Some Valheim players have reported they can’t connect to local or dedicated services because of a “Failed to connect” error message. For example, one player said this about that error: “My friend can’t connect to my Valheim server. He keeps getting a ‘Failed to connect’ message.” Consequently, Valheim can’t connect to the required servers. This is how players can fix the Valheim “Failed to connect” error on Windows PCs.
Unselect Crossplay
Players have confirmed they’ve fixed the Valheim “Failed to connect” error by disabling Crossplay. The Crossplay feature can sometimes conflict with VPN or ISP NAT settings. So, try unselecting Crossplay like this:
- First, start your Valheim game.
- Select a character on the menu to get a game started.
- Then, unselect the Crossplay radio button on the Start Game tab.
The Crossplay option
Set the DNS Server to Google
Setting a Google DNS server is another player-confirmed way to fix the Valheim “Failed to connect” error on Windows PCs. Applying this possible fix can resolve this error when caused by DNS servers. You can set a Google DNS by going through the following steps:
- Launch the Run dialog by right-clicking the Start menu button and selecting its shortcut.
- Enter ncpa.cpl inside Run and click OK.
- Next, right-click the icon for your network adapter to select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 and click Properties inside the Networking tab that opens.
- Click the radio button for Use the following DNS server addresses.
- First, click inside the Preferred DNS server box to input an 8.8.8.8 value.
- Then click in the Alternative DNS server to enter 8.8.4.4.
Use the following DNS server addresses radio button
- Select the OK options to close the properties windows.
Add Valheim to the Windows Firewall’s Allowed List
It’s not uncommon for firewalls to sometimes block games’ server connections. To address this potential cause for the Valheim “Failed to connect” error, add the game to Windows Defender Firewall’s allowed list. This Microsoft page provides guidelines for adding apps to that firewall’s allowed list. Add the Valheim EXE game file to that allowed list and select the Private/Public checkboxes for it.
Windows Defender Firewall’s allowed list
Some third-party antivirus apps also include additional firewalls. Check if any a third-party antivirus package installed on your PC incorporates a firewall. If it has one, add Valheim to the allowed apps list for the firewall in your antivirus package.
Verify Game File Integrity
Corrupted or missing game files are another possible cause for the Valheim “Failed to connect” error. So, running a verification scan for Valheim is a recommended potential fix for this gaming issue. The instructions on this Steam page tell you how users can select the Verify integrity option for games you’ve installed with Valve’s gaming client.
The Verify integrity of game files option
Restart Router/Modem
Restarting a router (and modem) might resolve connectivity issues causing the Valheim “Failed to connect” for some players. To apply this fix, unplug the router and reconnect it. These are the steps for restarting a router/modem:
- Turn off your Windows PC.
- Find your router’s power cable and unplug it.
- Wait about one minute.
- Reconnect the power cable to the router.
- Then, wait for at least five minutes before returning to your PC.
The potential fixes for the Valheim “Failed to connect” error in this troubleshooting guide have worked for some players. Valheim does have a support service you can ask for more potential “Failed to connect” fixes from this contact page. However, try applying all the possible resolutions above before sending a support ticket.
