Learn how to host your Stardew Valley server on desktop devices and play with your friends using Meshnet.
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Local area network (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 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 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.
Otherwise, follow this step-by-step guide to set up your own Stardew Valley server and invite your friends to play together over Meshnet.
Ensure the following:
Stardew Valley is installed on your device.
Meshnet is enabled on your device.
Your friends are added as Meshnet peers.
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.
To start your own Stardew Valley Meshnet server, do the following:
Open Stardew Valley and click the Co-op button in the main menu.
Select the Host tab and choose Host new farm.
Customize your farm and character settings and click OK.
Once you load your new farm, click Esc.
Head to the Options tab, scroll down to the Multiplayer section, and ensure that the Accept IP connections checkbox is selected.
With all of the steps completed, your server is up and running and ready to be connected with Meshnet.
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:
Copy the server device’s Meshnet IP address from the NordVPN app.
Open Stardew Valley, select Co-op, and click Join LAN game.
In the Enter IP field, paste the server's Meshnet IP address by clicking the button on the right.
Click OK.
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.
