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You have a shiny new Valheim server, so let's connect and play!
Check the Server and Client Versions
First, make sure the Valheim client version matches the version of your server. On the status page in your Virtual Gladiators control panel, scroll down to the MOD section. You'll see the version of Valheim that has been provisioned with your new server. The latest version available is automatically selected by default:
In this case you can see it is version 0.156.2. Now make sure your client (Steam) version is the same. Start Steam, then click on Valheim. Sometimes the latest version is mentioned in the patch notes as seen below:
If you don't see the version number in the patch notes, launch Valheim and look in the bottom-right corner for the version:
If the client and server versions don't match exactly, you will not be able to play. Instead you'll get a version mismatch error like this one:
Configure the Server Password
Once your client version matches the server version, make sure to enter a Valheim server password in your control panel. Currently Valheim will not let you start without entering a password. You can do this on the same status page as where you found the version, just scroll up to the top. Enter a new password, click the Save button, and finally start the server:
Connect to Your Server
Now all you need to do is connect and play! Once you have started Valheim on your computer, click on "Start Game":
Now select the character you want to use to join your server. Keep in mind that your CLIENT saves your character inventory and experience, NOT the server! However, if you die on the server, the character on your client is also updated.
WARNING: It is possible to lose everything in this player's inventory when playing on your server! Without a local backup, there will be no way to get your stuff back if someone else on the server finds it first.
Now just click on the Start button. In a few second it will ask you for the password required to join the server. This is the same password you entered in your control panel earlier:
Wait a few seconds for the connection to complete and the server to verify the client version with which you are connecting, and then you'll be playing on your new Valheim server!
Now just invite your friends so they can play with you.
Server Memory Requirements and Max Players
Valheim has a hard-coded limit of 10 players, but your server's memory may not be able to handle that many concurrent players. If the server crashes or automatically stops, you'll need to upgrade the memory on your Valheim server.
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