How to Join a Windrose Server

This guide explains how to connect to a Windrose server and play with friends.

Joining a Windrose Server

Using an Invite Code (Primary Method)

Windrose uses an invite code system to connect players to servers. Every server has a unique code that players enter to join.

1. Open Windrose.
2. From the main menu, select Multiplayer or Join Server.
3. Enter the server's Invite Code.
   • Example: d6221bb7
   • Invite codes are at least 6 characters long and are case-sensitive.
   • Allowed characters: 0-9, a-z, A-Z.
4. If the server is password-protected, enter the password when prompted.
5. Click Connect or Join.

Where to find the invite code:

• Survival Servers customers: Your invite code is displayed in the control panel under your server details. The invite code is generated after the server starts for the first time — it won't appear until the server has finished registering.
• Self-hosted servers: The invite code is set in your ServerDescription.json config file. See Windrose Server Configuration Guide for details.

What You'll Need

To join a Windrose server, you need:

• Windrose installed via Steam.
• A Steam account (logged in).
• Invite code provided by the server owner.

Finding Servers to Join

There are several ways to find Windrose servers:

• Friends - Ask a friend who runs a server for their invite code.
• Discord communities - Many servers share invite codes in Windrose Discord groups.
• Rent your own - Get a Windrose server from Survival Servers.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

"Connection Timed Out" or "Cannot Connect"

• Check the invite code - Make sure you typed it correctly (codes are case-sensitive).
• Server might be offline - Contact the server owner to confirm it's running.
• Server is still starting - Windrose servers need a moment to register after starting. Wait a minute and try again.
• Firewall blocking connection - Temporarily disable your firewall to test.

"Version Mismatch" or "Incompatible Version"

Windrose requires the client (your game) and server to be on the same version. If you see this error:

• Update your game - Open Steam and check for Windrose updates.
• Wait for server update - The server owner may need to update their server.
• Check announcements - Server owners often post when they're updating.

"Connection Refused"

This usually means:

• The server isn't running.
• The port isn't open on the server's firewall.
• The server has reached its maximum player count.

Lag or High Ping

• Server location - Choose servers closer to your geographic location.
• Your internet connection - Test your connection speed and stability.
• Too many players - Some servers may be running at capacity.

Playing on a Local Network (LAN)

If you want to join a server running on another computer in your home, the server still needs to be set up with an invite code. Connect using the invite code — LAN connections don't require port forwarding since you're on the same network.

See Also

• How to Create a Windrose Server Guide
• How to Transfer a Local Save to a Windrose Server
• Windrose Server Configuration Guide
• Windrose Admin Commands
• Windrose on Steam
• Rent a Windrose Server from Survival Servers