Valheim Servers: Which One Is Right for You? (Updated 2022)
by 404 ● April 29, 2022
Looking for a dedicated server to play Valheim? In this article, we'll go through the options and help you choose which one is best for you.
Looking for a dedicated server to play Valheim? In this article, we'll go through the options and help you choose which one is best for you.
Hooked on Valheim and looking to dive deeper into the Viking world with smoother, uninterrupted gameplay with your friends? Us too. That’s how we know that renting a dedicated Valheim server is the way to go.
As a resource-intensive adventure survival game, Valheim requires a powerful server to run optimally. If you know how, you can host a dedicated server yourself. There are Valheim server requirements to be aware of, should you choose to host your own. Or you can rent one of the server hosting packages listed below.
The whole concept of a dedicated server is that it helps you have an optimal gaming experience without all the hassle of hosting a server yourself. It also provides you with maximum security so you don’t have to worry about files or data being corrupted.
To help you decide which to invest in, we’ve reviewed the top 16 best Valheim servers out there from the most popular game server hosts on the Internet to those who specifically rent Valheim servers, like us at Valheim Server Hosting. So you can go back to defeating Odin’s ancient rivals and necking mead with your fellow warriors in no time.
First, let’s take a look at how a dedicated Valheim server will improve your gameplay and what to look for when picking your server.
Benefits Of A Dedicated Server For Valheim
Having a dedicated server for Valheim means your game has the exclusive use of that entire server. The alternative is to host the game on your or a friend’s current PC’s server, whose power is split between the game and any other programs running. This is known as self-hosting or local hosting, and can lead to a gamer’s worst nightmare: lag!
So, why host a dedicated server in Valheim?
Forget interruptions and enjoy smoother gameplay: a dedicated server means you can avoid the connection, bandwidth, CPU, and security issues that come with a shared server. Play Valheim without lag or downtime.
Increased control over the game: modify and run your game and worlds as you please. Play with your own rules, mods, and maps rather than putting up with someone else’s while playing on their server.
Better hardware capabilities. Many dedicated servers offer additional storage, memory, and faster processing, which ultimately leads to a smoother gameplay experience.
Play whenever (and wherever) you want: dedicated game servers have 24/7 access, so there’s no need to wait for the hosting player to come online. Ideal for multiplayer groups located across different time zones.
Play with whomever you want: dedicated game servers allow you to go from a single-player game (which some enjoy, but we have our own personal preferences) to a multiplayer game. You can play with up to 8 other players and have control over who you play with - family, best friends, or neighbors. It’s completely up to you!
Security & protection from attacks: Instead of having to worry about your own server getting hacked or information and data being corrupted, you don’t have to worry about that with dedicated server hosting.
What To Look For In A Valheim Server
Valheim servers offer different features and functionality. Bear the following in mind when choosing which Valheim dedicated server is best for you:
Security: good Valheim servers should have DDoS protection to prevent attacks bringing the server down, also offers secure payment options
CPU, memory, connection: the recommended minimum requirements for a Valheim dedicated server are:
CPU: Two virtual CPUs at 2.8GHz
RAM: 4GB
Network: 1Gbps connection or higher
Storage: at least 2GB of free hard drive space is also recommended
Mods: if you play with mods, you need your server package to include Valheim Plus and/or FTP access. We have a list of different mods to improve your gameplay written here.
Server locations: to get low ping, it’s best to host the game on a server near you. Check where the data centers are located!
Instant setup: if you wanted a lengthy server creation process, you’d save your pennies and set it up yourself. Speedy setup is essential so you can get playing ASAP.
Easy import of existing games
Affordable pricing: many Valheim servers also offer a free trial so you can check they’re worth the investment!
Different membership options: many servers will give you different subscription service options, allowing you to customize it to your needs.
Something to keep in mind is that just because you are using a Valheim dedicated server does not mean that you won’t run into any problems. Since you are dealing with technology, problems do end up coming up. That being said, most problems won’t have anything to do with your game lagging or occurring during the game, but problems may occur when accessing the game. This is why technical support can be such an important aspect to look for when choosing your Valheim dedicated server.
