PC [PC/Steam] Multiplayer Connection Failed - Neither player can host/join (Other Steam games work)

[jez]

I’m looking for help with a persistent multiplayer issue in Stardew Valley. My girlfriend and I are both playing on Steam (PC), but we are completely unable to connect.

It is a mutual failure. I cannot join her farm, and she cannot join mine. We both have cabins placed, when she joins my farm (vice versa) it just leads to "Connection Failed" status.
What we have already verified:

• Game Version: Both are on the latest Steam version (No mods/SMAPI).
• Network: Other Steam games (like Brawlhalla) work perfectly.
• Security: Antivirus and Windows Firewall have been checked; Stardew is explicitly allowed on both PCs.
• Steam Status: Both of us are set to "Online" on Steam.
• Methods: We have tried "Join Game" via Steam Friends, Steam Invites, and Invite Codes

 

[Faye the fairy]

something that helped me and my friend is allowing steam to make a direct IP connection , we still have times we can't connect but its a bit more reliable