How To Fix ‘Failed To Connect’ in Valheim

Valheim ‘Failed to Connect’ Error

When joining Valheim servers, problems may occur that result in a failed connection. These issues can have wildly different reasons, but one stands out – the ‘failed to connect’ error. Thousands of players are impacted by this, leading them to search for answers. Unfortunately, the obscurity of the error doesn’t help resolve it. Due to this, we’ve created this article to showcase popular methods to fix the Valheim ‘failed to connect’ error so you’re able to play with friends again.

There are 6 primary ways to fix the connection issue, varying from allowing firewall access to verifying the game files. We encourage you to try multiple solutions, as sometimes they don’t always work. It all boils down to why this error is happening, which can be caused by a multitude of different reasons. Keep this in mind when reviewing the methods down below!

Confirm Server Status

In cases where every player is impacted by this issue, double check the server status. If it’s offline or in the process of restarting, it could explain the situation. This is achieved by navigating to your web-interface and looking near the top. Make sure the server is started and is actively running. Otherwise, players will still have issues joining the Valheim server.

Verify Game Files

Another excellent way to resolve this issue is by verifying the game files on Steam. This is the ideal method for anyone encountering a connection error, as it checks for any missing files on your computer. If there’s a problem, Steam will automatically fix it for you. Many issues are resolved by this, making it a go-to solution for the ‘failed to connect’ error in Valheim.

Update Network Drivers

If nothing seems to be working, consider updating your network drivers – done through the Device Manager on Windows. It should be under “Network Adapters”, but we encourage you to search for detailed tutorials so you update properly. This ensures that your personal connection can reach the Valheim server, typically resolving any problems. However, it only applies for those who haven’t updated their network drivers.

Restart Router

One other way to resolve the ‘failed to connect’ error in Valheim is to restart your router. This device manages your entire internet connection, so rebooting it can help the situation. All you need to do is unplug the router and wait about 30 seconds before reconnecting it. Afterward, try to join the Valheim server to confirm if this resolved the error.

Allow Firewall Access

On rare occasions, the firewall can prevent connections in Valheim. Whether this is caused by your default Windows configuration or an antivirus program, making sure that the game has complete access to your firewall is important. This can be achieved by various methods, depending on your specific setup. We encourage you to look up guides on this topic to be 100% certain it’s done correctly.

Flush DNS

Similar to rebooting your router, flushing the DNS cleans up your cache on the computer. This helps with preventing connection issues, as it forces the PC to refresh their info retrieval. You’re able to accomplish this by opening the Command Prompt (CMD) with Administrator permissions, then running the “ipconfig /flushdns” command. This will not impact anything else on your device, making this a safe method to try.

Valheim ‘Failed to Connect’ – FAQ

How to fix ‘failed to connect’ in Valheim?
You’re able to resolve this issue by verifying the game files on Steam, updating network drivers, restarting the router, allowing firewall access, or flushing the DNS on your device. One or more of these methods should fix the Valheim error when joining servers.

What causes ‘failed to connect’ in Valheim?
Several reasons can trigger this error, with missing game files, cache issues, and poor internet connectivity being the primary reasons. However, it’s extremely difficult to pinpoint what specifically causes it – hence a multitude of possible solutions are available.

Why can’t some players join my Valheim server?
The server might be offline, in the process of rebooting, password protected, whitelisted, or has mods that the connecting player(s) does not have installed. Double-checking everything is critical when troubleshooting this situation. Consider reaching out to our Support Team if the problem persists without any found fix.

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