The best Valheim server hosting provider for most groups is DatHost. Its all-inclusive plan comes with 10 player slots, 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, 30 GB of NVMe storage, daily backups, BepInEx support, crossplay, and an extensive selection of global locations.
However, your ideal host depends on your group size, world complexity, location, and mod setup. Host Havoc provides all 10 vanilla slots at an accessible monthly price, while BisectHosting lets you choose a specific RAM allocation. GPORTAL makes sense when easy mod installation is a priority, while Nodecraft is a useful option for groups that regularly switch between multiplayer games.
The comparison looks at current plan specifications, regular pricing, server locations, backup policies, control-panel features, crossplay support, mod tools, and world-migration options. Provider claims are also kept separate from independently defensible facts, so statements such as “zero lag” or “100% uptime” are not presented as guaranteed results.
Last checked: September 18, 2026. Prices, discounts, available locations, and renewal terms can change. Confirm the final cost and included resources at checkout.
Our Top Picks for the Best Valheim Server Hosting
- DatHost: Best overall. It combines 16 GB of RAM, NVMe storage, daily backups, crossplay, mod support, and broad global coverage in one plan.
- Host Havoc: Best value for 10 players. Its base plan includes all 10 vanilla slots, offsite backups, DDoS protection, FTP access, and one-click BepInEx installation.
- BisectHosting: Best for configurable RAM. You can select between 2 GB and 48 GB, making it easier to match the server to your group and mod setup.
- GPORTAL: Best for easy mod management. Its web interface integrates BepInEx, Thunderstore packages, ValheimPlus settings, save imports, and backup tools.
- GTXGaming: Best for large modded communities. Its entry plan includes 10 GB of RAM, while larger ValheimPlus packages offer up to 64 GB.
- Nodecraft: Best for switching between games. You can choose a hibernating Lite server or an always-online Pro server, with free game swapping on both.
- Shockbyte: Best introductory pricing. Its first-month discount lowers the initial cost, with clearly defined RAM allocations and player recommendations.
- Indifferent Broccoli: Best for small groups. Player-based pricing starts at $5.99 per month, and the two-day trial does not require a credit card.
Best Valheim Server Hosting Compared
| Provider | Best for | Starting price | Published RAM | Backups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DatHost | Most groups | €1 first month; then €14.90/month | 16 GB | Daily |
| Host Havoc | 10-player value | $9.99/month | Not clearly stated | Offsite |
| BisectHosting | Configurable resources | $5.99/month | 2–48 GB | Three days |
| GPORTAL | Easy mod management | $17.30 per 30 days | Not clearly stated | 50 GB storage |
| GTXGaming | Large modded worlds | $12.66/month | 10–64 GB | Daily |
| Nodecraft | Game switching | $8.34 first month | 4–32 GB | Pro plans |
| Shockbyte | Low first-month cost | $6.99 first month | 3–6 GB+ | Automatic |
| Indifferent Broccoli | Small groups | $5.99/month | Described as uncapped | Available |
These starting prices are not directly equivalent. A 3 GB entry plan does not provide the same resource headroom as a 10 or 16 GB package. Similarly, a hibernating server does not offer the same availability as a traditional 24/7 server.
How I Evaluated These Valheim Server Hosts
I used the same comparison framework for every provider, focusing on the features that can affect your server after it goes online.
For this guide, the evaluation means checking providers against a repeatable set of technical and purchasing criteria. I reviewed official plan pages, published resource allocations, control-panel documentation, support articles, backup policies, location lists, and Valheim-specific setup information.
I did not deploy identical live servers or run controlled performance benchmarks on every provider. That matters because real-world Valheim performance depends on the game version, world files, mods, player activity, server location, CPU allocation, and network conditions.
Because of that, I have not presented claims such as “lag-free performance,” “zero lag,” or “100% uptime” as independently verified results.
A meaningful performance benchmark would require the same Valheim version, world files, mods, players, server locations, and test actions on every host. Without those controls, comparing a single boss fight, world-save time, or one connection test could give a misleading impression.
These are the main criteria I used.
RAM and CPU transparency
I checked whether each provider publishes its memory allocation, processor family, storage type, and relevant resource limits.
