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Best Valheim dedicated server hosting in 2025


Are you looking for a dedicated server host for Valheim? Well, I was, and having access to test multiple hosting providers, I dived straight into finding the best one.

Having breezed through Medieval Dynasty and God of War, I was in the mood for a more difficult Norse mythology-themed survival game, and Valheim delivered. However, the multiplayer mode was a bit taxing on my PC, which got me looking into game server hosting.

Our top pick for Valheim hosting
Hostinger is an affordable host with Game Panel plans specifically for game hosting. With intuitive and easy manual server setup, full control over server customization, and excellent DDoS protection, it is one of the best options for Valheim server hosting.
cybernews® score
4.9 /5

Motivated to find the best gaming server hosting provider, and with the help of the Cybernews research team, I tested and picked the top 6 Valheim server hosting providers. Hopefully, this article will help you find the perfect option, too.

6 best Valheim dedicated server hosting providers

Akvile Tamasiuniene Ieva Jociūtė author sarunas karbauskas vincentas
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Recent update
In the February 2025 update, I reviewed the provider lineup and included some hosts that are a better fit for Valheim server hosting. This change should help the readers find the best fit for them. Additionally, I updated the article with more information on the minimum requirements for Valheim server hosting.

What are the minimum requirements for Valheim server hosting?

While there are no official requirements for Valheim server hosting, users have reached a certain consensus. You could also try running a server with fewer resources, however, I recommend following the minimum requirements for Windows 7 or newer, or Linux:

  • 4-6 CPU cores
  • 2.8-3.4GHz CPU frequency or more
  • 4-8GB RAM or more
  • 2-4GB storage or more

Keep in mind that as your server grows larger, you will need more resources, especially CPU and RAM.

Best Valheim hosting services – detailed list

As I searched for the best Valheim server hosting solution, our research team looked at dozens of top providers’ pricing, resources, security, performance, ease of use, and more. Here are the five providers that excelled regarding Valheim hosting performance.

1. Hostinger – the best Valheim server hosting

Hostinger banner
Rating:
5
Valheim hosting price:From $4.99/month
RAM:4-32GB
Instant setup:No
DDoS protection:Yes
Money-back guarantee:30-days
Best deal:Get up to 69% OFF Hostinger VPS

Hostinger is the best choice for hosting Valheim servers thanks to its dedicated game hosting panel, generous resources to handle Valheim, and simple server modding and administration.

The main benefits Valheim gamers can expect from Hostinger are:

  • A dedicated gaming panel with pre-installed instances. Hostinger has a whole server management dashboard with easy access to various settings that make server management very simple.
  • Global server locations. You can create an optimal server to host Valheim multiplayer in any of the 9 available countries.
  • Automatic backups. Your progress and effort won’t get lost, thanks to Hostinger’s regular automatic backups.
  • DDoS protection. Hostinger protects its servers from DDoS attacks to provide a smooth Valheim gaming experience.

I found Valheim server hosting on Hostinger quite simple. First, you need to pick the plan that supports the minimum or higher required system resources. For Valheim, it’s a minimum 4-core CPU, but I recommend 6. You’ll also need 2GB RAM and a minimum of 2GB storage, but I recommend going for 4GB+ of each.

You can access the game panel via the main dashboard. You can then start a new instance with the Valheim server files that have been pre-installed. The next step is to customize your settings, which is entirely up to you. I changed the server name, password, and world name, among other settings. Finally, you can start the server and connect it via Valheim. It definitely sounds more complicated than it is. I completed the whole process very quickly.

hostinger-valheim-server
Valheim server on Hostinger

Personally, I found server management on Hostinger very intuitive. The setup was not as effortless as, for example, DatHost (because it has Valheim pre-configured), but overall use was definitely the smoothest. Resource monitoring and usage analytics also helped me keep track of my server performance. So, I would describe Hostinger as very hands-on, but in the best way possible, as I had a lot of control over it compared to other providers.

