Dedicated vs P2P
Valheim supports two types of multiplayer: peer-to-peer (P2P), where one player's computer acts as the host, and dedicated servers, where a server machine runs the game world independently of any player. P2P is the simplest option for a small group of friends — one person hosts, everyone joins through Steam friends, and the world only runs when the host is online.
Dedicated servers are better for communities or groups who want the world to be accessible 24/7. When you browse LobbyLink for Valheim servers, you are looking at dedicated servers — always online, always accessible, and usually with more players and features than a friends-only P2P session. Dedicated servers also tend to have password protection, community rules, and moderation.
If you want to join an existing Valheim community rather than hosting your own world, a dedicated server listed on LobbyLink is the right choice. The listing will show whether the server is password-protected (join-by-IP only) or publicly listed in the in-game browser.
Finding a Server
Finding a Valheim server on LobbyLink starts with deciding what you want from the experience. Do you want a fresh vanilla world to progress through all bosses? A modded server with expanded biomes and gear? A PvP-enabled server for competitive survival? Each of these has a different community and different expectations.
Browse the Valheim server listings on LobbyLink and pay attention to the tags. "Modded" tells you the server uses Thunderstore or Nexus mods that you will need to install. "Vanilla" means the base game only. "PvP Enabled" means player-vs-player combat is active. "Beginner Friendly" suggests a welcoming community for those new to Valheim's content.
Once you find a server that interests you, click through to the full listing for server IP, port, and any Discord or website links. Most active Valheim communities have a Discord where you can ask questions, find the current progression stage of the server, and get tips from experienced players.
Server Mods
Mods transform Valheim into a much richer experience, and many community servers run a curated mod list. The most popular quality-of-life mod is Valheim Plus, which adds dozens of small improvements including increased inventory size, faster skill gain, adjustable item drop weight, and the ability to sleep through the night even when other players are logged in. Many servers run Valheim Plus by default.
Epic Loot adds hundreds of new item drops with magical properties, creating a loot-hunt gameplay loop that vanilla Valheim lacks. Plant Everything improves farming significantly with auto-replanting and larger cultivation area. Creature Level and Loot Control lets server owners scale difficulty and loot to create a custom progression curve.
To join a modded Valheim server, you need to install the same mods on your client. The easiest way is with Thunderstore Mod Manager — a free app that handles mod installation, updates, and profiles. Many servers provide a one-click install link or a direct modpack download in their Discord. Always use the exact mod versions specified by the server to avoid compatibility errors.
What to Expect
Community Valheim servers have a different rhythm from a private friends game. On an active server, you will likely find an established player base that is already well into the progression — players running Ashlands armour while you are still hunting stags in the Meadows is common on long-running servers. Most good communities welcome newcomers and are happy to share food, gear, and advice to help you catch up.
Valheim's shared world means other players may have already killed bosses, built settlements near your base location, and claimed prime resource areas. On well-managed servers, there are usually community guidelines about building distance, resource conflicts, and boss progression. Reading these in the server Discord before joining saves a lot of friction.
Expect the server to reset periodically — server owners often start a new world every few months to keep the progression fresh for returning players. The LobbyLink listing and server Discord will announce upcoming wipes in advance so you can plan accordingly.
Ready to find your server?
Browse the full Valheim server list on LobbyLink with live player counts and uptime.