Valheim server troubleshooter
Can’t get into your Valheim server? Pick the error you see for the checks that fix it, or paste the server log: every refused player, failed save, crash and mod error is explained with what to do. Runs in your browser; the log never leaves your device.
1. What do you see?
- Is the server actually up?
A server takes a minute or more to load the world after it starts. In the log, wait for “Game server connected” (Steam) or a join code (crossplay) before joining.
- Steam or crossplay?
A crossplay server (started with -crossplay) is joined with its join code, from the in-game list, or by its public address and port, but not by a local address like 192.168.x.x, even from the same house. A Steam-only server is joined by address and port, or from the list.
- Open the ports (Steam servers at home)
A Steam server uses its -port and the next one: forward UDP 2456 and 2457 (the default) to the server’s PC and allow them in its firewall, then join with the address and port, like 203.0.113.5:2456. A crossplay server goes through a relay and doesn’t need port forwarding.
- Same version on both sides
Right after a Valheim update, players update automatically but a server has to be updated too. A version mismatch usually says “Incompatible version”, but update both if unsure.
- Read the server log
Paste it above: refused players, crashes and mod errors show up with their fix.
- Use the current code
The join code changes every time the server restarts. Copy it again from the server’s log or panel.
- Crossplay must be on
Only servers started with -crossplay have a join code. A Steam-only server has none: join it by IP instead.
- Wait for the server to finish starting
The code works only once the server has loaded its world and registered with PlayFab (the log shows “registered with join code”).
- PlayFab trouble
If the log shows PlayFab login failures, the server has no working code; restart it, or wait if PlayFab is having an outage.
- Update the server
After a Valheim update the server must be updated too (SteamCMD app 896660). Restart a hosted server so it updates, if your host updates on start.
- Check the beta branch
In Steam, Valheim → Properties → Betas: players on the public-test branch can’t join a normal server, and the other way around.
- Xbox and Game Pass players
Console and Game Pass versions sometimes update at a different time than Steam. Everyone needs the same version.
- Mods
Some mods change the version the game reports, so the server and every player need the same mods and mod versions. The modpack checker on this site compares lists.
- Type it exactly
Passwords are case-sensitive. It’s the server’s -password, not the world name and not the server name.
- Saved server entries
If the password changed, a server saved in the game’s list may still try the old one. Retype it.
- At least 5 characters
A public server’s password needs 5 characters or more.
- Not inside the world name or seed
The password can’t appear inside the world name or the seed (upper and lower case count: “Viking” is inside “Vikings”, “viking” isn’t). The server’s name doesn’t matter. Check yours with the password check below.
- Public on, with a password
Only servers started with -public 1 are listed, and a public server needs a valid password to start at all.
- Search by name
The in-game Community list doesn’t show every server at once. Type the server’s exact name in the search box, and give a new server a few minutes to appear.
- Join directly instead
You don’t need the list: use the join code for a crossplay server, or Join IP with address:port for a Steam server.
- Steam registration
If the log shows Steam connection or registration failures, the server can’t be listed until it reconnects. Restart it.
- 10 players is the limit
Valheim allows 10 players on a server. Mods can raise it, but the server and every player then need them.
- Ghost players
After a crash a player may still count as connected for a minute. Wait, then join again.
- Same mods, same versions
Mods that sync configs or check versions kick players whose mods differ from the server’s. Share the server’s exact profile (an r2modman or Gale profile code).
- Client-only and server-only mods
Some mods belong only on players’ PCs or only on the server. The modpack checker shows where each mod goes.
- Read the BepInEx log
Paste BepInEx/LogOutput.log above: missing dependencies and mod errors are listed by mod.
More detail: failed to connect, step by step· incompatible version · ports and the crossplay relay
2. Have the log? Paste it
What the log says
Timeline
Quick answers
Why does Valheim say “Failed to connect”?
Most often the server is still starting, the player is using the wrong way in (a crossplay server is joined with its join code, the list or its public address; a Steam-only server by address:port or the list), the ports aren’t open on a Steam server at home (UDP 2456 and 2457 by default), or the game versions differ. Pick the error above for the full checklist, or paste the server log to see what the server saw.
What does “Couldn’t resolve join code” mean?
The code didn’t lead to a running crossplay server. The join code changes every time the server restarts, exists only on servers started with -crossplay, and works only once the server has finished loading its world. Copy the current code from the server’s log or panel.
How do I fix “Incompatible version” in Valheim?
Put the server and every player on the same game version. After a Valheim update, players update through Steam or Xbox but a dedicated server has to be updated too (SteamCMD app 896660). Also check that nobody is on the public-test branch, and that everyone has the same mods if any of them change the version.
Why won’t my Valheim server start with “Error bad password”?
A public server’s password needs at least 5 characters and can’t appear inside the world name or the seed; upper and lower case count. The server’s name doesn’t matter. Check yours with the password check on this page.
Why isn’t my Valheim server in the server list?
Only servers started with -public 1 are listed, and the in-game Community list doesn’t show every server at once: search the exact name and give a new server a few minutes. You don’t need the list to play: join with the join code (crossplay) or by address and port (Steam).
Where is the Valheim server log?
A dedicated server prints it to its console window, or to the file its -logFile option names. With mods, BepInEx writes BepInEx/LogOutput.log in the server’s folder. A player’s own game log is Player.log in %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim. On a hosted server, it’s the console or log in the host’s panel.
Is my log uploaded?
No. The analyzer runs in your browser and the log never leaves your device. Logs contain player IDs and IP addresses, so if you share one elsewhere, remove those first.
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