Why do my friends get stuck loading when joining my server?

When your friends get stuck loading while trying to join your Valheim server, it is often due to connectivity issues, server configuration problems, or mismatched game versions. Valheim is a multiplayer survival game that relies heavily on stable connections and proper server settings. Understanding the game mechanics and troubleshooting steps can help resolve these issues and ensure smooth gameplay for everyone.\n\nFirst, ensure that both you and your friends are running the same version of Valheim. The game frequently receives updates, and mismatched versions can cause loading issues. To check your version, open the game and look at the bottom-right corner of the main menu. If the versions differ, update the game through your platform (Steam, Xbox, etc.). This is a common issue for new players who may not realize the importance of version synchronization.\n\nNext, verify your server settings. If you are hosting a dedicated server, ensure that the server is properly configured and running the latest version. For example, if you are using a SteamCMD server, make sure the server files are up to date. Additionally, check your firewall and router settings to ensure that the necessary ports (2456-2458) are open for both TCP and UDP traffic. This is crucial for allowing external connections to your server.\n\nIf you are hosting a non-dedicated server (i.e., playing and hosting simultaneously), your friends may experience loading issues if your internet connection is unstable or if your PC cannot handle the additional load. In this case, consider switching to a dedicated server or using a third-party hosting service. For example, services like G-Portal or Nitrado offer reliable Valheim server hosting with minimal setup required.\n\nAnother common issue is world file corruption or excessive world size. If your server has been running for a long time and has a large map with many structures, the world file may become too large or corrupted, causing loading problems. To fix this, try creating a new world and transferring essential items using console commands or manual backups. This is especially relevant for experienced Vikings with extensive builds in biomes like the Plains or Mistlands.\n\nFinally, if none of the above solutions work, consider using Valheim''s built-in crossplay feature to troubleshoot. Crossplay can sometimes resolve connectivity issues between different platforms. To enable crossplay, ensure that the server is set to allow crossplay in the server settings, and have your friends toggle the crossplay option in their game settings. This is particularly useful for mixed-platform groups.\n\nIn summary, resolving loading issues in Valheim requires checking game versions, server settings, and network configurations. By following these steps, you can ensure a smoother multiplayer experience for you and your friends. Remember to keep your game and server updated, optimize your world file size, and consider using dedicated hosting or crossplay if necessary.