Valheim Server Backups: How Automatic Backups Work and How to Restore a World
A Valheim dedicated server saves your world on a timer and keeps a few automatic backups of it. Those backups are useful, but they are kept on the same disk and are replaced on a rolling schedule, so they are not a substitute for real backups you control. The safest setup is to use the built-in ones as a short-term safety net and take your own backup from the Backups tab before anything risky.
This guide covers the default timings, how they map to the Startup fields on ChicagoServers, how to restore, and the common mistake that creates a brand-new world instead. It was checked on 2026-11-15. The exact backup file naming differs between sources, so look at what your own server produces rather than relying on a pattern.
- The documented defaults are a save every 1800 seconds, 4 automatic backups kept, the first backup after 7200 seconds (2 hours) and later ones every 43200 seconds (12 hours).
- On ChicagoServers these are the Startup fields Save every (seconds), Automatic backups kept, First backup after and Later backups every.
- Automatic backups live in
worlds_localon the same disk and are overwritten as new ones are made. Use Back up now for a copy you keep. - To restore, use Backups then Restore then Put it back.
- The World name must match exactly, or Valheim creates a new world and it looks like your progress is gone.
On this page
How Valheim saves and backs up
| Startup field | Launch argument | Documented default |
|---|---|---|
| Save every (seconds) | -saveinterval | 1800 |
| Automatic backups kept | -backups | 4 |
| First backup after | -backupshort | 7200 (2 hours) |
| Later backups every | -backuplong | 43200 (12 hours) |
Because the first backup comes after two hours and later ones are twelve hours apart, a world can lose several hours of progress between backups even when everything works. If your group plays long sessions, shorten the save interval, and take a manual backup before big events such as a boss fight or a large build.
Where backups are and why they are not enough
Automatic backups are written into the worlds_local folder alongside the live world. A Valheim 1.0 world is a folder named after your World name. Backups have a name that includes _backup_auto- followed by a timestamp, though the exact format differs between sources, so check your own folder.
- Characters are stored on each player's own computer, not on the server, so a world restore does not roll back anyone's inventory or skills.
- Your server settings and mod files are not part of the world. Choose Whole server when you take a backup if you want them included.
Take your own backup
- Open the Backups tab
Go to panel.chicagoservers.co, choose your Valheim server and open Backups.
- Choose what to include
World and settings covers the world and server settings. Whole server covers everything, which is better before a big change.
- Back up now
Click Back up now. It appears under Your backups.
- Keep it
Star a backup to keep it, so it is not removed when older ones are cleaned up.
You can also set Automatic backups there, scheduled in Chicago time. For timing a restart around them, see the Schedules tab.
Restore from the panel
- Choose the backup
On Backups, find the backup you want under Your backups and click Restore.
- Keep a restore point
Leave Save the current files as a restore point first ticked, so you can undo the restore if it is the wrong one.
- Put it back
Click Put it back. The server stops, the files are replaced, and it starts again if it was running.
- Check the world
Join and check that the world and progress look right.
Restore by hand from an automatic backup
Use this when the backup you want is one of the automatic ones in worlds_local. Do it with the server stopped.
- Stop the server
Click Stop and wait until it is offline.
- Keep the current world
On the Files tab, open
worlds_localand rename the live world folder, for example by adding_oldto the end. - Copy the backup
Copy the backup folder you want and rename the copy to your exact World name.
- Start and test
Click Start and join. Keep the renamed old folder until you are sure.
The mistake that makes a new world
Valheim finds your world by name. If the World name on the Startup tab does not match the world you restored, even by a capital letter, the server generates a fresh world under that name. Nothing is deleted, but it looks like your base vanished. Fix the name to match and restart. Moving a world from another machine follows the same rule. See how to move a Valheim world to a server, and the world seed guide if you want a new world with a chosen seed.
Backup checklist
- Take a manual backup before updates, big builds and boss fights.
- Star the backups you never want removed.
- Choose Whole server before changing mods. See installing BepInEx mods.
- Restore from the panel when you can, and always tick the restore point option.
- Check the world name after any restore.
Looking for a host? See Valheim server hosting.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a Valheim dedicated server back up?
The documented defaults are a save every 1800 seconds, the first backup after 7200 seconds and later backups every 43200 seconds, keeping 4 automatic backups.
Where are Valheim server backups stored?
Automatic backups go in the worlds_local folder on the server, next to the live world, and are replaced as new ones are made.
How do I restore a Valheim world on ChicagoServers?
Open the Backups tab, click Restore on the backup you want, leave the restore point option ticked and click Put it back.
Why did my Valheim world reset after a restore?
The World name probably does not match the restored world exactly, so Valheim created a new one. Correct the name and restart.
Do Valheim server backups include characters?
No. Characters are stored on each player's own computer, so restoring a world does not change inventories or skills.