Valheim Server Not Showing Up or Can't Join: Causes and Fixes
If a Valheim server does not appear in the list or players cannot join it, check these in order: the game and server versions match, the server is running, List publicly is on, the password is valid, and players are using the right IP address and port. On a hosted server, port forwarding is not the problem, because the panel assigns the ports.
This guide is a troubleshooting checklist built on how Valheim's dedicated server works. It was checked on 2026-11-15 against the community Valheim wiki and our own server setup. For a full list of launch options, see the dedicated server setup guide.
- Version mismatch is the most common cause. Players cannot connect if the server and game versions differ. After a Valheim update, use Update now on the Steam update bar and restart.
- The default game port is UDP 2456, and the Steam query port is the next one up, 2457. On ChicagoServers the panel assigns both, so there is nothing to forward.
- A server only shows in the community list with List publicly on. After a restart, allow a few minutes for the list to update.
- The password needs at least five characters and must not appear inside the world name, or a public server refuses to start.
- Players who cannot find the server can still join with Join Game, then Add server and the server's IP address and port.
On this page
Check these first
- Is the server running?
Open the panel and check the server shows as online. On the Console tab, look for the world finishing loading. If it stopped, read the last lines for an error.
- Do the versions match?
The server must be on the same version as the players' game. If Valheim just updated, click Update now on the Steam update bar, then restart the server. If players on a test branch are the ones failing, they are on a different version from the server.
- Is the server listed?
On the Startup tab check List publicly. With it off, the server is hidden from the community browser, and players need the IP address and port instead.
- Is the password valid?
At least five characters, and not contained in the world name. If it is not valid the server exits at start. Change Join password on the Startup tab.
- Wait a few minutes
After a restart the list can lag behind. Try joining by IP in the meantime.
How players should join
- In Valheim choose Join Game.
- Search the community list for the server name, or use Add server and type the IP address and game port from your server page.
- Enter the server password when asked.
- Console and Game Pass players need a crossplay server and the six-digit join code. See the crossplay guide.
Symptoms and fixes
| What you see | Likely cause and fix |
|---|---|
| The server is not in the list | List publicly is off, or the server just restarted and the list has not caught up. Join by IP and port. |
| Incompatible version or failed to connect | Different versions on server and player. Update the server with Update now, and make sure the player's game is current. |
| Wrong password | The player typed it wrong. Check Join password on the Startup tab. |
| Server stops right after start | The password is shorter than five characters or appears inside the world name. Read the Console tab. |
| Joins by IP but not from the list | Listing or the Steam query port. Check List publicly and wait for the list to refresh. |
| Console players cannot find it | They need a crossplay server and the join code. |
| Only some players fail | They are on a different game version, or they have mods the others do not. |
| Joined, then stuck loading | Check the Console tab for errors and the panel's memory graph. See the can't connect guide for problems on the player's side. |
| World is empty or reset | The World name does not match the existing world, so the server created a new one. See the world transfer guide. |
Use the Console tab to see what the server sees
The Console tab shows the server's own output. It tells you if the world loaded, if a player connected or dropped, and if the password was rejected at start. Copy the last lines when you contact support, along with the exact error the player sees. That saves a round of questions.
- After an update, Validate on the Steam update bar checks the server files if you suspect a damaged install.
- Take a backup from the Backups tab before you change anything on the world.
- If mods are installed, remove the newest one first. See the BepInEx mods guide.
Our general can't connect to a game server guide covers problems on the player's side, such as firewalls and VPNs. Ready to host? See Valheim server hosting.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Valheim server not showing in the server list?
Usually List publicly is off, the server was just restarted and the list has not updated, or the versions differ. Turn on List publicly on the Startup tab, restart and wait a few minutes, or join with the IP address and port.
What ports does a Valheim server use?
UDP 2456 for the game by default, and 2457 for the Steam query. On ChicagoServers the panel assigns them so you do not forward anything.
Why can't I join my Valheim server after an update?
The server and game versions must match. Use Update now on the Steam update bar, restart the server and make sure the player's game is up to date.
What are the Valheim server password rules?
At least five characters, and the password must not appear inside the world name. A public server that breaks this rule refuses to start.
Can I join a Valheim server without the server list?
Yes. Choose Join Game, then Add server, and enter the IP address and port, then the password. Console players use the crossplay join code.