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). Order matters: the official server manual says a preset overwrites earlier modifiers, so put -modifier flags after the -preset.
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' Platform User IDs (format
[Platform]_[User ID]). - 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 valid values in the official server manual are Normal, Casual, Easy, Hard, Hardcore, Immersive and Hammer. Setting a preset overwrites any modifiers set before it.
./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>. The manual lists combat (veryeasy, easy, hard, veryhard), deathpenalty (casual, veryeasy, easy, hard, hardcore), resources (muchless, less, more, muchmore, most), raids (none, muchless, less, more, muchmore) and portals (casual, hard, veryhard). Place them after the preset so it doesn't overwrite them.
-modifier combat hard -modifier deathpenalty casual -modifier resources more
The portal-ore tweak (most popular)
The single most-requested change: let players take all items, metals included, through portals so there's no boat-hauling grind. One flag does it.
-modifier portals casual
Toggle switches with -setkey
Four checkbox options are set with -setkey: nobuildcost, playerevents (raids based on each player's progress), passivemobs (enemies won't attack until provoked) and nomap. Portal rules are set with the portals modifier instead.
-setkey nobuildcost # free building -setkey passivemobs # enemies won't attack
Set admins and (optionally) a whitelist
Three plain-text files live in the default save path: adminlist.txt (admin powers), bannedlist.txt (bans) and permittedlist.txt. Add one Platform User ID per line in the format [Platform]_[User ID], which is case sensitive; the server log and the in-game F2 panel show it. Note: the manual warns that adding anyone to permittedlist.txt bans everyone else.
# adminlist.txt: one Platform User ID per line, copied from the server log [Platform]_[User ID] # permittedlist.txt — leave EMPTY unless you want whitelist-only
Restart to apply
World Modifiers come from the launch line, so add or change the flags and restart the server for them to take effect. Stop it with CTRL+C in the console window, as the manual advises, rather than closing the window.
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 after it for the couple of things you want different. A preset placed last overwrites the modifiers before it.
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.
Crossplay adds a relay hop
-crossplay lets Xbox and other platforms join through a relay, with no port forwarding. The Valheim wiki notes the trade-off: players on a crossplay server are more likely to see lag, timeouts and disconnects.
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 Platform User ID) and restart.
A modifier I set is being ignored
Check the order of the flags. A -preset overwrites modifiers set before it, so move every -modifier after the -preset.
A modifier I removed from the launch line still applies
World modifiers are stored with the world when it loads, so deleting a flag does not undo it. Launch once with -resetmodifiers, a dedicated-server parameter from the patch notes that the manual does not list, then set the flags you want.
Admin commands don't work
Your ID isn't in adminlist.txt in the expected format, or the file is in the wrong place. Use [Platform]_[User ID] exactly as the server log shows it, one per line, in the default save path, then restart.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Rather not manage launch flags and save folders yourself? Our Valheim hosting lets you manage configs, mods, backups and restarts from a web panel, with scheduled world backups 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?
The server manual lists Normal, Casual, Easy, Hard, Hardcore, Immersive and Hammer for -preset. Individual -modifier flags placed after the preset change single settings.
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 Platform User ID, in the [Platform]_[User ID] format shown in the server log and the F2 panel, to adminlist.txt in the default save path, one ID per line, then restart. Admin grants the admin console commands such as kick, ban and unban, not cheats.
Why did my Valheim server suddenly go whitelist-only?
Something got added to permittedlist.txt. The manual warns that adding a person to the permitted list bans everyone else. Empty the file to reopen it.
Keep reading
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