Menu
  Log out
 

Valheim Dedicated Server: Fixing Desync and Multi-Player Lag

Valheim Guide • Updated Feb 21, 2026

Valheim Dedicated Server: Fixing Desync and Multi-Player Lag

Valheim uses a unique networking architecture where the first player to enter an area acts as the "host" for the physics and logic in that zone. While efficient, this causes massive desync and "rubber-banding" on dedicated servers when high latency occurs. This guide explains how to stabilize your hosting environment in 2026.

🔗 ZDO Data

Valheim syncs world changes via ZDOs (Zone Data Objects). If too many these are sent at once, the server's data cap throttles the connection.

🌀 Rubber-Banding

Occurs when the server and client disagree on a player's position, usually due to a low network send rate.

The Data Rate Cap Fix

By default, Valheim limits outgoing data to 60kb/s. For a dedicated server with 10 players, this is extremely low. You can increase this by using a hex editor or a BepInEx plugin like "Clowder's Data Rate" or "Better Networking":

  • Internal Cap: Increase m_dataPerSec to 1228800 (1MB/s).
  • SteamWorks: Ensure your Steam Query port is not being throttled by your hosting provider's firewall.

Optimizing for Ashlands & Deep North

Late-game biomes like the Ashlands and Deep North feature dense particle effects and high mob counts. To maintain TPS:

  1. Use a server with high single-core CPU frequency (4GHz+).
  2. Install the Expand World mod to control entity spawn ranges, reducing the number of active ZDOs.
  3. Set -nographics -batchmode in your startup script to ensure the dedicated server isn't wasting cycles on headless rendering.

Managing Save Corruptions

Desync can sometimes lead to "ghost items" where a player drops an item but it doesn't appear for others. Always use a dedicated hosting service with automated .db and .fwl backups every 30 minutes to prevent world resets during a crash.

Expert Tip: If you are building a massive base, use a "Zone Optimizer" mod. This combines small build pieces into single objects for the network to sync, drastically reducing lag.

Lag-Free Valheim Hosting

Experience the Viking afterlife without the stutter. At Supercraft, our Valheim dedicated servers come pre-patched with networking optimizations and high-speed NVMe storage, ensuring your world syncs perfectly even in the densest Ashlands battles.

← Back to Valheim Guides
Top