How to Install Mods on Your Valheim Server
Install BepInEx mods on your Valheim dedicated server using the built-in panel Mod Manager — no manual file uploads required.
XGamingServer includes a built-in Valheim Mod Manager with one-click installs, automatic dependency resolution, and a Thunderstore browser. You don't need to manually download mods or edit BepInEx files.
How It Works
Valheim mods use the BepInEx framework. Mods come from Thunderstore, and the panel manages installation, updates, and removal automatically.
Important: Modded servers require BepInEx mode. Switching modes will reinstall the server and erase all existing data — back up first.
Switch to BepInEx Mode
Open the Mod Manager
In the XGamingServer Panel, click Mods in the sidebar (puzzle icon — only visible for Valheim servers).
Switch to BepInEx
At the top of the page, you'll see two side-by-side cards: Vanilla and BepInEx. Click the BepInEx card to switch.
Confirm the warning
A warning appears: "The server will be reinstalled and all data will be lost." Click to confirm. Always create a backup first via Backups in the sidebar.
Wait for reinstall
The server reinstalls with BepInEx support. This may take a few minutes.
Browse and Install Mods
Open the Browse Mods tab
Once in BepInEx mode, you'll see two tabs: Browse Mods and Installed Mods. Stay on Browse Mods.
Search
Type a mod name in the search bar (e.g., "Valheim Plus" or "Equipment and Quick Slots"). Toggle Show NSFW or Show Deprecated if you want to include those.
Choose a version (optional)
Each mod card has a version dropdown showing the latest version. Click it to see up to 5 previous versions and pick a specific one if needed.
Install
Click the green Install button. A confirmation dialog appears — click to confirm. The mod and its dependencies download automatically.
Restart the server
Go to Console in the sidebar and restart the server for mods to take effect.
Update Installed Mods
Open the Installed Mods tab
In Mods, click the Installed Mods tab.
Look for updates
Each installed mod card shows its version. If a newer version is available, a blue Update button appears. Mods that are current show Up to date.
Update
Click Update, confirm the dialog. The mod downloads and replaces the old version.
Restart
Restart from Console for updates to apply.
Uninstall a Mod
Go to Installed Mods
In Mods, click the Installed Mods tab.
Click Uninstall
Click the red Uninstall button on the mod card. A warning appears: "Every related mod will be deleted from your server." Confirm.
Restart
Restart from Console.
Server-Side vs Client-Side
| Type | Players Need It? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Server-side only | No | Server tweaks, admin tools, world generation mods |
| Client-required | Yes — both server and client must have matching versions | Equipment slots, UI mods, custom content |
| Crossplay caveat | — | Xbox/Game Pass players cannot install mods. Modded servers will reject them |
When in doubt, check the mod's Thunderstore page — it usually states whether the mod is server-only or requires clients.
Switching Back to Vanilla
To remove all mods and return to vanilla, click the Vanilla card on the Mod Manager page. Same warning applies: the server reinstalls and all mod data is wiped.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Mod not loading | Check Console for errors. Look at BepInEx/LogOutput.log via Files |
| Players can't connect after adding a mod | The mod may be client-required. All players must subscribe and install it manually from Thunderstore |
| Server crashes after installing a mod | Uninstall the mod from the Installed Mods tab and restart |
| Mods missing after a Valheim update | Steam updates can overwrite BepInEx — reinstall mods via the panel after game updates |
Related Guides
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