Valheim Server with Mods: Complete Setup Guide 2026

Valheim's modding community is one of the most active in survival gaming. Mods can overhaul progression, add new biomes, improve QoL, or completely transform the experience. Setting up a modded Valheim server requires a few extra steps — here's the complete guide.

Server-Side vs Client-Side Mods: The Key Distinction

Before installing mods, understand this:

Server-side mods — Must be installed on the server. Examples: world modifiers, loot table changes, custom content that affects world state.

Client-side mods — Only needed on players' PCs. Examples: UI improvements, graphics mods, cosmetic changes.

Both required — Most gameplay-changing mods (new items, new mechanics) need to be installed on both the server AND every player's client. Players without the mod installed will be kicked when they try to connect.

Always communicate clearly to your players which mods they need to install before joining.

Step 1: Install BepInEx on the Server

BepInEx is the mod loader that all Valheim mods use. It hooks into the game and loads plugins at startup.

# Navigate to your Valheim server directory
cd /home/steam/valheim

# Download BepInEx for Valheim (Unix/Linux version)
# Get latest from: https://thunderstore.io/c/valheim/p/denikson/BepInExPack_Valheim/
wget https://thunderstore.io/package/download/denikson/BepInExPack_Valheim/5.4.2202/
unzip BepInExPack_Valheim.zip
cp -r BepInExPack_Valheim/BepInExPack/* /home/steam/valheim/

After BepInEx is installed, your server directory will have:

BepInEx/
  plugins/       ← mod .dll files go here
  config/        ← mod configuration files
  patchers/      ← patcher mods

Step 2: Modify the Server Start Script

BepInEx requires a special launch flag on Linux. Update your server start script:

#!/bin/bash
export DOORSTOP_ENABLE=TRUE
export DOORSTOP_INVOKE_DLL_PATH=./BepInEx/core/BepInEx.Preloader.dll
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH="./linux64:$LD_LIBRARY_PATH"
export LD_PRELOAD="libdoorstop_x64.so:$LD_PRELOAD"

./valheim_server.x86_64 \
  -name "My Valheim Server" \
  -port 2456 \
  -world "Dedicated" \
  -password "yourpassword" \
  -nographics \
  -batchmode

Step 3: Install Mods

Mod files (.dll) go into BepInEx/plugins/. Each mod is typically a single .dll file, sometimes with additional config files.

cp ValheimPlus.dll /home/steam/valheim/BepInEx/plugins/

Popular Valheim Mods in 2026

Valheim Plus — The most popular Valheim mod. Customizes almost everything: carry weight, stamina, building limits, fermenter/beehive speeds, and hundreds of other values. Config-driven, no client mod needed for server-only tweaks.

Epic Loot — Adds magical items with modifiers (Magic, Rare, Epic, Legendary tiers). Both server and client required.

Plant Everything — Enhanced planting: replant crops, plant trees and mushrooms, see crop spacing. Client-side for the UI, server-side for the plant data.

Jotunn — Jötunn — Developer library used by many mods. Install this if any of your mods require it.

Valheim Legends — Adds RPG classes with unique abilities. Requires both server and client.

Marketplace and ServerSide Characters — Allows traders, character data stored on server side (prevents item duplication exploits).

Using Thunderstore for Mod Management

Thunderstore is the primary mod repository for Valheim. The Thunderstore Mod Manager (available as a desktop app) makes managing mod packs easier:

1. Create a mod profile in Thunderstore Mod Manager
2. Add mods to your profile
3. Export the profile as a code (shareable with your players)
4. Players import the code and get the exact same mods

For servers, you still install mods manually, but Thunderstore profiles make communicating the required mods to players much simpler.

Valheim Plus Configuration

Valheim Plus is the most widely used server mod. After installing, edit BepInEx/config/valheim_plus.cfg:

[Player]
enabled = true
baseMaxCarryWeight = 300
autoPickUpRange = 4

[Fermenter]
enabled = true
fermenterDuration = 1800
fermenterItemsProduced = 6

[Beehive]
enabled = true
honeyProductionSpeed = 600
maximumHoneyPerBeehive = 4

[Building]
enabled = true
noInvalidPlacementRestriction = false
noWeatherDamage = false
maximumPlacementDistance = 8

Changes take effect on server restart.

Troubleshooting Modded Servers

Players get kicked on connection: They're missing a required mod. Compare their BepInEx plugin list with the server's. The server log will often name the conflicting mod.

Mods not loading on Linux: The BepInEx launch script must have the DOORSTOP_* environment variables. Check that the start script was updated correctly.

Config changes not applying: Config files are generated on first run. If you edited before first run, the file may be overwritten. Always start the server once before editing configs.

Renzom Valheim Mod Hosting

Renzom provides full file access for BepInEx and plugin management. All files are accessible via the control panel's file manager — no SSH required for mod installation.

Valheim servers from €10.60/month on EU hardware in Falkenstein, Germany.

Configure your Valheim server with mods →

Summary

Valheim modding starts with BepInEx, uses Thunderstore as the mod repository, and requires communication with your players about which mods need to be installed on their client. Valheim Plus is the best starting mod for any server. Full file access via a control panel file manager makes mod installation straightforward without needing SSH access.

Start your modded Valheim server on Renzom →