# Transfer a Valheim Character Between Devices (/docs/valheim/transfer-character)



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

In Valheim, **character data is stored on the player's device**, not on the server. This means characters persist across any server they join — your skills, inventory, and appearance follow you everywhere.

How Character Data Works [#how-character-data-works]

| Data                                                     | Stored On           |
| -------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- |
| Character (skills, inventory, appearance, food buffs)    | **Player's device** |
| World (terrain, buildings, items on ground, time of day) | **Server**          |

Implications:

* Players keep their character when joining different servers
* Dying on one server affects your character's skill levels everywhere
* A high-level character can be brought to a fresh server (which is why some communities use the Server Characters mod — see below)

Character Save Location [#character-save-location]

On **Windows**, character files are at:

```
%userprofile%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\characters_local\
```

Each character is a `.fch` file:

```
characters_local/
├── Viking.fch
├── Viking.fch.old
└── AnotherCharacter.fch
```

The `.fch.old` file is an automatic backup of the previous save.

Transfer a Character to Another PC [#transfer-a-character-to-another-pc]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Find the character file [#find-the-character-file]

    On the source PC, navigate to the characters folder above and find the `.fch` file.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Copy to the destination [#copy-to-the-destination]

    Transfer the file to the same location on the destination PC.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Disable Steam Cloud (if needed) [#disable-steam-cloud-if-needed]

    If you use Steam Cloud saves, temporarily disable cloud sync in Steam, copy the file, then re-enable it.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Launch Valheim [#launch-valheim]

    The character appears in the character selection screen.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Cloud vs Local Saves [#cloud-vs-local-saves]

Valheim offers two storage options in the game settings:

| Type      | Location                  | Pros                      | Cons                       |
| --------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------- | -------------------------- |
| **Cloud** | Steam Cloud               | Auto-syncs across devices | Harder to manually back up |
| **Local** | `characters_local` folder | Easy to copy/backup       | Tied to one device         |

To switch between cloud and local: in the Valheim main menu, open the character list, select your character, and use the move option.

Server Characters Mod (Server-Locked Characters) [#server-characters-mod-server-locked-characters]

For servers that want to **prevent character importing** (stop players from bringing overpowered characters from other worlds):

Install the **Server Characters** mod from Thunderstore via the panel **Mods** page. This forces characters to be stored on the server instead of the player's device.

| Benefit                                      | Drawback                                              |
| -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| Prevents importing high-level characters     | Players lose their character if they leave the server |
| All players start equal                      | More complex setup                                    |
| Characters can't be backed up to cheat death | Client-side mod required                              |

This is essential for hardcore RP servers, competitive seasons, or any community that wants a level playing field.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Connect to Your Server](/docs/valheim/join-server)
* [Upload an Existing World](/docs/valheim/import-save)
* [Recommended Mods](/docs/valheim/recommended-mods)
* [Install Mods](/docs/valheim/mod-setup)