Valheim Dedicated Server FAQ and Fixes
Valheim stores one world across paired files and changes its connection path when the cross-play relay is enabled. That makes a copied world, a rejected password, and an unreachable public endpoint very different jobs. Start with the exact symptom below and preserve both world files before testing a change.
Read this before changing anything
Press CTRL+C in the server command window and wait for shutdown; do not close the window with X. Back up the matched world .db/.fwl pair, native backup variants, permission lists and customized launch script before updates, imports or world recovery.
7 common problems
Match the symptom. Make it right.
Open the answer that sounds like your server. Start at the top of its checklist and stop as soon as the server is healthy.
01Cross-playDo I need to port-forward a Valheim cross-play server?
What players see
A router checklist asks for ports even though -crossplay is enabled.
What happened
Steam-backend instructions were applied to PlayFab.
Why it happened
Iron Gate says the cross-play relay does not require router forwarding.
What to do next
- 1Confirm -crossplay and wait for server readiness.
- 2Join with a code, browser or public route rather than opening unrelated ports.
References[val-server-guide][val-crossplay]
02Cross-playWhy can I not join my Valheim cross-play server on 127.0.0.1?
What players see
Loopback and LAN IP fail while the process is healthy.
What happened
A local-address join was attempted against PlayFab.
Why it happened
Cross-play servers cannot be joined using local or loopback IP.
What to do next
- 1Use the join code/server list/public route.
- 2Keep Steam-only mode for a workflow that specifically requires LAN-IP joining.
References[val-server-guide][val-crossplay]
03SavesWhich files make one Valheim world?
What players see
The transfer contains only the world .db or only its matching .fwl metadata file.
What happened
Half of the world pair is missing or mismatched.
Why it happened
The database and world metadata belong together and should come from one recovery point.
What to do next
- 1Stop with CTRL+C and back up the current root.
- 2Restore the matching <world>.db and <world>.fwl plus relevant backup variants.
References[val-server-guide]
04OperationsCan I stop a Valheim server with the window X button?
What players see
The window disappeared but the process or ports remain.
What happened
The command window was closed with X instead of using Iron Gate's CTRL+C shutdown path.
Why it happened
Iron Gate says to use CTRL+C because closing the window can leave the process running.
What to do next
- 1Verify no second process is writing the world.
- 2Use CTRL+C and wait for complete exit before future maintenance.
References[val-server-guide]
05PermissionsWhat happens when I add one name to permittedlist.txt?
What players see
Friends absent from permittedlist.txt are refused after its first entry is added.
What happened
Adding the first entry changed permittedlist.txt from inactive to an exclusive allowlist.
Why it happened
Iron Gate documents that everyone not listed is blocked once the file has an entry.
What to do next
- 1Back up the permission files.
- 2Add every intended case-sensitive Platform User ID or clear the allowlist deliberately.
References[val-server-guide]
06AdministrationDoes Valheim have an official native RCON server?
What players see
A generic game-server guide asks for an RCON port.
What happened
A feature from another game was assumed.
Why it happened
Iron Gate's official server guide documents in-game administration and permission files, not RCON.
What to do next
- 1Do not expose an invented management port.
- 2Use exact platform IDs and the documented F5 admin commands.
References[val-server-guide]
07ModsWill Valheim 1.0 have official Steam Workshop mod support at launch?
What players see
A server plan assumes automatic Workshop synchronization.
What happened
An unofficial mod workflow was treated as a native feature.
Why it happened
Iron Gate says there is no official mod support and no Steam Workshop at the 1.0 launch.
What to do next
- 1Keep a known-good vanilla world snapshot.
- 2Revalidate every third-party loader and mod after the 1.0 server/client update.
References[val-mod-position][val-one-faq]
Step-by-step troubleshooting
Complete Valheim server fixes
Use these focused guides when the short answer matches your symptom and you need the full diagnostic path.
The server reaches its ready state, but 127.0.0.1 and the host's private LAN address fail after -crossplay is enabled.
Valheim Cross-Play Server Local IP or 127.0.0.1 Not Working
Fix a healthy Valheim PlayFab cross-play server that cannot be joined through loopback or a LAN IP by using the correct relay join route.
Read the complete fix →
The transferred server starts without a fatal error, but player buildings, explored terrain or the expected world seed/state are missing.
Valheim Loads the Wrong or a New World After Transfer
Recover a transferred Valheim server by resolving -savedir and -world, restoring a matched DB/FWL pair and verifying the world before reopening.
Read the complete fix →
Friends who could previously join are refused after one user was added to permittedlist.txt, or display names do not work as entries.
Valheim permittedlist.txt Locks Out Friends
Fix a Valheim allowlist lockout by backing up permission files, collecting exact platform-qualified IDs and testing access without exposing passwords.
Read the complete fix →
Official references
Built from current game guidance
Last reviewed 2026-08-30. Game behavior changes, so official sources win when a new patch changes an option.
Valheim and its artwork are the property of their respective owners. Gone Wrong Servers is independent third-party software.
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