A 10-slot package does not tell you how much computing capacity the server receives. One host may include 4 GB of RAM, while another provides 10 GB or 16 GB for the same number of player slots.
I gave more weight to clearly documented resources than to general phrases such as “high performance” or “unlimited resources.” When a provider did not clearly disclose its base RAM allocation, I treated that as a limitation when comparing plans.
Pricing and renewal costs
I compared ongoing pricing instead of looking only at the introductory discount.
For each service, I checked:
- First-month pricing
- Normal renewal rates
- Monthly and long-term billing
- Player or RAM limitations
- Optional CPU and storage upgrades
- Refund periods
- Cancellation terms
This matters because a heavily discounted first month can make an otherwise expensive plan look cheaper than it is.
BepInEx and ValheimPlus support
I looked for more than a generic “mods supported” label.
A practical modded Valheim host should give you a way to:
- Install BepInEx
- Add or remove plugins
- Edit configuration files
- Access server logs
- Restart or update the server
- Restore a clean world backup
- Download the server files
One-click installation is convenient, but it does not eliminate compatibility problems after a game update. FTP, SFTP, capable file managers, and downloadable backups can be especially useful when you need to troubleshoot a modded server.
Crossplay configuration
Valheim supports crossplay across its available supported platforms. I checked whether each host lets you enable the Crossplay backend through its control panel or provides clear instructions for doing so.
Crossplay support does not mean every mod will work with console players. Client-side BepInEx plugins generally need to be installed by the players using them, while console players cannot install the same PC-side files.
Existing-world migration
I checked whether each host supports uploading both Valheim world files:
.dbfor the main world data.fwlfor the world metadata
I also considered web-based file management, FTP or SFTP, multiple saved worlds, downloadable files, and staff-assisted migration.
Backup access and retention
I looked at how frequently backups are created, how long they remain available, and whether you can restore or download them yourself.
Three days of backup retention gives you less recovery flexibility than a service that provides several restore points or dedicated backup storage.
Whatever host you choose, I recommend keeping an independent local copy before updating Valheim, installing BepInEx, changing world modifiers, or moving to another provider.
Data-center coverage
A server location near your group can reduce latency, but the closest city to the account owner is not necessarily the best location for every player.
For example, if your players are spread across the United States, a central location such as Chicago or Dallas may offer a more balanced connection. If most players are on the East Coast, locations such as New York, Washington, or Montreal may make more sense.
I did not treat the number of locations as a stand-alone performance measure. Network routing, congestion, packet loss, and jitter can also affect gameplay.
Our guides explain how to reduce internet latency and how to reduce lag in online games when the problem is not caused by server resources.
Control-panel usability
I checked whether new server owners can complete common tasks without manually editing startup scripts.
These tasks include:
- Starting and restarting the server
- Changing the server name and password
- Enabling Crossplay
- Configuring world modifiers
- Uploading an existing world
- Installing mods
- Viewing logs
- Restoring backups
I also considered whether more experienced administrators receive FTP, SFTP, console access, startup-variable controls, and resource monitoring.
Support availability
I reviewed each provider’s advertised support hours, contact methods, knowledge base, and migration assistance.
I did not treat provider-reported response times as guaranteed results. An advertised average response time of five or 10 minutes may be useful information, but it does not mean every complex mod conflict or damaged world will be resolved that quickly.
Technical fit for different group sizes
Finally, I matched each plan to a practical player-and-resource range.
A low-cost plan may run Valheim, but that does not automatically mean it provides enough headroom for your specific world. Player activity, world age, construction density, exploration, creatures, and mods can all change the resource requirements.
How Much RAM and CPU Does a Valheim Server Need?
Iron Gate does not publish an official CPU-and-RAM minimum table for the dedicated server. The figures below are therefore planning targets, not guaranteed requirements.
| Server type | Practical RAM target | Practical CPU target | Storage target |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 vanilla players | 4 GB | 2 fast modern cores | 20–30 GB |
| 5–7 vanilla players | 6 GB | 2–4 fast cores | 30 GB |
| 8–10 vanilla players | 6–8 GB | 4 fast cores | 30–40 GB |
| 8–10 players, mature world | 8–10 GB | 4 strong cores | 40 GB |
| 8–10 modded players | 10–16 GB | 4 strong high-frequency cores | 40–60 GB |
| More than 10 players | 16 GB or more | 4–8 strong cores | 50 GB or more |
“CPU cores” here refers to the processing capacity available to the Valheim process, not necessarily the number of physical cores installed in the provider’s server.
