How to Install Mods on Your Valheim Server

Learn how to install BepInEx and add mods from Thunderstore to your Valheim dedicated server.

Valheim mods require BepInEx, a modding framework that must be enabled before you can install any plugins. Once BepInEx is set up, you can add mods from Thunderstore to customize gameplay, add quality-of-life features, and more.

💡 Tip: Some mods need to be installed on your local game client too. We recommend using r2modman to manage your client-side mods and toggle BepInEx on and off.

Enabling BepInEx

Open the XGamingServer panel

Access the XGamingServer panel and select your Valheim server.

Go to Startup

In the sidebar, go to Startup.

Enable modding

Under the Modding section, enable the Enable Modding (BepInEx) setting.

Restart your server

Restart your server. BepInEx will be installed automatically and kept up-to-date on each restart.

Screenshot: BepInEx toggle in the Startup page

⚠️ Warning: If the mods you install require client-side installation, players on Xbox will no longer be able to connect to your server.

Installing Plugins

Once BepInEx is enabled, you can add plugins from Thunderstore.

Download a plugin

Browse Thunderstore and download the mod you want. Extract the downloaded ZIP file.

Stop your server

Go to the XGamingServer panel and stop your Valheim server.

Upload the plugin

Connect to your server using SFTP. Navigate to the BepInEx/plugins folder and upload your extracted plugin folder.

Start your server

Start your server from the Console page.

Your plugin folder structure should look something like this:

BepInEx/
└── plugins/
    ├── AuthorName-ModName/
    │   └── ModName.dll
    └── AnotherAuthor-AnotherMod/
        └── AnotherMod.dll

Using the Mods Panel

Your Valheim server also includes a built-in Mods page in the sidebar, powered by Thunderstore. This provides a visual interface to browse, install, and manage mods directly from the panel without needing SFTP.

💡 Tip: Popular Valheim mods include Valheim Plus (gameplay tweaks and QoL), EpicLoot (RPG loot system), Better Networking (improved multiplayer performance), and PlantEverything (expanded farming). Check the mod descriptions on Thunderstore for server-side vs client-side requirements.

If you need help, join our Discord.

How to Install Mods on Your Valheim Server

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