# How to Install Mods on Your Valheim Server (/docs/valheim/mod-setup)



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

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 [#how-it-works]

Valheim mods use the **BepInEx** framework. Mods come from [Thunderstore](https://thunderstore.io/c/valheim/), 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 [#switch-to-bepinex-mode]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open the Mod Manager [#open-the-mod-manager]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), click **Mods** in the sidebar (puzzle icon — only visible for Valheim servers).

    {/* Screenshot needed: Sidebar with Mods entry */}
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Switch to BepInEx [#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.

    {/* Screenshot needed: Mod Manager mode selector */}
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Confirm the warning [#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.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Wait for reinstall [#wait-for-reinstall]

    The server reinstalls with BepInEx support. This may take a few minutes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Browse and Install Mods [#browse-and-install-mods]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open the Browse Mods tab [#open-the-browse-mods-tab]

    Once in BepInEx mode, you'll see two tabs: **Browse Mods** and **Installed Mods**. Stay on **Browse Mods**.

    {/* Screenshot needed: Browse Mods tab with mod cards */}
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Search [#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.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Choose a version (optional) [#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.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Install [#install]

    Click the green **Install** button. A confirmation dialog appears — click to confirm. The mod and its dependencies download automatically.
  </Step>

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

    Go to **Console** in the sidebar and restart the server for mods to take effect.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Update Installed Mods [#update-installed-mods]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open the Installed Mods tab [#open-the-installed-mods-tab]

    In **Mods**, click the **Installed Mods** tab.

    {/* Screenshot needed: Installed Mods tab with update buttons */}
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Look for updates [#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**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Update [#update]

    Click **Update**, confirm the dialog. The mod downloads and replaces the old version.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Restart [#restart]

    Restart from **Console** for updates to apply.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Uninstall a Mod [#uninstall-a-mod]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Go to Installed Mods [#go-to-installed-mods]

    In **Mods**, click the **Installed Mods** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Click Uninstall [#click-uninstall]

    Click the red **Uninstall** button on the mod card. A warning appears: *"Every related mod will be deleted from your server."* Confirm.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Restart [#restart-1]

    Restart from **Console**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Server-Side vs Client-Side [#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 [#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 [#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 [#related-guides]

* [Install ValheimPlus](/docs/valheim/install-valheimplus)
* [Update Mods](/docs/valheim/update-mods)
* [Recommended Mods](/docs/valheim/recommended-mods)
* [Update Your Server](/docs/valheim/update-guide)