Valheim Console Setup: How to Turn On Commands

Overview

Valheim has a built-in game console that can be used for moderation, server management, singleplayer testing, creative tools, and a few quality-of-life commands. It is disabled by default, so pressing F5 will not do much until the correct launch option is added through Steam.

Console access works in both singleplayer and multiplayer, but not every command is available everywhere. Server commands usually require admin permissions, while cheat-style commands are limited to singleplayer worlds.

Enable the Valheim Console in Steam

1. Open the Steam application.
2. Find Valheim in your game library.
3. Right-click Valheim, then select Properties.

1. Stay on the General section.
2. Find the Launch Options field.
3. Enter `-console` exactly, including the dash.

After adding the launch option, start Valheim normally. Once you are in-game, press F5 to open the console. If it appears, the hard part is done, which is a rare kindness from Viking survival games.

Command Access by Game Type

Available commands depend on where you are playing.

Player Commands

General player commands can be used in singleplayer or on servers because they only affect the person running the command. These are useful for checking information or adjusting personal options without changing the entire world.

Server Admin Commands

Server commands require admin access before they can be used. If a command does not work on a multiplayer server, confirm that your Steam ID is listed as an admin for that server. Without admin permissions, the console may open, but moderation commands will not run.

Singleplayer Cheat Commands

Cheat commands are only available in singleplayer. To unlock them, open the console with F5 and run `devcommands`.

The console should confirm that dev commands are enabled. Running `devcommands` again turns them off.

Debug Mode

In singleplayer, debug mode unlocks extra testing and building abilities without typing a separate command every time. Use `debugmode` to toggle it on or off.

Once enabled, the related debug keybinds become available in that world.

Common Problems

F5 Does Not Open the Console

Return to Valheim's Steam properties and check the launch option. It must be written as `-console`, including the dash. Restart the game after confirming it.

Server Commands Do Not Work

This usually means the account is not an admin on the server. Add the correct Steam ID to the server admin list, restart if required, and try again. Commands such as god mode and ghost are singleplayer-only and will not work on servers.

Singleplayer Cheats Do Not Work

Run `devcommands` in the console first. When it reports that dev commands are set to true, cheat commands should become available in singleplayer.