multiplayer

Valheim is built around cooperative survival, and multiplayer shapes how you explore, fight, build, and progress. The game supports both solo play and co-op, with worlds that can be shared with friends and hosted on dedicated servers.

Multiplayer overview

Multiplayer is a central part of Valheim’s experience.

You can join your friends’ worlds and play together.
Co-op is the main focus of the game’s multiplayer design.
A server can host up to 10 players.
PvP can be enabled for players who want direct combat.
The game also supports private server administration.

Valheim can still be played entirely solo, but many systems become more flexible and efficient with a group.

Servers and connectivity

Valheim supports player-hosted and dedicated server play.

Private servers can be created and managed.
Dedicated servers are supported.
Multiplayer connection stability and send/receive limits have received backend improvements in updates.
The game includes a ping command that shows your server latency in multiplayer.

PvP and player interaction

PvP is optional, but when enabled it opens up additional interactions between players.

Players can fight each other in PvP mode.
Friendly fire settings matter for certain interactions.
The Abyssal Harpoon can be used on players in multiplayer when Friendly Fire is turned on.
With careful coordination, harpooned players can even be launched across long distances.

Co-op combat and shared progression

Group play changes how combat and skill growth feel.

Enemies scale in health in multiplayer.
Creature health also changes with creature level.
Weapons and combat styles that benefit from control and positioning become especially strong in co-op.
Tower shields are particularly effective in multiplayer because they provide very strong guarding and can hold back multiple enemies at once.

Tower shields in multiplayer

Tower shields trade parrying and mobility for raw defense.

They have the highest guard reduction among shields.
They also have the highest guard knockback.
They are good for pushing multiple enemies back and stabilizing a frontline.
In solo play, their heavy movement penalty and strong knockback can make them harder to use effectively.
In multiplayer, they are one of the most useful shield types.

Useful multiplayer tools

Several mechanics become more valuable when other players are present.

Abyssal Harpoon

The Abyssal Harpoon is mostly a utility weapon, but it has a notable multiplayer use.

It can relocate creatures, such as Boars into pens.
It can drag Sea Serpents to land, making their scales and trophy recoverable.
It does not work on fish.
Interacting with a ship’s rudder does not break the leash.
In multiplayer with Friendly Fire enabled, it can be used on players.

Bow skill gain in multiplayer

Training ranged combat is faster with other players around.

Using a bow reduces aiming time and increases damage as skill rises.
At high bow skill, shots become nearly instant.
In multiplayer, shooting both enemies and players grants 50% more experience for bow skill gain, even when PvP is not enabled.

Playing together or alone

Valheim is designed to work either way.

You can play solo or share the adventure with others.
Co-op is the recommended style if you want the full multiplayer experience.
Even though the game supports solo progression, many of its systems are especially satisfying when coordinated with a group.

Recognition

Valheim’s multiplayer focus has been widely recognized.

It was nominated for Best Debut Indie Game and Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards 2021.