Valheim
Valheim BepInEx: What It Is and When You Need It
Find out when Valheim needs BepInEx, which mods belong on the server or players' PCs, and how to check compatibility before changing your world.
You need BepInEx when a Valheim mod you want lists it as a requirement. You don't need it for an ordinary, unmodded Valheim server. Installing BepInEx by itself doesn't give you a collection of new weapons, building pieces, or quality-of-life changes.
BepInEx is a modding framework: it loads extra code when the game or server starts. The Valheim-specific BepInEx pack is maintained by the modding community and comes configured for Valheim. Its package version and the underlying BepInEx version aren't necessarily the same number.
Which computers need it?
Read each mod's instructions before installing it. “It's on the server” doesn't always mean your friends get it automatically.
| Mod instructions say | What that means for your group |
|---|---|
| Client-only | It runs on the player's PC; follow the author's multiplayer compatibility notes |
| Server-only | Install it on the dedicated server as directed |
| Both client and server | The server and joining players need the required files and compatible versions |
A UI change and a mod adding shared gameplay content can have very different installation requirements. Don't assume every mod from a friend's personal profile belongs on the dedicated server.
BepInEx is not Valheim Plus
BepInEx is the framework used to load mods. Valheim Plus is a particular modification with its own features and compatibility requirements. Choosing BepInEx means you can build a mod list around that framework; it doesn't mean Valheim Plus is installed or required.
Check the exact game's version and the mod author's current instructions. “Latest” isn't useful if one dependency hasn't caught up with a game update. The Valheim pack's maintainers provide their own installation and support notes; use those rather than assuming a generic BepInEx download is interchangeable.
Add mods without gambling your world
Back up the world and keep a record of the versions and configuration you're using. Test on a copy, starting with the framework and then a small number of mods. Have a second player join before calling the setup finished.
If the server launches but a mod does nothing, confirm BepInEx actually loaded and check its log for that plugin. The BepInEx documentation explains its generated configuration and BepInEx/LogOutput.log. A missing dependency or incompatible version is more useful information than simply restarting again.
Removing a content mod from your main world can leave missing content. Keep the pre-mod backup, and don't assume uninstalling the framework reverses every change a mod made.
Mod choices also affect resource needs. See the Valheim RAM guide and prepare the server name, password, and world.
Jovian has separate standard Valheim and Valheim BepInEx options. Choose the one your actual mod list needs.