Setting up a dedicated Valheim server on a Linux-based system can seem daunting, but it’s a rewarding endeavor that allows you to create a persistent game world for you and your friends. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps, from preparing your system to advanced server configurations, ensuring you have a stable and efficient server running in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Ensure your Linux system is updated and properly configured before installing the Valheim server.
- Utilize SteamCMD to download and set up the Valheim dedicated server files efficiently.
- Automate server management tasks such as startup and monitoring using systemd for a smoother experience.
Preparing Your Linux System for Valheim Server
Updating System Packages
Before diving into setting up your Valheim server, it’s crucial to ensure your Linux system is up-to-date. Keeping your system updated guarantees better performance and security. You can update your system packages by running the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
These commands will fetch the latest package lists and upgrade all installed packages to their newest versions.
Installing Required Dependencies
Next, you’ll need to install some essential dependencies. These are necessary for running the Valheim server smoothly. Execute the following command to install the required packages:
sudo apt install lib32gcc1 steamcmd -y
This command installs lib32gcc1, a 32-bit version of the GCC runtime library, and steamcmd, the command-line version of Steam.
Configuring Firewall Settings
To ensure your Valheim server is accessible, you need to configure your firewall settings. Open the necessary ports by running these commands:
sudo ufw allow 2456/udp
sudo ufw allow 2457/udp
sudo ufw allow 2458/udp
These commands will allow traffic through the ports used by the Valheim server. After configuring the firewall, enable it with:
sudo ufw enable
Proper firewall configuration is essential for both security and accessibility. Make sure to double-check your settings to avoid any connectivity issues.
Downloading and Installing Valheim Dedicated Server
Accessing SteamCMD
To get started with your Valheim dedicated server, you’ll need to use SteamCMD. This command-line tool from Steam allows you to download and update various game servers. First, download SteamCMD from the official Steam website and extract it to a directory of your choice. Once extracted, open a terminal and navigate to the SteamCMD directory. Run the following command to start SteamCMD:
./steamcmd.sh
Downloading Valheim Server Files
After launching SteamCMD, you’ll need to log in. You can do this anonymously or with your Steam account. For simplicity, we’ll use anonymous login:
login anonymous
Next, set the installation directory for the Valheim server files. Replace /path/to/valheim with your desired directory:
force_install_dir /path/to/valheim
Now, download the Valheim server files using the following command:
app_update 896660 validate
This will download and install the necessary files for your Valheim dedicated server.
Setting Up Server Configuration
Once the download is complete, navigate to the installation directory. You’ll find a script named start_server.sh. Before running this script, you need to configure your server settings. Open the script in a text editor and modify the following parameters:
- Name: The name of your server.
- Port: The port number your server will use.
- World: The name of the world file.
- Password: A password for your server (optional).
Save your changes and close the text editor. Your server is now configured and ready to run. To start the server, execute the following command in the terminal:
./start_server.sh
Pro Tip: Make sure your firewall settings allow traffic on the port you specified for your Valheim server. This ensures that players can connect without issues.
By following these steps, you can maximize your Valheim server’s potential and provide a seamless gaming experience for your friends and community.
Starting and Managing Your Valheim Server
Running the Server for the First Time
Once you’ve saved your configuration and forwarded the necessary ports, it’s time to start your Valheim server. To do this, simply execute the start script you created earlier. The game world will be automatically generated or loaded, depending on your setup. After a successful start, you should see the message "Game server connected" in the command line.
Automating Server Startup with Systemd
To ensure your server starts automatically after a reboot, you can create a Systemd service. This involves creating a new service file and enabling it. Here’s a quick guide:
- Create a new service file:
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/valheim.service - Add the following content:
[Unit] Description=Valheim Dedicated Server After=network.target [Service] User=yourusername WorkingDirectory=/path/to/valheim ExecStart=/path/to/valheim/start_server.sh Restart=on-failure [Install] WantedBy=multi-user.target - Save and close the file.
- Enable the service:
sudo systemctl enable valheim.service - Start the service:
sudo systemctl start valheim.service
Monitoring Server Performance
Monitoring your server’s performance is crucial to ensure a smooth gaming experience. You can use tools like htop and iftop to keep an eye on CPU and network usage. Additionally, checking the server logs regularly can help you identify any issues early on.
Regular monitoring helps in maintaining optimal server performance and provides a better gaming experience for all players.
Advanced Server Configuration
Customizing Server Settings
To tailor your Valheim server to your preferences, you can modify various settings. These settings are typically found in the serverconfig.txt file. Adjusting these parameters allows you to control aspects like world size, difficulty, and player limits. Make sure to back up this file before making any changes.
Managing User Permissions
User permissions are crucial for maintaining order on your server. You can edit three separate text files to set who has admin privileges, who is banned, and who is permitted on your server. This ensures that only trusted players can access and manage the server.
Backing Up and Restoring Server Data
Regular backups are essential to prevent data loss. You can automate this process using cron jobs. To restore data, simply replace the current server files with your backup files. This step is vital for maintaining the integrity of your game world.
Setting up a Valheim dedicated server involves several steps, including configuring user permissions and automating backups. These measures ensure a smooth and secure gaming experience.
Conclusion
Setting up a dedicated Valheim server on a Linux-based operating system is a rewarding endeavor that provides a stable and persistent environment for you and your friends to enjoy the game. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you should now have a fully functional server that can be managed and customized to your liking. Hosting your own server not only enhances your gaming experience but also offers greater control and flexibility. Should you encounter any issues or have further questions, feel free to leave a comment below. We hope you found this tutorial helpful and encourage you to explore our other game server setup guides for more insights and tips.
