The quickest way to invite friends to Valheim is to host your world from the game, set it to public or private, and keep Valheim running while everyone plays. Steam-only groups can use the normal Steam friend or server-list flow. If someone is playing on another platform, copy the host’s join code from the pause menu; the friend opens Join Game, chooses Add server, and pastes the code.
Prefer not to run the server on your own PC? Godlike.Host offers hosted Valheim servers with free DDoS protection and up to three free backups a day.
For a world that must stay online when the original host is away, install Valheim Dedicated Server from Steam’s Tools section. Add -crossplay when non-Steam players need access. The correct backend also determines whether you must forward router ports.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose the right way to host
Valheim gives you two practical hosting models. A temporary peer-to-peer session is almost immediate, but the world exists only while the host’s game is running. A dedicated server runs separately from the game client, so friends can return to the same world even when the original host is offline.
| Hosting method | Host must stay in game? | Cross-platform access | Setup effort | Router requirement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-game peer-to-peer session | Yes | Use a join code when platforms differ | Low | Not normally a separate setup step | A quick co-op session with friends |
| Dedicated server with Steam backend | No | Steam players | Moderate | Forward ports 2456 and 2457 for internet access | A persistent Steam-based world |
| Dedicated server with crossplay backend | No | Players from different platforms | Moderate | Relay traffic means port forwarding is not required | Mixed-platform groups and always-on worlds |
Decide first whether the host can remain online and whether everyone uses Steam. That choice determines the rest of the invitation process.
#1 Best Overall
- [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
- [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
- [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
- [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
- [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.
Host a temporary world from Valheim
Start the host session
- Launch Valheim and create a new world or select the existing world you want to use.
- Open the multiplayer or server settings for that world.
- Choose whether the session is public or private. A public session can be discovered through the server list; a private session limits discovery and is appropriate when you intend to invite specific people.
- Start the world and leave Valheim running. The peer-to-peer session is tied to that running game, so the world is unavailable when the host exits.
For an all-Steam group, use Valheim’s normal Steam friend or server-list flow after the world has started. Friends can find the session through Join Game or the Steam interface, depending on how the session is displayed.
Invite Steam friends
Send friends the world’s name and password if you set one, then have them open Join Game and select the listed session. If the world is private or does not appear, use the cross-platform join-code method below; it works for Steam players as well and avoids relying on discovery.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Use a join code for Xbox, Steam, and other platforms
When one or more players are on a different platform, the join code is the simplest invitation method. It is generated for the active server session and must be copied again if the host restarts the server.
Rank #2
- 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
- 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
- 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
- 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
- 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.
What the host does
- Start Valheim and launch the multiplayer world, or start the dedicated server.
- Open the in-game pause menu.
- Copy the displayed Join code.
- Send that current code to each friend through your usual chat method.
What each friend does
- Start Valheim and open Join Game.
- Press Add server.
- Paste the join code into the field provided.
- Confirm the entry and select the server when it appears.
The code is not a permanent server address. If the host stops and starts the session again, copy the newly displayed code and send it to everyone who is reconnecting.
Cross-platform requirements
All players must be on the same Valheim patch version. A mismatch can prevent a connection even when the code and password are correct. On a dedicated server, non-Steam players also require the crossplay backend, enabled with -crossplay. An in-game host session uses the join-code route without requiring the host to edit a server launch script.
Set up a persistent Valheim dedicated server
A dedicated server is the better choice when friends want to build in the same world at different times. The server application runs independently of the host’s normal Valheim client, although the computer running it must remain powered on and connected.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
- [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
- [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
- [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
- [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by
Install the official server application
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Enable the Tools filter. The application is listed separately from the regular Valheim game.
- Install Valheim Dedicated Server.
- Locate the application’s launch script and make a working copy before editing it. Editing a copy protects your settings from being overwritten when Steam updates the original files.
- Set the server name, world name, password, and visibility values in the copied script according to the official server configuration format.
- Save the script and launch the dedicated server. Keep the server process running whenever friends need to enter the world.
Use a password even on a hidden server. A hidden listing reduces discovery; it does not replace access control.
Enable crossplay for non-Steam players
Add -crossplay to the dedicated server’s launch arguments when anyone outside Steam must join. Without that argument, the server uses the Steam backend. With it, Valheim uses the PlayFab crossplay backend, which supports players from any platform through the crossplay connection system.
