Joining a Valheim server is quick once you know which mode the server runs. A Steam-only server hands friends an address they type into Join IP. A crossplay server works differently: it does not expose an address at all, and players join with a six digit code instead. This guide covers both so nobody is left staring at a menu.
Join a Steam server with Join IP
This is the default and the simplest path. The host gives you two things: the server address and the password. That is all you need.
- Start Game: Launch Valheim and pick your character.
- Join Game, then Join IP: Open the Join Game tab and choose Join IP.
- Enter the address: Type the address from the host's server card, then the password when prompted.
- Or use the browser: The server also lists in the Community tab, so you can search the name and join there.
What the host shares
If you are the host, everything a friend needs is on your server card after you deploy. Send them the address and the password together. Remember the password rule: at least 5 characters and it cannot be part of the server name.
address: <shown on your server card>
password: <shown on your server card, min 5 chars>Crossplay: no IP join, a join code instead
Turn on crossplay and players on Xbox, PlayStation, and other platforms can join, not just Steam. But crossplay changes how joining works. With crossplay on, the server routes traffic through Valheim's relay and does not open a direct address at all, so Join IP cannot reach it. Players join with the server's six digit join code, entered under the Join Game screen. That is a Valheim design choice, not a limit we added.
- Crossplay off (default): Friends join with Join IP and the address. This is the path every screen on 2hours.gg points you to.
- Crossplay on: No IP join. Players use the six digit join code. Turn it on only if you need console players in your world.
Which should you pick
If your group is all on Steam, leave crossplay off. It is the smoother path: every instruction here and on your server card hands you an address, and Join IP just works. Turn crossplay on only when someone in the group plays on a console and cannot use Steam. Up to 10 players either way, and the world is saved between sessions in both modes.
Deploy a Valheim server by the hour