---
title: "How to Install Valheim Mods on Your PC"
description: "Complete guide to installing Valheim mods on your PC. Learn how to use mod managers like r2modman or Thunderstore Mod Manager, or perform a manual BepInEx setup."
category: jeux
subcategory: valheim
icon: tabler:file-text
date: 2026-08-11
author: Winheberg
slug: "install-valheim-mods-pc"
order: 82
image: /statics/images/docs/en/gaming/valheim/install-valheim-mods-pc.webp
tags: [Valheim, Mods, BepInEx, PC, Tutorial]
keywords: [install valheim mods pc, bepinex valheim client, r2modman valheim, thunderstore mod manager valheim, valheim plugins folder pc, valheim modding]
link_fr: "/docs/valheim/installer-mods-valheim-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](https://thunderstore.io/c/valheim/).

## 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](https://thunderstore.io/c/valheim/p/ebkr/r2modman/).
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](https://www.overwolf.com/app/Thunderstore-Thunderstore_Mod_Manager).
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](https://thunderstore.io/c/valheim/p/denikson/BepInExPack_Valheim/).
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.

> [!NOTE]
> When joining a modded server hosted on Winheberg, make sure your client has the exact same mod versions installed as the server (see our guide: [How to Install a BepInEx Mod on a Valheim Server](https://winheberg.com/en/docs/valheim/install-bepinex-mod-valheim)).

## 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](https://billing.winheberg.com/login). 🎮