How to Add Mods to Your Valheim Server

Adding mods to Valheim can completely transform your Viking saga, adding everything from quality-of-life tweaks to entirely new gameplay mechanics.

If you are on our latest server architecture (servers created after December 2025), we have great news: BepInEx is already pre-installed! You don't need to mess with complex setups; you can simply drop your mods in and start playing.

This guide covers the quick installation method for new servers, followed by the manual method for older legacy servers.

The Fast Method (For New Servers)

If your server was created recently, the heavy lifting is already done. You just need to upload the mod files.

Step 1: Download Your Mods

First, find the mods you want to use. The most popular sources are:

• NexusMods
• Thunderstore

Download the mod files (usually a .zip containing a .dll file) and extract them on your computer.

Step 2: Upload to the Server

1. Log in to your Server Panel.

2. Stop your server via the Actions then Shutdown.

   

3. Open the File Manager or connect to SFTP. If you haven't connected to SFTP yet, you can follow this guide: How to Connect to FTP and SFTP

4. Navigate to this folder: BepInEx/plugins

5. Upload the mod files (typically the .dll files) directly into this folder.

Step 3: Install on Your Client (Important!)

Most Valheim mods must be installed on both the server and your own computer to work.

1. On your PC, navigate to your Valheim installation folder (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Valheim).

2. Open the BepInEx/plugins folder on your PC.

3. Copy the same mod files here.

Step 4: Restart

Go back to your Server Panel Actions and click Restart. Your server is now modded and ready to go!

ONLY IF SERVER IS PRE-2026

Required Installation: BepInExPack

All mods require BepInExPack for Valheim to be installed in both the client and server game folders. Here’s how to set it up:

OPTIONAL (BepInEx Pack should be installed already, but if you don't have it, you must install it).

Step 1: Download and Extract BepInExPack for Valheim

1. Download BepInExPack for Valheim from here.
2. Extract the downloaded archive into a folder on your computer.

Step 2: Install BepInExPack on Your Client

1. Navigate to your Steam installation location. Typically, this is located at: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Valheim.
2. Move the contents of the BepInExPack_Valheim folder into the Valheim folder.

3. Launch the game to check if the console appears and the plugin is loaded successfully.

Step 3: Install BepInExPack on the Server

1. Using FTP, connect to your game server. For detailed steps on how to connect through FTP, refer to our guide here.
2. Once connected, copy the contents of BepInExPack_Valheim into the root directory of your server where all the server files are located.

Step 4: Restart the Game

After BepInExPack is installed on both the client and server, restart your game.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Version Mismatch: Ensure the mod version on your server matches the mod version on your PC exactly.

• Client-Side Only Mods: Some mods (like HD texture packs or UI changes) only need to be on your PC and will cause errors if installed on the server. Always check the mod author's instructions.

• Missing BepInEx: If mods aren't loading, check your File Manager. If you don't see a BepInEx folder, you might be on an older server version and need to follow the "Pre-2026" instructions above.

Conclusion

Whether you are adding simple inventory tweaks or massive content overhauls, modding Valheim is now easier than ever.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our customer care agents through our live chat or email at [email protected]. 

Happy gaming!