Why do my skills reset when joining a friend''s Valheim server?

In Valheim, your skills are tied to your character, not the server you are playing on. However, when joining a friend''s server, it may appear that your skills have reset due to a mismatch between your local character data and the server''s data. This issue often occurs when the game fails to properly sync your character''s progress with the server, leading to temporary skill resets or discrepancies.\n\nOne common cause of this issue is the use of different character profiles or save files. Valheim allows players to create multiple characters, and if you accidentally load a different character when joining a friend''s server, your skills will appear reset. To avoid this, always ensure you are selecting the correct character profile before joining a multiplayer session. Double-check your character name and appearance to confirm it matches your intended profile.\n\nAnother potential cause is corrupted or outdated save files. If your local character data becomes corrupted or does not match the server''s version, the game may fail to load your skills correctly. To resolve this, verify the integrity of your game files through Steam. Right-click on Valheim in your Steam library, select Properties, go to the Local Files tab, and click Verify Integrity of Game Files. This process will check for missing or corrupted files and replace them as needed.\n\nIf the issue persists, it may be related to server settings or mods. Some servers use mods that alter skill progression or reset skills for balance purposes. If your friend''s server uses mods, ask them to check the mod list and settings to ensure they are not causing the issue. Additionally, ensure both you and your friend are running the same version of Valheim and any installed mods to prevent compatibility issues.\n\nTo prevent skill resets in the future, always back up your character data. Valheim stores character data locally in the following directory: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\characters. Copy and save these files to a separate folder as a backup. If your skills reset again, you can restore your character data by replacing the corrupted files with your backup.\n\nFinally, if none of the above solutions work, consider creating a new character and transferring your items. While this is not ideal, it ensures you can continue playing without losing progress. Use a shared chest or ask your friend to hold your items temporarily while you create and level up a new character. This approach is particularly useful if the issue is caused by persistent save file corruption.\n\nUnderstanding Valheim''s skill system is key to troubleshooting this issue. Skills in Valheim improve through use, such as running to increase your Running skill or chopping wood to level up your Woodcutting skill. These skills are stored locally, so any disruption in syncing with the server can cause temporary resets. By following the steps above, you can minimize the risk of skill resets and enjoy a seamless multiplayer experience.\n\nPractical tips for avoiding skill resets include regularly backing up your character data, ensuring you select the correct character profile, and verifying game file integrity. Additionally, communicate with your friend about server settings and mods to ensure compatibility. By taking these precautions, you can focus on exploring biomes like the Black Forest or Plains, crafting powerful items like the Draugr Fang bow, and building epic Viking settlements without worrying about skill resets.