# How to Update Your Valheim Server (/docs/valheim/update-guide)



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

Valheim updates regularly. Players auto-update on Steam, Xbox, and Microsoft Store, so the server needs to stay current to avoid version mismatch.

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Create a backup [#create-a-backup]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), go to **Backups** and create a backup before updating. World saves are forward-compatible but **not backward-compatible**.

    {/* Screenshot needed: Backups page */}
  </Step>

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

    Go to **Console** and stop the server.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Reinstall [#reinstall]

    On the **Dashboard**, click **Reinstall Server**. This pulls the latest server files from Steam while preserving your worlds, configuration, and admin list.

    {/* Screenshot needed: Dashboard with Reinstall Server widget */}
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Reinstall mods (if applicable) [#reinstall-mods-if-applicable]

    Steam updates can overwrite BepInEx files. If you use mods, go to **Mods** in the sidebar and verify your installed mods are still loaded. Some may need to be reinstalled. See [Update Mods](/docs/valheim/update-mods).
  </Step>

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

    Start from **Console** and check the startup log to confirm the new version.
  </Step>
</Steps>

After Updating [#after-updating]

* **Test connection** — join from your client to confirm versions match
* **Check mods** — incompatible mods can cause crashes after major Valheim updates. Update them via the panel **Mod Manager**
* **Review patch notes** — major Valheim updates sometimes add new world modifiers or settings. Check [steamcommunity.com/games/892970/announcements](https://steamcommunity.com/games/892970/announcements)

Common Issues [#common-issues]

| Problem                       | Fix                                                                                       |
| ----------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Version mismatch after update | Steam may not have updated yet on your client. Re-launch the game                         |
| World won't load after update | Restore from your backup. The new version may not support old saves — wait for a patch    |
| Mods broken                   | Some mods need updates after major Valheim patches. Check Thunderstore for newer versions |

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Install Mods](/docs/valheim/mod-setup)
* [Update Mods](/docs/valheim/update-mods)
* [Backup & Restore](/docs/valheim/backup-restore)
* [Game Version](/docs/valheim/game-version)