Can You Enjoy Valheim Without Steam? Here's How

Valheim, the popular Viking survival game, is typically played through Steam. However, there are ways to enjoy it without using Steam. This article will guide you through enabling developer mode, setting up a dedicated server, and modding Valheim without Steam.

Key Takeaways

Enabling developer mode allows you to use console commands to enhance your Valheim experience without Steam.
Setting up a dedicated server lets you and your friends enjoy a persistent world, even without Steam.
Modding Valheim without Steam is possible by understanding and utilizing the game’s asset bundle system.

Using Developer Mode to Play Valheim Without Steam

Enabling Developer Mode via Steam

To enable developer mode in Valheim through Steam, you need to add a specific argument to the game’s launch options. This allows you to use console commands while playing. Follow these steps:

Open your Steam library and right-click on Valheim.
Select ‘Properties’ and navigate to the ‘General’ tab.
In the ‘Launch Options’ field, add -console.
Launch Valheim from your Steam library.
Once in-game, press F5 to open the console window.

Enabling Developer Mode via Microsoft Store

If you have Valheim installed via the Microsoft Store, the process is slightly different. Here’s how to do it:

Navigate to the Valheim installation directory (default is C:XboxGamesValheimContent).
Right-click on Valheim.exe and create a shortcut.
Right-click on the newly created shortcut and select ‘Properties’.
In the ‘Target’ field, add -console at the end.
Launch Valheim using this shortcut.

Alternatively, you can use the Command Prompt method if you encounter file permission issues:

Open Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Windows start menu.
Paste the following command: start shell:appsFolderCoffeeStainStudios.Valheim_496a1srhmar9w!Game -console.
Execute the command to launch Valheim with developer mode enabled.

Using Console Commands in Developer Mode

Once developer mode is enabled, you can use various console commands to enhance your gameplay. To activate most commands, type devcommands in the console window. Here are some useful commands:

god – Enables god mode.
spawn [item] [quantity] – Spawns specified items.
goto [x] [y] [z] – Teleports you to specified coordinates.

Developer mode is a powerful tool that can significantly alter your gaming experience. Use it wisely to explore Valheim’s gameplay, features, and awards.

For a comprehensive list of commands, visit the Valheim Wiki.

Setting Up a Dedicated Server for Valheim

Setting up a dedicated server for Valheim allows you to create a persistent world where you and your friends can play anytime. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can enjoy seamless gameplay without relying on someone else’s server.

Downloading the Dedicated Server Program

To get started, you’ll need to download the Valheim dedicated server software. Open Steam, go to the LIBRARY tab, and use the search bar to find "Valheim Dedicated Server." Select it and click on the blue INSTALL button. Follow the setup wizard instructions to complete the installation.

Configuring Server Settings

Once the installation is complete, you’ll need to configure your server settings. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to C:Program Files(x86)SteamsteamappscommonValheim dedicated server. Here, you’ll find a file named start_headless_server.bat. Open this file with a text editor to modify the server parameters such as server name, world name, and password. Make sure to save your changes before closing the file.

Running the Server

After configuring the settings, you can run your server. Simply double-click the start_headless_server.bat file to launch the server. Your server will now be up and running, allowing players to join using the server name and password you set earlier.

Setting up a dedicated server might require some basic scripting knowledge and understanding of your router’s settings for port forwarding. If you encounter issues, refer to your router’s manual or ISP for detailed instructions.

By following these steps, you’ll have a dedicated Valheim server up and running, providing a stable and persistent world for you and your friends to enjoy.

Modding Valheim Without Steam

Understanding the Asset Bundle System

Valheim has transitioned to a custom asset management system called Soft Referencable Assets, which uses Asset Bundles. This system allows the game to load and unload assets dynamically, saving significant amounts of RAM. All assets in the game are now stored in Asset Bundles rather than traditional "level" and "sharedassets" files. This change primarily affects Locations and Rooms, which are loaded and unloaded dynamically, while ObjectDB and ZNetScene still keep their assets in memory.

Loading and Unloading Assets

The Soft Referencable Assets system is integrated into Valheim through a separate assembly. The game’s scripts use various types and function calls from this assembly to manage assets. Assets are referenced by a 128-bit AssetID, the same as the GUID generated by the Unity Editor. When building Asset Bundles, manifest files are created to map each asset’s AssetID to its corresponding Asset Bundle and path. These manifest files also contain dependency data for Asset Bundles that rely on other bundles. The SoftReference<T> struct and its member functions are used to load and unload assets.

Common Issues and Solutions

Modding Valheim without Steam can present some challenges. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:

Issue: Missing assets or failed to load.
- Solution: Ensure that the AssetID is correct and that the asset is included in the Asset Bundle.
Issue: Game crashes when loading mods.
- Solution: Check for compatibility issues between different mods and ensure that all dependencies are met.
Issue: Performance drops after mod installation.
- Solution: Optimize the Asset Bundles and reduce the number of assets loaded simultaneously.

Modding can greatly enhance your Valheim experience, but it requires careful attention to detail and a good understanding of the asset management system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Valheim is primarily designed to be played through Steam, there are alternative methods to enjoy the game without it. By enabling developer mode or setting up a dedicated server, players can experience the game in a more flexible manner. Additionally, the game’s robust modding community and the support for custom asset management systems provide further opportunities for customization and enhancement. Whether you prefer to play solo or with friends, Valheim offers a rich and immersive experience that can be tailored to your preferences.