Valheim World Modifier Reference
Complete Valheim world modifier reference with exact effects, dedicated server startup flags (-modifier, -setkey), and in-game admin console commands (setworldmodifier, setkey).
Dedicated servers: pass -modifier <category> <value> and checkbox -setkey <key> in the launch script. In-game admins: enable devcommands then execute setworldmodifier <category> <value> or setkey <key>.
-world argument:
./valheim_server.x86_64 -name "MyServer" -world "Dedicated" -password "pass" -modifier Combat Hard -modifier DeathPenalty Hardcore -setkey nomap
In-game server admins can apply modifiers live without restarting via console commands: devcommands then setworldmodifier <category> <value> or setkey <key>.Combat Difficulty
Scales enemy HP, damage dealt, and player damage output. Applies to all enemies in all biomes.
| Value | Tag | Effect | Copy flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| VeryEasy | Easiest | Player deals 2× damage; enemies deal ½× damage. Recommended for players who want to focus on building and exploration. | |
| Easy | Player deals 1.5× damage; enemies deal 0.75× damage. A slight advantage for newer players. | ||
| Normaldefault | Vanilla combat balance. Recommended starting point. | ||
| Hard | Player deals 0.75× damage; enemies deal 1.5× damage. Significantly more challenging. | ||
| VeryHard | Hardest | Player deals ½× damage; enemies deal 2× damage. Designed for experienced players seeking a brutal challenge. | |
| Hammer | Hammer | Hammer mode (no combat damage from enemies). |
Death Penalty
Controls what happens to your character and inventory when you die.
| Value | Tag | Effect | Copy flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual | Casual | You keep all equipped gear and skills on death. Exploration-focused experience with minimal inventory risk. | |
| VeryEasy | You still drop items in a tombstone, but skill loss is minimal (1%). | ||
| Easy | Reduced skill loss penalty upon death. | ||
| Normaldefault | Standard survival death penalty (5% skill loss and tombstone drop). | ||
| Hard | Increased skill loss; unequipped items are permanently lost. | ||
| Hardcore | Hardcore | Character is permanently deleted on death. The save file is removed. |
Resource Rates
Multiplies the quantity of resources received when harvesting trees, stone, ore, and other materials.
| Value | Tag | Effect | Copy flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| MuchLess | ¼× resources from all gathering. Extremely slow progression; recommended only as an additional challenge layer. | ||
| Less | ½× resources from all gathering. Slower progression; requires more deliberate resource planning. | ||
| Normaldefault | Vanilla resource rates (1×). Balanced gathering progression. | ||
| More | 1.5× | 1.5× resources from all gathering. A lighter boost that still cuts grind noticeably. | |
| MuchMore | 2× | 2× resources from all gathering. Significantly reduces the grind for building and crafting materials. | |
| Most | 3× | 3× resources from all gathering. Maximum gathering rate for sandbox building. |
Raid Frequency
Controls how often random raid events (enemy attacks on your base) are triggered by the game.
| Value | Tag | Effect | Copy flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | No raids | Raid events are completely disabled. No enemy attacks will target your base. | |
| MuchLess | Raids are very rare — roughly ¼ of the normal frequency. Occasional threat with long windows of peace. | ||
| Less | Raids are less frequent — roughly ½ of normal. Good balance for players who want to build without constant interruption. | ||
| Normaldefault | Default raid frequency. Raids occur at standard intervals based on biome progression. | ||
| More | Raids are more frequent — roughly 2× normal. Expect more defensive challenges during normal play. | ||
| MuchMore | Constant raids | Raids are very frequent — roughly 4× normal. Constant defensive pressure on your base. |
Portal Restrictions
Controls which items can be carried through portals between locations.
| Value | Tag | Effect | Copy flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normaldefault | Vanilla portal restrictions (ores and metal ingots cannot be teleported). | ||
| Casual | No restrictions | All items, including ores and metals, can be carried through portals freely. Removes the ore-transport challenge. | |
| Hard | Portals still teleport the player but no items can be carried through. Inventory stays behind. | ||
| VeryHard | No portals | Portals cannot be built at all. All travel must be done physically by foot or boat. |
Map Mode
Controls whether the minimap and world map are available to players.
| Value | Tag | Effect | Copy flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falsedefault | Standard minimap and world map enabled. Explored areas are permanently revealed. | ||
| True | No map | Map is disabled. No minimap, no world map. Navigation requires landmarks, compass, and memory. |
Player-Triggered Events
When enabled, certain events (like raids) require players to have progressed to the relevant biome before triggering.
| Value | Tag | Effect | Copy flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falsedefault | Events trigger based on overall world state, not player location. Default behavior. | ||
| True | Events scale to individual player progression — a new player in Meadows won't trigger advanced raids. |
Popular Modifier Presets
Showing dedicated startup flagsChill Builder
Perfect for base-building sessions and exploring Valheim's world at your own pace. No inventory risk, light raids.
Vanilla+ (Recommended)
Vanilla Valheim with slightly boosted resources and portal freedom — ideal for most server communities.
Hardcore Survival
Maximum challenge. Character deletion on death, no portals, scarce resources, and relentless raids. For serious Vikings only.