How to Install Mods on Your Valheim Server

Modding your Valheim dedicated server opens up powerful customization tools, transforming vanilla gameplay into a tailored survival experience. Through the use of Valheim server mods, you can introduce advanced features like RPG loot systems, expanded building options, UI upgrades, and rebalanced mechanics, all synchronized across multiplayer sessions.

The foundation of modding in Valheim is the BepInEx modding framework, which allows .dll plugins to inject new functionality into the game. Combined with mod repositories like Thunderstore and Nexus Mods, and tools such as r2modman, players and server admins gain access to hundreds of mods, including highly popular ones like ValheimPlus and Epic Loot.

For administrators seeking performance and stability, using Host Havoc’s Valheim server hosting streamlines mod management with full FTP access, reliable infrastructure, and active support.

This step-by-step guide covers:

Installing BepInEx on your server
Uploading and managing .dll mods
Multiplayer mod synchronization
Troubleshooting mod-related issues
Maintaining server stability and updates

🔧 Prerequisites for Modding Your Valheim Server

Before getting into mod installation, verify you meet the technical requirements:

✅ Dedicated Server Environment

You must have an operational Valheim dedicated server. If not yet configured, follow this Valheim server setup guide.

✅ File Access via FTP or Control Panel

To install mods, you’ll need direct access to your server’s file system:

Use a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client like FileZilla
Or access the server’s file manager via a provider like Host Havoc

✅ Working Knowledge of File Management

You should know how to:

Extract .zip archives
Upload .dll plugins to correct directories (typically /BepInEx/plugins)
Navigate folder paths like /valheim_server/, /BepInEx/, and /config/

✅ Server Backups

Before making changes, always back up your server world and configuration files. This protects against mod conflicts or installation errors.

✅ Trusted Mod Sources

Only download from recognized platforms:

Thunderstore - Recommended for BepInExPack and client server mod sync
Nexus Mods - Great for standalone mods and advanced customization

Once these foundations are in place, you're ready to install BepInEx and begin transforming your server with mods.

⚙️ Installing BepInEx on Your Valheim Server

To enable modding on your Valheim dedicated server, the first step is installing BepInEx, a lightweight modding framework designed for Unity-based games. BepInEx acts as the middleware that allows .dll based plugins, i.e., mods, to function correctly within the game environment.

🪛 Step-by-Step: BepInEx Server Installation

Download the BepInExPack for Valheim
Head to the Thunderstore BepInExPack Valheim page and download the latest ZIP. This version is pre-configured for Valheim’s Unity engine.
Stop Your Server and Locate the Root Directory
Shut down your server (to avoid data corruption) and open your installation folder. Look for files like valheim_server.exe. Example path:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Valheim dedicated server
Extract and Upload BepInEx Files
Extract the ZIP and upload its full contents - including the BepInEx, doorstop_libs, and winhttp.dll - into the server’s root directory. This step requires FTP access if hosted externally (e.g., via Host Havoc).
Launch Your Server to Initialize BepInEx
Start the server. If installed correctly, new directories such as /BepInEx/plugins/ and /BepInEx/config/ will auto-generate. Server logs will confirm BepInEx injection is active.

🔍 Tip: If running on Linux, use the provided start_server_bepinex.sh script for proper mod loader bootstrapping.

🧩 Installing Mods on Your Valheim Server

With BepInEx installed, your server is now mod-ready. Mods like ValheimPlus, Epic Loot, or Better Trader can now be deployed via plugin upload.

🗂️ Step-by-Step: Uploading and Activating Mods

Download the Mod
Visit Thunderstore or Nexus Mods and locate your chosen plugin (e.g., ValheimPlus on Nexus). Always verify:
- Version compatibility
- BepInEx requirement
- Multiplayer/server support
Extract the .dll Plugin File
Inside the downloaded ZIP, locate the mod’s .dll (e.g., ValheimPlus.dll). Ignore any redundant BepInEx folders if you’ve already installed it.
Upload the Plugin to /BepInEx/plugins/
Using your FTP client or host file manager, upload the mod’s .dll to the server’s /BepInEx/plugins/ directory. Keep mods organized by placing each in a separate subfolder if needed.
Restart the Server
Relaunch your Valheim server. During startup, BepInEx will detect and load each plugin. Server logs will show mod initialization messages (e.g., “[ValheimPlus] Loaded successfully.”).

🧠 Best Practice: Start with one mod at a time and verify server stability before adding more.

✅ Example Mods to Try First

ValheimPlus - Server-client synced gameplay rebalance and QoL mod
Epic Loot - Adds loot tables and improvements for RPG style progression
BuildShare - Blueprint system for copying and pasting builds

🔄 Client Compatibility with Server Mods

A modded Valheim dedicated server requires that all players have matching mods on their game clients to provide stability and connectivity. Unlike some games, Valheim does not support automatic mod syncing, making manual synchronization a requirement.

