How to Switch Your Valheim Server to a Beta Branch (and Roll Back)

 

    Iron Gate ships Valheim updates through Steam branches: the normal live build, and a public-test beta for upcoming content. Running the beta lets you try new features early; knowing how to switch branches also lets you roll back if an update breaks your mods. On gamever it's a single dropdown. This guide covers switching and rolling back safely.

 

The branch setting

 

    Open Settings → Server settings and find Install Beta Branch:

 

 

• disable (default) — the normal live build, matching most players.
• a beta branch (e.g. public-test) — the beta build with upcoming changes.

 

    Pick the branch, Save, then Restart — the server downloads that build.

 

The golden rule: clients must match

 

    A Valheim server and its players must be on the same build, or they can't connect. So if you put the server on public-test, every player must also opt their game into the same beta in Steam:

 

1. In Steam, right-click Valheim → Properties → Betas.
2. Select public-test (or the matching branch) from the dropdown.
3. Let Steam update, then join.

 

    If someone can't connect after you switch, it's almost always a branch mismatch — line everyone up on the same branch.

 

Back up first

 

    Beta builds can change world/save data in ways that don't cleanly load back on the live branch. Always take a backup before switching (see backup & restore) so you can restore if a rollback doesn't carry your world cleanly.

 

Rolling back

 

    To return to the stable build (e.g. a beta broke your mods):

 

1. Set Install Beta Branch back to disable.
2. Save and Restart — the server reinstalls the live build.
3. Have players switch their Steam Betas back to None.
4. If the world misbehaves, restore the backup you took before going to beta.

 

    Mods often lag behind a new Valheim build, so pinning the stable branch (and not updating) is a common way to keep a modded server working until mods catch up.

 

Additional Tips

 

• Server + all clients on the same branch — or no one connects.
• Back up before switching — betas can alter save data.
• Players set Steam → Betas to match the server's branch.
• Roll back = disable + restart — then clients switch to None.
• Betas are less stable — expect bugs; keep a stable backup handy.

 

Conclusion

 

    Switching your Valheim server to a beta is one dropdown — Install Beta Branch on Server settings — but the real work is keeping everyone in sync: server and all players must run the same branch, and a backup first protects you if a rollback doesn't carry the world cleanly. Set it to disable to return to stable, and your crew is back on the live build.

 

    Rent your Valheim server at gamever.io — switch branches from the panel, with backups a click away for safe rollbacks. Free trial, promo code WELCOME.