How to Install Valheim Mods on Your PC

Context

To join a modded Valheim server or enhance your solo gameplay experience, mods must be installed directly on your computer (client).

There are two primary methods for modding Valheim on PC:

1. The Recommended Method (Mod Manager): Using software like r2modman or Thunderstore Mod Manager to install, update, and manage your mods with one click.
2. The Manual Method: Manually downloading and installing the BepInEx framework into your local game files.

This guide walks you through both methods step by step.

Prerequisites

• The game Valheim installed on your PC via Steam.
• An internet connection to download files from Thunderstore.

Method 1: Use a Mod Manager (Recommended)

Using a mod manager isolates mod files from your root game directory, preventing file corruption and simplifying multiplayer server connections. You can choose between two main tools:

• r2modman (Recommended): A lightweight, fast, ad-free mod manager.
• Thunderstore Mod Manager: The official manager powered by Overwolf.

Option A: Install and Use r2modman

1. Go to the r2modman page on Thunderstore.
2. Click Manual Download and run the installer on your PC.
3. Open r2modman, search for Valheim in the game list, and click Select game.
4. Choose the default profile (Default) or create a new one.

Option B: Install and Use Thunderstore Mod Manager

1. Go to the official Thunderstore App page.
2. Click Get App to download the installer (requires the Overwolf platform).
3. Run the installer file and follow the on-screen setup instructions.
4. Open the app, select Valheim from the game list, and choose your profile.

Next Step: Download Mods and Launch the Game

1. In your mod manager (r2modman or Thunderstore), go to the Online tab.
2. Search for your desired mod (e.g., Server_devcommands, Jotunn, etc.).
3. Click on the mod, then click Download (confirm dependencies if prompted).
4. To play with mods enabled, click the Start modded button in the top-left corner of the app. To play vanilla, click Start vanilla.

Method 2: Manual Installation with BepInEx

If you prefer not to use third-party managers, you can install the BepInEx framework directly into your local game directory.

Step 1: Locate Local Game Files

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click Valheim > Manage > Browse local files.
3. A file explorer window will open at the root of your Valheim installation (where valheim.exe is located).

Step 2: Install BepInExPack Valheim

1. Download the latest release of BepInExPack Valheim on Thunderstore.
2. Click Manual Download and extract the .zip archive.
3. Open the extracted BepInExPack_Valheim folder.
4. Copy all contents located inside this folder (BepInEx/, doorstop_config.ini, winhttp.dll, etc.).
5. Paste these items directly into your root Valheim folder (opened in Step 1).

Step 3: Add Mods (.dll)

1. Launch Valheim once and exit to allow BepInEx to build its file directory structure.
2. Download your desired mod from Thunderstore as a .zip file and extract it.
3. Navigate to the following path inside your game directory: Valheim/BepInEx/plugins/.
4. Drag and drop the mod's .dll file directly into this plugins folder.
5. Launch Valheim via Steam.

Troubleshooting

❌ The game launches vanilla (without mods)

• Manual setup: Ensure winhttp.dll and the BepInEx folder are placed directly alongside valheim.exe and not nested inside a subfolder.
• Mod Manager setup: Ensure you launch the game using the Start modded button inside your manager app rather than directly through Steam.

❌ Cannot join a dedicated server

• Version mismatch: Verify that the mods installed on your PC match the exact list and versions required by the target server.

Best Practices

• Use a Mod Manager for multiplayer: It allows you to switch easily between dedicated mod profiles tailored to different servers.
• Back up local save files: Before installing mods that alter world generation or items, back up your local saves located at %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\.

Need Assistance?

If you run into issues while setting up client mods, our support team is available to assist you. Contact us through Winheberg Support. 🎮