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How to install mods for your Valheim server

Switch your server framework to BepInEx, learn server versus client mod rules, and install verified mods from Thunderstore.

Updated July 24, 2026
Valheim

Valheim's modding ecosystem runs on BepInEx, a generic Unity mod loader. Most popular mods are distributed through Thunderstore at valheim.thunderstore.io.

Step 1: Install BepInEx on the Server

Our Valheim egg has a Startup variable for the install type:

  • vanilla: pure Valheim
  • bepinex: BepInEx auto-installed
  • bepinex-vanilla: BepInEx installed but only server-safe mods are loaded

Set Server Type (or SERVER_TYPE) to bepinex and restart. The egg pulls the latest BepInEx Pack for Valheim. After boot you should have a BepInEx/ folder in the server root with plugins/, config/, and core/ subfolders.

Step 2: Understand Server vs Client Mods

  • Server-side only: Affect game rules without players installing anything. Example: instant respawns.
  • Client and server: Both sides must have the mod. Examples: Build Camera, equipment slots.

Each Thunderstore page notes which kind a mod is. Server-side mods are the easiest to run because you do not have to coordinate player installs.

Step 3: Install a Mod

  1. Download the mod's .zip from Thunderstore.
  2. Extract locally. You typically see a BepInExPack folder or a single .dll.
  3. Upload the .dll files to BepInEx/plugins/. If the mod ships a folder structure with plugins/ and config/, preserve it.
  4. Restart the server.
  5. Check the console for the load line, e.g. Loaded plugin: ....

For client and server mods, send players the same download. The mod manager r2modman (also from Thunderstore) makes client installs trivial.

Mod Side What it does
ValheimPlus (Grantapher fork) Client + server The standard quality-of-life bundle: stack sizes, build distance, sailing speed, food slots. Config at BepInEx/config/valheim_plus.cfg
Server Devcommands Server Re-enables developer commands for admins (spawn, teleport, set time)
Better Networking Server Reduces CPU and bandwidth on 10+ player servers
Equipment and Quick Slots Client + server Quick-access slots for food, potions, armor. Almost universally installed
Build Camera Client + server Free-fly camera for builders
Auga Client UI overhaul: inventory tabs, gear stats
  • Maintenance and always back up before installing or updating a mod, since a bad mod can corrupt the world
  • Server Configuration for admin setup, which pairs with Server Devcommands

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