Ever wished you could share your relaxing Stardew Valley adventures with friends, no matter where they are? Hosting your own Stardew Valley server makes it possible, turning solo farming into an online community experience.
As Stardew Valley grows in popularity, more players want secure, stable ways to play together. Yet, setting up a server can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before.
This guide walks you through each step, offers practical tips, and helps you create the perfect multiplayer farm—hassle-free.
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How to Host a Stardew Valley Server: The Complete Guide
If you’re dreaming of enjoying Stardew Valley with friends on a persistent multiplayer farm, hosting your own server is the way to go. Whether you want an always-online world, more control over your farm, or just a cozy space for friends, setting up a Stardew Valley server is easier than you might think. Below, you’ll find everything you need: step-by-step instructions, key considerations, expert tips, and answers to common questions about Stardew Valley server hosting.
What Is a Stardew Valley Server?
A Stardew Valley server is a dedicated environment that allows you and your friends to play together on the same farm, whenever you want. Unlike traditional multiplayer, a dedicated server doesn’t need the host player to be online for others to join. Your farm is always accessible, making coordination easier—especially for groups in different time zones or with busy schedules.
Three Main Ways to Host a Stardew Valley Server
You have several options to bring your multiplayer farm to life. Here’s a quick overview:
1. Hosting Locally (On Your Own Computer)
- Best For: Small groups or personal use
- How It Works: One player launches a multiplayer game, acts as host, and keeps their computer running while others play.
- Pros: Free, easy to set up, no need for third-party services.
- Cons: Only available when the host’s computer is online; can use significant resources.
2. Setting Up a Dedicated Server
- Best For: Always-online multiplayer, larger groups, communities.
- How It Works: Use dedicated software, often via a Linux server or a Docker container, to run the game 24/7.
- Pros: Your farm is always accessible; ideal for groups with varied playtimes. More powerful customization and control.
- Cons: Technical setup, may require server hosting fees.
3. Renting a Game Server from a Hosting Provider
- Best For: Hassle-free setup, minimal maintenance, and reliable uptime.
- How It Works: Pay a monthly fee for a third-party provider to run and maintain your Stardew Valley server.
- Pros: Professional support, simple setup, higher uptime and reliability.
- Cons: Ongoing cost, limited customization compared to self-hosted setups.
Step-by-Step: Hosting a Stardew Valley Server
Let’s explore the process for each of the three options, so you can choose what works best for you.
Option 1: Hosting Locally on Your Own Computer
This is the simplest way to play multiplayer:
- Launch Stardew Valley.
- Choose ‘Co-op’ on the main menu.
- Select ‘Host’ to create a new farm or continue an existing one.
- Invite friends through Steam or direct invite code.
- Keep your game running for others to join.
Tip: The farm is only online when your game is open. If you log off, others can’t access the farm.
When to Use: Good for one-off sessions or small friend groups.
Option 2: Setting Up a Dedicated Server
For those comfortable with technology, creating a dedicated server is rewarding. Here’s a general roadmap:
- Select Your Platform
- A spare PC, virtual private server (VPS), or a cloud machine with Linux (Ubuntu is popular).
- Download Stardew Valley
- Install SteamCMD, then download Stardew Valley’s dedicated server files.
- Set Up the Server Environment
- If using a Docker container, find a pre-made Stardew Valley server image or configure your own.
- Configure Server Settings
- Set server name, password, and connection options. Decide whether to allow mods.
- Open/Forward Ports (Usually 24642 TCP/UDP)
- Required so others can connect over the internet.
- Share Server Details
- Give friends your public IP address (and password if required) so they can join.
- Automate Server Launch
- Use a script or system service to keep the server running always.
Advanced: Consider mods or “Always On Server” tools from the Stardew Valley modding community for extra features.
Benefits:
– Always-on world; host can be offline
– More powerful for larger groups
– Supports extra features and mods
Challenges:
– Technical learning curve (especially with Linux or Docker)
– Some ongoing maintenance required
Option 3: Using a Game Server Hosting Provider
For the easiest path to a 24/7 multiplayer farm, consider renting a Stardew Valley server:
- Choose a Hosting Company
- Look for hosts specializing in Stardew Valley (popular options include providers known for game server hosting).
- Select Your Plan
- Consider the number of players, RAM, mods support, and storage. Prices are usually monthly, starting from a few dollars.
