What are the best server settings for a casual co-op playthrough?

Hosting a casual co-op playthrough in Valheim requires thoughtful server settings to ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience for all players. The key is to create a server that encourages exploration, teamwork, and progression without overwhelming new players or making the game too easy for experienced Vikings. Start by setting the server difficulty to ''Normal'' for a balanced challenge. This ensures that enemies and bosses provide a fair fight while still being manageable for casual players.\n\nNext, consider enabling the ''Community Server'' option if you want to play with friends who may not always be online at the same time. This allows the server to remain active even when the host is offline, ensuring that progress is saved and shared. However, if you prefer a more private experience, a ''Friends Only'' server is ideal. This limits access to only those on your Steam friends list, reducing the risk of unwanted players joining.\n\nOne of the most important settings for casual co-op is the ''Player vs. Player (PvP)'' option. For a relaxed playthrough, disable PvP to prevent accidental or intentional harm between players. This fosters a cooperative atmosphere where everyone can focus on building, exploring, and fighting enemies together. Additionally, set the ''World Modifiers'' to ''Default'' for resource drops and enemy difficulty. This ensures that the game remains true to its original design, providing a balanced experience for all.\n\nTo enhance the casual experience, consider enabling the ''Map Sharing'' option. This allows all players to see each other''s map markers, making it easier to coordinate exploration and resource gathering. For example, if one player discovers a copper deposit in the Black Forest, they can mark it on the map for others to find. This feature is especially helpful for new players who may struggle with navigation.\n\nWhen it comes to crafting and building, ensure that all players have access to shared resources. Create a central base in the Meadows biome, as it is the safest starting area. Build a communal storage area with chests labeled for specific materials like wood, stone, and ore. This encourages teamwork and prevents resource hoarding. For example, one player can gather wood while another mines copper, and both can deposit their findings in the shared storage.\n\nTo address common gameplay challenges, such as managing food and stamina, assign roles to players based on their preferences. One player can focus on farming and cooking, while another handles hunting and gathering. This division of labor ensures that the group always has a steady supply of food, which is essential for surviving tougher biomes like the Swamp or Mountains. For example, cooked deer meat and carrot soup are excellent early-game foods that provide health and stamina boosts.\n\nFinally, communicate regularly with your co-op group to ensure everyone is on the same page. Use in-game chat or external voice communication tools to discuss goals, such as defeating the next boss or exploring a new biome. For example, before tackling the Elder boss in the Black Forest, make sure all players have upgraded their gear and stocked up on healing mead. This preparation is key to overcoming tougher challenges as a team.\n\nIn summary, the best server settings for a casual co-op playthrough include Normal difficulty, Community Server or Friends Only access, disabled PvP, default World Modifiers, and enabled Map Sharing. Focus on teamwork, shared resources, and clear communication to create a fun and stress-free experience for all players.