Download & Installation

Valheim Download & Installation Guide

Valheim is a brutal exploration and survival game set in a procedurally generated Viking purgatory. It is available on PC (Steam, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and Microsoft Store) and Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S via Game Pass). There are no versions for PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or mobile devices. This guide covers all legitimate download sources and platforms.

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System Requirements

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Account Requirements

• Steam version: A free Steam account.


• Xbox / Microsoft Store version: A Microsoft account (Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Core/Ultimate for online multiplayer on console; on PC Game Pass you need Game Pass subscription to play).

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Download Sources

| PC (Steam) | [Steam Store – Valheim](https://store.steampowered.com/app/892970/Valheim/) | Purchase required (~$19.99) or if already owned, download free.
| PC (Microsoft Store / Xbox Game Pass) | [Xbox App for Windows](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/apps/xbox-app-for-pc) or Microsoft Store | Requires Game Pass (Ultimate, PC, Core). Game is free with subscription.
| Xbox Console | Xbox Store | Requires Game Pass (Ultimate, Core, or Console) or purchase. Free with Game Pass.

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Step-by-Step Installation

#### 1. Steam (PC)

1. Download and install Steam from [steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com/about/).
2. Launch Steam, create an account or log in.
3. Open the Store tab, search for "Valheim".
4. Click Add to Cart and complete purchase (or if you already own it, click Install).
5. In your Library, find Valheim, select Install.
6. Choose installation folder (default: `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Valheim`).
7. Wait for download (~2 GB).
8. After installation, click Play.

#### 2. Xbox App for PC (Game Pass / Microsoft Store)

1. Download and install the Xbox app from [xbox.com](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/apps/xbox-app-for-pc) or Microsoft Store.
2. Log in with your Microsoft account (must have active Game Pass subscription).
3. Search for "Valheim" in the Xbox app.
4. Click Install (or Get if installing from Microsoft Store).
5. Choose installation location (if prompted).
6. Wait for download.
7. Click Play from the Xbox app.

Note: Some users prefer to install via Microsoft Store directly – the process is similar.

#### 3. Xbox Console (Xbox One / Series X|S)

1. Turn on console and sign in to your Microsoft account.
2. Go to Microsoft Store (or Game Pass tab if you have a subscription).
3. Search for "Valheim" and select it.
4. Click Install (free with Game Pass) or Buy to purchase.
5. Wait for installation (console may download ~2 GB).
6. Launch from My games & apps.

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First Launch Setup

1. After launching, you will see the main menu.
2. Click Start to begin a new game.
3. Choose a world name and seed (or leave random). Set your server visibility (private, invite only, public).
4. Configure graphics options (recommend starting with default or medium).
5. Press Start to spawn in the meadows.
6. If playing multiplayer, ensure you have stable internet and open UDP port 2456-2458 for dedicated servers (optional).

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Common Installation Errors & Fixes

#### "Missing VCRuntime" or "MSVCP140.dll not found"

• Fix: Install [Visual C++ Redistributables for Visual Studio 2015-2022](https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe) (x64).


#### Steam "Disk Write Error"

• Fix: Clear Steam download cache: Steam > Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache. Also run Steam as administrator.


#### Xbox App "Installation stuck" or "Error 0x80073D0D"

• Fix: Restart the Xbox app and PC. If persists, run WSReset.exe (Windows Store Reset) as administrator.


#### Game won't launch (crashes on splash screen)

• Fix: Verify game files:

- Steam: Right-click Valheim in Library > Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity of game files.
- Xbox App: Open Xbox app > Valheim > Manage > Files > Verify and repair.

• Also, disable antivirus temporarily (e.g., Malwarebytes, Windows Defender real-time scanning) or add Valheim folder to exceptions.


#### "Invalid Platform" or "You don't own this game" on Xbox

• Fix: Ensure you are signed in with the correct Microsoft account that purchased or has Game Pass subscription. Restart console/app.


#### Low FPS / Stuttering

• Fix: Lower graphics settings (especially vegetation and shadow quality). Update GPU drivers. Close background applications.


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Post-Installation Verification



After installation, confirm the game runs correctly:
1. Open the game and check the main menu loads.
2. Start a new world and move around for a few minutes to test performance.
3. If on PC, check the installation folder for expected files:
- Steam: `...\steamapps\common\Valheim\valheim.exe` and `valheim_server.exe` (dedicated server tool).
- Xbox: Located in a protected directory (`C:\Program Files\WindowsApps`), but you can check via Settings > Apps > Valheim > Advanced options > Reset to free space or repair.
4. Ensure online features work (if you plan multiplayer) by joining a public server or starting a dedicated server.

Additional Tips:

• For dedicated servers, copy the `valheim_server.exe` from the install folder to a separate location.


• Backup your world files regularly: `%userprofile%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\` on Windows.


• Enable cloud saves (Steam) for cross-device play.

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With this guide, you should be able to download, install, and run Valheim on your preferred platform. Enjoy your Viking journey in the tenth world!