Should you have any issues with your dedicated server, specifically that it isn’t responding, check out this article here to troubleshoot.
Confused about how to set up your own server with dedicated server hosting? It sounds more complicated than it really is. When using a dedicated server, they are typically walking you through the setup process step by step. This makes it extremely easy to do. However, should you run into any issues, we have written an article explaining what you can expect from the setup process, as well as what it would look like. Read the article here.
Top Best Valheim Servers
Valheim Server Hosting
Takeaway: Powerful, secure dedicated servers built by Valheim players for Valheim players. Ideal for those who want immersive, uninterrupted gameplay without having to worry about technicalities.
Key Features
Instant setup: play the game within 5 mins of entering your email address (for your 24-hour free trial) or completing payment.
Global data centers: our servers are located in the US and Canada, and serve players from all around the world with lightning-fast speed, little to no lag or downtime, high uptime, and network availability.
Ping tester: check your connection to the server easily on our website.
Automated server backups: don’t lose any of your files, configurations, or other data if anything goes wrong.
High security standards: our servers are online 24/7 and we scan threat vectors continuously to keep you protected from security attacks including DDoS, UDP floods, source-engine query attacks, etc. Our payment gateways are also secure, so you can make online payments safely.
Powerful servers: all of our data centers have a minimum spec of 128GB RAM paired with Intel Core i9 9900K processors as standard, unlike many other Valheim servers. We never oversubscribe servers and you can check metrics like CPU easily on your dashboard.
Custom control panel: use our multilingual intuitive user interface to configure and customize your Valheim server easily no matter how experienced you are:
Effortlessly manage, start, pause, and restart your server.
Easily install supported mods, plugins, and maps without having to use FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
Perform admin tasks including banning users from the server from your control panel.
Mod support: you can install Valheim Plus on your server with our Mod Manager feature to use community made-mods, plugins, and maps.
Affordable pricing and free trials: new users can test our servers for free for 24 hours; existing users get an 8-hour free trial.
Great customer support: our experienced team of Valheim players is available 24/7 to answer any queries you might have within minutes.
Available for Linux and Windows
Buyout Campaign: if you decide you want to switch to Valheim Server Hosting from one of our competitors, we’ll buy your subscription with them and convert it into credits to purchase a plan with us (don’t worry - you still get the 24-hour free trial!)
Earn money with our Affiliate Program: get a recurring 30% commission on all payments for paying customers you refer to Valheim Server Hosting. Plus, all your referred customers get 15% off for the first 12 months!
Cons
While we have customers using our servers happily all around the world, we currently only have data centers in the US and Canada, which might be considered an issue by some players.
Pricing
Valheim Server Hosting’s pricing is transparently displayed on our website and starts from a very affordable $13 per month when paid annually. There are no limits on features, server power, or the number of players with our packages, we just discount the price if you sign up for a longer subscription.
Host Havoc
Takeaway:
Basic server hosting for those who haven’t worked with a dedicated server before and may need all the customer and technical support they can get.
Key Features
10 global datacenters around the world
Offers 72-hour risk-free refund
24/7 customer support
99.9% network up-time guarantee
Protects you and your game through free DDoS protection
Mod support: Full FTP access and file manager
Everything is managed through a TCAdmin V2 control panel. This allows players to easily customize and configure their settings of Valheim to fit their needs. It’s also incredibly easy to use while allowing files to be managed.
Quick and easy installation, giving access within 15 minutes
Cons:
Only one subscription option
More pricey
Pricing:
Host Havoc offers one subscription option for Valheim dedicated server hosting. It costs $15 per month for 10 slots. There are no variations in terms of slot number or reduction in price depending on how many months you choose. This makes it one of the more pricey options available.
Survival Servers
Takeaway: One of the best-known server providers for online survival games, with secure, high-performing Valheim servers.
Key Features
Instant setup: play Valheim in minutes after renting your server. You can also upload your local Valheim save easily.
