Source-reviewed guide
Valheim 1.0 System Requirements and Download Size
Current Valheim PC, Mac and Linux system requirements plus the official 1.0 download-size estimates for each platform.
Reviewed 2026-09-17
Update — September 2026: Valheim 1.0 and Deep North were released on September 9, 2026. Launch-era guidance below should be read alongside the September 11 hotfixes, including the Steam achievement opt-in. See patch notes.
Valheim 1.0 is expected to download at approximately 4.3 GiB on most platforms according to Iron Gate's pre-release estimate for the September 9 launch. Iron Gate estimates about 3.0 GiB on Xbox One and about 6.5 GiB for the Mac App Store and Microsoft Store versions.
The PC, Mac, and Linux requirements below are the current official Steam storefront specifications reviewed on September 4. Iron Gate has not separately labelled them as final 1.0 requirements, so check the current storefront if your system is close to the minimum.
Official download-size estimates
| Platform or store | Estimated 1.0 download |
|---|---|
| Most platforms | About 4.3 GiB |
| Xbox One | About 3.0 GiB |
| Microsoft Store | About 6.5 GiB |
| Mac App Store | About 6.5 GiB |
These are download estimates, not a guarantee of the final installed footprint. Updates can also require temporary free space to unpack and replace files. Leave additional headroom rather than clearing exactly the listed amount.
Windows requirements
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 or later, 64-bit | Windows 10 or later, 64-bit |
| Processor | 2.6 GHz quad core or similar | Intel Core i5 3 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 3 GHz |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | GeForce GTX 950 or Radeon HD 7970 | GeForce GTX 1060 or Radeon RX 580 |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 11 |
| Network | Not listed | Broadband connection |
| Storefront storage listing | 1 GB available | 1 GB available |
The Steam storage figure predates the official 1.0 download estimate and is lower than the expected update download. For launch planning, use the newer 1.0 estimate and retain additional temporary space.
macOS requirements
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | macOS 11 or later | macOS 14 or later |
| Processor | 2.6 GHz quad core or similar | Apple M1 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | Radeon Pro 450 or R9 M290X | M1 integrated GPU or Radeon Pro 570X |
| Network | Not listed | Broadband connection |
| Storefront storage listing | 3 GB available | 3 GB available |
At 1.0, Valheim will be sold for Mac through Steam, the Mac App Store, and Humble. The estimated Mac App Store download is larger than the general estimate, at about 6.5 GiB.
SteamOS and Linux requirements
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Any up-to-date version | Any up-to-date version |
| Processor | 2.6 GHz dual core or similar | Intel Core i5 3 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 3 GHz |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | GeForce GTX 950 or Radeon HD 7970 | GeForce GTX 1060 or Radeon RX 580 |
| Network | Not listed | Broadband connection |
| Storefront storage listing | 2 GB available | 2 GB available |
Valheim is Steam Deck Verified according to Iron Gate's general FAQ. Verification is a compatibility designation, not a guarantee that every graphics setting, large base, or heavily modded world will maintain the same performance.
Will large builds run faster in 1.0?
Iron Gate says 1.0 includes performance improvements such as reduced microstutter when loading zones, faster saving, and other smaller optimizations. It specifically cautions that large builds are not expected to benefit as much as players might hope.
If a settlement already struggles, preserve the world and test the final build before promising a particular frame-rate improvement. Mods, server latency, world size, smoke and light sources, and the density of structures can all complicate comparisons.
Client requirements are not server requirements
The Steam client specifications include rendering hardware that a headless dedicated server does not need. Server sizing depends more heavily on CPU performance, memory headroom, world activity, player distribution, and any mods.
Iron Gate officially supports 1–10 players. It does not publish a simple RAM-per-player formula for dedicated servers. Use the server requirements guide instead of applying the client graphics table to hosting hardware.
Launch-day storage checklist
- Leave more free disk space than the estimated download.
- Back up worlds and characters outside the active save directory.
- Allow time for the storefront to unpack and apply the update.
- Update dedicated servers and clients to compatible builds.
- Preserve the last working mod list before updating it.
- Re-check the official store requirements if hardware is near minimum.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Valheim 1.0 download?
Iron Gate estimates about 4.3 GiB on most platforms, 3.0 GiB on Xbox One, and 6.5 GiB for the Mac App Store and Microsoft Store versions.
How much RAM does Valheim need on PC?
The current Steam requirements list 8 GB RAM minimum and 16 GB recommended for Windows, macOS, and Linux clients.
Is Valheim Steam Deck verified?
Yes. Iron Gate's FAQ states that Valheim is verified for Steam Deck and supports controllers.
Will Valheim 1.0 improve performance?
Iron Gate confirms reduced zone-loading microstutter, faster saves, and other optimizations, but says large builds in particular will not be highly affected.
Are these dedicated-server requirements?
No. The tables are client requirements from the Steam storefront. Dedicated servers have different workloads and do not need a gaming GPU.
Sources
Official 1.0 patch notes, September 11 hotfix, 1.0 FAQ, Valheim on Steam: system requirements, Valheim FAQ: controller and Steam Deck support.