Why can''t my friend see my Valheim world in the server list?

In Valheim, multiplayer gameplay is a core feature that allows players to explore, build, and survive together in the same world. However, issues like your friend not being able to see your world in the server list can arise due to various reasons. Understanding the game mechanics and troubleshooting steps is essential to resolve this problem.\n\nFirst, ensure that your world is set up correctly for multiplayer. When creating or loading a world, you must select the ''Start Server'' option and set it to ''Community'' or ''Friends Only'' if you want others to join. If you choose ''Singleplayer,'' your world will not appear in the server list for others. This is a common mistake, especially for new players. Double-check your world settings before proceeding.\n\nNext, verify that both you and your friend are using the same version of Valheim. If one of you has an outdated version, the game may not allow connections. To check for updates, restart Steam and ensure both of you have the latest patch installed. This is particularly important after major updates or patches, as mismatched versions can prevent multiplayer functionality.\n\nAnother critical factor is your network setup. If you are hosting the server on your local machine, your friend may not be able to see it due to firewall or router settings. Ensure that your firewall allows Valheim through and that your router is configured to forward the necessary ports. Valheim uses port 2456-2458 by default, so make sure these ports are open. You can find detailed instructions for port forwarding on your router''s support page.\n\nIf you are using a dedicated server, ensure that the server is properly configured and running. Dedicated servers require additional setup, including editing the server configuration file and ensuring the server is accessible over the internet. If your friend still cannot see the server, double-check the server''s IP address and ensure it is correctly entered in the server list.\n\nSometimes, the issue may be related to Steam''s friend list or connectivity. Ensure that both you and your friend are logged into Steam and have each other added as friends. If Steam''s servers are experiencing issues, this can also prevent your friend from seeing your world. Check Steam''s status page or try restarting Steam to resolve any temporary connectivity problems.\n\nFor players experiencing persistent issues, consider using a third-party server hosting service. These services handle the technical aspects of server hosting, such as port forwarding and updates, making it easier for your friends to join. Many hosting providers offer user-friendly interfaces and support for Valheim, ensuring a smoother multiplayer experience.\n\nFinally, if none of the above solutions work, try restarting both your game and your friend''s game. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues. Additionally, ensure that both of you have stable internet connections, as lag or disconnections can prevent the server from appearing in the list.\n\nIn summary, troubleshooting multiplayer issues in Valheim involves checking world settings, ensuring game versions match, configuring network settings, and verifying Steam connectivity. By following these steps, you can resolve most issues and enjoy seamless multiplayer gameplay with your friends.