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Valheim / Online & account

Valheim: Dedicated server is unreachable

A Valheim server can be running and still be unreachable from outside. What matters is the backend it uses: with the Steam backend, the port range from the base port must be reachable; with -crossplay, traffic goes through a relay without port forwarding. Iron Gate's server guide describes both paths, and the steps below follow it.

Updated: ·2 min read·Windows / PC
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STRAIGHT TO THE SOLUTION

Start here

01Step 1: check the server start↓02Step 2: Steam backend and ports↓03Step 3: crossplay backend↓
01

Step 1: check the server start

  1. Wait for the Game server connected message in the console window. Only then is the server ready.
  2. Note the values for -name, -port and -public in your start file and whether -crossplay is set. Check: without that message, the problem is the server start, not the network.
02

Step 2: Steam backend and ports

  1. Without -crossplay, Valheim uses the base port and the following port, 2456–2457 by default. This range must be forwarded on your router to the server PC.
  2. If Windows Firewall prompts on first start, Iron Gate says to allow communication for all offered networks. Check: a player outside your home network can join via public IP and port.
03

Step 3: crossplay backend

  1. With -crossplay, no port forwarding is needed because the connection uses a relay. Joining works via public IP and port, join code or server list, but according to Iron Gate not via local or loopback IP.
  2. Check: if it works from outside but not from your own network via local IP, that is expected behaviour.
04

Step 4: visibility and access lists

  1. With -public 0 the server does not appear in the list and can only be reached by IP. Also check permittedlist.txt: an entry there locks out every other player.
05

If nobody can connect

  1. Compare client and server versions; different versions prevent joining. Then test with a copy of the world without mods.
  2. If you run several servers behind one public IP, each needs its own port, even with crossplay.

Related guide

Sources and current status

Frequently asked questions

Does crossplay need the same router forwarding?

No. According to Iron Gate, crossplay uses a relay and needs no port forwarding.

Why can I not connect via 127.0.0.1 with crossplay?

The guide says the crossplay backend does not support joining via local or loopback IP. Use a join code or the public IP.

Should I turn off the firewall entirely?

No. Allow Valheim to communicate specifically when Windows asks.

How do friends find my server without the server list?

With -public 0, only via your public IP and port. With -crossplay, also via the join code the server shows.

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