Valheim players get a version mismatch after an update

Everyone needs the same game version as the server. After Iron Gate releases a patch, players whose game updated cannot join a server still on the old version, and the other way round. When Steam has a newer Valheim than your server, Settings, Game Settings shows A new Valheim version is out: pick how to restart and the server updates.

What you see

Players are refused. The Console has a line like Peer ... has incompatible version, mine:... remote ..., with the server's version first and the player's second.

Update the server

1. Open your server in the panel and click Settings, then Game Settings.
2. In the notice A new Valheim version is out, choose Warn, then restart, Restart when nobody is online or Restart now, and click the button.
3. Watch the Console until the badge says Online.

No notice? Restart the server anyway with Restart in the power menu: a start installs the newest version while Auto Update is on. The Daily restart does this for you every morning. See How to update your Valheim server and hold a version.

Check Auto Update

1. Click Settings, then Game Settings, then Show advanced.
2. If Auto Update is off, the server stays on the version it had. The notice's button still installs a new version for one restart. To follow every update, switch it on and restart.

Check Beta Branch

If Beta Branch under Show advanced has a name in it, the server runs that test branch, and players need the same branch. Clear it to go back to the normal version, then restart.

Update the players' game

Players update through their own platform: Steam, Xbox, PlayStation or Game Pass. Ask them to update, and join again. A player whose game is older than the server's has to update; the server cannot go back for them.

Modded servers

On a Valheim BepInEx or Valheim Plus Mod server, a game update can stop a mod working until its author updates it. After the update, check Your mods on the Mods page and update the mods that need it: How to update mods on your Valheim server. Players with client mods need the same mod versions too.

Related

Valheim players cannot join by address.