How to Make Your Valheim Server Private
Hide your Valheim dedicated server from the public Community browser.
A private server doesn't appear in the public Community browser. Players can only join via direct IP or join code.
Open Startup
In the XGamingServer Panel, click Startup in the sidebar.
Set Public to 0
Find the Public variable (maps to -public) and set it to 0.
| Value | Behavior |
|---|---|
1 | Server appears in the Community browser (default) |
0 | Server is hidden — direct IP / join code only |
Restart the server
Go to Console and restart.
How Players Join a Private Server
Players need either:
- Direct IP — give them your server IP and port (e.g.,
123.45.67.89:2456). They use Join IP in the game. - Join code — if
-crossplayis enabled, share the 6-character join code from server logs
See Connect to Your Server for the player's perspective.
Combine with a Password
For maximum privacy, combine -public 0 with a server password. Even players with the IP need the password to connect.
Related Guides
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