Best Valheim Server Settings
The settings that shape a Valheim server exactly how your group wants it — from a relaxed building sandbox to a brutal no-portals hardcore run — using the built-in World Modifiers, no mods needed. The presets, the startup flags, the one tweak everyone wants, and how to set admins and a whitelist.
Valheim doesn't use a big config file — you shape the game with World Modifiers, set on the dedicated server through three startup parameters: -preset (a complete package), -modifier (individual dials) and -setkey (on/off switches). Any -modifier you add overrides the preset on that one setting.
Below are the presets, the most popular tweaks, and the admin/whitelist files — plus a link back to our full how to make a Valheim server walkthrough if you're starting from scratch.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- Access to your server startup command / launch parameters (a panel field or the start script).
- Access to the save directory for adminlist.txt / permittedlist.txt / bannedlist.txt.
- Your and your admins' SteamID64s.
- The ability to restart the server to apply modifier changes.
- Optional:
-crossplayif players are on different platforms.
Shape your Valheim server, setting by setting
Pick a preset for the baseline
A -preset sets everything at once. The options are Normal (intended experience), Casual (easier combat, no death penalty, more resources, free portals), Hard, Hardcore (permadeath), Immersive, and Hammer (creative-adjacent — easy combat, lots of resources, no portal limits).
./valheim_server.x86_64 -name "My Server" -port 2456 \ -world "Dedicated" -password "secret" -crossplay \ -preset casual
Fine-tune with individual modifiers
Override single dials with -modifier <key> <value>. Keys include combat (veryeasy…veryhard), deathpenalty (casual…hardcore), resources, raids and portals. These win over whatever the preset set.
-modifier combat hard -modifier deathpenalty casual -modifier resources more
The portal-ore tweak (most popular)
The single most-requested change: let players carry metals through portals so there's no boat-hauling grind. One flag does it.
-modifier portals casual
Toggle switches with -setkey
A few options are simple on/off switches set with -setkey — for example passive (non-aggressive) creatures for a pure building server, or no map / no portals for hardcore.
-setkey nobuildcost # free building -setkey passivemobs # enemies won't attack
Set admins and (optionally) a whitelist
Three plain-text files live in your save directory, one SteamID64 per line: adminlist.txt (admin powers), bannedlist.txt (bans) and permittedlist.txt. Note: a non-empty permittedlist.txt flips the server into whitelist-only mode — everyone not listed is bounced.
# adminlist.txt 76561198000000000 # permittedlist.txt — leave EMPTY unless you want whitelist-only
Restart to apply
World Modifiers are read at launch, so add or change the flags and restart the server for them to take effect. Presets and modifiers can be changed any time between sessions.
Tune it to your group
Portals casual is the crowd-pleaser
For most friend groups, -modifier portals casual (carry ores through portals) removes the biggest grind and is the single most popular change.
Preset first, then override
Set a -preset for a sensible baseline, then add individual -modifier flags only for the couple of things you want different. Cleaner than dialing everything by hand.
Whitelist is opt-in
permittedlist.txt only whitelists when it has entries — an accidental name in it locks everyone else out. Leave it empty unless you deliberately want a private server.
Hammer/NoBuildCost for build servers
Running a creative build server? The Hammer preset (or -setkey nobuildcost) plus passive mobs and raids off gives a stress-free building sandbox.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
My modifier changes do nothing
World Modifiers are read at launch. Add the -preset / -modifier / -setkey flags to the actual startup line (not a config file) and restart the server.
Everyone got kicked / can't join
permittedlist.txt has an entry, so the server is whitelist-only. Empty the file (or add everyone's SteamID64) and restart.
A preset setting isn't what I expected
An individual -modifier overrides the preset on that setting. Check for a -modifier flag that's changing it, or drop the preset and set each modifier by hand.
Admin commands don't work
Your SteamID64 isn't in adminlist.txt, or the file is in the wrong place. It lives in the save directory, one ID per line — add it and restart.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want a Valheim server where these settings are a click, not a startup flag? Our Valheim hosting exposes World Modifiers in the panel and runs crossplay-ready on a protected Frankfurt network — instant setup.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change settings on a Valheim dedicated server?
Through World Modifiers on the startup line: -preset for a full package, -modifier for individual dials, and -setkey for on/off switches. Add the flags and restart the server.
What are the Valheim world modifier presets?
Normal (intended), Casual (easier, no death penalty, more resources, free portals), Hard, Hardcore (permadeath), Immersive, and Hammer (creative-adjacent). Custom lets you mix individual modifiers.
How do I let players carry ore through portals?
Add -modifier portals casual to the server startup line. It's the single most popular tweak — no more boat-hauling metals across the map.
Do I need mods to change Valheim server settings?
No. World Modifiers are built into the game and cover combat, death penalty, resources, raids, portals and more — no mods required. Mods are only for content beyond that.
How do I make myself admin on a Valheim server?
Add your SteamID64 to adminlist.txt in the save directory, one ID per line, then restart. That grants admin commands like kick, ban and no-cost building.
Why did my Valheim server suddenly go whitelist-only?
Something got added to permittedlist.txt. A non-empty permittedlist flips the server into whitelist mode and bounces anyone not listed. Empty the file to reopen it.
Keep reading
Valheim is a trademark of Iron Gate AB / Coffee Stain Publishing. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Iron Gate. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
