Want to play Valheim with friends? No problem, the game has a cooperative multiplayer server where you can attack sea monsters or take down surtlings. 

But there's a catch - setting up the server. For inexperienced users, this can be a real problem. That's why in this guide we'll show you how to quickly and easily create servers in Valheim and play together with your friends. Let's get started!

How to create a local server

Let's assume you've already found people to play Valheim with. Here's an option that allows a small group of Vikings to gather. 

Creating a local server is very simple, but there's one condition - all participants must connect at the same time, otherwise the host won't work.

First and foremost, start by choosing a host. Pay attention to the person with the most powerful computer. If their device is weak, lag will affect all server participants. Found someone? 

Great, the person with the best computer needs to do the following:

1. Start the game.

2. Create a character.

3. Select a new world.

4. Enter a name.

5. Click "done".

6. Mark it as a dedicated server.

7. Set a password if you don't want unknown guests. 

All other players should add the host as a friend, making it easier to connect. The host should join first, followed by all other participants. 

Select your character and click "join game" with the "friends" tag. The server will appear immediately since you probably only have one. 

How to create a dedicated server

This option is for larger groups, such as 10 players who want to develop together in Valheim. The server allows you to save all data in the cloud, so you can create characters, level them up, and everything will be saved. 

First and foremost, you need to download the Valheim Dedicated Server utility. You can install it from the Steam library (it will be under the "tools" tab). While the program is installing, you need to create a server following the instructions described above.  

Now start performing the following actions:

1. Go to the game's root folder and find the "words" directory.

2. Copy the contents and paste them into the Valheim Dedicated Server folder.

3. Find and open the start_headless_server file with a text editor.

4. Replace "my server" with your desired name and insert the seed instead of "dedicated".

5. Save the file and make a backup in case you need to revert.

6. Go to the firewall settings and open ports 2456 to 2458 inclusive. 

7. Click on the start_headless_server file.

8. You will see a window that launches the server. The process can take at least 15 minutes.

9. Once the server is created, you will receive a "game server connected" notification. 

10. The host can minimize the window but should not close it - otherwise, other participants won't be able to play Valheim through the server. So the creator doesn't have to be online, but the tab should not be closed.