# Increase the Player Limit on Your Valheim Server (/docs/valheim/increase-player-limit)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

Valheim's vanilla limit is **10 players**. With **ValheimPlus** (or other mods), you can raise this — but higher counts require careful optimization.

The Vanilla 10-Player Limit [#the-vanilla-10-player-limit]

Valheim's network code is hard-capped at 10 players per server. This is built into the game and cannot be changed without mods. There's no startup parameter for it.

Increase the Limit with ValheimPlus [#increase-the-limit-with-valheimplus]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Install ValheimPlus [#install-valheimplus]

    Use the panel **Mod Manager** to install ValheimPlus. See [Install ValheimPlus](/docs/valheim/install-valheimplus).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Edit valheim_plus.cfg [#edit-valheim_pluscfg]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), click **Files** and open `BepInEx/config/valheim_plus.cfg`.

    {/* Screenshot needed: File Manager showing valheim_plus.cfg */}
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Set the player count [#set-the-player-count]

    Find the `[Server]` section:

    ```ini
    [Server]
    enabled = true
    maxPlayers = 20
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Restart the server [#restart-the-server]

    Go to **Console** and restart.
  </Step>
</Steps>

> **All players** must have ValheimPlus installed to connect when the limit is raised. Players without the mod will fail to join with a version mismatch.

Performance Impact [#performance-impact]

| Players   | Performance | Notes                                         |
| --------- | ----------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| **1–5**   | Excellent   | Smooth on any plan                            |
| **6–10**  | Good        | Vanilla limit, well-optimized                 |
| **11–15** | Moderate    | Noticeable desync during combat               |
| **16–20** | Reduced     | Significant lag during raids and large builds |
| **20+**   | Poor        | Not recommended without serious optimization  |

Optimize for Higher Player Counts [#optimize-for-higher-player-counts]

Install Better Networking [#install-better-networking]

Install **Better Networking** from the panel **Mods** page. It optimizes Valheim's network traffic and reduces desync significantly.

Schedule Regular Restarts [#schedule-regular-restarts]

Use **Schedules** in the panel sidebar to restart every 12 hours. See [Scheduled Restarts](/docs/valheim/scheduled-restarts).

Reduce Build Complexity [#reduce-build-complexity]

Massive bases with thousands of building pieces are the #1 lag cause. Encourage efficient building and break up huge bases.

Disable Crossplay if All-Steam [#disable-crossplay-if-all-steam]

If everyone is on Steam, **disable crossplay** in **Startup**. The PlayFab relay adds latency overhead.

Boost ValheimPlus Data Rate [#boost-valheimplus-data-rate]

```ini
[Server]
enabled = true
maxPlayers = 20
dataRate = 512
```

Higher `dataRate` reduces desync at the cost of more bandwidth.

Realistic Expectations [#realistic-expectations]

| Players   | Realistic Quality                        |
| --------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **10–15** | Works well with optimizations            |
| **15–20** | Playable but with occasional lag spikes  |
| **20+**   | Significant gameplay quality compromises |

> **Tip:** If you need more than 20 players, run **multiple servers** with different world names. Players keep their character between servers since character data is stored client-side. See [Transfer Character](/docs/valheim/transfer-character).

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Install ValheimPlus](/docs/valheim/install-valheimplus)
* [Server Performance](/docs/valheim/server-performance)
* [Player Slots](/docs/valheim/player-slots)
* [Recommended Mods](/docs/valheim/recommended-mods)