How to Enable Valheim Ashlands on a Dedicated Server

Valheim already has plenty of dangerous places to explore, settle, and immediately regret entering underprepared. The Ashlands update raises that danger with a new biome, fresh materials, more weapons, new armor, hostile creatures, build pieces, crafting options, and lava that is very committed to being lava.

If you want to try Ashlands on a singleplayer world or dedicated server, you can switch Valheim to the public-test branch. Before doing that, make a backup of your world and server files. Test branches can change quickly, and backups are much easier than explaining to your clan why the longhouse is gone.

Enable Ashlands on Your Valheim Client

1. Open Steam, then right-click Valheim in your Library and choose Properties.

1. Select Betas from the left menu, then enter `yesimadebackups` in the private beta field.

1. Click Check Code, then choose the opt-in option that appears below.

1. Steam should update Valheim automatically and download the public-test files.

Every player joining the server should use the same branch. If one player is on the live version and another is on public-test, connection problems are likely.

Enable Ashlands on a Dedicated Server

1. Open your HolyHosting server panel and go to the server settings.

1. Find the Steam Branch option and change it to Beta or public-test, depending on the panel wording.

1. Confirm the Steam branch password is set to `yesimadebackups`.

1. Return to the main server page and restart the server so the update can install.

After the restart finishes, check that your client is also using the public-test branch before joining.

What Ashlands Adds

The Ashlands biome brings new resources for both building and survival. Players can craft pieces such as Ashwood walls, Grausten stairs, Flametal gates, bone decorations, and other settlement upgrades. A shield generator is especially useful because it protects nearby structures, which matters when the neighborhood is mostly fire and bad decisions.

There are also new weapons and armor sets to work toward. Options include gear like Storm Star maces and Berserkir axes, with upgrade paths that can add unique effects. Armor and capes give more ways to tune your character for combat, exploration, or simply looking prepared while everything around you burns.

Exploring the Ashlands Biome

Lava is one of the biggest hazards in Ashlands. Crossing it can lead to valuable areas, but this biome is designed for well-equipped vikings. Bring strong armor, upgraded weapons, healing supplies, stamina support, and a healthy respect for anything glowing.

You may also find ruins, temples, and other structures while exploring. Treat them as temporary shelter, not guaranteed safety. Ashlands is packed with threats, and some areas can spawn enemies quickly.

New Enemies and Bosses

Ashlands introduces several hostile creatures, including Fallen Valkyries, Charred Warriors, Morgens, Lava Blobs, and the boss known as Fader. Enemy spawners can also appear, so avoid charging straight into suspicious locations crowded with creatures unless everyone is ready for a fight.

Hosting a Valheim Ashlands Server

Running Ashlands on a dedicated server is the best way to explore the update with a group. Once the client and server branches match, friends can join the same persistent world, gather new materials, test builds, fight through the biome, and recover each other's gear after lava does what lava does.

Valheim Ashlands FAQ

When does Valheim Ashlands release?

The public-test branch lets players try the update before the stable release. For the exact current release status, check the official Valheim news channels or Steam announcements.

What content is included in Ashlands?

Ashlands adds dozens of weapons, new armor sets, capes, buildable items, crafting station upgrades, crafting materials, food, potions, locations, music, events, mechanics, creatures, and a boss.

How do I switch Valheim to public-test?

On Steam, open Valheim > Properties > Betas, enter `yesimadebackups`, verify the code, and opt into the public-test branch. On a dedicated server, set the Steam branch to public-test, enter the same password if required, then restart the server.

Helpful Valheim Server Guides

• How to save worlds on a Valheim server
• How to join a Valheim server
• How to set a password for Valheim servers
• How to set admins on a Valheim server