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How to Install Mods on a Valheim Server (BepInEx)

Almost all Valheim mods require a framework called BepInEx. This guide explains how to install BepInEx on a Valheim server on Raznar and how to add mods to it.

2 Types of Valheim Mods​

Before installing mods, know which type of mod you want to use:

  1. Server Mods (Required on the Server): Mods that change gameplay, server rules, recipes, or monsters (for example ValheimPlus, Jötunn, or ServerCharacters). This type of mod must be installed on the server, and players usually need to install it on their PCs as well so both sides match exactly.
  2. Client Mods (Player PC Only): Mods that only change the on-screen display, minimap, or sound on a personal computer (for example HD Texture Pack or Clock Mod). This type of mod does not need to be installed on the server.

Step 1: Download BepInExPack Valheim​

  1. Open the Thunderstore Valheim site.
  2. Click the Manual Download button to download the latest BepInEx ZIP file to your PC.
  3. Extract the ZIP file on your PC. Inside it you will find a folder named BepInExPack_Valheim.

Step 2: Upload BepInEx to the Raznar Server​

  1. Open your browser and log in to the Raznar panel.
  2. Go to the Console menu, then click Stop to shut down the server first.
  3. Open the Files menu.
  4. Open the BepInExPack_Valheim folder on your PC. Inside it are several folders and files:
    • The BepInEx folder
    • The doorstop_config.ini file
    • The winhttp.dll file (or the .sh file for a Linux server)
  5. Upload all of those contents directly into the main directory (the outermost folder) of your server in the Raznar panel.

Your server's main folder structure will look like this:

valheim_server.exe (or valheim_server.x86_64)
doorstop_config.ini
winhttp.dll
BepInEx/
├── config/
├── core/
├── patchers/
└── plugins/

Step 3: Installing Mod Files into the Plugins Folder​

Now your server is ready for mods:

  1. Find and download the mod you want to use from Thunderstore Valheim or Nexus Mods.
  2. Extract the mod file on your PC until you find a file with the .dll extension (for example ValheimPlus.dll or another mod name).
  3. In the Raznar panel, open the Files menu, then go to the folder: 
    BepInEx/plugins/
  4. Upload your mod's .dll file (along with the mod's bundled folders, if any) into that plugins folder.

Step 4: Save and Start the Server​

  1. Open the Console menu in the Raznar panel.
  2. Click Start to start the server.
  3. Watch the log output in the Console. If BepInEx and your mod are installed correctly, you will see a green log line or mod loading text (for example: Loaded plugin: ...).

How to Change Mod Settings​

After the server has been started at least once with the mod, the mod will automatically create a settings file:

  1. Open the Files menu in the Raznar panel.
  2. Go to the folder: 
    BepInEx/config/
  3. Click the .cfg file for the relevant mod (for example valheim_plus.cfg) to edit its settings.
  4. Change the numbers or values inside it as you like, then click Save File.
  5. Restart the server through the Console menu so the new settings take effect.

Common Troubleshooting​

  • Players Get "Incompatible Version" When Joining: If players are rejected when joining the server, it is usually because the mod version on their PC differs from the mod version on the server. Make sure every player downloads exactly the same mod version as the one on the server.
  • Server Crashes After Installing a Mod: Check whether the mod requires a dependency (such as Jötunn, the Valheim Library). If a required mod is missing, the server may fail to start.
  • Valheim Game Update from Steam: Whenever Valheim releases a new update from the developer, BepInEx and older mods often need to be updated. Check the Thunderstore page to download the latest BepInEx and mod version that matches that game update.