Stardew Valley Not Connecting to Online Services: ConcernedApe has made a significant impact in the gaming world with the release of Stardew Valley in 2016.
This charming open-world game combines elements of farming and life simulation, accommodating up to eight players in a shared experience.
Priced competitively, the game continues to receive robust developer support, including regular patches aimed at enhancing gameplay. However, many players have reported issues with connecting to online services in Stardew Valley.
Despite these connectivity challenges, the overall online multiplayer experience has remained largely stable, with a steady increase in active players since its debut.
The developers are committed to improving the game, as evidenced by updates like Stardew Valley 1.6, which addressed some multiplayer connectivity issues.
While joining a multiplayer session using an invitation code provided by the host is generally straightforward, users have occasionally encountered difficulties.
Reports from the Steam community indicate that connection failures can occur even when the internet is functioning properly, leaving some players frustrated. If you’re experiencing similar issues, there’s no need for alarm; solutions and support are available.
Stardew Valley Not Connecting to Online Services: How to FIX
Several potential factors may be contributing to this issue, including an outdated version of the game, corrupted game files, conflicts arising from Steam account logins, incorrect invite codes, a limited number of starting cabins, problems with server hosting modes, incorrect Steam usernames, slow internet connections, router connectivity issues, antivirus and firewall blocking, port forwarding challenges, and conflicts with VPN connections.
Moreover, difficulties related to Visual C++ Redistributable Packages, conflicts within the game client, and server connectivity issues can also lead to problems when trying to access online services.
Fortunately, we have compiled a set of troubleshooting steps that could be beneficial in resolving these issues. We encourage you to follow all the suggested methods until the problem is resolved. Without further delay, let’s delve into the solutions.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
To begin with, it’s important to verify your internet connection, as an unreliable or weak network can lead to problems with the game’s online services. Consider disconnecting and then reconnecting your internet to troubleshoot any potential issues.
If you’re still facing connectivity problems, try switching from Wi-Fi to a wired (Ethernet) connection, or vice versa. Should the difficulties continue, you may want to connect to an alternative network or reach out to your internet service provider (ISP) for further assistance.
2. Restart the PC
To prevent potential system glitches and resolve temporary cache problems, it is advisable to restart your computer regularly. Although this solution may not be effective for everyone, we suggest trying it whenever you encounter issues with a program.
To restart your PC, simply open the Start menu, select Power, and then choose Restart. Allow the system to reboot, then check if the multiplayer issues in the game persist.
3. Power Cycle the Wi-Fi Router
To resolve potential networking issues that may affect Stardew Valley players across various platforms, we suggest performing a power cycle on your Wi-Fi router. This process can help eliminate temporary glitches and clear any cached data. Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Begin by turning off your Wi-Fi router.
- 2. Once the LED indicators cease blinking, unplug the power adapter from the router.
- 3. Allow a pause of approximately two minutes.
- 4. Reconnect the power adapter to the router.
- 5. Finally, power the router back on and check if the issue has been resolved.
Following these steps can often restore proper connectivity and improve your gaming experience.
4. Play Stardew Valley via the Steam Client
It is advisable to play Stardew Valley through the Steam client to minimize potential issues or glitches. Many players have encountered similar problems, so using the official platform may help enhance your gaming experience. Consider giving it a try.
5. Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
To ensure optimal performance for your video games and various applications on your Windows PC, consider downloading and installing the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables package. Follow these steps for a successful installation:
- 1. Access Windows Settings by pressing the Win + I keys simultaneously.
- 2. Navigate to the “Apps” section and search for any existing Visual C++ Redistributables (VCRedist). Uninstall any found versions.
- 3. After uninstalling, restart your computer.
- 4. Visit the official Microsoft website.
- 5. Download the appropriate X86/X64 versions of Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022.
- 6. Proceed with the installation of the VCRedist package and restart your system again.
This process will help ensure that most video games and numerous programs run smoothly on your PC.
6. Run Stardew Valley as an Administrator
For optimal performance, it is advisable to launch the Stardew Valley game as an administrator on your Windows PC. This ensures that User Account Control (UAC) can appropriately provide the necessary system administrator permissions.
To do this, navigate to the folder where the game is installed on your computer.
- 1. Right-click the Stardew Valley executable file (exe).
- 2. Choose ‘Properties‘ from the context menu.
- 3. In the Properties window, go to the ‘Compatibility‘ tab.
- 4. Check the box that says ‘Run this program as an administrator.’
- 5. Finally, click ‘Apply‘ and then ‘OK’ to confirm your changes.
Following these steps will enhance your gaming experience by ensuring the application has the required access.
7. Check the Server Status of Stardedw Valley
Stardew Valley’s servers are currently experiencing high traffic due to an influx of players.
This increase in simultaneous users may lead to temporary unresponsiveness, resulting in players being disconnected and connectivity problems for many.
For updates on server status and upcoming patches, you can follow the official ConcernedApe account on X.
If you encounter server downtime, it is advisable to wait a few hours before attempting to log in again.
