Upload and restore a Valheim world on a dedicated server

Export a local or cloud world

If necessary, use the game's save management screen to move the cloud world to local storage. Close the active game before copying its files.

The usual local Windows directory is:

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds_local

Keep a dated archive of the original folder. Confirm that both files have the same world name and come from the same save point. Renaming just one file is not a reliable conversion method.

Import the world into hosting

Start the destination once to generate its folders, then stop it. NitroServ documents this location in its file manager:

.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim/worlds_local/

Upload the matching files. Set Map/World in the server information panel to MyWorld, without an extension. With another provider, locate the directory actually used: -savedir can override the default. The -world argument must select the imported world.

Restore an earlier snapshot

Export the current state before attempting recovery, then stop the server. Choose one consistent backup point, restore its complete file pair and retain the corresponding world selection. If automatic backups use different names, prefer the panel or game's restoration function so the files remain associated correctly.

Do not combine a recent .db with an unrelated .fwl. If an update or a mod change preceded the incident, also check which environment the backup needs.

Verify before retiring the old copy

Join the server, find a recognizable building, use a portal and check storage. Complete a clean restart and join again before deleting any previous copy.

An empty world often means the wrong name, wrong directory or an incomplete upload. Missing personal items also require checking the selected character. To download the world from hosting later, reverse the process with the server stopped and retain both files.

Frequently asked questions