How do I kick or ban players from my Valheim server?

Kicking or banning players from your Valheim server is an essential feature for maintaining a positive and enjoyable gaming environment. Whether you''re dealing with griefers, rule-breakers, or simply want to manage your server effectively, understanding how to use these tools is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, including game mechanics, practical examples, and solutions to common challenges.\n\nFirst, it''s important to note that Valheim does not have an in-game menu for kicking or banning players directly. Instead, you must use the server console commands. To access the console, press F5 on your keyboard while in the game. This will open the command prompt where you can input specific commands. If the console does not open, ensure that you have enabled it by adding the launch parameter -console to your Valheim game settings in Steam.\n\nOnce the console is open, you can use the kick and ban commands to manage players. To kick a player, type kick [PlayerName] and press Enter. Replace [PlayerName] with the exact name of the player you want to remove. For example, if a player named Viking123 is causing issues, you would type kick Viking123. This will immediately remove the player from your server, but they can rejoin unless you ban them.\n\nTo ban a player permanently, use the ban [PlayerName] command. This will add the player to your server''s ban list, preventing them from rejoining. For instance, typing ban Viking123 will ensure that Viking123 cannot access your server again. The ban list is stored in a file called bannedlist.txt, which is located in your server''s save folder. You can manually edit this file if needed, but be cautious to avoid errors.\n\nOne common challenge is identifying the correct player name, especially if multiple players have similar names or use special characters. To avoid mistakes, you can use the listplayers command in the console. This will display a list of all currently connected players along with their unique SteamID64. Use this information to ensure you''re targeting the correct individual. For example, if two players are named Viking123 and Viking1234, the listplayers command will help you distinguish between them.\n\nAnother practical tip is to set clear server rules and communicate them to your players. This can help prevent issues before they arise. For example, you might establish rules against griefing, stealing, or using cheats. If a player violates these rules, you can use the kick or ban commands as necessary. Additionally, consider appointing trusted moderators to help manage the server, especially if you''re hosting a large community.\n\nFor experienced Vikings, you can automate the process of managing players by using server management tools or mods. Tools like Valheim Plus or dedicated server management software can provide additional features, such as automated bans for specific behaviors or logging player actions. These tools can save time and improve server security, but they require some technical knowledge to set up.\n\nIn conclusion, kicking or banning players from your Valheim server is a straightforward process once you understand the console commands. Use the kick command for temporary removal and the ban command for permanent exclusion. Always verify player names using the listplayers command to avoid mistakes, and consider setting clear rules or using management tools for a smoother experience. By following these steps, you can maintain a fair and enjoyable environment for all players on your server.