How to Move a Valheim Server to a New Host
Moving a Valheim server to a new host is quick — the world is two small files. This guide covers migrating without losing your progress or characters, matching the version and any BepInEx mods, and cutting over with almost no downtime.
A Valheim world is just two files: <world>.db (the world data) and <world>.fwl (the metadata), plus your adminlist.txt / permittedlist.txt and any BepInEx mods. Copy those to a new host, match the version and mods, update the IP, and your world comes with you. It's one of the easiest games to migrate.
Below is the process. Moving to us? Our Valheim hosting is crossplay-ready with a File Manager and DDoS protection — quick to move to.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- Access to the old server's files (File Manager or SFTP).
- The world's .db and .fwl files (both).
- adminlist/permittedlist/bannedlist and BepInEx if modded.
- The same Valheim version (and mods) on the new host.
- The new IP:port to share with players.
Migrate your Valheim server, step by step
Back up the world files
Stop the server, then download your world's .db and .fwl files (both, same name), plus adminlist.txt, permittedlist.txt and bannedlist.txt. If you run BepInEx mods, grab the BepInEx/ folder and its configs too.
.db .fwl adminlist.txt permittedlist.txt bannedlist.txt BepInEx/ (if modded)
Match the version & mods
On the new host, make sure it runs the same Valheim server version, and install the same BepInEx and mods if you use them. A mod/version mismatch is the main thing that stops a world loading, so line this up first.
Upload the world files
Stop the new server, then upload the .db and .fwl (keeping the same world name), the admin/permitted/banned lists, and your BepInEx folder, via File Manager or SFTP — overwriting the defaults.
Set the world name & flags
Make sure the new server's start config points at the same -world "<name>" as your files, and carry over your -password and -crossplay flags so players connect the same way.
-name "..." -world "" -password "..." -crossplay
Update the connect IP
The new server has a new IP:port. Share it, and have players use Join IP with ip:2456. If some are on crossplay, make sure -crossplay is set so they see it.
ip:2456
Test, then cancel the old host
Start the server, join, confirm the world and your buildings/characters loaded, and have a friend test. Only cancel the old host once confirmed — keep the .db/.fwl backup a few days.
World intact, minutes of work
Copy both .db and .fwl
The world needs both files with the same name. Copy them together, and keep the same world name on the new host so they're found.
Match BepInEx exactly if modded
A modded world won't load without the same BepInEx and mods. Install them on the new host before uploading the world.
Grab the .db.old backups too
Valheim keeps .db.old backups. Copy them along as a safety net in case the main .db has an issue.
Keep the crossplay flag
If your players use crossplay, carry the -crossplay flag to the new host or some won't see the server.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
The world won't load on the new host
You're missing the .fwl, or the -world name differs. Copy both .db and .fwl and point the start config at the same world name.
A modded world fails to start
BepInEx or a mod version differs. Install the same BepInEx and mods on the new host, then upload the world.
Some players can't see the server
The -crossplay flag didn't carry over. Add it on the new host so crossplay players see the listing.
Players can't connect
They're on the old IP. Share the new one and have them use Join IP with ip:2456.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Moving your Valheim world to us? Our Valheim hosting is crossplay-ready with a File Manager, backups and DDoS protection — a two-file world moves in minutes, and support helps if you need it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move a Valheim world to a new host?
Stop the server, copy the world's .db and .fwl files (both, same name) plus your adminlist/permittedlist/bannedlist and any BepInEx folder, then upload them to the new host running the same version. Point the start config at the same -world name and test.
Which files hold my Valheim world?
Two files:
Will I lose my character or buildings when I switch Valheim hosts?
No — buildings live in the world files (.db/.fwl), which you migrate. Character data is client-side (stored with each player), so players keep their characters automatically. Copy the world files and nothing on the server is lost.
Do my Valheim mods carry over to a new host?
Yes — copy the BepInEx folder and its configs, and install the same BepInEx and mods on the new host. A mod/version mismatch is the main reason a modded world won't load, so match them.
How do players connect after I move a Valheim server?
Share the new IP and have them use Join IP with ip:2456. Keep the same -password and -crossplay flags so the connection works exactly as before.
Why won't my Valheim world load after migrating?
Usually a missing .fwl (you need both files), a different world name in the start config, or a mod/version mismatch. Copy both files, match the -world name, and match BepInEx/mods.
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.