Hostinger’s game server hosting plans range from $4.99/month to $10.49/month, depending on what resources you’ll need. The Game Panel 1 plan should be enough, but I went with the Game Panel 2 plan for $5.99/month, as it has 2 CPU cores. The plans are for two years, so it definitely offers good long-term value. Besides, if you don’t plan on hosting Valheim servers for long, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee as well.

If you would like to learn more about Hostinger, its pricing, and what it has to offer, I recommend reading our detailed Hostinger review.

2. IONOS – cheap and fast Valheim hosting

IONOS banner
Rating:
4
Valheim hosting price:2.00
RAM:1-24GB
Instant setup:No
DDoS protection:Yes
Money-back guarantee:30-days
Best deal:Get up to 91% OFF IONOS

IONOS offers some of the cheapest game server hosting plans in the market. Besides, its speed and uptime are great, too, which is essential for lag-free gaming.

The main benefits that IONOS can offer for Valheim hosting are:

  • Strong Valheim knowledge base. IONOS has several articles that explain how to set up Valheim servers, admin commands, and how to host a gaming server in general.
  • High-security measures. This hosting provider has multiple security measures to ensure safe gaming, including multiple features that protect the server.
  • Full root access. This feature allows Valheim gamers to install additional servers and configure firewall settings.
  • A choice between Linux and Windows VPS. You can pick which operating system you want for your game server.

Compared to Hostinger, the process of setting up a Valheim server on IONOS is a bit more complicated. You first need to download remote desktop connection files from the dashboard and then install a Valheim dedicated server via Steam and configure the settings. After that, it’s back to the IONOS control panel to set up settings so that other players can join. I found the whole process very technical, but once done, the rest is pretty breezy.

I have to admit that it would’ve been far more difficult without IONOS' extensive knowledge base. I found helpful guides that walked me through the entire process, so I just had to follow instructions. Once set up, the IONOS control panel gave me a lot of freedom to alter settings. For example, I could alter firewall rules, open and forward ports, and balance the load for smooth operation.

Of course, any difficulty during the setup is offset by the fact that IONOS is quite cheap. The Valheim-compatible subscriptions start from $2.00/month, which is remarkably affordable compared to other providers. I would personally recommend getting the more advanced subscription for $6.00/month, as it exceeds the necessary system requirements for Valheim.

If you’re interested in what else you can get with IONOS, I recommend reading our extensive IONOS review.

3. GTXGaming – premium Valheim server hosting with easy setup

GTXGaming banner
Rating:
4
Valheim hosting price:From $12.66/month
RAM:8-16GB (customizable)
Instant setup:Yes
DDoS protection:Yes
Money-back guarantee:24 hours
Best deal:Visit GTX Gaming for the best deal

GTXGaming offers server hosting for a variety of games, including Valheim. Although it is significantly more expensive than Hostinger, it offers all you need to set up your own server and enjoy Valheim with up to 10 friends.

The main benefits that GTX Gaming can offer for Valheim hosting are:

  • Servers specifically for Valheim. GTXGaming is a game server host, and it offers excellent servers for Valheim, complete with instant setup, support for all mods and maps, and up to 10 slots for your friends.
  • High-security measures. GTXGaming takes security seriously and offers 24/7 support and advanced DDoS protection that ensures that the server is always up.
  • Offsite backups and your world uploads. If you already have a Valheim world on your PC or with another hosting provider, you can easily upload it to the GTXGaming servers. Additionally, it’s possible to back up the server, and even download the backup to your PC, ensuring no progress is lost.
  • Cross-platform support. GTXGaming supports Xbox and PC crossplay, which is great if you and your friends play on different platforms.

Setting up Valheim server hosting with GTXGaming is exceptionally easy. The host takes care of everything, and there is no manual setup or installation required. The only thing I had to do was choose my plan. For that, I had to decide between how much memory I needed, choose my CPU priority, and a server. Once purchased, the server was set up automatically.

GTXGaming Valheim hosting is quite expensive, especially compared to Hostinger’s game panel plans. The prices start at $12.66/month and include from 8 to 16GB of memory. All plans include 10-player slots, and you can also choose either normal or higher CPU priority. While the pricing might be high, I think it makes sense, especially considering that the server setup is instant and comes with a variety of gaming-specific benefits. Additionally, you can get a 24-hour trial period to try Valheim server hosting without any risks.

