> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.wasabihosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Join Your Valheim Server

> Connect to your Valheim server hosting instance via the Steam server browser, in-game Join IP, or crossplay join code — plus fixes for common connection problems.

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.**

## Know Your Ports

Your server's address is shown in the [Game Panel](https://panel.wasabihosting.com). Valheim uses a small range of ports based on the game port (default `2456`):

| Port                   | Purpose      | Used by                          |
| ---------------------- | ------------ | -------------------------------- |
| `2456` (game port)     | Game traffic | In-game **Join IP**              |
| `2457` (game port + 1) | Steam query  | Steam server browser / favorites |

If your server runs on a non-default port, apply the same rule: the Steam browser wants **game port + 1**.

## Method 1: Steam Server Browser (Favorites)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Steam's server browser">
    In the Steam client, go to **View → Game Servers** and select the **Favorites** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your server">
    Click **Add a Server** and enter your address using the **query port**:

    ```
    203.0.113.10:2457
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Join from in-game">
    Launch Valheim, select your character, and open **Join Game** — your favorited server appears in the list. Select it and click **Connect**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Method 2: In-Game Join IP

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the join screen">
    Launch Valheim, pick a character, and go to **Start Game → Join Game**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use Join IP">
    Click the **Join IP** button and enter your address with the **game port**:

    ```
    203.0.113.10:2456
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the password">
    Valheim dedicated servers require a password (minimum 5 characters — see [server configuration](/games/valheim/server-configuration)). Enter it and you're in.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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.

<Note>
  The join code can change when the server restarts — 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.
</Note>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="'Incompatible version'">
    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).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="'Failed to connect' or server not found">
    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 — the server accepts connections only after "Game server connected" appears in the log.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Wrong password">
    Passwords are case-sensitive and at least 5 characters. If you changed the `-password` startup parameter, the change only applies after a server restart.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Mod mismatch (modded servers)">
    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](/games/valheim/install-mods).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Crossplay join code not working">
    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.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Tip>
  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.
</Tip>

Still stuck? We're available 24/7 via [ticket](https://billing.wasabihosting.com/submitticket.php) or [Discord](https://discord.wasabihosting.com).

<Card title="No server yet?" icon="rocket" href="https://wasabihosting.com/game-servers/valheim">
  Get a Valheim server from €7.49/month — online in about 2 minutes, DDoS protection included.
</Card>