How to Make Your Valheim Server Public or Private
Every Valheim server has a password, so "private" doesn't mean unprotected — it means whether your server is listed in the community server browser. A public server appears in the in-game list for anyone to find (they still need the password); a private server is hidden and people join directly by its address. This guide shows how to switch between the two on gamever.
Public vs private — what it actually means
Public (-public 1) | Private (-public 0) | |
|---|---|---|
| Shows in the community browser? | Yes | No |
| How people join | Find it in the list, or by address | Only by IP address / join code |
| Password still required? | Yes | Yes |
So both are password-protected. "Private" just keeps your server off the public list so only people you give the address to will even see it.
Set it with the public flag
Valheim's listing is controlled by the -public launch flag. On gamever you add it in the Server Args field on Settings → Server settings:
- Public (listed): add
-public 1(this is the default behaviour). - Private (hidden): add
-public 0.
Then Save and Restart. See every startup argument for the full list of flags you can put here.
How players join a private server
With -public 0, your server won't appear in the browser, so share the IP address from the Overview/Network tab (IP:29957). Players use Join Game → Join by IP (or the crossplay join code if crossplay is enabled). For more on the browser changes, see finding & joining servers.
Which should you pick?
- Public — you want a community, strangers welcome (password still gates them). Good for growing a player base.
- Private — friends-only, no random join attempts, less scanning. Most small groups run private and share the IP.
Additional Tips
- Private ≠ no password — both modes keep the password; private just hides the listing.
- Use Server Args —
-public 0or-public 1, then Save and Restart. - Share the IP for private — players join by address or crossplay join code.
- Private cuts scanning — fewer bots poking a hidden server.
- You can switch anytime — flip the flag and restart.
Conclusion
Making your Valheim server public or private is one flag in Server Args: -public 1 lists it in the community browser, -public 0 hides it so only people with the address can join. Both keep your password, so "private" is really "unlisted". Pick the audience you want, restart, and share the IP if you've gone private.
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