# Understanding Valheim World Save Files (/docs/valheim/world-save-files)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';
import { Files, Folder, File } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/files';

Understanding Valheim's save file structure helps you manage worlds, create backups, and troubleshoot issues.

Save File Structure [#save-file-structure]

Each Valheim world consists of two files:

| File           | Extension | Contains                                         |
| -------------- | --------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| World metadata | `.fwl`    | World name, seed, UID, version                   |
| World data     | `.db`     | Terrain, buildings, items, creatures, everything |

Both files share the same name (your world name):

```
MyWorld.fwl
MyWorld.db
```

Save Location on Server [#save-location-on-server]

On XGamingServer, world saves are located at:

```
.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim/worlds_local/
```

Go to **Files** and navigate to this path to find your world files.

Save Intervals [#save-intervals]

Valheim auto-saves at regular intervals:

* **Default:** Every 30 minutes (1800 seconds)
* **Configurable:** Use the `-saveinterval` startup parameter

```
-saveinterval 900
```

This sets auto-save to every 15 minutes.

> 💡 **Tip:** More frequent saves protect against data loss but can cause brief lag spikes during the save. Every 15–20 minutes is a good balance.

Back Up Your World [#back-up-your-world]

Manual Backup [#manual-backup]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Force a save [#force-a-save]

    Connect to the server, press **F5**, and type:

    ```
    save
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Download both files [#download-both-files]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), click **Files** in the sidebar, navigate to the worlds folder, and download both `.fwl` and `.db` files.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Automatic Backups [#automatic-backups]

Use the **Backups** page in the panel sidebar to set up scheduled backups. See [Backup & Restore](/docs/valheim/backup-restore).

Upload a World [#upload-a-world]

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

  <Step>
    Upload both files [#upload-both-files]

    In **Files**, navigate to the worlds folder and upload **both** `.fwl` and `.db` files together.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Set the world name [#set-the-world-name]

    In **Startup**, set the **World Name** variable to match your uploaded file name (without the extension).
  </Step>

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

See [Upload an Existing World](/docs/valheim/upload-existing-world) for a detailed guide.

Multiple Worlds [#multiple-worlds]

You can have multiple worlds on your server, but only one runs at a time. Switch worlds by changing the world name in **Startup**.

All worlds in the `worlds_local` folder are preserved — switching doesn't delete anything.

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

Valheim supports both cloud saves and local saves for singleplayer:

* **Cloud saves** are stored in Steam's cloud storage
* **Local saves** are in `worlds_local`

To upload a cloud save to your server, you must first move it to local storage in the Valheim game settings, then upload the files.

Save File Size [#save-file-size]

| World State                 | Approximate Size |
| --------------------------- | ---------------- |
| Fresh world                 | \~5 MB           |
| Moderately explored         | 50–100 MB        |
| Fully explored with builds  | 200–500 MB       |
| Heavy modding + exploration | 500 MB+          |

Large save files can cause longer load times and save lag spikes. If your world file is very large, consider starting fresh or reducing build complexity.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

See also: [Upload Save](/docs/valheim/import-save) | [Restore Backup](/docs/valheim/backup-restore) | [Find World Seed](/docs/valheim/world-seed) | [Reset Server](/docs/valheim/wipe-reinstall)

If you need help, join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).