Custom control panel: easily modify server settings, automate server start, stop, and restart and create custom server statuses, switch server location instantly - useful if you have any lag issues and want to see if another data center would be faster.
Secure: servers have DDoS protection and passlocking for extra protection.
Mod support: Valheim Plus control panel and full FTP access mean you can install mods and plugins easily.
Unlimited resources: like Valheim Server Hosting, every pricing plan includes access to their highest single threat benchmark Intel/AMD CPUs (as of August 2021, that includes the Intel Core i9 9900K processor that we use) and ultra-fast NVMe/SSD drives.
Cons
They don’t offer a free trial allowing you to test gameplay on the server
Their website says there are only a limited number of Valheim servers available
Pricing
Survival Servers theoretically price their game servers by player slot at $1.40 each. However, the minimum number of slots for their Valheim servers is 10 players, so their default price is $14 per month. Discounts are available on longer subscriptions.
Low.Ms
Takeaway: If you like customization, Low.Ms is probably a good option for you. With the ability to add on as much or as little as you want, you’re able to create the gaming experience you desire.
Key Features:
Works directly with Iron Gate as often as possible. This allows players to enjoy a stable and up-to-date list of servers.
Is integrated with Steam Workshop with more than 4000 recommendations available.
Gives players support through tools to optimize the experience. For example, includes tools to help manage and install mods, as well as server backups.
Players can instantly enjoy Valheim through immediate server setup.
Ability to switch between games and locations at a click of a button
Mod support: full FTP access, one-click plugin and mod installation, third party mod integration
Server hosting: Intel E & i9 processor, SSD, DDR4 RAM
For optimal server protection, high-end DDoS protection
Multiple servers worldwide
Full & free cloud backups
Secure payment processing
Cons:
No free trial
No free refund
Pricing:
One of the more affordable options, Low.Ms offers multiple package options. The basic option comes in at $13.14 per month. There are discounts available for longer server hosting subscriptions, for as low as $11.53 per month. Extras can be added to the subscription including dedicated IP, NVME SSD, and RAM 15 GB and up.
GTXGaming
Takeaway: A long-standing online game server host with a good reputation, but they charge extra for high-performance servers.
Key Features
24/7 live chat support
Secure, always online servers with DDoS protection
Global coverage: 26 data centers worldwide
Enterprise hardware: Intel CPU range from powerful E3 processors to the latest i7 and i9s, plus new powerful AMD Ryzens. However, they charge extra to host your server on the more powerful CPUs, where Valheim Server Hosting uses them as standard.
24-hour refund: you get a full day of gameplay after paying to decide if the server’s right for you.
Instant setup and import your world easily
All maps and mods are supported and updated with new releases
Automatic backups every time the server is restarted, including your saved folder and any API Plugins you have installed.
Clan Pay system means you can ask your fellow players to donate to the cost of the server.
Cons
You have to pay extra for more disk space and higher performance CPUs
They don’t offer a free trial like Valheim Server Hosting, you have to pay first and then get a refund if the server isn’t right for you
Not specialized for Valheim players
Pricing
GTX Gaming’s pricing is based on the performance level of your server. Better memory, CPU, disk space, priority support, and even some server locations all cost extra. Their standard Valheim server rental is £9.99 ($14.16) per month with discounts on longer subscriptions.
GPortal
Takeaway: GPortal is a speedy game server host that doesn’t offer the largest amount of data centers but various packages including a custom option. Not the cheapest option but has something for everyone.
Key Features
Offers 14 different server locations globally
Each location offers SSD server hardware
99.9% availability guaranteed
Can be used immediately
Valheim plus included
DDoS protection used for maximum privacy and security
Comprehensive customer support
Mod support: FTP access and pre-installed mods
500GB backup
Cons:
Just two data centers
No free trial or mention of refunds
Pricing:
GPortal’s pricing is based on the length of time you wish to use their servers. You can choose between 3, 30, and 90 days. The bestselling plan comes with 10 slots for 30 days at $14. There’s also a custom order option, where you can choose the amount of slots as well as your server location.