👥 Steps for Client-Side Mod Compatibility

Players Must Install BepInEx Locally
Each player should install the same version of the BepInExPack for Valheim by placing it into their local Valheim directory (typically under Steam’s common/Valheim folder).
Match All Mods and Plugin Versions
Every .dll mod running on the server must also be installed in each player’s /BepInEx/plugins/ folder.
Use r2modman or Vortex for Easy Sync
Tools like r2modman (Thunderstore Mod Manager) simplify the mod installation process by allowing users to create or import exact server profiles.
Distribute Identical Config Files When Required
Mods like ValheimPlus enforce config synchronization. Share your server’s .cfg files from /BepInEx/config/ with players, especially if enforceConfiguration is enabled.

🧠 Tip: Host Havoc users can upload mod and config packs directly through FTP or file manager, and distribute a ready-to-use mod bundle to their player base.

🛠 Troubleshooting Common Modding Issues

Despite preparation, modding can occasionally cause errors. Below are the most frequent mod-related issues and how to resolve them:

❌ Server Won’t Start

Likely Cause: Corrupt or incompatible .dll in /BepInEx/plugins/
Fix: Check logs (LogOutput.log) for stack traces. Remove the newest mod and restart.

🔇 Mod Features Aren’t Working

Likely Cause: Missing mod on client or server
Fix: Reverify that all players and the server have identical mod sets and versions.

🚫 Client Cannot Connect (Incompatible Mods Error)

Likely Cause: Version mismatch or missing dependency
Fix: Verify all players have updated to the latest mod versions. If using ValheimPlus, verify matching config enforcement settings.

🔁 Mod Conflicts or Crashes

Likely Cause: Incompatible plugins
Fix: Isolate the conflict by removing plugins one by one. Search mod pages or forums for known compatibility issues.

🐢 Server Lag or Performance Drops

Likely Cause: Heavy script-based mods or too many concurrent mods
Fix: Evaluate server hardware usage. Optimize by disabling performance-heavy features or upgrading your Valheim server hosting plan.

🔄 Do You Need to Reinstall Mods After Every Valheim Update?

After a Valheim game or server update, mods may become temporarily disabled or cause crashes due to game version mismatches. While a full reinstall is rarely necessary, you should:

Reinstall or update BepInEx if the base game changes core Unity files.
Verify mod compatibility on platforms like Thunderstore or Nexus Mods.
Monitor community channels (e.g., r/valheim, mod developer Discords) for hotfix announcements.
Backup your server files before applying any game or mod updates.

⚠️ If a specific mod causes the server to crash after an update, disable it until a patch is available. Always test server performance after reactivating mods.

🗑️ How to Remove Mods Safely from a Valheim Server

To uninstall a mod without compromising your world:

Stop the server.
Delete the associated .dll from the /BepInEx/plugins/ directory.
Backup your world files and BepInEx/config settings.
If the mod added items or structures (e.g., Epic Loot gear, ValheimPlus objects), those elements may disappear or cause save file inconsistencies.
Distribute updated config files if config enforcement is active.

✏️ When removing mods like ValheimPlus, always verify dependencies and cleanly reset any edited gameplay variables.

👥 Can Unmodded Players Join a Modded Valheim Server?

In most cases, players must install identical mods (and configs) to join a modded server.

Players can connect to vanilla servers even if they’re running non-intrusive, client-only mods (e.g., map tools or UI skins).
Server-exclusive mods will not sync to clients. If a player lacks a required mod, the connection will typically fail with a “mismatch” or “incompatible” error.

✅ Use a mod manager like r2modman so all players sync with the correct mod set.

🧮 How Many Mods Can a Valheim Server Handle?

There’s no strict mod limit, but your server’s performance depends on:

Number of active players
Hardware resources (especially CPU and RAM)
Complexity of scripts used by mods

🔢 Best Practice:

Start with 2-3 core mods (e.g., ValheimPlus, Epic Loot)
Monitor logs and CPU/memory usage
Add new mods gradually and validate stability after each change

💡 Heavy mods that add dungeons, AI logic, or weather simulation can significantly increase server load, optimize settings accordingly.

🏁 Upgrade Your Valheim Server with Mods

Modding your Valheim dedicated server opens the gates to a richer, more personalized survival experience. From quality-of-life improvements and loot systems to building enhancements and full gameplay overhauls, Valheim server mods let you shape the game to fit your vision.

You’ve now learned how to:

Install the BepInEx modding framework
Upload and manage .dll plugins using FTP
Verify mod synchronization across all players
Troubleshoot common modding challenges with confidence
Maintain server stability with updates and version alignment

When you’re hosting a small group of friends or managing a public community server, modding ensures long-term engagement and replayability. By starting small and expanding your mod list thoughtfully, you’ll keep your server performant and exciting.

🚀 Ready to Mod Your Valheim Server?

Take your world building and gameplay to the next level with mods. If you haven’t set up your server yet, use our guide on how to setup a Valheim dedicated server.

For a seamless hosting experience, with full FTP access, high performance, and mod-friendly tools, choose Host Havoc’s Valheim server hosting. It’s the fastest way to get started with your modded Viking adventure.

⚔️ Grab your axe, rally your tribe, and begin crafting the ultimate modded Valheim realm today!