# How to Connect to Your Windrose Server (/docs/windrose/join-server)



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

Windrose uses an **invite code** system for joining servers — not IP addresses. Every dedicated server has a unique invite code that you share with your crew.

Finding Your Invite Code [#finding-your-invite-code]

Your invite code is shown in the XGamingServer panel after your server has finished starting for the first time. It is set in `ServerDescription.json` under the `InviteCode` field.

> The invite code won't appear until the server has fully registered for the first time. If you don't see it, start the server and wait \~1 minute.

You can set a custom invite code (min 6 characters, `0-9` / `a-z` / `A-Z`, case-sensitive) in `ServerDescription.json`. See [Server Configuration](/docs/windrose/server-config).

***

Joining a Server [#joining-a-server]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Launch Windrose from Steam.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    From the main menu, select **Play** → **Connect to Server**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Enter the server's **Invite Code** (e.g. `d6221bb7`) in the search field. Invite codes are case-sensitive.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Locate your server in the results and click **Connect**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    If the server is password-protected, enter the password when prompted.
  </Step>
</Steps>

> **Before joining:** Every player must complete the Windrose tutorial at least once before they can connect to a multiplayer server. If a player gets stuck on loading or is kicked back to the menu, check that they've finished the tutorial in single-player first.

***

What You'll Need [#what-youll-need]

* Windrose installed via Steam
* A Steam account (logged in)
* The invite code from the server owner

***

Ports and Networking [#ports-and-networking]

On XGamingServer managed hosting, firewall rules are handled automatically — no port forwarding action is needed on your end. Players connect via the invite code system.

***

Troubleshooting [#troubleshooting]

**"Connection Timed Out" or can't connect**

* Double-check the invite code — it's case-sensitive
* Wait \~1 minute after starting the server before connecting — it needs time to register
* Confirm the server is running (green status in the panel)
* Make sure you're not connected to a VPN on the client machine — VPNs can interfere with Windrose's connection system

**Player loads but gets kicked back to the menu immediately**

* The player likely hasn't completed the tutorial — everyone must finish it before joining multiplayer
* Make sure the host is fully inside the world before players attempt to connect — joining too early during the host's loading screen will fail

**"Version Mismatch" or "Incompatible Version"**

* Your game client and server must be on the same version
* Update your Windrose game via Steam, or ask the server owner to [update the server](/docs/windrose/update-server)

**Can't connect at all / server not found**

* Try switching your DNS to Google Public DNS (`8.8.8.8` / `8.8.4.4`). Some DNS providers (e.g. NextDNS) block Windrose's connection endpoints by default, preventing the game from reaching its servers entirely

**Lag or high ping**

* Windrose is in Early Access — server-side performance improves with updates
* Check your panel's CPU and RAM usage to ensure the server isn't resource-starved

***

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Configuration](/docs/windrose/server-config)
* [Set a Password](/docs/windrose/server-password)
* [Update Your Server](/docs/windrose/update-server)