How do I fix the "World Save Corrupted" error in Valheim 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 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, you may lose progress, but there are ways to recover or prevent this issue.\n\nFirst, locate your Valheim save files. On Windows, these are typically found in the ''AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds'' folder. You can access this by pressing Win + R, typing ''%appdata%'', and navigating back to the LocalLow folder. For Linux and Mac users, the files are stored in the ''~/.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim/worlds'' directory. Inside this folder, you will find two files for each world: a ''.fwl'' file (world data) and a ''.db'' file (world database). If one of these files is corrupted, the game may fail to load the world.\n\nTo fix the issue, start by creating a backup of your save files. Copy the ''.fwl'' and ''.db'' files to a separate folder as a precaution. If the world is corrupted, you can try restoring from an older backup. Valheim automatically creates backups named ''worldname.fwl.old'' and ''worldname.db.old''. Rename these files by removing the ''.old'' extension and try loading the world again. This often resolves the issue if the corruption is minor.\n\nIf the backup files are also corrupted, you can use third-party tools like ''Valheim World Modifier'' or ''Valheim Save Shard Backup Tool'' to repair or extract data from the corrupted files. These tools allow you to inspect and modify world data, which can help recover lost progress. However, use these tools cautiously, as improper use can further damage your save files.\n\nPreventing future corruption is equally important. Always ensure the game is properly closed before shutting down your computer or server. Avoid using mods that are incompatible with your game version, as they can cause instability. If you are hosting a dedicated server, regularly back up your world files to avoid losing progress. Additionally, consider using a cloud storage service or external drive to store backups for added security.\n\nFor multiplayer-specific issues, ensure all players have a stable internet connection and that the server host is using reliable hardware. If the host experiences frequent crashes, it may be worth switching to a dedicated server or using a hosting service. Finally, keep your game updated to the latest version, as developers often release patches to fix bugs and improve stability.\n\nIn summary, the ''World Save Corrupted'' error can often be resolved by restoring from backups, using third-party tools, or taking preventive measures. By understanding Valheim''s save mechanics and following these steps, you can minimize the risk of losing your hard-earned progress and enjoy a smoother multiplayer experience.