Check the host's farm first

This checklist is for desktop Steam/GOG play. Work through the developer's setup checks before changing connection settings.

  1. Compare everyone's game version. From the title screen, select the question-mark button; the version appears at the lower left of the resulting screen.
  2. The host should load the farm through Co-op → Host.
  3. In Options, look for Multiplayer above Sound and set Server Mode to Online. The developer notes that this setting does not exist on Switch.
  4. Check that each guest has an available cabin. Choose starting cabins for a new farm, or have Robin build cabins on an existing one within its supported capacity.
Older Stardew Valley Options screen with Multiplayer above Sound and Server Mode set to Online
Older official help screenshot: Multiplayer is above Sound and Server Mode is Online. Current layouts may differ; Switch does not have this setting.ConcernedApe · Official image source · View full size

Source: Official multiplayer troubleshooting

If the invitation buttons are missing

Open Steam or GOG Galaxy, sign in, and launch the game through that client. The developer's general troubleshooting page identifies standalone launching as a reason that friend and invite-code options may be unavailable.

Older multiplayer options showing Invite Friend and Show Invite Code buttons, with Server Mode reading Offline
Older official image showing the invitation buttons. Its Server Mode reads Offline: use this image to find the buttons, not as the recommended setting for an online host.ConcernedApe · Official image source · View full size

Source: Official general troubleshooting

Test one change at a time

Editorial suggestion: ask one guest to try after each correction. Record whether everyone is affected or only one person, along with the host platform, each version number and the exact error. That gives the next troubleshooting step something concrete to work from.

Mobile players should use the separate official mobile multiplayer guide. Its experimental setup uses a different connection process; the desktop invitation checklist above is not a mobile walkthrough.

Source: Official mobile multiplayer guide

Sources & scope

This article summarizes the official material linked below. It is not a hands-on review. Screenshots are credited to their original publishers; they are not evidence that we tested these steps. Game details can change after publication.

Sources checked: 19 Oct 2026. Read how we use sources and AI assistance.