Introduction
Valheim has taken the gaming world by storm with its Viking survival gameplay. If you want to play with friends without relying on peer-to-peer connections, you need a dedicated server. This guide covers your options.
Option 1: Self-Hosting on Your PC
Pros
- Free (if your PC is already running)
- Full control over settings
Cons
- Uses your bandwidth and resources
- Friends can only play when your PC is on
- Port forwarding required
Steps for Self-Hosting
- Download SteamCMD from the Steam website
- Install Valheim Dedicated Server using SteamCMD
- Configure server settings in the startup script
- Set up port forwarding (ports 2456-2457) on your router
- Share your public IP with friends
Option 2: Rent a VPS (Manual Setup)
Pros
- Server runs 24/7
- Better performance than home hosting
Cons
- Requires Linux knowledge
- Manual updates and maintenance
- Still paying when server is empty
Popular VPS Providers: Hetzner, DigitalOcean, Linode
Typical Cost: 10-20 EUR/month for 4GB RAM
Option 3: Managed Game Server Hosting
Pros
- No technical setup required
- Automatic updates
- Web dashboard for management
- Support included
Cons
- Monthly cost
Recommended: NordHost
NordHost offers Valheim hosting with Smart Sleep - your server automatically sleeps when empty, so you only pay for hours used. Servers wake in under 60 seconds when you connect.
Server Requirements
- RAM: 4GB minimum (8GB recommended for 10 players)
- CPU: 2 cores minimum
- Storage: 2GB for server + 1GB per world
- Network: Stable connection with ports 2456-2457 open
Conclusion
For casual groups who play a few times per week, managed hosting with Smart Sleep offers the best value. You get the reliability of a dedicated server without paying for idle time.
Start Your Free Trial
Try Valheim hosting free - 5 hours included, no credit card required.
Start Free Trial