Do not add -crossplay merely because a guide mentions it. Steam-only groups can use the default Steam backend, while mixed-platform groups need the crossplay backend. Changing the backend changes the networking and connection method described below.
Rank #4
- Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
- Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
- All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
- Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
- Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.
Configure visibility, password, and backend settings
These launch arguments control who can discover the server and how friends connect:
| Setting | Effect | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
-public 1 |
Makes the server visible in Valheim’s browser | You want friends to find it by browsing the list |
-public 0 |
Hides the server from the browser; players connect through Join IP or another direct method | You want a private listing or will distribute connection details directly |
-password |
Sets the password required to enter | You need to restrict access to your group |
-crossplay |
Uses the PlayFab crossplay backend instead of the default Steam backend | At least one player is on a non-Steam platform |
Choose one visibility value, set a password that is not easy to guess, and give friends the exact server name or join code. A public server can still be password-protected; public controls discovery, while the password controls entry.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Understand port forwarding before changing your router
Steam backend
The default Steam backend uses ports 2456 and 2457. For internet access, forward those ports from your router to the computer running the dedicated server, and allow the server through the computer’s firewall. If the ports are not forwarded correctly, friends outside your home network may not be able to reach the server even when its name and password are correct.
Crossplay backend
The crossplay backend relays traffic, so router port forwarding is not required. If you enabled -crossplay for a mixed-platform group, do not forward ports solely because an older Steam-backend guide says to do so. Use the join code or the crossplay server’s normal connection flow instead.
Port forwarding is therefore a backend decision, not a universal Valheim requirement. Check which arguments the server is actually running before changing router settings.
Let friends connect to a dedicated server
Steam-only dedicated server
- Start the dedicated server and wait until it has finished loading the configured world.
- If you used
-public 1, have friends open Join Game and locate the server by name. - If you used
-public 0, provide the direct Join IP details through a secure message and have friends use the direct-connection option. - Give them the server password exactly as configured, including capitalization if the game treats it as significant.
If the server is not visible, a hidden setting, an incorrect server name, a failed launch, or missing port forwarding is more likely than a problem with the invitation itself.
Mixed-platform dedicated server
- Confirm the launch script includes
-crossplay. - Start the server and verify that it has loaded the intended world.
- Use the server’s current join code. When the host starts a server through the game or as a dedicated server, the code is available from the pause-menu flow described by Valheim’s crossplay instructions.
- Send the code to every friend and have each person use Join Game > Add server > paste the code.
Because the crossplay backend relays traffic, the dedicated machine does not need router port forwarding for this connection method.
Troubleshoot invitations that fail
- Check patch versions first. Have every player confirm that Valheim is fully updated and running the same patch. Version mismatches can block connections before a password or server setting matters.
- Refresh the join code. Ask the host to open the pause menu, copy the current code again, and send it through Join Game > Add server. Do not reuse a code from an earlier session restart.
- Verify the backend. If a non-Steam player is joining a dedicated server, confirm that
-crossplayis present. If everyone is on Steam, check whether the server is intentionally using the default Steam backend. - Check visibility and credentials. Confirm the server name, password, and
-publicvalue. A server started with-public 0will not appear in the browser, so friends must use the direct connection method or the supplied code. - Inspect networking only when appropriate. For the Steam backend, verify router and firewall forwarding for ports 2456 and 2457. For the crossplay backend, remove unnecessary port-forwarding changes and rely on the relay connection.
- Confirm the world and script. A copied launch script may point to a different world or contain an old server name. Stop the process, correct the settings, save the script, and launch that copy again.
Which setup should you use?
Choose an in-game host session when
- You want to begin playing immediately.
- The same person can keep Valheim running for the whole session.
- You do not need the world available while the host is away.
- You want the fewest configuration steps.
Choose a Steam-backend dedicated server when
- Everyone plays through Steam.
- The world should remain available independently of one player’s game client.
- You can configure router forwarding for ports 2456 and 2457.
- You prefer Steam’s normal server discovery and connection flow.
Choose a crossplay dedicated server when
- The group includes Xbox or another non-Steam platform.
- The world must remain persistent.
- You want relay networking rather than router port forwarding.
- You are comfortable editing and maintaining a launch script.
For most first sessions, start with an in-game host and the join code. Move the same world to a dedicated server when play schedules diverge or the host no longer wants to keep the game open.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
