How to Install Valheim Mods (BepInEx) on a Dedicated Server
Most Valheim mods run on BepInEx, a mod loader. Some mods only need to be on the server, some only on players, and many need to be on both. This guide covers the server side.
Before you start
Take a backup of your world first. Modded worlds can be hard to roll back if a mod writes data you later remove. Check each mod's page to see whether it is server-side, client-side or required on both.
Install BepInEx
- Stop the server from the Console tab.
- Download a BepInEx pack made for Valheim (the BepInExPack_Valheim package on Thunderstore is the usual choice) and unzip it on your computer.
- In the Files tab, upload the pack contents into the server's main folder, next to the Valheim server files.
- Check that a BepInEx folder now exists with plugins and config folders inside it.
- Follow the pack's readme for how the server must be launched. Some packs ship their own start script, and the panel startup command may need to point to it. Ask us on Discord if you are unsure.
Add mods
Upload each mod's .dll file, or its folder, into BepInEx/plugins. Start the server once so each mod creates its config file in BepInEx/config, then stop it, edit the settings and start again.
Keep clients in sync
Players usually need the same mods and the same versions for anything that changes gameplay or networking. A version mismatch commonly shows up as an incompatible version message when joining. Share a mod list with your players and update everyone together after a mod update.
Troubleshooting
- Open BepInEx/LogOutput.log in the Files tab. It lists every loaded plugin and any errors.
- If no plugins are listed, BepInEx is not being loaded, so recheck the start script and folder layout.
- If the server breaks after a Valheim update, mods are often outdated. Remove them one by one, or wait for updated versions.
- Disable all mods first, confirm the server boots, then re-add them in small groups.
Crossplay note
Console players generally cannot use mods, so a modded server is normally PC only. Do not enable crossplay on a modded server unless you know every mod supports it.
Need a hand? Open a ticket or message us on Discord.