Valheim server guide: join, mods, settings and fixes
Updated 31 October 2026 · 3 minute read · Valheim · By Exclsv Support
Everything you need to run your Valheim server in HQ, in one page.
Join
- In Valheim, choose Join game, then Add server.
- Type the address from your server’s Join page in HQ.
- Enter the server password.
With crossplay on, everyone uses Join by code instead, with the join code HQ shows. Xbox and PS5 can only join by code.
Mods
Vanilla Valheim has no mods. Choose BepInEx under Loader and version on the Mods page to add mods from Thunderstore, with everything they need. Crossplay turns BepInEx mods off. Every player needs the same mods: share the mod profile code from the Mods page in r2modman or Thunderstore Mod Manager.
Settings
Open Settings, then Game settings. Each setting has a plain label, one line of help and the game’s own default where HQ knows it. Most changes take effect at the next restart; HQ marks the ones that change straight away. Crossplay is under Game settings, Server.
Backups and going back
HQ takes an hourly backup (Automatic backups) and keeps each for up to 48 hours, plus an off-site backup every 6 hours with 7 daily copies. To go back, open Backups, then Automatic backups, pick a time and choose Go back. Your world as it is now is kept, so you can undo it.
If it doesn’t work
There’s no join code
The join code only exists with crossplay on. Turn it on in Game settings.
A player is turned away for their mods
They need the same mods as the server: give them the mod profile code from the Mods page.
Valheim couldn’t open the world
Go back to the last good copy in Automatic backups.
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