Most managed game-server hosts use shared processors and do not promise four dedicated physical cores to each customer. Use the CPU figures above as comparison targets, especially when looking at VPS plans or asking a managed provider about CPU allocation and priority.
World activity matters just as much as the maximum player count. A fresh eight-player map may use fewer resources than a three-player world with huge settlements, extensive exploration, active creatures, and several mods.
Our complete Valheim server requirements guide explains these variables in more detail.
What Server Size Should You Choose?
One to four players
For a small vanilla world, a reasonable starting point is:
- 4 GB of RAM
- Two fast modern CPU cores or comparable shared CPU performance
- 20–30 GB of SSD storage
Potential fits include Nodecraft Lite 4 GB, a custom BisectHosting plan, and Indifferent Broccoli’s four-player package.
Shockbyte’s 3 GB Eikthyr plan may work for a small world, but 4 GB provides more headroom.
Five to seven players
For a regular friend group, I would start around:
- 6 GB of RAM
- Two to four fast CPU cores
- Approximately 30 GB of SSD storage
BisectHosting 6 GB and Nodecraft 6 GB fit this range. DatHost provides considerably more memory if you expect the world to become more demanding.
Eight to 10 vanilla players
For a full vanilla group, a reasonable target is:
- 6–8 GB of RAM
- Four fast CPU cores
- 30–40 GB of SSD storage
DatHost, GTXGaming, Host Havoc, and Shockbyte’s Yagluth plan are relevant options, although I would confirm Host Havoc’s RAM policy before ordering.
Eight to 10 modded players
A modded friend group should consider:
- 10–16 GB of RAM
- Four strong high-frequency CPU cores
- 40–60 GB of SSD or NVMe storage
DatHost’s 16 GB package, GTXGaming’s 10–16 GB options, and BisectHosting’s 12 GB plan are relevant fits based on the published resources in this comparison.
More than 10 players
Vanilla Valheim officially supports up to 10 players. Larger communities generally depend on ValheimPlus or another unofficial modification.
For these servers, I would start with at least:
- 16 GB of RAM
- Four to eight strong cores
- 50 GB or more of storage
- A provider with live resource monitoring
- Downloadable backups
- Direct file or SFTP access
GTXGaming has clearly defined packages for communities above 10 players, but higher slot counts should not be treated as a guarantee of stable performance.
1. DatHost – Best Valheim Server Hosting Overall

DatHost is the best Valheim hosting option for groups that want an all-inclusive package with generous memory, automatic backups, crossplay, and approachable mod management.
Its single Valheim plan includes 10 player slots, 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, 30 GB of enterprise NVMe storage, daily backups, a one-click world manager, BepInEx support, and human customer assistance.
DatHost says its infrastructure uses AMD Ryzen 9 7950X or similar high-frequency processors alongside AMD EPYC hardware. It also advertises at least 1 Gbps connectivity, unlimited traffic, and up to 2 Tbps of DDoS mitigation.
The provider describes its CPU and RAM use as unrestricted and says it does not apply artificial resource throttling. I would read that in context: the published memory allocation is 16 GB, and the plan does not give each customer an entire physical server.
DatHost says new Valheim updates are normally deployed within 15 minutes. It also creates daily backups that can be restored through the control panel.
DatHost Pricing
| Billing cycle | First-month offer | Advertised ongoing rate | Amount due today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | €1 | €14.90/month | €1 |
| Six months | €1 first month | €8.90/month afterward | €45.50 |
| Yearly | €1 first month | €6.90/month afterward | €76.90 |
Longer billing terms reduce the advertised monthly rate but require a larger upfront payment. DatHost includes a 14-day money-back guarantee and lets customers cancel at any time.
