What should I do if my server stops saving progress in multiplayer?

If your Valheim multiplayer server stops saving progress, it can be frustrating, especially after hours of exploration, building, or resource gathering. This issue often stems from server configuration problems, file corruption, or connectivity issues. Understanding the game''s save mechanics and troubleshooting steps can help you resolve the problem and prevent future losses.\n\nValheim uses a world save system where the server saves progress periodically or when players log out. If the server fails to save, it could be due to a lack of permissions, corrupted save files, or a misconfigured server setup. First, ensure that the server has proper write permissions for the save files. On Windows, check that the Valheim server folder is not set to read-only. On Linux, verify that the user running the server has write access to the save directory.\n\nNext, inspect the server logs for errors. The logs are located in the same directory as your server files and can provide clues about why the server isn''t saving. Look for messages related to file access or disk space. If the server is running out of disk space, it may fail to save progress. Free up space on the server''s drive and restart the server to see if the issue resolves.\n\nIf the logs don''t reveal any obvious issues, check for corrupted save files. Navigate to the world save directory, typically found in the ''worlds'' folder within your Valheim installation directory. Look for files with the same name as your world but with a ''.old'' extension. These are backup files created by the game. Rename the corrupted save file (e.g., ''worldname.db'' to ''worldname_corrupted.db'') and rename the ''.old'' file to replace it (e.g., ''worldname.old'' to ''worldname.db''). Restart the server and see if the issue is resolved.\n\nAnother common cause of save issues is a misconfigured server. If you''re using a dedicated server, ensure that the server software is up to date and configured correctly. For example, if you''re using the Valheim Dedicated Server tool, double-check the server settings in the ''start_headless_server.bat'' file. Ensure that the world name and password are correctly specified. If you''re hosting through a third-party service, contact their support team for assistance.\n\nFor players hosting a server on their local machine, ensure that the game and server software are running with administrator privileges. This can prevent permission-related issues that might interfere with saving. Additionally, avoid abruptly shutting down the server or closing the game, as this can lead to incomplete saves. Always use the in-game quit option or the server''s shutdown command to ensure a clean exit.\n\nIf the problem persists, consider creating a new world and transferring your progress. While this is time-consuming, it can be a last resort if the save file is irreparably corrupted. Use console commands or mods to spawn items and rebuild structures if necessary. Tools like Valheim Plus or the in-game debug mode can help streamline this process.\n\nTo prevent future save issues, regularly back up your world files. Copy the ''worlds'' folder to an external drive or cloud storage. This ensures that you have a recent save to fall back on if problems arise. Additionally, monitor server performance and disk space to avoid running into similar issues.\n\nIn summary, troubleshooting a Valheim server that stops saving progress involves checking permissions, inspecting logs, verifying save files, and ensuring proper server configuration. By following these steps and maintaining regular backups, you can minimize the risk of losing progress and enjoy a smoother multiplayer experience.