> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.wasabihosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install Valheim Mods with BepInEx

> Add mods to your Valheim server hosting instance — install the BepInEx mod loader, understand client-side vs. server-side mods, and keep versions in sync.

Valheim modding runs on **BepInEx**, a mod loader that hooks into the game and loads plugin DLLs. Once BepInEx is installed on your server, adding a mod is as simple as dropping its `.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

<Warning>
  **Most gameplay mods must be installed on the server AND on every player's client, in exactly the same versions.** Version or mod-list mismatches cause failed connections, disconnects, and desync. Purely server-side mods exist (each mod's page says which type it is), but assume "both sides, same version" unless stated otherwise.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Mods and crossplay don't mix.** Console and Microsoft Store players can't install BepInEx, so a modded server should remove the `-crossplay` startup flag and run Steam-only. See [server configuration](/games/valheim/server-configuration).
</Warning>

## Installing BepInEx on the Server

The standard package is **BepInExPack Valheim** (by denikson) from [Thunderstore](https://valheim.thunderstore.io).

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check for a one-click installer">
    In the [Game Panel](https://panel.wasabihosting.com), 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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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).
  </Step>

  <Step title="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](/server/file-management). Overwrite when prompted.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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](https://billing.wasabihosting.com/submitticket.php) and we'll help wire up the startup for BepInEx.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Installing Mods

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download the mod">
    Get the mod from [Thunderstore](https://valheim.thunderstore.io) or its official source. Note whether it's **server-side only** or **client + server**, and note the exact version.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload the DLL to BepInEx/plugins">
    Stop the server and upload the mod's `.dll` (and any bundled folders it ships with) to:

    ```
    /BepInEx/plugins/
    ```

    Many mods also require the **Jotunn** library mod — install it the same way if listed as a dependency.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install matching client mods">
    For client-synced mods, every player installs the **same mods in the same versions** on their PC — easiest via a Thunderstore mod manager (e.g. r2modman) with a shared modpack/profile code.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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                            |

Always check each mod's own page for its current sync requirements — they change between releases.

## Troubleshooting Mods

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## 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](/games/valheim/join-server)).
* Keep a copy of known-good mod versions, and take a panel [backup](/server/backups) 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.

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  Full file access, SFTP, and fast NVMe storage for heavy modpacks — Valheim servers from €7.49/month at Wasabi.
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