Indifferent Broccoli
Takeaway: A quirky game server host known for its friendly customer service, Indifferent Broccoli offers a 2-day free trial but doesn’t specify many details about its servers.
Key Features
Founded in 2021, it’s a partner site of Viking Server Hosting and 7d2dserverhosting.
Instant setup and easy world import from other servers
Offers a 2-day free trial and 7-day refund
Mod support: one-click Valheim Plus install and FTP access
Cons
Just two data centers, located in North America and Europe
Their website doesn’t give details about the CPU, memory, or storage performance of servers.
Pricing
Standard pricing of $14 per month for 10 players.
1GServerHost
Takeaway: online game server host offering customizable packages depending on the server performance you need. Not the cheapest Valheim server.
Key Features
Game switching: if you decide you no longer want to play Valheim, you can switch your dedicated server to one of the other games offered by 1GServerHost.
Global servers: data centers located in the US, Canada, EU, and the UK
Instant setup and free world migration
Automatic backups with offsite storage: ability to schedule backups and server restarts
All mods compatible
Upgrades to storage, memory, and CPU available at extra cost
Cons
Not the cheapest Valheim server
No free trial
High-performance servers not offered as standard
Not specialized for Valheim players
Pricing
Technically priced per slot ($1.50 per player), but like Survival Servers it’s a minimum of 10 players, so packages start from $15 monthly. Longer subscriptions are discounted and additional storage, memory, and CPU are available at extra cost.
ScalaCube
Takeaway: secure servers located in Asia and Australia as well as in the Americas and Europe: useful if you live in the global south and want a local server for lower latency.
Key Features
Minecraft server host that has expanded to other games including Valheim
Offers a one-player Valheim server for free
Instant setup
Global data centers: servers located in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia
Mods support and full FTP access
DDoS protection and 24/7 server uptime
Modify server settings easily
User-friendly game control panel
12GB RAM and 8x3.4 GHz CPU
Automatic backup is available for an additional $10 one-time charge
Free subdomain or IP with port (extra $10 for dedicated domain or $10 for IP without port)
Cons
Only 30GB storage: you might want more than this for backups and future game developments.
Their pricing is not all-inclusive
Not specialized for Valheim players
Pricing
Free for one player or $14 a month for 10 players, not including automatic backup.
Bisect Hosting
Takeaway: affordable hosting server with daily backups, full access to server files and an unlimited number of slots
Key Features
7 days of daily backups kept on hand
Includes Valheim Plus and extensive mod support
Instantly updates
Full FTP access
Setup can be completed within minutes for instant access to your dedicated server
11 different server locations
DDoS protected
Cons
No free trial or refund
Relatively basic and no additional storage offered
Pricing
Different pricing options are available, however, it starts with $12.99 per month, which comes with an unlimited number of slots, 4 GB RAM, and 50 GB NVMe SSD. Also offers slight discounts with longer subscriptions. Unlike other options listed here, there aren’t any additional features to choose from like additional storage, etc.
Nitrous Networks
Takeaway: powerful and secure online game servers, best for those with some tech knowledge.
Key Features
7 server locations: UK, EU, US, and CA
DDoS protection
Unlimited RAM
New 9900K servers in some EU and UK locations
Cons
No 1-click mod support: have to upload via FTP, so some tech experience is required
No free trial
Pricing
Standard, all-inclusive pricing plan but more expensive than other Valheim servers at $20.50 per month. Discounts on longer subscriptions.
Apex Hosting
Takeaway: Minecraft server host that offers Valheim too as of summer 2021, with customizable packages based on the amount of memory you require.
Key Features
User-friendly Multicraft control panel makes it easy to manage the server and control the game
Instant setup
High-spec servers with ping testers on their website
Full mod and plugin support: FTP access and one-click mod packs
24/7 customer support
18 server locations around the world so low latency
Advanced DDoS protection
Automatic backups and updates
Free subdomain
Linux compatible
Upgrade or downgrade your server size at any time
Cons
Not the cheapest option
Pricing
Apex Hosting is priced according to the RAM you require, rather than the number of players. The most popular option is 4GB, which costs $14.99 for the first month and $19.99 monthly thereafter. Longer subscriptions are discounted.