- Customize Your Server
- Most providers offer a dashboard for easy setup: server name, password, mod support, and player slots.
- Share Server Info
- Give your joining players the IP and password.
- Enjoy
- The host company handles everything: maintenance, backups, 24/7 uptime.
Perks:
– Zero technical expertise required
– Support staff to troubleshoot problems
– Fast setup and minimal headaches
Cost Tips:
– Opt for the smallest plan that fits your group to minimize expenses.
– Some hosts offer discounts for quarterly or yearly payments.
– Watch out for setup or modding fees.
Benefits of Hosting a Stardew Valley Server
- Always-Open Farm: Friends can join anytime, even if the original host is away.
- Community Building: Great for clubs, families, streamers, and online communities.
- Customization: Add mods or tweak features for a unique multiplayer experience.
- Reliability: Hosted servers are more stable and less prone to interruptions.
- Learning Opportunity: Running a server can deepen your skills with Linux, networking, or cloud platforms.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While hosting a Stardew Valley server unlocks new ways to play, be aware of possible hurdles:
1. Technical Setup (for Dedicated Servers)
- Solution: Use detailed guides, forums, or video tutorials. Hosting providers simplify this if you’d rather not DIY.
2. Ongoing Costs
- Solution: Evaluate different providers and only pay for what you need (number of slots, modding ability, etc.). Self-hosting on a spare machine is free aside from electricity.
3. Security and Privacy
- Solution: Always set strong passwords, only share the server address with trusted friends, and keep software up to date.
4. Mod Compatibility
- Solution: Make sure everyone uses the same mods (and game version) to prevent connection issues.
5. Maintenance
- Solution: Schedule regular backups, especially if you use mods or run a public server. Hosting providers often automate this.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Back Up Regularly: Protect your farm from data loss by saving backups, especially before installing mods or updates.
- Limit Server Access: Share connection info only with people you trust, or use password protection.
- Monitor Performance: Keep an eye on CPU and RAM usage, especially if you’re self-hosting and adding mods.
- Communicate With Players: Set up a Discord or group chat to coordinate play times and discuss farm strategies.
- Update Consistently: Stay current with Stardew Valley patches (and mods, if used) to keep your server stable and secure.
Cost Tips for Hosting Stardew Valley Servers
- Free Local Hosting: If you host from your PC, there’s no extra cost (other than potential energy use).
- Budget Hosting Providers: Look for plans with just enough slots for your group—excess capacity can be a waste.
- Mod Support Fees: Some providers charge more for mod-enabled servers; compare your options.
- Trial Periods and Money-Back Guarantees: Try before committing long-term.
- Shared Hosting: Split server costs among your group—it’s often less than a cup of coffee per month per player!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I run a Stardew Valley server for free?
Yes. You can host a game from your own computer for free by using Stardew Valley’s built-in Co-op mode. However, your farm will only be available when your computer is online, and your friends can’t join unless you’re running the game.
2. What are the advantages of using a paid hosting provider?
Paid server hosting offers advantages like 24/7 uptime, higher performance, technical support, and easier setup. You don’t need to worry about networking, port forwarding, or leaving your PC on—all the heavy lifting is managed for you.
3. Does everyone need the same mods to play together?
Absolutely. All players (including the server) must have the same mods installed and enabled. Incompatible mods or mismatched versions can cause connection problems, crashes, or unexpected gameplay issues.
4. How many players can join one Stardew Valley server?
By default, Stardew Valley supports up to four players per farm. However, with mods, you can increase this number. Some servers and mods allow eight or even more players, but stability varies with larger groups.
5. Is my saved data safe on a hosted server?
Most commercial hosting providers offer daily or weekly backup options. For self-hosted servers, set up automatic backups or manually copy your save files. Regular backups protect your farm from unexpected issues like crashes or accidental data loss.
Conclusion
Hosting a Stardew Valley server transforms multiplayer farming into a seamless, always-available experience. Whether you choose to self-host, dive into server setup with Linux or Docker, or let a professional provider handle the details, the process is accessible—even if you’re not a tech expert. Always consider your needs—upfront cost, technical comfort, and group size—when choosing your hosting path. With a little setup, you and your friends can enjoy Stardew Valley together, anytime and from anywhere.
Happy farming!