How do I troubleshoot the "World Save Corrupted" error in multiplayer?

The ''World Save Corrupted'' error in Valheim multiplayer can be a frustrating issue, but it is often fixable with the right steps. This error typically occurs when the game fails to save or load your world data correctly, which can happen due to server crashes, improper shutdowns, or file corruption. Understanding the game''s save mechanics is crucial: Valheim saves world data in the ''worlds'' folder and character data separately. If the world file becomes corrupted, it can prevent you from loading the game in multiplayer.\n\nTo troubleshoot this issue, start by locating your world save files. On Windows, these are usually found in ''C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds''. Look for files with the same name as your world, such as ''[WorldName].db'' and ''[WorldName].fwl''. If you suspect corruption, make a backup of these files before proceeding. This ensures you can restore your world if something goes wrong during the troubleshooting process.\n\nOne common solution is to restore a previous save. Valheim automatically creates backup files named ''[WorldName].db.old'' and ''[WorldName].fwl.old''. To use these, rename the corrupted files by adding ''.corrupted'' to their names (e.g., ''[WorldName].db.corrupted'') and then remove the ''.old'' extension from the backup files. This effectively rolls back your world to the last successful save. Relaunch the game and attempt to load the world in multiplayer to see if the issue is resolved.\n\nIf the backup files are also corrupted or unavailable, you can try using a third-party tool like the ''Valheim World Modifier'' to repair the save file. These tools can sometimes fix minor corruption issues by rebuilding the world data. However, use them with caution, as they may alter your world in unintended ways. Always back up your files before using any external tools.\n\nAnother potential cause of the error is mismatched mods between the host and players. If you are using mods, ensure that all players have the same mods installed and that they are up to date. Inconsistent mods can lead to save file corruption or loading issues. Disabling mods temporarily and testing the world in vanilla mode can help identify if mods are the root cause.\n\nFor players hosting dedicated servers, ensure the server software is up to date and properly configured. Corrupted world files can sometimes result from server crashes or improper shutdowns. Regularly backing up your server''s world files can prevent data loss. If the issue persists, consider reinstalling the server software and restoring from a backup.\n\nFinally, if none of the above solutions work, you may need to start a new world. While this is not ideal, it ensures a fresh start without corruption issues. To avoid future problems, make regular backups of your world files and avoid abrupt shutdowns of the game or server. Additionally, consider playing in smaller groups or limiting the number of players to reduce the strain on the server and minimize the risk of corruption.\n\nIn summary, the ''World Save Corrupted'' error can often be resolved by restoring backups, repairing files, or addressing mod conflicts. Regular backups and proper server maintenance are key to preventing this issue. By following these steps, you can continue your Viking adventures in Valheim with minimal disruption.