✅ Pros
- 16 GB of DDR5 RAM
- 30 GB of enterprise NVMe storage
- Modern Ryzen or comparable processors
- Daily automatic backups
- One-click BepInEx installation
- Easy world imports and switching
- Full crossplay
- Global server locations
- Unlimited game switching
- 14-day refund window
❌ Cons
- The €1 price applies only to the first month
- “Unrestricted” does not mean unlimited physical resources
- Only 30 GB of active storage is included
- Long-term discounts require upfront payment
Who Should Choose DatHost?
I would recommend DatHost for eight-to-10-player friend groups, mature worlds, and modded servers.
Its 16 GB allocation is more than a small vanilla world needs, but the extra headroom can be valuable when players explore simultaneously, construct large bases, or install several mods.
My Verdict
DatHost provides the strongest overall balance of published resources, backups, mod tools, locations, and refund flexibility.
Provider: DatHost Valheim server hosting
2. Host Havoc – Best Value for 10 Players

Host Havoc is a practical choice for a full friend group that wants all 10 vanilla slots without paying for a large premium package.
The $9.99 monthly plan includes one-click BepInEx installation, crossplay controls, DDoS protection, FTP access, offsite backups, a web console, and a file manager.
Host Havoc says it owns and operates its hardware, using Intel Xeon and AMD Ryzen processors, DDR4 or DDR5 memory, NVMe SSDs, and network uplinks of up to 10 Gbps. The exact configuration can vary by data center.
Available locations include New York, Montreal, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Singapore, and Sydney.
Host Havoc Pricing
| Billing cycle | Effective monthly price | Amount billed |
|---|---|---|
| One month | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| Three months | $9.49 | $28.47 |
| Six months | $9.19 | $55.15 |
| 12 months | $8.79 | $105.49 |
Above Normal CPU Priority is included. Upgrading to High CPU Priority costs an additional $4 per month.
Host Havoc also runs seasonal promotions, but I would verify the current coupon and its renewal conditions before ordering.
✅ Pros
- All 10 vanilla slots included
- Competitive regular price
- One-click BepInEx installation
- Full FTP and file-manager access
- NVMe storage
- Offsite backups
- DDoS protection
- Crossplay
- Multiple US locations
- 24/7 technical support
❌ Cons
- Base RAM allocation is not clearly published
- High CPU Priority costs extra
- Only a 72-hour satisfaction period
- Hardware can vary by location
Who Should Choose Host Havoc?
Host Havoc is most suitable for five-to-10 vanilla or lightly modded players.
For an eight-to-10-player group, I would ask support to confirm the memory and CPU policy before purchasing a long billing term. This is particularly important if your existing world contains large settlements.
My Verdict
Host Havoc provides strong slot-based value, but clearer RAM information would make it easier to recommend for demanding worlds.
Provider: Host Havoc Valheim hosting
3. BisectHosting – Best for Configurable RAM

BisectHosting makes sense when you know how much memory your Valheim world needs—or when you want room to upgrade later.
Its BisectOne plans range from 2 GB to 48 GB. The panel includes integrated BepInEx support, a custom modpack installer, world-modifier controls, multiple server instances, player management, and game swapping.
You also receive DDoS protection, three days of backups, 24/7/365 support, and access to 21 locations. BisectHosting says customers can switch between its available locations without paying a migration fee.
BisectHosting Pricing
| RAM | Suggested players | Monthly price | Provider’s suggested use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 GB | 1–4 | $5.99 | Small server |
| 6 GB | 5–7 | $17.99 | Vanilla experience |
| 12 GB | 6–10 | $35.99 | Modded experience |
| 2–48 GB | Custom | From $5.99 | Custom configuration |
| Billing term | Price per GB | Advertised discount |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $2.99 | None |
| Quarterly | $2.70 | 10% |
| Semiannual | $2.55 | 15% |
| Annual | $2.40 | 20% |
✅ Pros
- RAM configurations from 2 GB to 48 GB
- Transparent per-GB pricing
- Integrated BepInEx
- Custom modpack installer
- World-modifier interface
- Multiple server instances
- 21 global locations
- Free location switching
- DDoS protection
- 24/7/365 support
❌ Cons
- The $5.99 plan includes only 2 GB
- Higher-RAM packages become expensive
- Only three days of free backup retention
- The 12 GB plan costs more than some 16 GB competitors
Who Should Choose BisectHosting?
