How do I back up my Valheim server world and player data?

Backing up your Valheim server world and player data is essential to prevent losing progress due to crashes, corruption, or accidental deletions. Valheim stores its world and player data in specific folders on your computer or server. Understanding where these files are located and how to back them up ensures your Viking adventures remain safe.\n\nFirst, locate the folder where Valheim saves its data. On Windows, this is typically found in the AppData folder. To access it, press Windows Key + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter. Navigate to the ''..\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim'' folder. Here, you will find two critical subfolders: ''worlds'' and ''characters''. The ''worlds'' folder contains all your server world data, including terrain, structures, and explored areas. The ''characters'' folder stores individual player data, such as inventory, skills, and equipment.\n\nTo back up your world, copy the ''worlds'' folder to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage. Each world file consists of two parts: a .fwl file (metadata) and a .db file (world data). Both are required for a complete backup. For example, if your world is named ''Midgard'', you will find ''Midgard.fwl'' and ''Midgard.db'' in the ''worlds'' folder. Copy both files to your backup location.\n\nPlayer data is stored in the ''characters'' folder. Each player has a unique .fch file named after their character. For instance, if your character is named ''Bjorn'', you will find ''Bjorn.fch'' in the ''characters'' folder. To back up player data, copy the relevant .fch files to your backup location. This ensures that individual progress, such as skill levels and inventory, is preserved.\n\nFor dedicated servers, the process is similar but requires access to the server''s file system. If you are hosting a server on your PC, the files are stored in the same location as mentioned above. For rented or remote servers, you may need to use an FTP client or the server''s control panel to access the ''worlds'' and ''characters'' folders. Always consult your hosting provider for specific instructions.\n\nA common challenge is forgetting to back up regularly, which can lead to significant data loss. To avoid this, set a reminder to back up your files after each play session or at least once a week. You can also automate backups using scripts or third-party tools. For example, on Windows, you can create a batch file to copy the ''worlds'' and ''characters'' folders to a backup directory and schedule it to run automatically using Task Scheduler.\n\nAnother issue is corrupted save files, which can occur due to crashes or improper shutdowns. If you encounter this, try restoring from your most recent backup. If no backup is available, you may need to start a new world or character, which can be frustrating. This highlights the importance of regular backups.\n\nIn summary, backing up your Valheim server world and player data is a straightforward but crucial process. Locate the ''worlds'' and ''characters'' folders, copy the relevant files to a safe location, and establish a routine for regular backups. By doing so, you can safeguard your progress and enjoy your Viking adventures without fear of losing your hard-earned achievements.\n\nPractical tips: Always back up before updating the game or making significant changes to your server. Use cloud storage or external drives for redundancy. If hosting a dedicated server, ensure your hosting provider offers backup options or access to the file system. Finally, educate all players on the importance of backing up their character data to avoid individual losses.