Why do my friends experience low FPS when joining my server?

Low FPS (frames per second) for your friends when joining your Valheim server can be caused by several factors, including hardware limitations, server settings, or in-game activities. Valheim is a resource-intensive game, especially when hosting a multiplayer server, as it requires both the host and players to handle rendering, physics, and network synchronization. Understanding the game mechanics and optimizing your setup can significantly improve performance for everyone.\n\nFirst, consider the hardware requirements. Valheim demands a decent CPU, GPU, and RAM to run smoothly. If your friends are using older or less powerful systems, they may struggle with low FPS. For example, a player with a low-end GPU might experience stuttering in dense biomes like the Black Forest or Swamp, where there are many trees, enemies, and environmental effects. Encourage your friends to check their system specifications and compare them to Valheim''s recommended requirements.\n\nNext, evaluate your server setup. If you are hosting the server on the same machine you are playing on, your PC has to handle both the game and the server workload, which can strain resources. This is especially true if you have a large base with many structures, items, or tamed animals. For example, a sprawling Meadows base with dozens of torches, workbenches, and chests can cause lag for players joining your server. To mitigate this, consider using a dedicated server or renting a server from a hosting provider to offload the processing burden.\n\nAnother common issue is network latency. If your internet connection is slow or unstable, it can cause delays and low FPS for your friends. Ensure you have a stable and fast connection, preferably wired rather than Wi-Fi. Additionally, check your router settings to prioritize gaming traffic and reduce interference from other devices on your network. For example, if someone in your household is streaming videos while you host the server, it can negatively impact performance.\n\nIn-game settings also play a significant role. Valheim allows players to adjust graphics options to improve performance. Encourage your friends to lower settings like shadows, draw distance, and vegetation quality. These adjustments can make a big difference, especially in demanding biomes like the Mountains or Plains, where there are many dynamic elements like snowstorms or fuling villages. Additionally, disabling VSync and reducing the resolution can help boost FPS.\n\nFinally, consider the state of your world. If you have explored large areas, built extensive bases, or spawned many enemies, it can increase the load on the server and cause lag for players. For example, a base with hundreds of instances (like walls, furniture, or decorations) can strain the game engine. To address this, try to optimize your builds by reducing unnecessary clutter and using fewer instances. You can also use the ''optterrain'' console command to optimize terrain rendering, which can improve performance.\n\nTo summarize, low FPS for your friends when joining your Valheim server can be caused by hardware limitations, server setup, network issues, or in-game activities. By optimizing hardware, using a dedicated server, improving network stability, adjusting in-game settings, and streamlining your world, you can create a smoother experience for everyone. Remember to communicate with your friends and work together to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks.\n\nPractical tips: 1) Use a dedicated server or hosting service. 2) Lower graphics settings for better performance. 3) Optimize your base by reducing clutter and unnecessary instances. 4) Ensure a stable and fast internet connection. 5) Regularly check for game updates and patches that may improve performance.