How to Install a BepInEx Mod on a Valheim Server

Context

Once BepInEx is enabled on your Valheim server, you can add mods to unlock new features or expand your administrative capabilities.

This guide details the general process for installing any BepInEx mod (.dll format), using the popular Server_devcommands mod by JereKuusela as an example, which unlocks full developer/admin commands on dedicated servers.

Prerequisites

• A Valheim server with BepInEx enabled on your Winheberg panel (See our guide: How to Install and Enable BepInEx).
• The mod file downloaded from a platform such as Thunderstore.

Step 1: Download and Extract the Mod

1. Go to the mod page, for example Server_devcommands on Thunderstore.
2. Click Manual Download to download the .zip archive.
3. Extract the archive on your computer. You will find a .dll file (e.g., ServerDevcommands.dll).

Step 2: Transfer the Mod to Your Server

1. Log in to your Winheberg panel.
2. To avoid file lock issues during transfer, stop your server.
3. In the sidebar menu, click Files.
4. Navigate to the following directory: BepInEx/plugins/.
5. Drag and drop the mod's .dll file (e.g., ServerDevcommands.dll) directly into the plugins folder.

Step 3: Restart the Server

1. Return to the Console tab and click Start.
2. Upon startup, BepInEx will load the mod and automatically generate a dedicated configuration file inside the BepInEx/config/ folder.

For the Server_devcommands mod, you now have access to all dev/cheat commands directly as an administrator!

Troubleshooting

❌ The mod does not load in the console

• Wrong path: Double-check that the .dll file is placed inside BepInEx/plugins/ and not at the root or directly inside BepInEx/.
• Missing dependencies: Some mods require prerequisite mods to work (e.g., Jotunn, HookGenPatcher). Check the Dependencies section on the mod's Thunderstore page.

❌ Server crashes on launch

• Check the logs: Open the BepInEx/LogOutput.log file from the file manager to inspect the exact error thrown by the mod.
• Client/Server mismatch: Some mods must be installed on both the server and the player's local game client.

Best Practices

• Check Server-Side vs Client-Side requirements: Carefully read the mod description on Thunderstore to see if players also need to install it locally.
• Install mods incrementally: Installing mods one by one helps you quickly isolate broken or incompatible files if something goes wrong.
• Create a Backup: Use the Backups tab in your panel before adding any new mod.

Need Assistance?

If you encounter issues while installing a mod, our technical support team is here to assist you. Submit a ticket through Winheberg Support. 🎮