# Manage and Switch Worlds on Your Valheim Server (/docs/valheim/manage-worlds)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';
import { Files, Folder, File } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/files';

Your Valheim server can store **multiple worlds**, but only runs one at a time. Switching between worlds is as simple as changing the world name in startup settings — the old world stays on disk and you can switch back anytime.

How Worlds Are Stored [#how-worlds-are-stored]

Each world is two files:

| File            | Purpose                                        |
| --------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| `WorldName.fwl` | Metadata (name, seed, version)                 |
| `WorldName.db`  | World data (terrain, buildings, dropped items) |

<Files>
  <Folder name="worlds_local" defaultOpen>
    <File name="MyFirstWorld.db" />

    <File name="MyFirstWorld.fwl" />

    <File name="SecondWorld.db" />

    <File name="SecondWorld.fwl" />
  </Folder>
</Files>

The directory is typically `worlds_local/` (location depends on server install).

Create a New World [#create-a-new-world]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Stop the server [#stop-the-server]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), go to **Console** and stop the server.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Open Startup [#open-startup]

    Click **Startup** in the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Change the World variable [#change-the-world-variable]

    Find the **World** variable (maps to `-world`) and enter a new name like `NewWorld`.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Start the server [#start-the-server]

    Start from **Console**. The server creates a new world with a random seed for that name. Your old world stays on disk untouched.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Switch Between Existing Worlds [#switch-between-existing-worlds]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Stop the server [#stop-the-server-1]
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Change the World variable [#change-the-world-variable-1]

    In **Startup**, set the **World** variable to the name of the world you want to load.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Start the server [#start-the-server-1]

    The server loads the existing files for that world name.
  </Step>
</Steps>

List Your Worlds [#list-your-worlds]

Click **Files** in the sidebar and navigate to the worlds directory. Each `.fwl` file represents a world — the filename (without extension) is the name to use in **Startup**.

Delete a World [#delete-a-world]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Stop the server [#stop-the-server-2]
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Delete the files [#delete-the-files]

    In **Files**, navigate to the worlds directory and delete **both** the `.fwl` and `.db` files for the world. Also delete the matching `.fwl.old` and `.db.old` backup files if you don't want to keep them.

    {/* Screenshot needed: File Manager showing worlds with .old files */}
  </Step>
</Steps>

> **Warning:** Deletion is permanent. Download the files first via the **Download** action if you might want to restore them later.

Use a Specific Seed [#use-a-specific-seed]

Valheim auto-generates random seeds. To use a specific seed:

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Create the world locally [#create-the-world-locally]

    In singleplayer Valheim, create a new world with your desired seed.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Upload to the server [#upload-to-the-server]

    Upload both the `.fwl` and `.db` files to your server's worlds folder. See [Upload an Existing World](/docs/valheim/import-save).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Update the World variable [#update-the-world-variable]

    Set **World** in **Startup** to match the uploaded world name (without extension).
  </Step>
</Steps>

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Upload an Existing World](/docs/valheim/import-save)
* [Upload Existing World (alt)](/docs/valheim/upload-existing-world)
* [World Save Files](/docs/valheim/world-save-files)
* [World Seed](/docs/valheim/world-seed)
* [Wipe & Reinstall](/docs/valheim/wipe-reinstall)