# How to set up a private Stardew Valley server with Meshnet

## Introduction <a href="#introduction" id="introduction"></a>

[Local area network](https://nordvpn.com/blog/what-is-lan/) (LAN) gaming has decreased in popularity over the years. A primary cause of this decline is the multiplayer dependency on cloud-based servers. This means that connections from all participants go through a dedicated server and only then reach others. However, some games still allow hosting a LAN server, for example, Stardew Valley.

[Stardew Valley](https://www.stardewvalley.net/) is a popular role-playing simulation game. It has an easy-to-use interface enabling you to create your private server with a few clicks. Nevertheless, LAN gaming has a drawback: all participants must be located on the same network. But now, by using [Meshnet](https://nordvpn.com/meshnet/) on your devices, you can create personal virtual LANs. This technology allows your peers from all over the world to join your server.

Watch the video below to see an overview of the setup process.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WWktB2Puw4>" %}

Otherwise, follow this step-by-step guide to set up your own Stardew Valley server and invite your friends to play together over Meshnet.

## Before you begin <a href="#before-you-begin" id="before-you-begin"></a>

Ensure the following:

* Stardew Valley is installed on your device.
* [Meshnet is enabled](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/getting-started/how-to-start-using-meshnet) on your device.
* Your friends are added as [Meshnet peers](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet).

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

This guide demonstrates the setup process on a desktop platform. However, with the release of Stardew Valley version 1.6, these instructions are now also applicable to mobile platforms. For further details regarding mobile multiplayer, refer to the [Stardew Valley documentation](https://www.stardewvalley.net/mobile-multiplayer-guide/).
{% endhint %}

## Create your Stardew Valley server <a href="#create-your-server" id="create-your-server"></a>

To start your own Stardew Valley Meshnet server, do the following:

1. Open Stardew Valley and click the **Co-op** button in the main menu.
2. Select the **Host** tab and choose **Host new farm**.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F65F35OJUED7dFZBKFjhf%2Fhost_new_farm.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9f5bab41-c276-4e60-8c8c-7aa7af823e3f" alt="Host new farm option"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
3. Customize your farm and character settings and click **OK**.
4. Once you load your new farm, click **Esc**.
5. Head to the **Options** tab, scroll down to the **Multiplayer** section, and ensure that the **Accept IP connections** checkbox is selected.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FVINPyzwmHfQjMA4VImyY%2Fmp_settings.png?alt=media&#x26;token=af01a4c2-fdda-4ef5-b165-7695faab1358" alt="&#x22;Accept IP connections&#x22; option highlighted." width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

With all of the steps completed, your server is up and running and ready to be connected with Meshnet.

## Connect to your Stardew Valley server <a href="#connect-to-your-server" id="connect-to-your-server"></a>

To connect to your server, your friends must also have Meshnet enabled on their system. With that done, they can join your server by taking these steps:

1. Copy the server device’s Meshnet IP address from the NordVPN app.
2. Open **Stardew Valley**, select **Co-op**, and click **Join LAN game**.
3. In the **Enter IP** field, paste the server's Meshnet IP address by clicking the button on the right.

   <figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FbSNXXulgXh8cLT5usfYI%2Fpaste_mesh_ip.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a6948c91-ef00-4db2-9f92-21b8919e368f" alt="Server&#x27;s Meshnet IP address pasted in the provided field."><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

   &#x20;
4. Click **OK**.
5. Select the listed farm, customize your character settings, and click **OK**.

The selected farm will load, and you will be able to enjoy playing on a private Stardew Valley server over a secure Meshnet connection.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FyUH3V1zUOoX21WoJVaoi%2Fcoop_game.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ca7846a6-8fcb-475d-a5d1-9adbe5c5a6bd" alt="Stardew Valley farm with two players"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>