How can players avoid overloading the server in co-op?

In Valheim, co-op gameplay is a fantastic way to explore, build, and survive with friends. However, overloading the server can lead to lag, crashes, and a frustrating experience for everyone. To avoid this, players need to understand the game mechanics and take proactive steps to optimize performance.\n\nOne of the primary causes of server overload is excessive building and terrain modifications. Every structure, object, and terrain change adds to the server''s load. For example, building massive castles or terraforming large areas in the Meadows or Black Forest can strain the server. To mitigate this, limit the size of your builds and avoid unnecessary terraforming. Instead of flattening entire areas, work with the natural terrain and use smaller, more efficient structures.\n\nAnother factor is the number of active entities in the game. Entities include creatures, items, and even dropped resources. For instance, leaving piles of wood, stone, or other materials on the ground in your base can increase server load. Always store items in chests or other storage solutions. Additionally, avoid overpopulating your base with tamed animals like boars or wolves, as they count as active entities. Keep your animal pens small and manageable.\n\nLighting and fire sources also contribute to server strain. Torches, campfires, and hearths are essential for survival and base aesthetics, but too many can overload the server. In biomes like the Swamp or Mountains, where visibility is low, players often place excessive lighting. Instead, use strategic lighting placements and rely on natural light during the day. For example, place torches only in key areas like entrances, workbenches, and crafting stations.\n\nCrafting and smelting operations can also impact server performance. Forges, kilns, and smelters require constant updates to their states, which can add to the server load. To reduce this, avoid running multiple forges or smelters simultaneously unless necessary. For example, if you''re smelting iron in the Swamp biome, prioritize one smelter at a time and store excess ore for later use.\n\nFinally, communication and coordination with your co-op team are crucial. Assign roles to players, such as one person managing building projects while another focuses on resource gathering. This prevents overlapping tasks that could strain the server. For example, if one player is mining copper in the Black Forest, another can focus on hunting or farming in the Meadows.\n\nTo summarize, avoid overloading the server by limiting large-scale builds, storing items properly, managing active entities, optimizing lighting, and coordinating with your team. These steps will ensure a smoother co-op experience for everyone.\n\nPractical tips: Use the ''Optimize Terrain'' mod if you''re on a dedicated server, as it can help reduce terrain-related lag. Regularly clean up dropped items and avoid leaving unnecessary objects in the world. Lastly, consider hosting the server on a dedicated machine or using a reliable hosting service to improve performance.