A Valheim dedicated server that won't appear in the browser is almost always ports or the crossplay setting. Here's the fix — plus the reliable way to connect no matter what.
Quick answer
A Valheim dedicated server that does not show in the list almost always has its UDP ports (2456–2458) closed, or is missing the -crossplay flag when players use different platforms. Open the ports, add crossplay if needed — and skip the slow browser entirely with Join IP: server-ip:2456.
Open the right ports
Valheim needs a small UDP range. Make sure these are open/forwarded to the server:
2456/udp game
2457/udp query
2458/udp (used by some setups)The crossplay catch
Valheim has two listings: the Steam browser and the crossplay (PlayFab) list. If players use different platforms, the server must run with crossplay enabled, or some players simply won't see it. Add the launch flag:
./valheim_server.x86_64 -name "My Server" -port 2456 \
-world "Dedicated" -password "secret" -crossplayJust join directly (most reliable)
The community browser is slow and flaky. Skip it: in Valheim → Start Game → character → Join Game → Join IP, and enter server-ip:2456. This works even when the listing hasn't refreshed.
New servers can take several minutes to appear in the browser after first boot. If ports are open and crossplay is set, wait — or just join by IP in the meantime.
Open 2456–2457/udp, add -crossplay, and use "Join IP". That combination gets everyone in.
Why a Valheim server still isn't showing after opening ports
- The server needs a few minutes after boot before it registers with the list — this is normal, not a fault.
- A firewall on the server itself (ufw/firewalld) can block the UDP ports even though the router forwards them correctly.
- Running behind CGNAT leaves no way to forward ports at all — see our port forwarding guide for how to check.
- A duplicate or stale server entry with the same name can confuse the list.
How to prevent "server not showing" issues
Test with Join IP every time you restart the server, before worrying about the public list — it tells you immediately whether the server itself is reachable, separate from whether the browser has refreshed yet.
Related Valheim and hosting guides
If players connect but the version doesn't match, see Valheim incompatible version. For a full setup walkthrough, read how to make a Valheim server, then shape it with our best Valheim server settings. For mod recommendations, see best Valheim mods.
Valheim is a trademark of Iron Gate AB / Coffee Stain Publishing. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Iron Gate or Coffee Stain.