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There are three ways to join a Valheim dedicated server: the Steam server browser (favorites), the in-game Join IP button, and (for crossplay servers) a join code. The catch that trips up most players: different methods use different ports.

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Know Your Ports

Your server’s address is shown in the Game Panel. Valheim uses a small range of ports based on the game port (default 2456): If your server runs on a non-default port, apply the same rule: the Steam browser wants game port + 1.

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Method 1: Steam Server Browser (Favorites)

1

Open Steam's server browser

In the Steam client, go to View → Game Servers and select the Favorites tab.
2

Add your server

Click Add a Server and enter your address using the query port:
3

Join from in-game

Launch Valheim, select your character, and open Join Game, and your favorited server appears in the list. Select it and click Connect.

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Method 2: In-Game Join IP

1

Open the join screen

Launch Valheim, pick a character, and go to Start Game → Join Game.
2

Use Join IP

Click the Join IP button and enter your address with the game port:
3

Enter the password

Valheim dedicated servers require a password (minimum 5 characters; see server configuration). Enter it and you’re in.

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Method 3: Crossplay Join Code

If your server runs with the -crossplay startup flag, it registers with the crossplay backend and gets a join code (visible in the server’s console log at startup). Players on any platform can then:
  1. Open Join Game in Valheim.
  2. Choose Join by code / enter the join code.
  3. Enter the server password.
The join code can change when the server restarts, so check the panel Console after each restart if your players join by code. Steam players can always use the IP methods above regardless of the crossplay flag.

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Troubleshooting

Your game client and the server are on different Valheim versions. Update your client through Steam, and make sure the server is updated too (restart it from the Game Panel to pull the latest version).
Nine times out of ten this is a port mix-up: Join IP needs 2456, Steam favorites need 2457. Also confirm in the panel Console that the world has finished loading, because the server accepts connections only after “Game server connected” appears in the log.
Passwords are case-sensitive and at least 5 characters. If you changed the -password startup parameter, the change only applies after a server restart.
If the server runs BepInEx mods, most gameplay mods must be installed on your client in the exact same versions. A mismatch causes failed joins, instant disconnects, or weird desync. See installing mods.
Grab the current code fresh from the server console (it can change on restart). If the server was recently switched to crossplay, give it a minute after boot to register with the matchmaking backend. Modded servers should not use crossplay at all.
Playing with the same group regularly? Share a simple connect card in your group chat: server address (IP:2456 for Join IP, IP:2457 for Steam favorites), the password, and (if modded) a link to the exact mod list. It eliminates 90% of “I can’t join” messages.
Still stuck? We’re available 24/7 via ticket or Discord.

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