Valheim’s popularity has soared over the last few years and it’s sold well over 8 million copies. To say that it’s a popular game is an understatement. 

One of the reasons people love playing it is that it allows individuals to play it with up to 9 other people. However, many have complained that a “Valheim incompatible version error” comes up when playing the multiplayer version. 

At Hostari, we’ll provide solutions on how to fix that and what to do the next time it pops up. 

What could possibly cause this error?

There are many reasons why players may be receiving this error. One of those reasons is that the game must be updated to its newest version. Essentially there is a difference between the version that the player wants to use, and the one that the server recognizes. So, to bridge that gap and mismatch, it’s important to have the same version for both the player as well as the server. 


How can I solve this error?

There are primarily two ways to solve this and avoid the error from popping up. 

Opt for playing on your own

The first thing you can do is simply play the game solo. Yes, it’s not as much fun to do that, since one of the biggest appeals is the fact that you can play it with strangers and/or friends, but it is an option. The error only shows up when playing the multiplayer mode. 

Update your version 

Since the problem is a lack of compatibility, this is a pretty easy solution to do. Simply make sure the two versions are one and the same aka compatible by updating your version to the latest one. Updates can happen one of two ways:

Auto-update

If playing via Steam, then you will receive an auto-update notification whenever a new version is available. If you have this feature, it makes sense to use it as it avoids any kind of incompatibility from the get-go. 

Manually update

IMPORTANT - save all the data before you do this, otherwise, you’ll lose any progress you’ve made in the game! You can find a way to do this explained right here

In order to update the game, install SteamCMD and then create a new file. This file should be named “update.bat”. Next, you will have to write "[SteamCMD directory] + login anonymous + force_install_dir [Valheim installation directory] + app_update 896660 validate + exit" in the "Update.bat" file and save it. Just replace the bracketed items with the actual location of the installation. Now, run the bat file and it should update your game and hopefully get rid of the incompatibility error.

Resolving your incompatibility errors

Valheim has been a fan-favorite game to enjoy while playing with others, and the error code can be frustrating to experience. Thankfully, you now know what to do the next time you encounter it. The game can also be played in multiplayer mode by using a Valheim-specific server hosting service. Hostari offers top-tier service for anyone looking for a dedicated Valheim server. You can also set up your own server for free.