Valheim Mods for Playing with Friends on a Server (Updated for 1.0)

Before installing anything

Almost all of these mods go on the server and on each player's PC, in the same version; several check the version and won't let in anyone who doesn't have the same one. The easiest way is an r2modman profile everyone imports. How to install them, with BepInEx, in mods on a Valheim server.

There are no mods on console: if someone in the group plays on Xbox, PlayStation 5 or Switch 2, a mod the player also needs locks them out. For that group, look first at what the game already does without mods (at the end).

Add them a few at a time and test. If one breaks startup, you'll find it much sooner.

Shared chests and materials

Multi User Chest (MSchmoecker): lets several players use the same chest at once, without duplicating items. It goes on the server and on every player, and won't let you connect if it's missing or the version doesn't match. It needs Jötunn.

AzuCraftyBoxes (Azumatt): when crafting and building, it takes materials from nearby chests. If it's on the server, it kicks anyone who doesn't have it, and it syncs its config from the server.

Quick Stack Store Sort Trash Restock (Goldenrevolver): quick-stack into the chests around you, sort and trash. Its author says it's compatible with Multi User Chest and that not everyone needs to have it.

Portals with a destination list

XPortal (SpikeHimself): instead of pairing portals by name, you pick the destination from a list showing the distance to each one. Every player and the dedicated server need the same version.

If what you want is to take metals through portals, that doesn't need mods: it's a world modifier (portals set to “casual”).

One map for everyone

ServerSideMap (Mydayyy): saves on the server what each person explores and shares it with everyone when they connect; shared markers are turned on separately in its config. It goes on the server and on each player.

Careful: its author says it isn't compatible with crossplay. To use it, the server has to run without crossplay, and then only Steam players can join. And with 1.0, which changed where worlds are saved, it asks you to move the world's .explored file to its new folder by hand. Without mods, the game's cartography table also works for sharing what you've explored.

Farming and building

Plant Everything (Advize): plant berry bushes, mushrooms, thistles and trees the game won't let you plant. Its author asks for it to be installed on the server and on each player for everything to work, although anyone without it can see what's been planted.

For the admin

Server devcommands (JereKuusela): gives devcommands cheats back to the admins of a dedicated server, where the game doesn't let you use them (why). It goes on the admin's PC and, for all its features, on the server too. Watch out for achievements: in 1.0, using cheats marks the character and the world.

Upgrade World (JereKuusela): adds new content to areas that have already been explored. It depends on Server devcommands. It really changes the world: back up first.

Networking mods against lag

NetworkTweaks (Searica): raises the limit on data sent and lets you set how many players get updates on each pass. It goes on the server and on the players, and checks the version. Its author warns that raising the limit only works over Steam (without crossplay) and that it clashes with other networking mods.

BetterNetworking (CW_Jesse), the classic, has its latest version from November 2023: it isn't updated for 1.0. Before a networking mod, read the Valheim lag guide: lag almost always comes from whoever reaches the area first.

Without mods: what the game already has

Several things people look for in mods are done by the game itself with world modifiers, which work on every platform: metals through portals, more or fewer resources, fewer raids, enemies that don't attack unless you attack them, or building with no cost. They're in the Valheim world modifiers guide.

On NapNodes

1. Search and install

   On your server, “Mods” searches Thunderstore. “Install” downloads the mod with its dependencies (and BepInEx, the first time). Check the date before installing.

2. Share the profile with your friends

   The panel gives you an r2modman profile code, also in the “Installed” tab. Each person imports it with “Import / Update” → “Import new profile” → “From code”.

3. Restart

   Mods load on startup. Before changing several, create a backup in “Backups”.

4. If you use ServerSideMap

   Turn off “Crossplay (Xbox and Game Pass)” in “Settings” and restart. From then on only Steam players can join.

5. If something won't start

   Remove the last mod from “Installed” and restart.

Frequently asked questions