I would use:
- 4 GB for one to four vanilla players
- 6 GB for five to seven players
- 8 GB for eight to 10 vanilla players
- 12 GB for eight to 10 modded players
The advertised 2 GB package is better suited to testing than a long-running multiplayer world.
My Verdict
BisectHosting is not the cheapest option per gigabyte, but its resource customization, instance manager, and mod tools provide useful flexibility.
Provider: BisectHosting Valheim servers
4. GPORTAL – Best for Easy Mod Management

GPORTAL is one of the more approachable choices for players who want mod management integrated directly into the hosting panel.
You can search for supported BepInEx and Thunderstore mods, review dependencies, and install them without manually handling every file. ValheimPlus is also built into the interface, with hundreds of configurable settings.
The package also comes with 50 GB of backup space, save-game imports, DDoS mitigation through Bulwark and Corero, 24/7 ticket support, and crossplay for supported Valheim platforms.
GPORTAL Pricing
| Billing period | Slots | Total price | Effective monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 10 | $17.30 | $17.30 |
| 90 days | 10 | $46.71 | $15.57 |
| 180 days | 10 | $88.23 | About $14.71 |
GPORTAL uses prepaid billing, with the final price varying based on your currency, server location, rental period, and selected configuration.
✅ Pros
- Integrated BepInEx and Thunderstore tools
- Mod dependency information
- Extensive ValheimPlus controls
- 50 GB of backup storage
- Save-game imports
- Crossplay support
- DDoS mitigation
- Under-three-minute advertised setup
- 24/7 ticket support
- Broad location coverage
❌ Cons
- No clearly published RAM allocation
- No specific CPU share listed
- Regional prices can differ
- One-click installation cannot prevent mod conflicts
Who Should Choose GPORTAL?
I would consider GPORTAL for a small-to-medium modded group that values a straightforward interface more than detailed hardware allocation.
Before using it for eight to 10 modded players, ask support how the plan handles memory and CPU usage.
My Verdict
GPORTAL’s main advantage is convenience. It is less compelling for buyers who want a precise RAM or CPU allocation before ordering.
Provider: GPORTAL Valheim hosting
5. GTXGaming – Best for Large Modded Communities

GTXGaming is the second best Valheim hosting option I would consider for a demanding modded world, especially when published RAM allocations and live monitoring matter.
The standard package includes 10 slots and 10 GB of RAM. Larger plans increase both memory and player capacity through ValheimPlus.
Its control panel provides one-click server controls, a configuration editor, web console, world manager, file manager, SFTP, daily backups, and live CPU, memory, disk, and player graphs.
GTXGaming Pricing
| Plan | Slots | RAM | Monthly price | Intended use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanilla | 10 | 10 GB | $12.66 | Most friend groups |
| Longhouse | 24 | 16 GB | $44.04 | ValheimPlus clans |
| Mead Hall | 32 | 24 GB | $62.95 | Modded communities |
| Large community | 48 | 24 GB | $83.03 | Events and larger groups |
| Kingdom | 64 | 32 GB | $110.72 | Large ValheimPlus communities |
GTXGaming also offers 12 GB and 16 GB options for 10-player worlds, plus a 64 GB configuration for demanding community setups.
Player counts above 10 require ValheimPlus or another unofficial modification.
✅ Pros
- 10 GB of RAM in the entry plan
- Clear RAM and slot allocations
- BepInEx and ValheimPlus
- Daily automatic backups
- Existing-world migration
- Live resource monitoring
- SFTP and file management
- Crossplay support
- DDoS mitigation
- Upgradeable CPU, storage, and RAM
❌ Cons
- Large-community plans are expensive
- More than 10 players requires unofficial mods
- High slot counts do not guarantee stable performance
- Only a 24-hour refund period
Who Should Choose GTXGaming?
The 10 GB package is a strong fit for eight-to-10 vanilla players or a mature world with large settlements.
For eight to 10 modded players, I would consider the 16 GB configuration. The 24-to-64-slot plans are intended for community administrators who accept the additional maintenance and compatibility risks of unofficial mods.
