Homerun Desktop runs Valheim's dedicated server on your Windows PC, so the world stays up after you quit the game. No batch files, no port forwarding. $1.99 a month, or every game with Premium.
Open the Homerun Desktop installer from your downloads.
If Windows says "Windows protected your PC", check the publisher is Ethereal Network Sciences PBC, then choose More info and Run anyway.
Pick Valheim, press Start, and send your friends the address.
Who can join: friends with Valheim on Steam. Xbox, Game Pass, PlayStation and Switch 2 can't join yet.
ONLINE
PlayStop
Ashlands LonghouseValheim · on This device
3:21:476 playing
valheim.gethomerun.app:23458Share invite
MEMORY3.1 of 4 GB
CPU31% of this PC
GATEWAY PING29 ms · us-east
Friends press Play and land at the password
Play in their invite opens Valheim on Steam and connects to your server, so all they type is the password.
What you send
valheim.gethomerun.app:23458
Plus your server password: 5 or more characters, and not part of the world name.
Where they paste it
In Valheim: Start Game, pick a character, open Join Game and choose Add server, then paste the address.
Valheim asks for the password when they connect.
Hosting in the game, or a dedicated server
Valheim can host from inside the game for free. A dedicated server keeps the world up when the person hosting logs off.
Swipe to see the rest
Feature
On your PC
Start server in the gameBuilt into Valheim
When the host quits
The world stays up while your PC is on
The world closes for everyone
How friends join
Play in their invite, or Add server with your address
Your Steam friends list, or a join code
Who can join
Friends on Steam
Steam, plus Xbox and Game Pass with crossplay on
The host's game
Plays like anyone else's
Also runs the world
Cost
$1.99 a month
Free
Valheim is $1.99 a month, or every game with Premium for $7.99 a month or $79.99 a year. Minecraft stays free. Plans are bought inside Homerun Desktop, with no free trial, so nothing charges you later.
Not yet. A new server starts a new world, so start it before your crew gets far.
Do I need to port forward for a Valheim server?
No. Homerun Desktop gives your server a public address through its gateway, so nothing changes on your router. The 2456 to 2458 ports in most guides are for servers set up by hand.
How do my friends join?
Friends on Steam press Play in your invite, and Valheim opens and connects, so all they type is the password. Or they choose Start Game, pick a character, open Join Game, choose Add server and paste the address.
Can Xbox, Game Pass, PlayStation or Switch 2 players join?
Not yet. Those versions join through Valheim's crossplay join codes, which Homerun Desktop doesn't use, so your server is for friends on Steam.
Can I use mods like BepInEx or Valheim Plus?
Not yet. Servers run Iron Gate's own Valheim server. A friend with leftover client mods may need to turn them off to join. If your group wants mods now, Minecraft on Homerun Desktop runs any Modrinth modpack for free.
What are the rules for the server password?
Valheim requires a password on every dedicated server: 5 or more characters, and it can't be part of the world name.
How much RAM does a Valheim server need?
The server needs about 4 GB of memory on top of what your own game uses. Homerun Desktop checks your PC before you create the server and tells you if it's short.
Does my PC have to stay on?
While you want the world online, yes. Closing Homerun Desktop leaves the server running in the tray, so you can play Valheim on the same PC.
Do my friends need Homerun Desktop?
No. They need Valheim on Steam, plus the address and password you send them. Homerun Desktop is only for whoever hosts.
How much does it cost?
Valheim is $1.99 a month in Homerun Desktop. Premium is $7.99 a month and adds Palworld, Terraria and Hytale, and Minecraft is free.
