Valheim modpacks let you install an entire collection of mods at once instead of downloading and configuring each one individually.
A modpack can include new weapons, enemies, building pieces, quality-of-life improvements and gameplay changes. For multiplayer servers, the important part is making sure the server and players are using compatible mods and versions.
You can install modpacks on a self-hosted Valheim dedicated server, although this usually requires BepInEx and manually transferring the correct files. With a hosted Valheim server, the process can be much simpler.
This guide covers both methods.
What Is A Valheim Modpack?
A Valheim modpack is a collection of mods packaged together to create a specific experience.
Platforms such as Thunderstore allow modpack creators to define required dependencies and include configuration files, making it much easier for an entire group to run the same setup.
This is particularly useful for dedicated servers because players do not need to search for and install dozens of individual mods manually.
If you only want to add a few mods rather than an entire pack, our Valheim mods guide covers that process separately.
Can You Install Valheim Modpacks On A Dedicated Server?
Yes.
Most modded Valheim servers use BepInEx to load compatible plugins. On a self-hosted server, you normally need to install BepInEx yourself before adding the modpack.
The exact process varies between packs. Some require you to copy their plugins, config and patchers folders to the server, while others provide a dedicated-server version.
Before installing anything, check:
- Whether the modpack supports dedicated servers
- Which Valheim version it supports
- Whether every player needs the pack
- Whether a separate server version exists
- Which BepInEx version it requires
Always create a world backup before installing or updating a large modpack.
How To Install A Valheim Modpack On A Self-Hosted Server
A mod manager such as r2modman or Thunderstore Mod Manager makes downloading the pack easier, but you still need to prepare the dedicated server manually.
Step 1: Install The Modpack
Open r2modman or Thunderstore Mod Manager, select Valheim and create a new profile.
Search for the modpack you want and install it with its required dependencies.
Using a separate profile keeps the pack isolated from any other Valheim mods you already use.
Step 2: Launch The Modpack Once
Launch Valheim through the mod manager before transferring anything to the server.
Some mods create configuration files during their first launch, so doing this first helps make sure the profile contains everything it needs.
Step 3: Install BepInEx On The Server
Your self-hosted dedicated server needs BepInEx before most Valheim mods can load.
Install the Valheim BepInEx package into the root directory of your dedicated server and start the server once to confirm it loads correctly.
On Windows, the server is commonly located inside:
steamapps/common/Valheim dedicated server
Step 4: Copy The Modpack Files
In r2modman, open:
Settings > Locations > Browse profile folder
Then open the BepInEx folder.
Depending on the modpack, you may need to copy:
pluginsconfigpatchers
Stop your server, copy the required folders into the server's own BepInEx directory and then restart it.
If the modpack provides a separate dedicated-server version, use that instead of copying the entire client profile.
Step 5: Test The Server
Check the BepInEx logs for missing dependencies, version conflicts or plugin errors.
Then connect using the same modpack profile on your client.
If the connection fails, compare the modpack version on the server and client first.
How To Install A Valheim Modpack With Pine Hosting
Installing a modpack through Pine Hosting removes most of the manual setup.
You do not need to install BepInEx separately, download every dependency or manually upload the modpack files.
To install one:
- Log in to your Pine Hosting game panel.
- Select your Valheim server.
- Stop the server.
- Open the Modpacks page.
- Find the modpack you want.
- Click it to install.
- Start the server.
The installer automatically handles the modpack installation and the required BepInEx setup.
This makes it much easier to move from vanilla Valheim to a heavily modded server without manually managing the initial installation.
Do All Players Need The Same Valheim Modpack?
It depends on the mods included.
Gameplay-changing mods that add items, enemies, equipment or multiplayer systems often need to be installed on both the server and every player's game.
Other mods may be server-only or client-only.
For large modpacks, the safest option is to follow the pack creator's multiplayer instructions and make sure everyone uses the same version.
How To Share A Valheim Modpack With Friends
r2modman and Thunderstore profiles make it easier to keep everyone synchronized.
Once your modpack profile is working:
- Open the profile.
- Go to Settings.
- Open the Profile section.
- Export the profile as a code.
- Send the code to your friends.
They can import it through their mod manager and install the same collection of mods and configurations.
This is much easier than asking every player to install dozens of mods individually.
How To Update A Valheim Modpack Server
Before updating a modpack:
- Stop the server.
- Create a backup.
- Check the modpack changelog.
- Confirm it supports your Valheim version.
- Update the server pack.
- Have players update their profiles.
- Restart and check the logs.
Major Valheim updates can temporarily break mods, so avoid updating an important world until the modpack and its main dependencies confirm compatibility.
Install Valheim Modpacks Easily With Pine Hosting
Valheim modpacks can completely change a multiplayer playthrough, but self-hosting usually means installing BepInEx, transferring files and keeping server and client versions synchronized manually.
With Valheim hosting from Pine Hosting, you can open the Modpacks page, choose the pack you want and install it without separately setting up BepInEx.
You still keep access to your server files and configuration, while the installer handles the initial modpack setup for you.
If you are looking for the best Valheim hosting for a modded playthrough, Pine Hosting makes it much easier to get a complete modpack running without building the installation manually.
