ValheimServer Settings
Build the launch line for a Valheim 1.0 dedicated server without reading the manual. Pick a difficulty preset, set world modifiers, crossplay and backups, and copy a ready start_server script for Windows or Linux.
start_server.bat
@echo off set SteamAppId=892970 echo "Starting server PRESS CTRL-C to exit" REM Generated with physgun.com/tools/valheim-server-settings-generator/ REM Password: at least 5 characters, and it must not appear inside the server name. REM Forward UDP 2456-2457 through your router and firewall. valheim_server -nographics -batchmode -name "My server" -port 2456 -world "Dedicated" -password "" -public 1
2 things worth checking
- Listed in the server browser with no password. A public server needs a password of at least 5 characters, so this will not start. Set one, or turn the listing off for an invite-only server.
- Crossplay is off, so PS5, Switch 2 and Xbox players cannot join. Fine for a Steam-only crew, otherwise switch it on.
On a Physgun Valheim server none of this is a script. Crossplay is a single toggle, the difficulty preset and world modifiers are a settings page of dropdowns, and the name, world and password are plain fields, so the launch line is built for you and re-applied on every restart. Bring this config over as a checklist, or skip the script entirely.
Valheim hostingServer identity
Name, world, password and listing
Shown in the in-game browser. The password must not appear inside it.
Loads <name>.db from worlds_local, or creates a fresh world with that name.
At least 5 characters, required on a listed server. An unlisted server can leave it empty.
Off keeps the server invite-only: friends join by IP or join code.
Network and platforms
Port, crossplay and instance id
Default 2456. The server also uses the next port up for Steam queries, so forward both.
PS5, Switch 2 and Xbox players can only join crossplay servers. Off means Steam only, connecting straight to your port.
Only needed when several crossplay servers share one machine and port. Leave empty otherwise.
Saves and backups
Autosave cadence and backup rotation
Default 1800, every 30 minutes. Each save pauses the server for a moment.
Default 4. The first uses the short interval, the rest the long one.
Default 7200, every 2 hours.
Default 43200, every 12 hours.
Optional. Overrides the default worlds_local folder.
Optional. Writes server output to this path instead of the console.
Difficulty preset
The seven built-in bundles
The game as shipped. Every modifier at its default, no keys set.
A preset writes every modifier at once. Anything you set under World modifiers is emitted after it on the launch line and overrides that one dial.
World modifiers
Combat, death, resources, raids and portals
Vanilla damage both ways.
Drop everything, lose 5% of every skill.
Vanilla drop rates.
A raid roll roughly every 46 minutes at a 20% chance.
Standard rules: ore and metal bars stay out of portals.
Normal means "leave it to the preset" and is never written to the launch line.
Special keys
On/off world rules
Hammer pieces cost nothing. Recipes still have to be unlocked, and crafting stations still charge.
Raids follow each player's own boss progress instead of the server's. Kinder to a crew at different stages.
Enemies do not attack until you provoke them.
No map and no minimap. Navigate by landmarks and the sun.
Each key becomes a -setkey flag. The wiki lists more keys (free crafting, building in dungeons, fire hazards), but only these four are documented for startup; set the rest from the in-game console.
Flags and defaults follow the Valheim Dedicated Server manual as of 1.0. Flags you import that we don't list are kept verbatim at the end of the launch line.
FAQ ยท Frequently. Asked. Questions.
Still fighting the launch line? Check the Physgun Knowledge Base, or hop into the Physgun Discord and our team will sort it with you.
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Overclocked Ryzen 9 hardware, no player slot fees, and a world that stays up whether or not you are online.
