Valheim Plus Server Install Guide

Valheim Plus is a popular mod that adds quality-of-life features, server-side configuration options, and gameplay tweaks to Valheim. This guide shows you how to install and configure Valheim Plus on your dedicated server, so all players connecting to it get the same modded experience. You’ll need access to your server’s file system (via FTP, SFTP, or a hosting control panel) and a way to restart the server.

What You’ll Need

• A Valheim dedicated server (Windows or Linux) that you can access files on.
• The latest Valheim Plus release from its official GitHub repository (download the zip file).
• A text editor (like Notepad++ or VS Code) to edit the configuration file.
• Basic familiarity with your server’s file structure and how to restart it.

Step-by-Step

1. Download Valheim Plus – Go to the official Valheim Plus GitHub releases page and download the latest version. Make sure you get the version that matches your Valheim game version (check the mod’s requirements). The file will be a zip archive.
2. Back up your server files – Before changing anything, make a backup of your server’s root directory. This ensures you can restore everything if something goes wrong.
3. Locate your server directory – Find where your Valheim server is installed. On a typical dedicated server, the main folder contains the executable (valheim_server.exe on Windows) and subfolders like BepInEx, valheim_Data, and plus (if previously installed). If you’re using a hosting provider, the file manager in their panel usually shows this folder.
4. Extract the Valheim Plus files – Open the downloaded zip. You’ll see folders like BepInEx, valheim_Data, and a plus folder. Copy all of these into your server’s root directory, merging with existing folders when prompted. This installs BepInEx (the mod loader) and the Valheim Plus plugin.
5. Verify installation – After copying, your server directory should have a BepInEx folder with a plugins subfolder containing ValheimPlus.dll (or similar). Also, a plus folder should exist at the root, containing valheim_plus.cfg.
6. Start the server once – Launch your Valheim server normally (or restart it if it’s already running). This initial run generates the default configuration file and loads the mod. Wait until the server appears in the console as ready.
7. Stop the server – Once the server has started successfully, stop it cleanly. You’ll now edit the configuration file.
8. Edit the configuration – Navigate to the plus folder and open valheim_plus.cfg with a text editor. This file contains many settings grouped by sections (e.g., [Player], [Server], [Building]). Change the values you want to modify. For example, to increase the max players, find [Server] and set maxPlayers = 10. Save the file after editing.
9. Restart the server – Start your Valheim server again. Valheim Plus will read the configuration file and apply your changes. Check the console for any error messages related to the mod.
10. Test the mod – Join your server from a client that also has Valheim Plus installed (or at least BepInEx). Verify that the settings you changed are active (e.g., if you changed building limits, try building beyond the vanilla limit).

Common Mistakes

• Installing only the plugin, not BepInEx – Valheim Plus requires BepInEx to run. If you only copy the plugin file, the mod won’t load. Always copy the entire contents of the zip.
• Using a mismatched version – Valheim Plus updates frequently to match Valheim’s patches. Using an old version with a new game client can cause crashes or missing features. Always download the latest release.
• Editing the config while the server is running – The server reads the config only at startup. If you edit it while the server is live, your changes won’t take effect until the next restart.
• Not backing up before installing – If you skip the backup, a failed install can leave your server in an unusable state. Always back up first.

Tips

• Use the official wiki – The Valheim Plus GitHub wiki has a detailed explanation of every config option. Refer to it to understand what each setting does before changing it.
• Start with small changes – Change one or two settings at a time, then test. This makes it easier to identify which setting causes a problem.
• Keep a copy of your config – Once you have a config you like, save a backup copy. This makes it easy to restore after a mod update.
• Check the console output – When starting the server, watch the console for any errors like “Failed to load ValheimPlus”. This often points to a missing dependency or a wrong file path.

Troubleshooting

• Server won’t start after installing – This usually means BepInEx or Valheim Plus is corrupted or incompatible. Delete the BepInEx and plus folders, restore your backup, and reinstall the mod carefully.
• Mod doesn’t seem to work – Check if the valheim_plus.cfg file exists in the plus folder. If not, the mod didn’t load. Verify that BepInEx is installed correctly and that the server was restarted after copying files.
• Players get version mismatch errors – This happens when the server and clients have different versions of Valheim Plus. Ensure everyone installs the same version.
• Config changes don’t apply – Make sure you saved the file and restarted the server. Also, check that you edited the correct section and key names – a typo can cause the setting to be ignored.
• Server crashes when a player joins – This often indicates a conflict with another mod or a corrupted config. Try resetting the config to default by deleting valheim_plus.cfg and restarting the server to regenerate it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all players need Valheim Plus installed?

Yes, for the mod to work properly, every player connecting to the server must have the same version of Valheim Plus installed on their client. Otherwise, they’ll get a version mismatch error or the mod’s features won’t function.

Can I use Valheim Plus on a dedicated server without BepInEx?

No. Valheim Plus is a BepInEx plugin, so BepInEx must be installed on the server. The Valheim Plus zip includes BepInEx, so you don’t need to download it separately.

How do I update Valheim Plus on my server?

Download the new version, stop the server, back up your plus folder (to keep your config), then copy the new files over the old ones. Restart the server. Your config file should remain intact, but it’s safe to back it up.

Will Valheim Plus work with other mods?

Generally yes, but conflicts can occur. If you use other mods, test them together. If you encounter issues, check the mod order and ensure compatibility.

Is Valheim Plus safe to use on a public server?

Yes, it’s a widely used mod. However, it changes gameplay, so make sure your community agrees with the settings you choose. Also, keep the mod updated to avoid exploits from older versions.

Can I disable Valheim Plus without uninstalling it?

Yes, you can set enabled = false in the [General] section of the config file. This disables the mod’s features while keeping the files installed.

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