Valheim Nucleus Co-Op Guide
Valheim local split-screen via Nucleus Co-Op lets 2-4 players explore Norse mythology together on a single PC using built-in local multiplayer.
Get game setup in NucleusRequirements
How to Set Up Valheim Split-Screen
Valheim's Nucleus handler uses the built-in local multiplayer for LAN and requires dedicated server setup for stable multi-instance play.
- 1.
Install game setup
Search 'Valheim' in Nucleus and install. Point to valheim.exe.
- 2.
Host a World
Click Play. In the first instance, start a world and make it a local server. In the second, connect via the server IP (127.0.0.1).
- 3.
Or Use Dedicated Server
For more stability, run a local Valheim dedicated server (valheim_dedicated_server.exe) and connect both Nucleus instances to it.
Tips
A local dedicated server improves connection stability significantly for Valheim split-screen.
Each player needs their own Valheim character — character data is stored in Documents\Valheim\characters.
Valheim is CPU-intensive — running two instances benefits from a 6+ core processor.
Common Issues
Valheim instances desync frequently +
About Valheim Split-Screen
Valheim is a Viking survival game that supports up to 10 players online. Its procedurally generated Norse worlds make exploration rewarding in co-op, and the Nucleus handler brings this to local split-screen.
The game's network model works best with a dedicated server for Nucleus setups. Running a local valheim_dedicated_server.exe and connecting both instances to localhost provides the most stable experience.
Valheim updates through Early Access have occasionally broken the handler, but the community maintains active handler updates. The game is also highly moddable via Nexus Mods, and most popular mods work in the Nucleus configuration.
Each player maintains their own character, including Viking progression, gear, and biome exploration status. The shared world is hosted by the server instance.