8. Update Stardew Valley
It is quite likely that you have been playing an older version of the game for some time, as developers frequently release patches to enhance stability and performance. To ensure you’re enjoying the best experience, it’s important to check for and install any available updates. Here’s how you can do that for both Steam and GOG Galaxy:
**For Steam Users:
- 1. Launch your Steam client.
- 2. Navigate to your Library section.
- 3. Locate and right-click on Stardew Valley.
- 4. Select Properties from the dropdown menu.
- 5. Click on the Updates tab.
- 6. Make sure the option for automatic updates is enabled.
- 7. If a new patch is available, Steam will automatically download and install it for you.
**For GOG Galaxy Users:
- 1. Open the GOG Galaxy application on your computer.
- 2. Ensure you are logged in with your GOG account credentials.
- 3. Go to your Library and select Stardew Valley.
- 4. Click on the Customize button located next to the Play option.
- 5. Choose Check for updates from the menu.
- 6. If an update is found, follow the prompts to install it.
After completing the updates, it’s recommended to restart your PC to ensure all changes take effect smoothly.
9. Verify the Integrity of the Game Files
Occasionally, issues with online service connectivity on your PC can stem from missing or corrupted game files. To address this, scanning and repairing the game files can prove beneficial. Below are the instructions for verifying the integrity of your game files on both Steam and GOG Galaxy.
**For Steam:
- 1. Open the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
- 2. Locate Stardew Valley in your list of installed games and right-click on it.
- 3. Select ‘Properties’ from the context menu, then head to the ‘Local Files’ tab.
- 4. Click on ‘Verify Integrity of Game Files.’
- 5. Allow the process to complete, which may take some time.
- 6. Once the verification is finished, restart your computer.
**For GOG Galaxy:
- 1. Launch GOG GALAXY on your PC and log in with your GOG account credentials.
- 2. Go to your Library and select Stardew Valley.
- 3. Click on the ‘Customize’ button located next to the ‘Play’ button.
- 4. Choose ‘Manage Installation’ and then click on ‘Verify / Repair.’
- 5. Wait for the repair process to finalize.
- 6. After completion, restart the client and launch the game.
By following these steps, you can ensure your game files are intact, potentially resolving any connectivity issues you may experience.
10. Use the Co-op Mode in Multiplayer
When you’re preparing to host a multiplayer session in Stardew Valley, it’s essential to launch the game using the Co-op mode from the main screen. Alternatively, you can verify your settings by navigating to the in-game Options menu and selecting the ‘Multiplayer’ section.
If you do not see the Multiplayer option, it indicates that the game is not currently set to this mode. To resolve this, exit to the main menu, select the ‘Co-op’ button, then choose the ‘Host’ tab, and load your saved game.
Remember to ensure that the ‘Server Mode’ is configured to ‘Online’ so that other players can join your hosted game.
11. Check the Number of Cabins
When preparing for multiplayer sessions in Stardew Valley, it’s important to choose the appropriate number of cabins based on the total number of players participating.
If you are beginning a new game through the Co-op menu, you will find the option to adjust the cabin count on the left side of the screen. Make sure to set this according to your group size for an optimal gaming experience.
| Players | Required Cabins |
| 2 | 1 |
| 3 | 2 |
| 4 | 3 |
If you are currently managing a farm and wish to accommodate more players, it’s essential to construct additional cabins through Robin’s services. Should you find that cabins are not listed in Robin’s building options, it indicates that you may have either hit the maximum player limit for your farm or that you have not yet initiated the game in multiplayer mode.
12. Ensure the Steam or GOG Galaxy Client is Running
It’s essential to ensure that either the Steam client or the GOG Galaxy client is active in the background when playing Stardew Valley, regardless of the launcher you choose.
Numerous users have reported that terminating the Steam or GOG Galaxy client can lead to connectivity problems with the game’s online services. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep the game launcher open while you enjoy your gaming session.
13. Enter the Correct Invite Code
It’s likely that you may be inputting an incorrect invite code for the co-op mode in Stardew Valley. If you find that the options for ‘Enter Invite Code…’ in the ‘Co-op join’ section or ‘Invite Friend…’ and ‘Show Invite Code’ in the Options menu are not accessible, this indicates that Stardew Valley is having trouble connecting to your Steam or GOG account.
14. Use the Online Server Mode in Multiplayer
Furthermore, it is essential to enable the online server option within the multiplayer settings of Stardew Valley. This will facilitate easy access for other players to join your game using the provided invite code.
15. Check the Correct Steam Username
To ensure a smooth connection with the game servers, it’s advisable to verify that your Steam username is accurate. Any discrepancies, such as typos or extra spaces, may disrupt the syncing process. Follow the steps outlined below to check your username:
- 1. Open the Steam desktop application.
- 2. Navigate to the Profile section located in the top right corner of the window.
- 3. Click on Account Details.
- 4. Your Steam ID will display your current Steam username.
16. Update the Network Driver
To resolve potential networking issues, consider updating the network adapter driver on your computer. Conflicts with your network connectivity can sometimes arise from outdated drivers, and temporary disruptions in your internet connection can be quite frustrating.
