Skip to content Nodecraft
A minecraft axolotl swims.

Take 30% off your new server this summer! 😎

How to Install BepInEx Mods to a Valheim Server

Valheim
Create a Valheim Server today!
Start Free Trial

This guide will walk you through how to add mods to your Valheim server using the BepInEx framework.

Note: Remember to restart your server after enabling, disabling, or deleting mods to apply your changes.

Note on Valheim Mods vs. Plugins

In the context of Valheim, the terms mod and plugin are often used interchangeably by the community, but technically refer to two different layers of the game's modding framework:

  • Mod (General Term): The broad umbrella term for any user-made modification to the game. This is the term most people use and know, which we will use throughout our article below.

  • Plugin (Technical Term): Specifically refers to the compiled code file (a .dll file) loaded into memory by BepInEx, the underlying Unity modding framework.

What is Valheim BepInEx

Valheim BepInEx is the base modding framework required to run custom plugins and server-side modifications on a Valheim server. Because Valheim doesn't natively support modding, BepInEx injects custom code into the game engine at runtime, serving as a prerequisite for most mods (including ValheimPlus).

How to Install Mods with BepInEx

Step 1: Install BepInEx

  1. Go to your Nodecraft Dashboard and click Panel next to your Valheim server.

  2. Select One-Click Installer under Server Files in the left menu.
    The Valheim server panel with One-Click Installer highlighted under the Server Files section in the left navigation menu.

  3. Locate BepInEx Valheim under Modded and click Install.
    Dark server dashboard with One-Click Installer; shows Valheim Plus installed, catalog search, and mod cards with Install buttons.

  4. Choose your version and installation method (use Merge to keep existing server data), then click Install.
    The BepInEx Valheim installation page showing the selected BepInEx version, the available install method options, Merge selected, and the Install button highlighted.

Step 2: Add Your Mods

Navigate to the Mods tab in your control panel and choose one of two installation methods:

  • Thunderstore Integration (Recommended):

    1. Click Install from Thunderstore to browse available mods.

      A Nodecraft control panel interface displaying BepInEx Mods settings for a Valheim game server, with options to drag and drop mod files and a button to install from Thunderstore.

    2. Click Install on your desired mod.

      The Browse Thunderstore popup modal in the Nodecraft panel displaying available Valheim mods, including PlantEverything and EpicLoot, sorted by most downloaded.

    3. Review any listed dependencies, and click Install to confirm.

      A confirmation modal titled

  • Manual Upload: Drag and drop your .dll plugin files directly into the Mods Manager. (Note: Manual uploads do not automatically install required dependencies).

Step 3: Apply Changes

Restart your server after installing, updating, or removing plugins for the changes to take effect.

Managing Installed Mods

Manage active mods directly from the Installed Mods list in your panel:

  • Disable/Enable: Use the toggle switch next to any plugin to turn it on or off without deleting its files.

  • File Location: Click the three dots menu (...) > Open File Location to view plugin files in the file manager (/BepInEx/plugins).

  • Configuration: Click ... > Open Mod Config to edit plugin settings directly.

  • Delete: Click ... > Delete Mod to remove it completely.

Conclusion

Your modded Valheim server is ready! You can now explore new BepInEx compatible mods to customize your server or adjust gameplay features. If you encounter any compatibility issues, simply restore your server from your previous backup.

Need Help?

If you have questions or run into any issues, our support team is here to help! Reach out using the support widget on our website or visit our support center for further assistance.