Set up your server¶

You'll need a host that can run Docker and Valheim's dedicated server, space for your worlds and mods, and a Steam API key for player sign-in. More worlds and larger mod collections need more resources.

This guide uses Docker Compose. Using Unraid or Kubernetes instead?

1. Create your Compose file¶

Make a folder for PhValheim and save this as compose.yaml. Replace the two host paths with real directories. Put backups on a separate disk if you have one.

services:
  phvalheim:
    image: theoriginalbrian/phvalheim-server:latest
    container_name: phvalheim
    ports:
      - "8080:8080/tcp"                     # Player website
      - "127.0.0.1:8081:8081/tcp"           # Admin website: this host only
      - "25000-26000:25000-26000/udp"       # World connections
    volumes:
      - /path/to/data:/opt/stateful:Z
      - /path/to/backups:/opt/stateful/backups:Z
    restart: unless-stopped

Keep your data when replacing the container

/opt/stateful contains your database, worlds and configuration. Keep this volume through upgrades. The admin website controls your server; keep port 8081 private.

2. Start PhValheim¶

From the folder containing the file:

docker compose up -d

The first start prepares the database and services. Give it time to finish before opening the setup wizard.

3. Open the setup wizard¶

On the Docker host, open http://localhost:8081.

If Docker runs on another machine, tunnel the private admin port from your computer:

ssh -L 8081:127.0.0.1:8081 your-user@your-server

Keep that terminal open, then visit http://localhost:8081 on your computer.

The wizard asks for:

Steam API key: used for Steam player sign-in. Create a key with Steam.
PhValheim Host: the hostname players use for your website.
Game DNS: the hostname players use for world connections.
Base Port: the first world port; keep it inside the range published by Docker.

These settings live in the admin UI. New installations do not need a collection of environment variables.

4. Make it reachable¶

Players use the public website on port 8080 and the world's game connection. Forward the appropriate game UDP ports through your firewall/router. A reverse proxy can give the public website HTTPS on your domain.

Ports, storage and HTTPS →

Next: create a world¶

You should now see the admin dashboard. Create your first world and invite someone →