What should I do if my character doesn''t load in multiplayer?

If your character doesn''t load in multiplayer in Valheim, it can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue. First, understand that Valheim uses a combination of local and server-based data to manage characters and worlds. Your character data is stored locally on your device, while the world data is hosted on the server. If your character doesn''t load, it could be due to a mismatch between these data sets or a connectivity issue.\n\nStart by ensuring that your game and server are both updated to the latest version. Developers frequently release patches to fix bugs and improve performance, so running outdated versions can cause compatibility issues. Check the Steam client for updates and verify that the server host has also updated their game. If you''re hosting the server yourself, make sure the dedicated server software is up to date.\n\nNext, verify your character files. Navigate to the local save folder on your device, typically located in C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\characters. Look for files named after your character. If these files are corrupted or missing, your character won''t load. You can try restoring a backup if you have one, or create a new character temporarily to test if the issue persists.\n\nIf your character files are intact, the problem might be related to server settings or connectivity. Ensure that the server you''re trying to join is set to allow your character. Some servers restrict access to characters created outside their world to prevent cheating. Check with the server admin to confirm that your character is permitted. Additionally, test your internet connection to rule out latency or packet loss issues, which can disrupt character loading.\n\nAnother common issue is mod conflicts. If you or the server host are using mods, they might interfere with character loading. Disable all mods and try joining the server again. If the character loads successfully, re-enable mods one by one to identify the culprit. Make sure all mods are compatible with the current game version and server setup.\n\nIf none of these steps work, consider creating a new character and transferring your items. While this isn''t ideal, it can help you continue playing while troubleshooting the original issue. Use console commands or ask a friend to help transfer items between characters. To avoid losing progress, regularly back up your character and world files.\n\nFinally, if the problem persists, reach out to the Valheim community or support team. Forums and Discord servers are great places to seek help from experienced players who might have encountered similar issues. Provide detailed information about your setup, including game version, server type, and any error messages you''ve received.\n\nIn summary, troubleshooting a character that doesn''t load in multiplayer involves checking for updates, verifying character files, ensuring server compatibility, testing connectivity, and addressing mod conflicts. By following these steps, you can identify and resolve the issue, allowing you to continue your Viking adventures with friends.