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Learn how to troubleshoot and fix common Valheim game server issues for a smooth gaming experience → Find out more
10 November 20267 min read2 Views0 helpful
Introduction
Setting up and running your own Valheim game server can be exciting and a lot of fun. It's a great way to build a custom gaming environment and community, but it also means taking responsibility when something goes wrong. Crashes, lag, and configuration issues are common obstacles that every server owner runs into eventually.
To spend less time troubleshooting and more time gaming, we'll walk you through the most common issues server owners face and share solutions to help you fix them quickly and effectively.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Initialization may not have completed successfully due to a faulty configuration or corrupted files. Check the server console or log files, and make sure no incorrect filters are enabled in the server list.
Common causes include faulty server software, broken or incompatible extensions, system overload, or configuration errors.
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Valheim
Issues and solutions
Server issues can have many different causes, which are often not immediately obvious. Learn how to analyze and troubleshoot common problems step by step to keep your server running smoothly.
General
General issues can include all kinds of unexpected problems that don't fit into a specific category. They're often related to basic settings, missing files, or simple configuration errors. These can usually be fixed quickly with a few checks and adjustments.
Server not visible
If your server doesn't appear in the list, it may be because initialization didn't complete successfully. This can be caused by a faulty configuration or corrupted files, for example. You can usually find more information in the server console or log files. You should also make sure that no incorrect filters are enabled in the server list that could prevent your server from appearing.
Crashes
Nothing ruins a good session faster than an unexpected crash. Crashes can be caused by faulty server software, broken or incompatible extensions (such as plugins, mods, resources, or frameworks), system overload, or configuration errors.
Keep your server up to date
Always running your game server on the latest version is essential for stability, security, and compatibility. Game updates, framework changes, or updates to third-party tools can otherwise cause serious problems if your server is out of date.
An outdated game server can crash, behave strangely, or even fail to start entirely.
Faulty or problematic extensions (frameworks, plugins, mods, resources)
Crashes are often caused by faulty or outdated extensions. Whether it's a framework, plugin, mod, or resource, problems can occur when an extension isn't compatible with the current game version or has bugs in its code.
This can lead to unexpected server crashes, freezes, or errors, especially when multiple problematic extensions interact. If you suspect an extension is causing the issue, try disabling it and see whether your server remains stable. This helps you quickly identify which extension is causing problems.
Make sure all the extensions you use are up to date, actively maintained, and tested for compatibility with the current game version to prevent crashes and downtime.
To narrow down the cause of crashes, it often helps to temporarily disable additional content. Start with a minimal configuration and check whether the problem persists. If it doesn't, add extensions, mods, or resources back one at a time, testing after each step. This helps you pinpoint the component causing the issue. This approach saves time and helps you rely on facts rather than guesswork.
Performance
Smooth server performance is essential for a good gaming experience. Issues such as lag, delays, or sudden crashes often occur when the server configuration isn't optimal, the hardware doesn't meet the requirements, or installed extensions overload the system.
Common causes include poor settings, insufficient resources, or unoptimized plugins and mods. Checking and adjusting these areas can resolve most performance issues and keep your game stable and responsive.
Poor server configuration
Incorrect or poorly adjusted server settings can increase resource usage and cause performance issues such as lag or stuttering. Make sure your configuration values match the recommended settings for your game and server size. Check and adjust them as needed to help your server run as efficiently as possible.
You can easily adjust your configuration in the Configuration tab — an AI will automatically display the appropriate settings as form fields, or you can edit the raw text of the config file directly.
Game requirements not met
To ensure your game server runs smoothly and reliably, it's important to choose a configuration that suits your planned project. Requirements vary significantly depending on the game, the use of extensions such as mods, plugins, or resources, and the expected number of players.
ZAP-Hosting provides a recommended minimum configuration during the ordering process. This is based on typical use cases and is intended to help you avoid common performance issues such as lag, crashes, or long loading times.
It's best to follow these recommendations or scale up as needed to ensure optimal stability and the best experience for you and your players. This is a minimum recommendation.
Depending on the scope of your project and the amount of additional content, you may need more resources from the start, or your needs may increase over time. In these cases, upgrading your game server package is the easiest way to ensure performance and stability.
Not all extensions are optimized for performance. Whether it's a framework, plugin, mod, or resource, poor implementation can cause significant performance issues on your server. The functionality may work, but it could run inefficiently, be overly complex, or put unnecessary strain on server resources.
This can result in high CPU usage, memory leaks, lag, or even crashes, especially when multiple unoptimized components interact. Make sure extensions are actively maintained, well documented, and tested for performance. If in doubt, community feedback or monitoring your server's performance can help you identify potential problem components.
To narrow down the cause of performance issues, it often helps to temporarily disable additional content. Start with a minimal configuration and check whether the problem persists. If it doesn't, add extensions, mods, or resources back one at a time, testing after each step. This helps you pinpoint the component causing the issue, whether it's a conflict, memory leak, or excessive resource usage.
This approach saves time and helps you rely on facts rather than guesswork.
Network
Network issues can cause lag, delays, or connection drops. They can have many different causes, but the right settings and security measures can usually resolve them.
Ping spikes, lag, and network delays
Ping spikes, lag, and network delays are usually caused by limited server resources, such as insufficient CPU power, RAM, or bandwidth.
They can also occur when the server is overloaded by a large number of players or resource-intensive scripts and plugins. Network-related issues such as poor routing, external congestion, or a server location far from your player base can further increase latency.
Background processes, unstable internet connections, packet loss, and outdated or incorrectly configured server software can also cause noticeable performance issues in the game.
If you're experiencing lag or high ping on your server, try a few simple steps to improve performance. First, make sure your server meets or exceeds the recommended specs for your game and project. Choosing a server location close to your player base can also help reduce latency.
If you suspect routing issues or external network problems are the cause, don't hesitate to contact our support team. We'll help you analyze the situation and find the best solution.
DDoS and other network threats
Game servers are occasionally targeted by malicious network attacks, especially Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These flood the server with huge amounts of traffic, causing lag, connection loss, or even complete downtime. In other cases, attackers may try to exploit network vulnerabilities or disrupt server stability through repeated connection attempts or unusual data patterns.
Most of these threats are beyond the control of the average user, but ZAP-Hosting provides built-in protection and defense systems to protect your server from common and advanced attacks. If you suspect your server is being targeted by an attack and it's causing problems, contact our support team for help and next steps.
Preventive measures
Regular backups can save you a lot of stress and worry. Create backups regularly so you can restore an earlier version where everything was still working if a problem occurs. We already back up your game server automatically every day. With the ZapX Pass, you can also create your own backups anytime and restore them with a click — with ZapX Pass Pro, you can even schedule them automatically. Find out more in our guide to backups.
Conclusion
These steps should help you resolve your issue. If your problem is listed here, the corresponding solution will usually point you in the right direction and get your server running again quickly.
If not, don't hesitate to contact our support team. We're here for you every day and will be happy to help! 🙂
Server hosting from €2.49 / month, online instantly, DDoS protection included.
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