteamID64 on its own line, save and start the server.

Bring an existing world #

Stop the server, then upload your world's .db and .fwl files into the save folder's worlds folder with Files or SFTP. Set World Name in Startup to the same name as the files (without the extension) and start again. Keep your own copy of the world first; see backups.

Keep it smooth #

  • Valheim worlds grow as you explore. If the server stutters with many players, check memory on the server page.
  • Everyone needs the same game version as the server. After a game update, restart the server so it updates too.
  • More on all four game plans: game server setup.

FAQ #

How much RAM does a Valheim server need? #

ESN's Valheim plan has 4 GB of RAM, which suits a typical group. Large explored worlds and many players use more.

Can Xbox players join my Valheim server? #

Yes, if you turn on Enable Crossplay in Startup. They join with the join code the server prints in the Console.

Why can't I connect to my Valheim server? #

Check the Console says the server started, that you used the port from the panel, that the password is right, and that your game version matches the server.

Does my world stay online when I log off? #

Yes. The dedicated server keeps running until you stop it.

Still stuck? Use the live chat on the panel or ask in the ESN Systems Discord. Last updated October 31, 2026.