My Verdict
GTXGaming provides one of the clearest upgrade paths for large Valheim communities. Its live monitoring is particularly useful when you need to determine whether a mod, RAM use, or CPU load is causing a problem.
Provider: GTXGaming Valheim hosting
6. Nodecraft – Best for Switching Between Games

Nodecraft takes a different approach from most hosts: you can pay less for a server that sleeps when unused or choose an always-online Pro instance.
Lite servers use Wake & Play. When the server shuts down, trusted friends can restart it through a shared link and password.
Pro servers remain online 24/7 and add a static IP, scheduled tasks, and manual cloud backups. Both tiers support game swapping, saved server instances, BepInEx, ValheimPlus, Thunderstore mods, SFTP, and a live console.
Nodecraft Lite Pricing
| RAM | First-month price | Regular monthly price |
|---|---|---|
| 4 GB | $8.34 | $11.92 |
| 6 GB | $12.52 | $17.88 |
| 8 GB | $16.69 | $23.84 |
Nodecraft Pro Pricing
| RAM | First-month price | Regular monthly price |
|---|---|---|
| 4 GB | $13.99 | $19.98 |
| 6 GB | $20.99 | $29.98 |
| 8 GB | $27.99 | $39.98 |
Custom plans range from 2 GB to 32 GB. Three-month billing receives an advertised 10% discount, while annual billing receives 20% off.
✅ Pros
- Transparent RAM allocations
- Lite and Pro choices
- AMD Ryzen 9 and EPYC infrastructure
- Free game swapping
- Saved server instances
- BepInEx and ValheimPlus toggles
- Thunderstore integration
- SFTP and live console
- Automation on Pro plans
- Broad location coverage
❌ Cons
- Lite servers shut down when unused
- Pro plans are comparatively expensive
- Manual cloud backups are not included with Lite
- Human support is provided during published daily hours rather than 24/7
Who Should Choose Nodecraft?
Nodecraft Lite 4 GB is suitable for one-to-four vanilla players who do not need the world running continuously.
For five to seven players, choose 6 GB. The 8 GB package is a better starting point for eight to 10 players or a lightly modded world.
Choose Pro when you need continuous availability, a static IP, scheduled backups, or automated restarts.
My Verdict
Nodecraft’s value comes from game swapping, automation, and saved instances rather than the lowest possible price per gigabyte.
Provider: Nodecraft Valheim hosting
7. Shockbyte – Best Cheap Valheim Server Hosting

Shockbyte is a cheap Valheim server hosting provider, with plans starting at $6.99 for the first month and renewing from $9.99 per month.
It offers three primary Valheim packages covering four, seven, or 10 players. Every plan includes automatic updates, backups, DDoS protection, FTP access, crossplay, instant setup, and support for BepInEx and ValheimPlus.
Shockbyte also provides guides covering initial setup, administrator permissions, and mod installation.
Shockbyte Pricing
| Plan | RAM | Advertised players | First-month price | Regular monthly price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eikthyr | 3 GB | 4 | $6.99 | $9.99 |
| Bonemass | 4 GB | 7 | $9.09 | $12.99 |
| Yagluth | 6 GB+ | 10 | $11.89 | $16.99 |
Quarterly billing receives an advertised 10% discount, while annual billing receives 25% off.
✅ Pros
- Cheap first-month prices
- Published RAM allocations
- Plans for different group sizes
- BepInEx and ValheimPlus
- Automatic updates and backups
- Full FTP access
- Crossplay support
- DDoS protection
- Global server locations
- 72-hour self-service refund
❌ Cons
- Promotional pricing only lasts for the first month
- The entry plan provides only 3 GB
- Four GB may be restrictive for seven active players
- Six GB may not suit a mature, heavily modded 10-player world
- Uptime and zero-lag claims are not independent guarantees
Who Should Choose Shockbyte?
I would use the Eikthyr plan for one-to-three vanilla players, despite its four-player recommendation.
Bonemass is more appropriate for four-to-six vanilla players. Yagluth should work for an eight-to-10-player vanilla group, provided the world is not heavily modded or unusually build-dense.