XGamingServer
Takeaway: powerful server host offering dedicated game servers for Valheim, so you can use 100% of the resources you purchase.
Key Features
Valheim is their main game
Instant setup
Advanced DDOS protection
Automated cloud backups
Servers located in Europe and Canada
Intuitive control panel custom-designed for Valheim
24/7 customer support
Dedicated server with Intel i7 6700k/7700k
Cons
Not as powerful a processor as Valheim Server Hosting (we use Intel Core i9 9900K processors)
Pricing
XGamingServer base their pricing on the amount of RAM and disk space you require for your game, rather than the number of slots. Their packages start at $8 for 2GB RAM and 10GB SSD disk space, but their most popular package is $25 per month for 6GB RAM and 40GB storage, more expensive than most other Valheim servers.
Gaming Deluxe
Takeaway:
Those who take comfort in companies who have been doing what they’re doing for a long time will appreciate Gaming Deluxe, which has over 16 years of hosting experience under its belt. It’s also a great option if you’re a fan of the various mods.
Key Features:
Offers large number of slots
Mod support: automatic updates, mod manager, and full FTP access
Offers 24/7 technical support
Valheim Plus is included
Offers an automatic offsite backup system should anything occur with the main server system.
An easy-to-use game panel that features a drop-down menu. Makes it easy for beginners to navigate through.
Gives additional information like live CPU, memory, and hard disk information so you can assess how the server is performing.
Speedy setup - approximately 2 minutes
Refund available within the first 24 hours
Easy and secure payment options available
Cons
No free trials available
Pricing
Gaming Deluxe comes with a Valheim dedicated server at $14.13 per month for 10 slots. Additional options and features can be added, which bumps up the price. Up to 64 slots can be purchased.
Citadel Hosting
Takeaway: a hosting service that provides website and voice servers as well as online game servers, Citadel Hosting offers customizable packages depending on your server performance requirements.
Key Features
Flexible configuration: add extra RAM, priority on shared CPUs, and storage if needed
Instant setup
DDoS protection
1-click installs of custom mods
Worldwide servers
Cons
Uses a shared server: you have to pay extra for priority processing
Doesn’t specialize in Valheim server hosting
Pricing
Like many other Valheim servers, pricing says it’s per slot but it’s charged at a minimum of 10. Then packages are configurable to your requirements, meaning you can add extra RAM, priority processing on the server’s CPU, etc at an additional cost. A package with the standard included requirements starts at $16.20 per month.
Immerse Yourself In The Viking World With Valheim Server Hosting
As you can see from our list of the best Valheim servers on the market, there’s plenty to choose from. The decision depends on how much you’re willing to spend, how powerful a server you require, and how much tech background you have. For some players, a flexible package allowing you to pick and choose the memory and CPU of your server might be the right choice.
Ultimately, choosing the right dedicated server is an important decision. The last thing you want is to have to switch between dedicated servers because you chose the cheapest one, but then realized that it didn’t offer the features you needed. It’s a hassle for everyone involved (including you) to switch from one server to another. Why not simply choose the best Valheim server from the start?
However - and we may well be biased - in our eyes, Valheim Server Hosting comes out on top. With high-performing and super-secure servers included on every package, an intuitive control panel that will allow you to manage the server no matter how tech-savvy you are, and very affordable pricing, it’s a win-win-win.
The best part about Valheim Server Hosting is that it’s great for beginners as well as those who are well acquainted with the server hosting world. No confusion when it comes to set up, and if you need any support, we’re more than happy to help you! We’re there for you every step of the way, and want to ensure that your Valheim gaming experience is smooth and worry-free.
Of course, you could test out a server with lower RAM and a less powerful CPU. But why not try our dedicated Valheim servers for free? Immerse yourself deep in the Viking world with a 24-hour free trial and enjoy uninterrupted Valheim gameplay with anyone located in any part of the world.
