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How to Add Valheim Servers to Steam: A Comprehensive Guide

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Adding Valheim servers to your Steam favorites is a straightforward process that allows you to easily access and play on your preferred servers. This ensures you don’t have to search through the community list every time you want to join a specific game. To add a Valheim server, you’ll primarily use the Steam server browser. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Steam application.
Click on “View” in the top menu bar.
Select “Servers” from the dropdown menu. This will open the Steam server browser.
In the server browser window, click on the “Favorites” tab.
Click on the “Add a server” button, usually located at the bottom right of the window.
Enter the server’s IP address into the dialog box that appears. It’s crucial that you get the IP address correct. For Valheim servers, often a port number is also needed, which should be appended to the IP address with a colon (e.g., 192.168.1.100:2456).
Click on “Add this address to favorites”.
Refresh the favorites list by clicking “Refresh” in the server browser.
Your server should now appear in your favorites list.
Double-click the server or select it and click “Connect” to join, launching Valheim in the process.

This process adds the server to your Steam favorites, making it easier to find and join in the future.

Understanding Server Addresses and Ports

When adding a Valheim server, it’s important to understand the structure of a server address:

IP Address: This is the unique numerical address that identifies the server’s location on the internet. It typically looks like four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
Port Number: This specifies which service (in this case, the Valheim game server) is running on that specific IP address. Valheim commonly uses the port 2456 or 2457, but it can vary. Always make sure to use the correct port assigned by your server administrator.

Combining the IP address and port number is how you uniquely locate a specific Valheim server on the internet.

Adding Servers Using the Game

While the above method is the most reliable, you can also attempt to join servers using Valheim’s in-game server browser. However, this often relies on the server being discoverable in the community list, which can be unreliable:

Launch Valheim.
Select your character, then click “Start”.
Navigate to the “Join Game” section.
Click on the “Community” tab.
Try searching for your server by its name. If the server is in the community list you can select it and click “Connect”.
Alternatively, click the “Join IP” button at the bottom, enter the IP address with port (e.g., 192.168.1.100:2456), and then click “Connect”

Important Notes

Server Visibility: Not all servers appear in the community list. Using the direct IP address via Steam favorites is usually more reliable for joining specific servers.
Password Protection: Some servers are password protected. Make sure you have the correct password ready before attempting to connect.
Firewall Issues: Make sure that your computer’s firewall, and that of your router, is not blocking the connection to the Valheim server.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about adding and joining Valheim servers on Steam:

1. Why is my server not showing up in the Steam server list?

Several reasons could cause a server not to show up in the Steam server list. These include:

Incorrect IP or Port: Ensure you have entered the IP address and port correctly.
Server Offline: The server might be offline or undergoing maintenance.
Firewall Issues: Your firewall could be blocking the connection to the server.
Server Visibility: The server might not be publicly listed and requires the direct IP address.

2. How do I find my Valheim server’s IP address and port?

The server’s IP address and port are usually provided by the server administrator or host. If you are hosting the server, you can find it in your server settings or configuration files.

3. What is the difference between a community server and a friends-only server?

Community Server: A community server is open to anyone playing Valheim.
Friends-Only Server: Only players on the host’s Steam friends list can join a friends-only server.

4. Can I join a Valheim server if I’m not friends with the host on Steam?

Yes, if the server is set up as a community server or if you have the direct IP address, you can join even if you are not Steam friends with the host.

5. Why do I need to add 1 to the last digit of the IP when using Steam favorites?

This is incorrect; you do not add 1 to the last digit of the IP address when adding a Valheim server to Steam favorites. You use the IP address as provided by the server admin, including the correct port. It’s critical to use the correct IP address and port number. The incorrect port adjustment sometimes occurs when people are told to use the port without a zero at the end when joining from the Valheim “Join IP” button within the game itself.

6. What if I’m still having trouble connecting?

If you are still having trouble, check the following:

Double-check IP and port: Ensure the IP address and port are entered correctly.
Restart Steam and Valheim: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connection issues.
Check server status: Make sure the server is online and reachable.
Firewall rules: Verify that your firewall is not blocking the game or Steam.

7. How do I join a crossplay server on Valheim?

To join a Valheim crossplay server (e.g., Xbox and Steam), you’ll often need a specific join code and password. In the “Select World” menu in Valheim, open the “Join Game” tab and click “Add Server.” Enter the provided join code and password to connect.

8. Can I transfer my Valheim world to another server?

Yes, you can transfer your Valheim world to another server by accessing the world save files from the source machine and uploading them to the new server. Ensure the -world parameter in the server script matches the name of your world.

9. How do I download Valheim server files?

To download Valheim server files, navigate to your server’s file access (usually via FTP) and download the specific world files which are contained in the worlds_local folder.

10. Can I host multiple Valheim servers at once?

Yes, you can host multiple Valheim servers at once, but you must make sure that each uses different ports. These servers will use a separate world name, separate config file and different port numbers.

11. What ports do I need to forward for a Valheim dedicated server?

Generally, you need to forward TCP/UDP ports 2456 to 2458 for a Valheim dedicated server, though it can vary if you host multiple servers. The port required to join through the in-game “Join IP” button often ends in a 0 – for example, if your server uses port 2456 you often have to use 24560.

12. How do I join a friend’s Valheim server directly through Steam?

A Steam user can invite a friend to their Valheim server by right-clicking on their friend in their Steam friends list and selecting “Invite to Game.”

13. What is a Valheim “Join Code” and how do I use it?

A Valheim “Join Code” is a unique identifier that allows you to quickly join a specific crossplay server. You input this code in the “Join Game” menu by clicking on “Add server” and pasting it.

14. Can my friends play on my Valheim server when I’m offline?

Not if you are hosting the server on your personal PC. Your PC must be on, and the game running to allow others to join. Dedicated servers, which are usually hosted on dedicated servers, can be online 24/7.

15. Do I need the dedicated server tool to host a Valheim server?

You don’t need the dedicated server tool to host a Valheim server for you and your friends. You can host one directly from within the game itself. However, for more stable and reliable 24/7 server hosting, using the Valheim dedicated server tool is recommended.

By following this guide and the provided FAQs, you should be well-equipped to add and join Valheim servers via Steam with ease. Enjoy your adventures in Valheim!