For a mature or modded 10-player world, I would choose a plan with 8–16 GB instead.
My Verdict
Shockbyte is one of the cheaper ways to start a managed Valheim server. Its published memory allocations are useful, but make your decision using the renewal price rather than only the opening discount.
Provider: Shockbyte Valheim hosting
8. Indifferent Broccoli – Best for Small Groups and Free Trials

Indifferent Broccoli stands out for player-based pricing and a two-day trial that does not require a credit card.
Plans start at $5.99 for one player and increase to $18.99 for a full 10-player group. The provider describes every package as having uncapped RAM, with only the player count restricted.
Indifferent Broccoli says its servers run on machines with at least 128 GB of physical memory and modern processors. “Uncapped RAM” does not mean one customer receives unlimited dedicated memory. Actual usage still depends on shared capacity and the provider’s service policies.
The control panel includes existing-world uploads, BepInEx support, Crossplay settings, startup parameters, backups, and full file access. A Discord bot can display server status and restart the server.
Indifferent Broccoli Pricing
| Player limit | Monthly price |
|---|---|
| 1 player | $5.99 |
| 2 players | $6.99 |
| 4 players | $9.99 |
| 6 players | $12.99 |
| 8 players | $15.99 |
| 10 players | $18.99 |
Quarterly billing receives 3% off, semiannual billing receives 6% off, and annual billing includes one month free.
✅ Pros
- Two-day trial without a credit card
- Affordable one- and two-player packages
- Simple player-based pricing
- Full file access
- BepInEx support
- Crossplay controls
- Existing-world uploads
- Discord server management
- DDoS protection
- Locations across North America, Europe, and Asia
❌ Cons
- The 10-player package is relatively expensive
- No fixed RAM allocation
- Fewer locations than some larger providers
- “Uncapped RAM” makes direct resource comparisons difficult
Who Should Choose Indifferent Broccoli?
I would recommend its one-, two-, or four-player package for a small private world.
At eight to 10 players, compare the total cost with DatHost, Host Havoc, GTXGaming, and Shockbyte. Fixed 10-slot packages may provide better value for a full group.
My Verdict
Indifferent Broccoli is most competitive for one-to-four-player servers. The free trial also makes it easy to check latency and control-panel usability before paying.
Provider: Indifferent Broccoli Valheim hosting
Which Valheim Host Is Right for You?
| Your situation | Recommended provider | Suggested resources |
|---|---|---|
| Two-player vanilla world | Indifferent Broccoli | 4 GB RAM, 2 fast cores |
| Four-player casual server | Nodecraft Lite or BisectHosting | 4 GB RAM, 2 fast cores |
| Five-to-seven-player group | BisectHosting or Nodecraft 6 GB | 6 GB RAM, 2–4 fast cores |
| Eight-to-10-player vanilla group | DatHost, GTXGaming, or Host Havoc | 6–10 GB RAM, 4 fast cores |
| Mature 10-player world | DatHost or GTXGaming | 8–16 GB RAM, 4 strong cores |
| Modded 10-player server | DatHost, GTXGaming 16 GB, or BisectHosting 12 GB | 10–16 GB RAM, 4 strong cores |
| More than 10 players | GTXGaming ValheimPlus plan | 16 GB+, 4–8 strong cores |
| Simplest mod installation | GPORTAL | Confirm RAM with support |
| Frequent game switching | Nodecraft | 6–8 GB for most groups |
| Cheapest first month | Shockbyte | Choose based on renewal price |
| No-card trial | Indifferent Broccoli | Select by player count |
Valheim Crossplay and Mod Compatibility
Valheim 1.0 supports crossplay across its available platforms. Managed hosts normally let you enable the Crossplay backend through the control panel instead of manually changing startup parameters.
The main complication is mod compatibility. Client-side BepInEx plugins generally need to be installed by every player, but console players cannot install the same PC files.
For a mixed-platform group:
- Start with a vanilla server.
- Enable Crossplay.
- Confirm that every player can connect.
- Download a world backup.
- Add one server-side mod.
- Test every platform again.
- Continue only if compatibility remains intact.
