How to Join a Valheim Dedicated Server (IP, Join Code and Errors)
You have the server, but the game won't let you in. It's almost always the address without the port, the password or a different version.
Two ways to join
By IP: in Valheim, “Join game” → “Add server”, and type the address with the port, separated by a colon (for example, yourserver.play.napnodes.com:2456). On a NapNodes server, the address and port are on the panel's “Address to play” card and in the “ready” email. Unlike Minecraft, in Valheim you have to type the port (which ports it uses).
By code: with crossplay enabled (NapNodes servers have it on by default), the server has a join code. You see it in the pause menu once you're in (clicking it copies it), and it also shows up in the server's “Console” when it starts. You paste it in the same place, “Join game” → “Add server”. That's how console players (Xbox, PlayStation 5, Switch 2) join; Steam players can use either way. More in the crossplay guide.
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The password
On NapNodes it's generated automatically and you'll find it in “Settings” → “Password to join”, with “Copy”. If you change it, the panel asks for 5 to 20 characters, with no spaces or quotes, and it mustn't be contained in the server name or the world name: otherwise Valheim won't start. Restart after changing it. To lock the server down further, see private Valheim server.
The usual errors
“Incompatible version”
Your game and the server aren't on the same version. If your game updated first, restart the server from the panel (with “Update the game on start”, which is on by default, it catches up) and try again; if there are mods, every player needs exactly the same ones as the server.
“Wrong password”
Copy it with “Copy” in “Settings” instead of typing it, with no trailing spaces. It's case-sensitive.
It doesn't show up in the server list
That's normal: the list isn't reliable or required, and “Show in the public list” may be turned off. Join with “Add server” (IP and port) or with the code. Why it doesn't show up.
It keeps loading or times out
Check in the panel that the server is on and isn't still installing (the first time takes about 5 minutes), or check it from outside with Is my Valheim server online?. Then make sure you typed the port.
You get in and it kicks you out while loading the world
With heavily explored worlds or lots of mods it's usually a lack of memory. Check the “Console”; if the server restarts on its own, remove the last mod or give it more RAM with “Adjust” in “My servers” (how much it needs).
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a Valheim dedicated server?
“Join game” → “Add server”, with the address and port (for example, :2456), or by pasting the code if the server has crossplay enabled. Then enter the password.
Where is the join code for my server?
In the pause menu, while you're on the server: clicking it copies it. On NapNodes it also shows up in the “Console” when the server starts. NapNodes servers have crossplay enabled.
Why does it say “incompatible version”?
Because your game and the server are on different versions, or because you don't all have the same mods. Restart the server from the panel and check that everyone has the same.
Can Steam and console players play together?
Yes: since 1.0 there's crossplay with Xbox, PlayStation 5 and Switch 2, joining with the code. Console players can't use mods, so with mods the player needs, they won't be able to join.
Shall we set it up for you?
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Keep reading
- How to Play Valheim With Friends: Your Game, a Join Code or a Dedicated Server
The three ways to play Valheim with friends: open your own game, set up a dedicated server or rent one. With PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5 and Switch 2 in 1.0.
- Play Valheim with Friends Without Port Forwarding: Radmin VPN, Hamachi or the Join Code
How to play Valheim with friends without opening ports: the crossplay join code, Radmin VPN or Hamachi. When each fits, which IP to use and what if it fails.
- How to Move Your Valheim World to a Dedicated Server (Including Since 1.0)
Move your Valheim world to a dedicated server without losing it: since 1.0 it's a whole folder; before, a .db and a .fwl. Where they are and how to upload them.