Windows Error "Connection Failed"

Hello, I am experiencing a multiplayer issue that started suddenly yesterday after months of playing without any problems. My game version is v1.6.15 build 24356 (replace with your exact version). I am using Windows 11 on a Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9, the game language is Spanish, and I play with keyboard and mouse. Whenever I try to join any multiplayer farm, the game stays on "Connecting..." for a few seconds and then displays "Connection Failed" ("Fallo de conexión" in Spanish). The same thing happens if I host a new multiplayer farm: other players receive "Connection Failed" when trying to join me. We are all using the same game version, no one is using mods, and we have played together for months without any issues. I have attached my save file and the disconnect log. I have already reinstalled Stardew Valley and Steam, verified the game files, reset my Windows network settings (including Winsock and IP reset), allowed Steam and Stardew Valley through Windows Firewall, and tested using different internet connections (including mobile hotspots). I also tested on a completely different PC with my Steam account, and even tested another Steam account, but the problem still occurred. My friends can play together normally, and I can receive Steam invitations without any issues. One interesting test gave a different result: I logged into my Steam account on my Lenovo LOQ, while another PC in my house logged into the host's Steam account (the host himself was not connected from his home), and I was able to join the existing multiplayer farm successfully. However, immediately afterward I tried joining another friend's farm (who lives in a different city), and the "Connection Failed" error returned. The problem seems inconsistent, but in most cases I cannot join any multiplayer farm, and if I host one, other players cannot join me either. I don´t have files in "Saves". The disconnect log only shows "HostLeft Ping: -1 friend/invite". Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 

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OrdinaryBoy

Farmhand
Hello, I've been trying to ask Gemini about your problem.
The disconnect log entry (HostLeft Ping: -1 friend/invite) indicates that your game is dropping the connection during the initial Steam P2P (Peer-to-Peer) handshake before a network ping can even be established (Ping: -1).
You also mentioned that joining on your local WiFi worked, but connecting to friends in other cities failed, is that correct?
If so, the issue is in how Steam Networking is routing your P2P traffic and negotiating NAT traversal.
Here's what you can try to do:
  • Adjust Steam P2P Relay Settings. You can read about Steam P2P networking here: https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/1433-AD20-F11D-B71E
  • Bypass Steam P2P via Virtual LAN (you can use NordVPN's Meshnet, or others like Tailscale / ZeroTier)
  • Flush DNS & Disable IPv6 Tunnels / third-party security software temporarily
  • Test using "Invite Code" from the in-game settings, instead of Steam Friends Invites
Hope that helps.
 
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