Overview
You have a Valheim server running and a group of friends waiting to get in, but the in-game menu does not make the next step obvious. Joining a Valheim server comes down to matching the right connection method to the server type: a direct IP join for a Steam-backend server, the community browser for a public listing, or one of three options if the server runs on the crossplay backend. This guide walks through each path so you land in the right longhouse on the first try instead of guessing at menu options. Valheim drops players into a procedurally generated Norse world with room for up to ten people at once, and knowing how your Valheim server is set up saves you a repeat trip through the menus every time a new player wants in. If you still need a server of your own, Apex Hosting can get one running.
How to Join a Valheim Server by IP (Steam Backend)
A server running the Steam backend is the default setup, and only Steam players can see or join it. Connecting this way typically means the server owner has configured port forwarding on their router so outside players can reach it, a step a crossplay server skips entirely because it routes through a relay instead. Once the IP address is in hand, joining takes two short stages: copying it from the Apex panel, then entering it in-game.
Copy the Server IP from the Apex Panel
- Navigate to the Apex Server Panel and log in.
- Scroll down to the “
IP Address:Port” section and copy the IP address.
Connect Using the In-Game IP Join Option
- Launch Valheim, then select Start Game.
- Create or select a character, then press Start.
- Navigate to the Join Game section, then press Join IP.
- Enter the copied IP address from earlier and press Connect.
How to Join Through the Community Browser
A server owner can list their world in the public community browser instead of handing out an IP address directly, which suits servers that welcome new players without a personal invite.
- Launch Valheim, then select Start Game.
- Create or select a character, then press Start.
- Navigate to the Join Game section, then ensure you select Community.
- Click the desired server in the community section, then press Connect.
How to Join a Crossplay Valheim Server
A server owner turns on the crossplay backend to let players from any platform join the same world, not just those on Steam. Because a crossplay server transmits data through a relay rather than a direct connection, it opens up a few extra ways in that a Steam-backend server does not support, though a local or loopback IP address will not work for any of them.
Join by IP Address and Port
A crossplay server can be joined using its public IP address and port number, the same basic information used for a Steam-backend join. The relay handles the connection from there, so the server owner does not need to configure port forwarding on their router the way a Steam-backend host generally does. Copying that IP and port from the Apex panel works the same way it does for a Steam-backend server.
Join Using a Join Code
A crossplay server can also be joined using a join code that the host generates and shares directly, letting a player connect without typing out the full IP address and port. Look for a join code entry point alongside the other connection options in the Join Game section, and double-check your client if the wording differs from what is described here.
Join from the Server List
Browsing the server list is a third option for a crossplay server, similar in concept to the community browser used for Steam-backend servers. The exact navigation for filtering to a crossplay listing can vary by client version, so treat the server list as an available option to look for rather than a fixed menu path, and use the IP or join code methods above if it does not turn up your server right away.
Common Issues When Joining a Valheim Server
This error usually means the game client cannot reach the server at all. Restart the server to confirm it comes back online, wait a minute or two, then try joining again. If the error persists, copy the IP address directly from the Apex panel and paste it in rather than retyping it, since a single mistyped character produces the same error and is easy to miss on a manual retype.
Some community-listed servers require a password to join, which is expected behavior for a public listing. If your own server is asking for one and you did not set it that way, head towards your Apex server panel, open the Customizations tab, and confirm the password field is blank. Restart the server once it is cleared and try connecting again. If a restart and a fresh IP copy do not clear a stubborn connection error, our 24/7 Support Team can check the server logs with you and rule out anything on the network side.
