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Valheim server setup and first join

The three settings that matter, finding the server in the list, and joining directly with the port.

1 min readUpdated 2026-09-14Diese Anleitung auf Deutsch lesen →

After ordering, the panel installs the dedicated server (about 1 GB). Open Startup before the first start:

  • SERVER_NAME: the name in the in-game list.
  • PASSWORD: required by Valheim, at least 5 characters, and it must not be part of the server name. Players enter it on join.
  • WORLD: the world name; a new world is generated on first start with this name.
  • PUBLIC_SERVER: 1 lists the server in the community browser, 0 keeps it invisible (friends join by address).
  • ENABLE_CROSSPLAY: 1 lets Xbox/Game Pass players join via the PlayFab network; Steam-only servers can set 0 for slightly lower latency.

Start. The first world generation takes a minute; the console ends with Game server connected.

Joining

  • Community list: filter by the server name (PUBLIC_SERVER=1).
  • Direct: Join Game → Add server with node1.penguhost.com:<port> from the Network tab. Valheim uses the game port and the port after it (query); we allocate both.
  • Crossplay: with crossplay on, the server also has a join code shown in the console at start; Xbox players use that.

RAM

3-4 GB for up to 10 players. Big builds and lots of explored terrain push it towards 6 GB.