How do I reset a Valheim server world without losing player progress?

Resetting a Valheim server world without losing player progress is a common concern for players who want to refresh their environment while retaining their hard-earned achievements. This process involves careful management of game files and understanding how Valheim stores player and world data. Valheim separates player progress (character data) and world data into different files, which makes it possible to reset the world without affecting individual player stats, inventory, or skills.\n\nTo begin, locate your Valheim save files. On Windows, these are typically found in the AppData folder. Navigate to C:Users[YourUsername]AppDataLocalLowIronGateValheim. Here, you will find two key folders: ''characters'' and ''worlds''. The ''characters'' folder contains your player data, including inventory, skills, and stats. The ''worlds'' folder contains the world data, including terrain, structures, and explored areas. By only deleting or replacing the world files, you can reset the world while keeping player progress intact.\n\nTo reset the world, first, back up your current world files. Copy the entire ''worlds'' folder to a safe location on your computer. This ensures you can restore the original world if something goes wrong. Next, delete the specific world files you want to reset from the ''worlds'' folder. If you are hosting a dedicated server, ensure the server is stopped before making any changes to avoid corruption. After deleting the files, restart the server or game to generate a new world with the same name.\n\nIf you want to use a pre-existing world seed for the reset, you can create a new world with that seed and replace the old world files with the new ones. To do this, start a new single-player game with the desired seed, then locate the new world files in the ''worlds'' folder. Rename these files to match the old world''s name and move them into the server''s ''worlds'' folder. This method allows you to reset the world while keeping the same name and player progress.\n\nCommon challenges include ensuring all players have their character data intact and avoiding accidental deletion of player files. Always double-check which files you are deleting or replacing. If you are using a dedicated server, communicate with your players to ensure they back up their character data as well. This is especially important for players who have not synced their local character files with the server.\n\nFor new players, it is crucial to understand that world resets will remove all structures, terrain modifications, and explored areas. This means any bases, portals, or farms built in the old world will be lost. However, players can bring their inventory and skills into the new world, allowing them to rebuild faster. Experienced players can use this opportunity to optimize their base locations or explore new biomes like the Mistlands or Plains with their existing gear.\n\nPractical tips for a smooth reset include planning the new world layout in advance and coordinating with other players to rebuild efficiently. Consider using console commands or mods to speed up the rebuilding process if desired. Additionally, ensure all players have their character files backed up to avoid any accidental loss of progress. By following these steps, you can reset your Valheim server world without losing player progress and enjoy a fresh start in the Viking survival adventure.