worlds_local, or both the .db and .fwl files of a world from an older game version. Then set World in Valheim settings to its name and start. Uploads are limited to 100 MB (use SFTP for bigger worlds).
Where are Valheim worlds saved on your PC?
On Windows, local worlds are in:<name>.db (the world) and <name>.fwl (its details, such as the seed). Always keep the two together.
If your world isn’t there, it may be saved in Steam Cloud. Select it in the game’s world list and move it to local storage first.
How to upload your world
1
Prepare the files
For a Valheim 1.0 world, right-click the world’s folder in
worlds_local and choose Compress to ZIP file. For an older world, find its .db and .fwl files.2
Stop the server
Stop your server. It saves over its world while it runs. The Worlds page shows a STOPPED or RUNNING badge next to the title, and while the server runs it says “The server is running: uploading and deleting are switched off.”
3
Upload the world
Open Worlds under VALHEIM, click Upload a world, drop your zip (or both files) on “Drop your zip or files here” or click Choose files, then click Upload.
4
Choose the world
Your world now shows as a row on Worlds. Open Valheim settings, set World to the world’s exact name, then click Review and save.
5
Start the server
Start the server and join. You should see your buildings and explored map. On Worlds, the world the server loads has the IN USE badge.
The Upload a world dialog on the Worlds page
What the Worlds page shows
Each world on your server is a row with its name, its size and a Download button. The world the server loads has an IN USE badge. Click Details to see how many automatic backups the world has and when it was last saved, and to find the Delete button. A new world shows NOT SAVED YET until the server saves it for the first time.
The Worlds page with a world in use
Worlds bigger than 100 MB
The Upload a world dialog takes up to 100 MB. For a bigger world, connect with SFTP and upload it, or open a ticket if you’re not sure where it goes.Frequently asked questions
Do world modifiers come with an uploaded world?
Yes. Modifiers are saved with the world. You can also set them on the server without uploading: open Startup, set World Preset or modifiers such as Death Penalty, and restart. A modifier you set in Startup (anything other than default) is applied on top of the world’s own when the server starts. See world modifiers.Does my character come with the world?
No. Characters are saved on each player’s PC, not in the world. Players join with their own characters.Will an older world work on Valheim 1.0?
Yes. Valheim converts an older world the first time a 1.0 server loads it. Iron Gate notes that new biome content only generates properly in areas nobody has explored yet. Keep a copy of the original files.Can I download my world from the server?
Yes. On Worlds, click Download on the world’s row. You can also use a panel backup.Related guides
Valheim server guide
Every Valheim page in one place.
Restore a backup
Roll back a broken world.
Getting started
Name, world and password.
Skill drain and death penalty
Use a world with your own rules.
Connect with SFTP
Upload big files.
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.
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Last Updated: October 2026