Valheim: Installing Mods (Client & Server)
Modding Valheim transforms the game, adding magic, epic loot, or quality-of-life UI fixes. However, unlike some games, Valheim does not automatically download mods for players. You must synchronize the Client (Player PC) and the Server manually.
1. The Framework
Almost all mods require BepInEx. This is the "loader" that injects code into the game. You need it on both your PC and the Server.
2. Client-Side Only
Mods like "HD Textures" or "UI mods" generally only need to be on your PC. They do not affect the server.
3. Server-Side / Synced
Mods that add items (e.g., EpicLoot) or change mechanics (ValheimPlus) MUST be installed on Both sides to prevent desync.
Step 1: Client Installation (Recommended: r2modman)
Do not install mods manually if you can avoid it. Use a manager:
- Download r2modman from Thunderstore.
- Select Valheim.
- Create a Profile (e.g., "My Server Mods").
- Click Online and search for mods (e.g., "Jotunn", "EpicLoot").
- Click Download.
- Click Start Modded to launch the game.
Step 2: Server Installation (Manual Upload)
On a Supercraft server the quickest way is the panel itself: switch on BepInEx in the configuration tab, then install mods from Thunderstore in one click, by name, and restart. To copy an r2modman profile by hand instead:
- In r2modman, go to Settings -> Locations -> Browse Data Folder.
- Open the folder
Valheim/profiles/[YourProfile]/BepInEx/plugins/. - Login to your Supercraft File Manager.
- Open the Mods section, which is the server's BepInEx folder, and its
pluginsfolder. Over FTP it isMods/plugins. - Drag and Drop all the
.dllfiles (and folders) from your PC window to the Server window. - Restart the Server.
Troubleshooting "Incompatible Version"
If players cannot join:
- Check Configs: Some mods (like Valheim Plus) enforce config matching. You may need to upload your
configfolder to the server too. - Update: a big Valheim update can break BepInEx and mods until their authors publish new builds. For 1.0, BepInExPack Valheim published its 1.0 build 25 minutes before the game went live. Update BepInEx and every mod to builds made for the new version, on the server and on every client.
- Version Sync: All players must have the exact same mod versions. Use profile codes (see below) to ensure consistency.
Crossplay Warning
Console players cannot use mods. Valheim's FAQ says there is no mod support on consoles, so if your server has crossplay enabled and Xbox, PS5 or Switch 2 players need to join:
- Mods that every player must have (EpicLoot, ValheimPlus with server-synced settings, any mod that adds items) shut console players out, because they cannot install them
- Run vanilla or client-side-only mods for full crossplay compatibility
- If modding is essential, run the server for PC players only
Pro Tip: Give your players a "Profile Code" from r2modman. Go to Settings -> Profile -> Export Profile as Code. Players can import this code to instantly download the exact same mod list and versions you have.
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