Why does my Valheim server freeze when players enter a new biome?

Valheim is a survival game where players explore procedurally generated biomes, each with unique challenges and resources. When players enter a new biome, the game generates terrain, structures, and enemies dynamically. However, this process can cause server freezes, especially in multiplayer sessions. The issue often stems from the server struggling to handle the sudden load of generating new content while managing multiple players.\n\nOne common cause of server freezes is the biome''s complexity. For example, the Swamp biome contains dense vegetation, water, and numerous enemies like Draugr and Leeches. Similarly, the Mountains biome generates steep terrain, snowstorms, and dangerous creatures like Wolves and Stone Golems. These biomes require significant computational resources to render, which can overwhelm the server if it lacks sufficient processing power or memory.\n\nAnother factor is the number of players entering the biome simultaneously. If multiple players explore a new area at the same time, the server must generate content for each player''s perspective, increasing the workload. This can lead to lag or freezes, especially if the server is hosted on a machine with limited hardware capabilities. For example, a server running on a low-end PC may struggle to handle more than three players entering the Plains biome, which features Fulings, Lox, and large open areas.\n\nTo address this issue, consider upgrading your server hardware or switching to a dedicated hosting service. A dedicated server with a strong CPU, ample RAM, and a fast SSD can handle biome generation more efficiently. If hosting locally, ensure your PC meets or exceeds Valheim''s recommended system requirements. Additionally, limit the number of players entering a new biome at once to reduce the server''s workload.\n\nAnother solution is to pre-generate biomes by exploring them in single-player mode before hosting a multiplayer session. This allows the game to create and save the biome data, reducing the load on the server when players enter the area. For example, if you plan to explore the Mistlands biome, which is densely packed with unique flora and fauna, pre-generating the terrain can prevent freezes during multiplayer gameplay.\n\nFinally, optimize your server settings to improve performance. Lowering the draw distance and reducing the number of active entities can help the server run more smoothly. For instance, disabling unnecessary mods or reducing the spawn rate of enemies in resource-intensive biomes like the Black Forest can alleviate strain on the server.\n\nIn summary, server freezes when entering new biomes in Valheim are often caused by the biome''s complexity, the number of players, and insufficient server resources. Upgrading hardware, pre-generating biomes, and optimizing server settings can mitigate these issues. By taking these steps, you can ensure a smoother multiplayer experience for all players, whether they''re new Vikings or seasoned adventurers.