> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # How to Set Up a Valheim Dedicated Server (Getting Started) > How to set up a Valheim dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING: set name, world and password in Valheim settings, start it, join by Join IP and back it up. To set up a Valheim dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING, open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Valheim settings** under **VALHEIM**, set **Server name**, **World** and **Password** (at least 5 characters, not part of the world name), click **Review and save** and start the server. Players join with the **Join IP** shown in the panel, from the in-game server list, or with a join code if **Crossplay** is on. | Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page | | - | - | - | - | | Beginner | 5 to 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Valheim server | **Valheim settings** | ## Before you start * Log in to the [Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md). * Have Valheim installed on your PC (or console, for crossplay). * Your server already has BepInEx for mods. You don't need mods to play. ## How to set up your Valheim server **1. Open Valheim settings** Open your server and click **Valheim settings** under **VALHEIM**. The **Will it start?** card lists anything that would stop the server from starting. **2. Name your server** Enter a **Server name**. This is what players see in the server list. **3. Choose the world** Enter a **World** name. A name that doesn't exist yet starts a brand new world with that name. If you leave the default, the server creates a world called **Dedicated** the first time it starts. To use a world from your PC, see [upload a local world](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/valheim/how-to-upload-a-local-world-to-your-valheim-server.md). **4. Set a password** Enter a **Password** of at least 5 characters that is not part of the world name. Valheim also rejects a password that is part of the server name, so keep the two different. **5. Choose visibility and crossplay** Leave **Show in the server list** on to be listed, or turn it off so players can only join with the address. Turn on **Crossplay** if players on other platforms will join. **6. Review, save and start** Click **Review and save**, then [start the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). Watch the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) until the world has loaded. ![Valheim settings page with Server name, World, Password, Show in the server list and Crossplay](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/4h1IkXVQmzT6o2no/images/games/valheim/valheim-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=4h1IkXVQmzT6o2no\&q=85\&s=9b700204876f0371c2376b21f8fa6f10) Valheim settings in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel ## How to join your Valheim server | Method | What to enter | | - | - | | In game, by address | The **Join IP** from the panel, for example `203.0.113.10:2456` | | Server list | Search the **Community** list for your **Server name** (needs **Show in the server list** on) | | Steam server browser | Your IP with the game port + 1, for example `203.0.113.10:2457` | | Crossplay | The join code from the console, or the address | In Valheim, choose your character, click **Start**, open the **Join game** tab and add the server by its address or join code. Enter the password when asked. ## Make your first backup Valheim keeps its own copies of the world. By default it saves every 1800 seconds and keeps 4 backups. Change this under **Saving and backups** in **Valheim settings**. Also make a full [panel backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) once your world is set up. ## Frequently asked questions ### What port does a Valheim server use? The game port is 2456 by default, and Valheim also uses the next port (2457). Join with the **Join IP** shown in the panel. ### Why won't my Valheim server accept my password? It must be at least 5 characters and must not be part of the world name or server name. See [password not working](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/valheim/valheim-server-password-not-working.md). ### Can I make my Valheim server private? Turn off **Show in the server list** and keep a password. For a whitelist, use the **Allowed** tab on **Admins and bans**; see [whitelist players](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/valheim/how-to-whitelist-players-on-valheim.md). ### Can I make my Valheim world easier or harder? Yes. Open **Startup**, choose a **World Preset** (for example `casual` or `hard`) or set single modifiers such as **Death Penalty**, then restart. See [world modifiers](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/valheim/world-modifiers-no-map-hardcore.md). ### How do I become admin on my Valheim server? Add your SteamID64 on **Admins and bans**. See [the admin list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/valheim/managing-the-valheim-admin-list.md). ## Related guides > **[Valheim server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/valheim/valheim-server-hosting-guide.md)** > > Every Valheim page in one place. > **[Crossplay](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/valheim/setting-up-valheim-crossplay-xbox-pc.md)** > > PC, Xbox and console players together. > **[Upload a local world](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/valheim/how-to-upload-a-local-world-to-your-valheim-server.md)** > > Bring your world from your PC. > **[Admin list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/valheim/managing-the-valheim-admin-list.md)** > > Admins, bans and whitelist. > **[Not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/valheim/valheim-server-not-showing-in-list.md)** > > Find your server. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (Valheim dedicated server with BepInEx). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes. > [!NOTE] > > ### Need Extra Help? > > If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist: > > * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website. > * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) > * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting) > * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com) > [!TIP] > > ### Save on Your Hosting > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** October 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.