4. Host Havoc – worldwide Valheim server hosting

Host Havoc banner
Rating:
Valheim hosting price:From $1.00/slot/month or $9.99/month
RAM:N/A
Instant setup:Yes
DDoS protection:Yes
Money-back guarantee:72 hours
Best deal:Visit Host Havoc for the best deal

Another great option for Valheim gamers looking for an easy setup is Host Havoc. Besides offering instant setup and fully protected Valheim server hosting, Host Havoc also offers servers in worldwide locations, which means low latency and lag-free gaming.

The main Host Havoc features that players will benefit from are:

  • Instant setup on worldwide servers. Host Havoc is an instant setup Valheim hosting provider, which means you can play as soon as you purchase the server. You can also choose from several servers in the US, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
  • High-quality provider-owned hardware. The provider owns and operates its own hardware, complete with Xeon and Ryzen CPUs and NVMe storage, among other specifications.
  • Anti-DDoS protection. To protect your server from attacks, Host Havoc includes DDoS protection with all its plans.
  • Cross-platform support. With support for Steam, Xbox, and PC you can play with your friends without worrying about compatibility.

Just like GTXGaming, Host Havoc offers instant setup Valheim servers, which means that once you purchase a subscription, you’ll be able to play almost immediately. I enjoy the fact that there is no manual setup required – although it is also reflected in the price, which is significantly higher than Hostinger’s. Another Host Havoc aspect that I like is that you get full access to FTP if you prefer to manage the server yourself. And if you don’t, Host Havoc includes a one-click mod installation.

Host Havoc subscriptions start from $9.99/month, and all include 10 slots, unlimited storage, and unlimited storage. You can also pay per slot, which then would be $1.00/slot/month. The only thing that Host Havoc doesn’t disclose or allow you to customize is RAM. If you want to try Host Havoc Valheim server hosting risk-free, there is a 72-hour purchase refund window.

5. Apex Hosting – fast and easy-to-use gaming hosting provider

apex hosting detailed list banner
Rating:
3
Valheim hosting price:From $5.99/month
RAM:2-16GB
Instant setup:Yes
DDoS protection:Yes
Money-back guarantee:7 days
Best deal:Visit Apex Hosting for the best deal

While mostly specializing in Minecraft server hosting, Apex Hosting is a great option for Valheim due to its specialized subscription plans and largely automated server setup system.

The main benefits of Apex Hosting for Valheim players are:

  • Unlimited player slots. Unlike, for example, DatHost, Apex Hosting does not limit the player slots – perfect for large groups of people.
  • DDoS protection. Apex Hosting keeps your Valheim server safe from DDoS attacks, allowing you to have a safe and stable gaming experience.
  • Automatic backups and updates. Thanks to backup and update automatization, you won’t lose progress or have to manually keep the service up to date.

Just like with Hostinger or DatHost, the process of setting up the Valheim server is pretty straightforward. First, you’ll need to purchase the plan of your choice. While not the cheapest option, I recommend getting the 4GB RAM plan, as it exceeds Valheim requirements and supports most modpacks. Then, you can access the Apex Hosting control panel and configure the Valheim server’s settings. Those should be pre-installed, so it really won’t be difficult at all. Finally, connect to the server and start playing.

As for Apex Hosting’s main benefits, I would consider scalable, pre-optimized server options, an extensive knowledge base to guide you through the process, and a dedicated dashboard. All of it together opens a way to modify, customize, and fully create crossplay servers for Valheim. The negatives are the cost, especially after the first month, lack of hardware transparency (you have to specifically ask their customer support to find out), and non-refundable subscriptions.

That’s mainly due to the fact that subscriptions are either monthly or quarterly, with quarterly ones being 10% cheaper. While the cheapest subscription is $5.99 for a single month, Apex Hosting for Valheim can cost up to $136.06 for a single quarterly subscription. Furthermore, these prices are only for a single month or quarter. After the first period ends, the cost goes up quite significantly.

