.dll into a folder — the tricky part is keeping server and client mods in sync. This guide covers both.
What You Need to Know First
Installing BepInEx on the Server
The standard package is BepInExPack Valheim (by denikson) from Thunderstore.Check for a one-click installer
In the Game Panel, check your server’s settings for a mod loader / BepInEx install option. If available, use it and restart — done. Otherwise continue with the manual steps.
Download the pack
Download BepInExPack Valheim from Thunderstore and extract it locally. The files you need are inside the pack’s
BepInExPack_Valheim folder (the BepInEx folder, doorstop loader files, and the launch scripts).Upload to the server root
Stop your server, then upload the contents of
BepInExPack_Valheim into your server’s root directory (the folder containing the Valheim server files) via the File Manager or SFTP — see file management. Overwrite when prompted.Start and verify
Start the server and watch the Console. A working install prints BepInEx loader lines (BepInEx version, plugins loading) early in the boot log. If you don’t see them, the loader isn’t being picked up — open a support ticket and we’ll help wire up the startup for BepInEx.
Installing Mods
Download the mod
Get the mod from Thunderstore or its official source. Note whether it’s server-side only or client + server, and note the exact version.
Upload the DLL to BepInEx/plugins
Stop the server and upload the mod’s Many mods also require the Jotunn library mod — install it the same way if listed as a dependency.
.dll (and any bundled folders it ships with) to:Start the server and configure
On first load, most mods generate a config file in
/BepInEx/config/ (e.g. com.example.modname.cfg). Stop the server, edit the config, save, and start again.Popular Mods
| Mod | Type | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Jotunn (Valheim Library) | Both | Framework library many mods depend on |
| Valheim Plus (community continuation) | Both | Huge configurable tweak collection — stamina, building, map sharing |
| Epic Loot | Both | Diablo-style magic loot and enchanting |
| Plant Everything | Both | Plant and cultivate nearly any resource |
| Equipment and Quick Slots | Both | Dedicated armor and quick-use inventory slots |
| CraftFromContainers | Client (works best matched) | Craft using materials from nearby chests |
Troubleshooting Mods
Server starts, but mods don't load
Server starts, but mods don't load
Check the Console boot log for BepInEx lines. If they’re missing, BepInEx isn’t hooked into the launch — re-upload the pack and verify the loader files sit in the server root, or contact support to adjust the startup.
Players disconnect immediately after joining
Players disconnect immediately after joining
Classic version mismatch: a client-synced mod differs in version (or is missing) between server and client. Compare
/BepInEx/plugins/ on the server against each player’s local plugins folder — names and versions must match exactly.A mod throws errors after a game update
A mod throws errors after a game update
Remove the mod’s
.dll from /BepInEx/plugins/ until its author ships a compatible release. One erroring mod can cascade into others failing to load.Update Discipline
- After every Valheim patch, assume mods are broken until proven otherwise. Game updates frequently break BepInEx or individual mods. Check the console for errors and update mods before letting players back in.
- Update the server and all clients together — a half-updated setup is the number one cause of “mod mismatch” join failures (see join troubleshooting).
- Keep a copy of known-good mod versions, and take a panel backup before any mod or game update so you can roll back cleanly.
- Removing a mod that added items/objects can delete those objects from the world — read removal notes before uninstalling.
Mod-ready Valheim hosting
Full file access, SFTP, and fast NVMe storage for heavy modpacks — Valheim servers from €7.49/month at Wasabi.