# Valheim Network Troubleshooting (/docs/valheim/fix-network)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

Server Not Appearing in the Community Browser [#server-not-appearing-in-the-community-browser]

| Check                 | Fix                                                                                                                  |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Public flag set       | Ensure `-public 1` in **Startup**. See [Make Server Private](/docs/valheim/private-setup) — this controls visibility |
| Server still starting | Wait 1–2 minutes after startup. The server takes time to register with Steam                                         |
| Crossplay enabled     | Crossplay servers register through PlayFab relay, which can take longer to appear                                    |
| Ports open            | Verify UDP **2456**, **2457**, and **2458** are accessible                                                           |

Players Can't Connect [#players-cant-connect]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Verify the server is running [#verify-the-server-is-running]

    Open **Console** in the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com) and look for "Game server connected" or similar in the startup log.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Check the password [#check-the-password]

    Common gotcha: **the password must be at least 5 characters AND must NOT match the world name**. The server refuses to start otherwise.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Verify the IP and port [#verify-the-ip-and-port]

    In **Network**, confirm the IP and game port. The default is **2456 (UDP)**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Check version match [#check-version-match]

    If the player gets "Version mismatch", update the server. See [Update Guide](/docs/valheim/update-guide).
  </Step>
</Steps>

Xbox / Game Pass / Microsoft Store Players Can't Join [#xbox--game-pass--microsoft-store-players-cant-join]

These platforms use the **PlayFab relay** which requires crossplay to be enabled.

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Enable crossplay [#enable-crossplay]

    In **Startup**, set the **Crossplay** variable on. See [Crossplay Setup](/docs/valheim/crossplay-setup).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Restart and get the join code [#restart-and-get-the-join-code]

    After restart, check **Console** for the 6-character join code. Share this with console players — they connect via the join code, not direct IP.
  </Step>
</Steps>

> **Important:** Crossplay servers cannot use client-side mods. Console players can't install mods, so they'll be rejected from modded servers.

Mods Causing Issues [#mods-causing-issues]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Check the BepInEx log [#check-the-bepinex-log]

    Click **Files** in the sidebar and open `BepInEx/LogOutput.log`. Errors near the end usually indicate the failing mod.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Disable mods one at a time [#disable-mods-one-at-a-time]

    Use the panel **Mods** sidebar to uninstall mods one by one until the server starts cleanly. The last one removed is likely the culprit.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Check mod compatibility [#check-mod-compatibility]

    Make sure mods support your Valheim version. After major game updates, mods often need updates too. Check Thunderstore for newer versions.
  </Step>
</Steps>

"Disconnected from Server" Mid-Game [#disconnected-from-server-mid-game]

| Cause             | Fix                                                                        |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Server out of RAM | Check **Activity** in the panel for memory usage                           |
| Network timeout   | Player's connection is unstable — not a server issue                       |
| Server crashed    | Check **Console** for the crash log. Often caused by a mod incompatibility |
| Steam outage      | Rare, but Steam authentication outages can cause mass disconnects          |

Required Ports Reference [#required-ports-reference]

| Port     | Protocol | Purpose                     |
| -------- | -------- | --------------------------- |
| **2456** | UDP      | Game traffic                |
| **2457** | UDP      | Steam query (game port + 1) |
| **2458** | UDP      | A2S query (game port + 2)   |

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Connect to Your Server](/docs/valheim/join-server)
* [Crossplay Setup](/docs/valheim/crossplay-setup)
* [Server Launch Parameters](/docs/valheim/server-launch-parameters)
* [Install Mods](/docs/valheim/mod-setup)