Returning to Valheim: Old Worlds, Achievements and Crossplay
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Valheim’s full release adds Deep North, new crafting pieces, equipment, foods and upgradeable pockets. Your existing base can stay; decide how much unexplored land you have before choosing a world for the new biome.
Keep the old world or start again
Old saves still work and receive new content. New biome generation works properly in unexplored areas, so already explored terrain is the limitation. Iron Gate recommends a fresh world for the full experience, but restarting is optional.
The update focuses on Deep North, not an Ocean overhaul. A fresh start also gives you a reason to rebuild the early food and Rested routine.
Check achievements before sharing gear
Achievement tracking starts with the full release; earlier boss kills must be repeated. The launch rules flag most devcommands permanently and temporarily block an otherwise eligible character carrying spawned items. Remove all marked items to clear that temporary state. Some modifiers, including Hammer mode, also block certain achievements.
The newer Steam hotfix adds an official option to restore achievement eligibility after devcommand or mod use. It also adds a message explaining when temporary restrictions have cleared. Check the current platform update before assuming the older permanent-lock rule is your only outcome.
Current crossplay and item-stand problems
Switch 2 crossplay is temporarily unavailable with other platforms because its hotfix could not be uploaded. Iron Gate’s later notice overrides the broader crossplay wording earlier in the same announcement. A friend’s server setting will not fix that platform mismatch.
Back up before taking valuable items off stands. The current fix does not cover every item-stand case after playing the full release. Weapons, armour and even high-level fish can lose durability or upgrade levels. Leave them displayed until you have a usable backup.
Join a dedicated server across platforms
Crossplay and cross-save are different. Xbox saves can sync with a PC copy launched through the Microsoft Store; other platform combinations do not have official save synchronisation. Servers support up to ten players.
For a dedicated server, have the host check which backend it uses:
- Use the Crossplay backend for players on different platforms. The dedicated-server launch argument is
-crossplay; without it, the Steam backend accepts Steam players only. - Join through the server list, its join code, or its public address and port. A Crossplay server cannot be joined using a local or loopback address.
- Keep the server password handy. The Crossplay backend uses a relay, so router port forwarding is not required for outside players to reach it.
- If the host maintains a permitted-player list, check that everyone joining is included. Once that list is used, players outside it cannot enter.
For a fresh character, Getting Started covers the first shelter and equipment. Returning characters should also refresh food and Rested before leaving an old base for a harder biome.