Iron Gate does not officially support mods. Even a one-click installer cannot guarantee that BepInEx, ValheimPlus, or individual plugins will work after every update.
Rented Hosting vs. Self-Hosting Valheim
Self-hosting can save money if you already own suitable hardware and have a stable home connection. You also receive complete control over the operating system, files, startup options, and backups.
However, you become responsible for:
- Keeping the computer online
- Installing server updates
- Managing backups
- Configuring firewall rules
- Forwarding ports when required
- Troubleshooting mods
- Monitoring CPU and RAM
- Handling power or connection outages
- Protecting your home network
A managed server is usually easier when your group needs 24/7 availability, automatic backups, a shared location, DDoS protection, and an accessible control panel.
Internet speed is only one part of the equation. Upload capacity, latency, packet loss, jitter, and Wi-Fi quality can also affect self-hosting. Our guide to what internet speed you need explains those factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Valheim server hosting provider?
DatHost is my overall recommendation because it includes 16 GB of RAM, NVMe storage, daily backups, crossplay, BepInEx support, and global locations.
Host Havoc offers better value for a conventional 10-player world, while GTXGaming is more appropriate for large modded communities.
How much does Valheim server hosting cost?
A typical managed Valheim server costs approximately $10 to $20 per month.
Small or hibernating servers can cost less. Large ValheimPlus communities with additional RAM can cost more than $100 per month.
What is the cheapest Valheim server hosting provider?
Indifferent Broccoli has a $5.99 one-player package, while Shockbyte starts at $6.99 for the first month and renews from $9.99.
The cheapest plan is not always the best value. Compare RAM, player limits, backups, availability, and renewal pricing before ordering.
How much RAM do I need for 10 Valheim players?
For 10 vanilla players, I recommend at least 6–8 GB of available RAM. Use 8–10 GB for a mature world and 10–16 GB for a modded server.
Your server should also have access to approximately four fast CPU cores or comparable shared CPU performance.
Is 4 GB enough for a Valheim server?
Four GB is a practical starting point for one to four players. It may run a larger vanilla group, but it provides less headroom for exploration, large settlements, backups, and mods.
Is 2 GB enough for Valheim?
Two GB may run a small test world, but I would not choose it for a long-term multiplayer server. Approximately 4 GB is a more comfortable starting point.
Can Valheim support more than 10 players?
Vanilla Valheim officially supports up to 10 players. More than 10 requires ValheimPlus or another unofficial modification.
Higher limits can increase CPU, RAM, storage, and network demands. They may also introduce additional compatibility problems after game updates.
Can I transfer my existing Valheim world?
Yes. Most hosts let you upload the world’s .db and .fwl files through a web file manager, FTP, or SFTP.
Keep your original files until you confirm that the hosted server loads the correct world, structures, portals, and progression.
Does Valheim support crossplay?
Yes. Valheim 1.0 supports crossplay across its supported platforms when the server runs on the Crossplay backend.
Client-side PC mods may prevent console players from joining, even when Crossplay is enabled.
Does a Valheim server need a GPU?
No. A headless dedicated server does not render the game for players, so it normally does not need a gaming graphics card.
CPU performance, available RAM, SSD storage, and network stability are more important.
Final Verdict
DatHost is the provider I would recommend to most eight-to-10-player groups. Overall, its 16 GB memory allocation, NVMe storage, daily backups, global locations, mod tools, and 14-day refund period create a balanced package for both vanilla and modded worlds.
For a more affordable 10-player server, Host Havoc is worth considering. Meanwhile, BisectHosting gives you more control over memory, with configurations ranging from 2 GB to 48 GB.
For easier mod installation, GPORTAL is a practical option. In contrast, GTXGaming offers a clear upgrade path for larger ValheimPlus communities. Nodecraft, meanwhile, is useful for groups that frequently switch between multiplayer games, while Shockbyte keeps the first-month price lower. Finally, Indifferent Broccoli is particularly suitable for smaller groups.
For most 10-player friend groups, I would not go below 6–8 GB of RAM and access to four fast CPU cores. However, when your world is mature, build-heavy, or modded, moving to 10–16 GB provides more headroom. Even so, additional RAM alone does not guarantee that every performance problem will disappear.
