ValheimValheim World Modifiers on a Dedicated Server (Every Value)
Set Valheim world modifiers on a dedicated server with -preset, -modifier and -setkey. Every valid value, what each does, and settings we recommend.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 · 6 min read
On this page
Valheim world modifiers on a dedicated server are set with launch arguments: -preset picks a whole difficulty bundle, -modifier <name> <value> changes one part of it (combat, deathpenalty, resources, raids or portals), and -setkey <key> turns on a checkbox option like nomap. For example, -preset normal -modifier resources more -modifier raids less gives a normal world with 1.5x resources and fewer raids. Changes apply the next time the server starts.
The in game World Modifiers screen only works for worlds you host from your own game. A dedicated server ignores it and only listens to its launch line, which is why so many people set modifiers and see nothing change.
The launch arguments
| Argument | Example | What it does |
|---|---|---|
-preset <name> |
-preset hard |
Applies a full preset. It overwrites any earlier modifiers on the line |
-modifier <name> <value> |
-modifier raids none |
Changes one modifier. Use one -modifier per setting |
-setkey <key> |
-setkey nomap |
Turns on one checkbox option. Use one -setkey per key |
Order matters. Iron Gate's own server guide notes that setting a preset overwrites previous modifiers, so put -preset first and your -modifier changes after it. A full line looks like this:
valheim_server.x86_64 -name "Viking Crew" -port 2456 -world "Midgard" -password "longpassword" -public 1 -preset normal -modifier resources more -modifier raids less -modifier portals casual
Values are written in lowercase with no spaces: veryhard, not Very Hard.
Valheim presets
| Preset | In short |
|---|---|
normal |
The game as Iron Gate designed it |
casual |
Softer combat and death, more resources, fewer raids, easier portals |
easy |
A lighter version of normal, mostly gentler combat and death |
hard |
Tougher enemies and a harsher death penalty |
hardcore |
The harshest death penalty, where dying costs everything you carry and your skills |
immersive |
About atmosphere rather than difficulty: no map and stricter portals |
hammer |
A builder's world with free building |
Presets are a good start. Most groups end up picking a preset, then changing one or two modifiers on top.
Every modifier and its values
combat
Enemy damage and toughness.
| Value | Effect |
|---|---|
veryeasy |
Enemies hit much softer and die faster |
easy |
A bit softer than normal |
hard |
Enemies hit harder and take more punishment |
veryhard |
Much harder enemies. Bosses get brutal |
deathpenalty
What dying costs you, in items and skills.
| Value | Effect |
|---|---|
casual |
The lightest penalty |
veryeasy |
Much lighter than normal |
easy |
Slightly lighter than normal |
hard |
Harsher than normal |
hardcore |
The harshest: lose what you carry and your skills |
The game's World Modifiers screen describes each level in detail if you want the exact rules before you pick.
resources
How much drops from trees, rocks, enemies and pickups.
| Value | Multiplier |
|---|---|
muchless |
0.5x |
less |
0.75x |
more |
1.5x |
muchmore |
2x |
most |
3x |
Fish, trophies and boss drops are not affected.
raids
How often enemies attack your base.
| Value | Effect |
|---|---|
none |
No raids at all |
muchless |
Raids are rare |
less |
Fewer raids |
more |
More raids |
muchmore |
Frequent raids |
portals
| Value | Effect |
|---|---|
casual |
Every item can go through portals, including ores and metal |
hard |
No boss portals |
veryhard |
No portals at all. You sail everywhere |
-setkey options
These are on or off toggles. Add one -setkey for each.
| Key | Effect |
|---|---|
nomap |
Turns off the map and minimap for everyone |
nobuildcost |
Build anything for free, once you have discovered the recipe |
playerevents |
Raids are based on each player's progress instead of the world's |
passivemobs |
Enemies only attack once you attack them |
playerevents is worth knowing about for groups where one player is far ahead. Without it, a raid tied to late game bosses can hit the base of a friend who has not even reached the Swamp.
What we recommend for a friend group
Opinions, not rules:
- Busy adults who play a few evenings a week:
-preset normal -modifier resources more -modifier portals casual. Ore through portals saves hours of sailing the same route, and 1.5x resources halves the grind without breaking progression. - Mixed skill group: add
-modifier deathpenalty casualso the newer players do not quit after losing a full set of gear in the Swamp, and-setkey playerevents. - Group that wants a challenge:
-preset hard, keep portals at default. Do not start onhardcorewith a new group, it ends worlds. - Builders:
-preset hammer.
Can I change modifiers on an existing world?
Yes for the preset and the five modifiers. They are read every time the server starts, so change them and restart, and the world picks up the new values with all its progress intact. Take a backup first if you are trying something harsh like hardcore, since a death under the new rules cannot be undone.
World modifiers on a GamezServers Valheim server
On a GamezServers Valheim server you do not edit the launch line. Open Settings:
| Setting | What it sets |
|---|---|
| Difficulty preset | -preset: Normal, Casual, Easy, Hard, Hardcore, Immersive or Hammer |
| Combat, Death penalty, Resources, Raids, Portals | One -modifier each. Default leaves the preset's value |
| No map | -setkey nomap |
Pick your values, press Restart, and the server writes the launch line in the right order for you. The Hammer preset covers free building. The playerevents and passivemobs keys are not panel settings today, so write to support@gamezservers.com if your group needs one of them.
Why are my world modifiers not working?
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Changed modifiers in the game menu, nothing happened | The dedicated server ignores the menu. Use launch arguments or the panel |
| Modifiers reset to the preset | -preset came after -modifier on the line. Put the preset first |
| Server ignores a modifier | Typo or wrong case. Use the exact lowercase values above |
| No change at all | The server was not restarted. Modifiers load at start |
FAQ
What is the Valheim server argument for no map?
Add -setkey nomap to the launch line. On our panel, turn on No map and restart.
Can I make portals allow metal on a Valheim server?
Yes. Add -modifier portals casual to the launch line, or set Portals to Casual in our panel.
Do world modifiers affect players' characters?
Modifiers belong to the world, not the character. A character visiting a casual world and then a hardcore world plays by each world's rules.
How do I turn off raids on a Valheim server?
Use -modifier raids none. Raids stop completely until you change it back.
Are world modifiers available on crossplay servers?
Yes. Modifiers are part of vanilla Valheim, so they work for every platform, unlike mods.
Tune your world in the panel
Hosted Valheim servers have presets and modifiers as simple settings, with crossplay on the vanilla type and backups a click away. See Valheim server hosting or the Valheim quick start. Admins can find their commands in our Valheim admin commands guide.
Skip the setup. Your own Valheim server.
Then $9.99/mo. Just trying it? $2.50 for 3 days