Here’s how to update your network adapter driver:
- 1. Press the Win+X keys simultaneously to access the Quick Link Menu.
- 2. Select Device Manager from the options presented.
- 3. Expand the Network Adapters section by double-clicking it.
- 4. Locate your specific network device, right-click on it, and choose “Update driver.”
- 5. Opt for “Search automatically for drivers” from the menu.
- 6. If an update is available, it will download and install automatically.
After the installation is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes effectively.
17. Disable VPN
Turn off the VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your networking or gaming device to see if this resolves the issue. While VPNs are typically beneficial for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing server connections, they can occasionally lead to latency and connection timeout problems.
18. Check for Steam Client Updates
An outdated version of the Steam client on your PC can lead to various problems affecting your gaming experience. It’s advisable to manually verify if the Steam client requires updates through the application. While the client usually updates automatically the first time you launch it after starting your system, there are instances when it might not successfully download available updates. To ensure your Steam client is up to date, follow these steps:
- 1. Launch the Steam application.
- 2. Click on the Steam menu located in the upper left corner.
- 3. Select “Check for Steam client updates.”
- 4. Allow the pending updates to install.
- 5. Once the installation is complete, force close the Steam application and then restart it.
- 6. Finally, launch Stardew Valley to see if any server connectivity issues persist.
19. Temporarily Disable Antivirus
Antivirus software can occasionally interfere with your gaming experience, particularly when it comes to multiplayer connectivity. To determine if this is the cause, you may want to temporarily disable your antivirus program.
Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Press the **Win + I** keys simultaneously to access the Windows Settings.
- 2. Navigate to **Privacy and Security**.
- 3. Select **Windows Security**.
- 4. Click on **Virus and Threat Protection**.
- 5. Scroll down and choose **Manage Settings**.
- 6. Disable the **Real-time Protection** toggle.
- 7. Turn off the **Dev Drive Protection** toggle as well.
- 8. Additionally, disable the **Cloud-delivered Protection** toggle.
- 9. Finally, turn off the **Tamper Protection** feature.
After completing these steps, remember to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. This process can help identify if your antivirus is the source of any connectivity issues in multiplayer games.
20. Turn Off the Windows Firewall
To facilitate seamless communication between your PC and the server, consider adjusting your Firewall settings to prevent it from obstructing game connections. Here’s how you can disable the Windows Defender Firewall for your game:
- 1. Access the Start menu and type “firewall” in the search bar.
- 2. Select “Windows Defender Firewall” from the results.
- 3. On the left-hand panel, find and click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
- 4. For Private network settings, choose the option to turn off Windows Defender Firewall (note that this is not recommended).
- 5. Repeat this process for the Public network settings by selecting the same option to turn off Windows Defender Firewall (also not recommended).
- 6. Finally, click “OK” to apply and save your changes.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your game can connect to the server without interference from the Firewall.
21. Set Port Forwarding
When connecting to the internet through a Wi-Fi router, you might encounter various connectivity problems with online services.
Fortunately, the developers of Stardew Valley have shared the necessary port forwarding details specifically for PC users, allowing players to redirect traffic to the appropriate servers.
This adjustment can involve configuring port forwarding or activating the DMZ feature on your Wi-Fi router.
The required port settings are as follows: TCP/UDP: 24642.
To implement this, you can access your router’s web interface by entering its IP address in your browser and logging into the administrative panel.
From there, navigate to the dashboard, locate the port forwarding section, and enter the specified port value. Make sure to save your changes and then restart the router before attempting to connect to Stardew Valley’s online services.
For step-by-step guidance tailored to your specific router model, it’s advisable to consult the user manual.
Once Human Not Showing Any Servers: How to FIX
22. Reinstall Stardew Valley
If you’re still experiencing issues, a potential solution is to uninstall and then reinstall Stardew Valley on your PC. This can help resolve any problems related to the game’s installation directory.
We understand that uninstalling a game can be daunting, especially if you’re concerned about losing your progress or wasting time. However, some players have found this approach effective, so it may be worth a shot.
**For Steam Users:
- 1. Open the Steam client on your computer.
- 2. Navigate to your Library and locate Stardew Valley.
- 3. Right-click on the game title.
- 4. Select “Manage” and then click on “Uninstall.”
- 5. If prompted, confirm by clicking “Uninstall” again.
- 6. Follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- 7. After uninstalling, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
- 8. Finally, launch Steam and reinstall Stardew Valley, choosing a different drive for the installation.
**For GOG Galaxy Users:
- 1. Launch the GOG Galaxy client.
- 2. Find Stardew Valley in your Installed games list.
- 3. Click the “Customization” button located next to the Play option.
- 4. Select “Manage Installation” and then click on “Uninstall.”
- 5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
- 6. Once uninstalled, reboot your computer.
- 7. To reinstall, open the GOG Galaxy client again.
- 8. Go to the Games list on the left side and select Stardew Valley.
- 9. Click the “Install” button at the top of the page.
- 10. Choose your preferred installation directory (make sure to select a different drive).
- 11. Click “Continue” and wait for the installation to finish.
That’s all there is to it! We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to leave a comment below.