The need to change the host on a Stardew Valley server arises when uploading a local co-op save to a dedicated server, as the server's headless software automatically creates a new, often unused "dummy" host player for continuous uptime. Players then modify the save file to swap the data between their highly progressed player character and the dummy host, effectively transferring the main farm and administrative role to their account. This critical step ensures that the character with the most advanced skills, friendships, and main-house ownership is the one the server recognizes, allowing the original progression to continue on the 24/7 server.
Requirement: Loading a custom host requires an uploaded co-op save. Learn how to upload a co-op save here.
1. Join the server and create a dummy profile.
2. Take note of the dummy name.
3. Complete a day to save the server.
4. Log in to the BisectHosting Starbase panel.
5. Stop the server.
6. Go to the Files tab.
7. Find the following directory: /home/container/.config/StardewValley/Saves .
8. Download the current Farm folder.
9. Extract the downloaded file to a new folder.
10. Open the FarmName_ID file with a text editor.
11. Hit CTRL+F on the keyboard to search for the name from step 2.
12. Before the <farmer> tag, press enter on the keyboard to mark the spot.
13. Hit CTRL+F on the keyboard and search for the next </farmer> tag. This will mark the end of the <farmer> tag from the dummy name.
14. Take note of the Unique Multiplayer ID of the dummy.
15. Delete everything between the <Farmer></Farmer> tags of the dummy.
16. Minimize the file to use later in the tutorial.
17. Open the SaveGameInfo file.
18. Copy everything from the <name> tags to before the </farmer> tag.
19. Return to the file from step 16.
20. Paste the details from step 18 between the <farmer> tags. Ensure it only ends with one </farmer> tag.
21. Replace the Unique Multiplayer ID with the ID from step 14.
22. Remove the extra spacing created and save the file.
23. Return to the BisectHosting Starbase panel.
24. Go to the Files tab.
25. Find the following directory: /home/container/.config/StardewValley/Saves .
26. Open the current Farm folder.
27. Upload the saved file from step 22. Replace the previous server file.
Note: Keep a backup of the downloaded .zip file from step 8.
28. Start the server.