6. DatHost – user-friendly Valheim server host with a simple setup

dathost detailed list banner
Rating:
3
Valheim hosting price:From $8.31/month
RAM:N/A
Instant setup:Yes
DDoS protection:Yes
Money-back guarantee:7-days
Best deal:Visit DatHost for the best deal

DatHost is one of the most Valheim-oriented hosting providers, if not the only one to such an extent. It offers special Valheim server hosting plans and has multiple features oriented toward game server hosting.

Here’s what it can offer to Valheim gamers:

  • Wide range of server locations. DatHost has servers in 23 countries and 31 locations – plenty of choice for your Valheim host.
  • Instant game server setup. This hosting provider provides specific plans for Valheim and largely automates the entire setup process.
  • Easy configuration. It’s very easy to manage your Valheim server on DatHost. With auto-updates and a custom-built control panel, everything is Valheim-oriented.

I found DatHost to be the easiest platform for hosting a Valheim server, largely due to the pre-configured process. You’d just need to purchase the plan, configure the server settings in the control panel, and launch the server. DatHost also supports mods, so it’s one of the best options if you don’t like to play vanilla.

Out of all the tested hosting providers, I also found DatHost to be the easiest to use, especially for complete beginners. Valheim-specialized subscription plans and intuitive user interface lead to easy server management, mod installation, and world creation. It doesn’t have as many security features or an uptime guarantee as Hostinger and other providers that I tested, but it depends on whether those things matter to you. Personally, the only thing I’m missing is a clear uptime so I can expect the latency.

DatHost Valheim hosting can be purchased as a monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription. The long-term plan, of course, provides the best value and costs $8.31/month. The price includes 10 player slots, no data limits, and a 7-day money-back guarantee.

How we tested and ranked Valheim Hosting

Our research team and I tested dozens of web hosting providers to determine the most suitable ones for gaming. I then narrowed down the list by trying out each provider and ranking them based on the following criteria:

  1. Valheim-compatible servers (35%). Of course, if I couldn’t host servers for playing Valheim, then the hosting provider would be completely irrelevant. With the help of the research team, I also investigated the server environment and settings.
  2. Setup simplicity (30%). I went through the process of creating a Valheim server with each hosting provider, noting how smooth the setup was and if there were any parts that could be difficult for an inexperienced user.
  3. Performance (20%). Uptime and speed are important factors that can determine how smooth the whole gaming experience will be. Poor results can cause latency, while those hosting providers that performed better are essentially better suited for Valheim.
  4. Price (10%). In some cases, hosting can be an expensive tool. That’s why I prioritized those providers that were more affordable, especially for a gaming server.
  5. Personal experience (5%). Because I tested all providers myself, I was able to evaluate them as any user would. That’s why I included my personal experience as a criterion.

What is a community server in Valheim?

In Valheim, a community server is an externally hosted dedicated server, usually open to a specific group of players or the public. It has a few advantages, including:

  • 24/7 accessibility. Community servers are always online and accessible to players.
  • Improved performance. With dedicated resources, these servers can better handle the demands of hosting multiple players – reducing lag and crashes.
  • Better control. You have complete control over the server settings, such as mods and updates.
  • Enhanced security. High-quality dedicated servers often include features like automated backups and DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) protection for better overall security.

In contrast, a start server is typically hosted on your personal computer. While it’s easier to set up, it operates only when your computer is active. The server goes offline if you leave the game or turn off your computer. Additionally, its performance depends on your hardware and internet connection.

Conclusion

It’s worth upgrading to a dedicated gaming server to avoid performance, control, and security issues while playing Valheim. A personalized server can offer an uninterrupted and enhanced gaming experience.

From my personal experience and supported by our in-house tests, Hostinger is one of the best options for hosting Valheim servers. Its setup process is exceptionally easy, even when not automatic. The security security features, uptime, and overall stability are also some of the best for gaming. The best part is that the prices are really affordable. Nevertheless, other providers on this list are also great options for Valheim hosting, especially if you prefer instant setup and one-click mod installs. All providers on this list are capable of providing the best possible Valheim server hosting experience.

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