FAQ
General
Is JunimoServer free?
Yes. JunimoServer is open-source and free to use. You need to own a copy of Stardew Valley on Steam (the server downloads game files using your Steam account).
Can I use my existing single-player save?
Yes. See Backup & Recovery for import instructions.
How many players can join?
Configurable via MaxPlayers in server settings. Default is 10. The game creates cabins automatically as players join.
Does it work with GOG?
Yes, but with limitations. GOG connections have ~50% success rate compared to Steam's ~99%. This is due to NAT traversal differences. Steam players should use Steam invite codes, GOG players use GOG invite codes.
Gameplay
What happens to my crops if I can't log in?
Crops track their owner and won't die from lack of watering while you're offline. Season-end death is also delayed.
Does time pass when I'm offline?
Time pauses when no players are online. When players are connected, time runs normally. The game saves at the end of each in-game day.
Can I move my cabin?
Yes. Stand where you want your cabin, then type !cabin in chat.
Is money shared or separate?
Configurable by the server admin. Default is shared wallet (all players share one money pool). Admins can toggle this with !changewallet.
Technical
Can I play on my own computer while hosting a server?
Yes, but use a separate Steam account for the server. Steam doesn't allow the same account to be logged in twice simultaneously.
What are the server requirements?
- Docker Engine 20+ with Compose V2
- 2 GB RAM minimum (4 GB recommended)
- Dual-core CPU minimum
- 1-2 GB disk space
These are ballpark estimates — actual requirements vary based on mods and player count.
Can I run the server on Windows?
Yes. JunimoServer runs on both Linux and Windows via Docker.
Do players need to install anything special?
No. Players connect using the normal Stardew Valley multiplayer menu with an invite code. Content mods (if any) must match between server and players.
Mods
Can I use mods?
Yes. JunimoServer supports SMAPI mods. See Mod Support.
Do all players need the same mods?
Depends on the mod type:
- Server-only mods — Only on server
- Content mods (new items, NPCs, maps) — Server AND all players
- Client-only mods (UI tweaks) — Individual players
Troubleshooting
VNC shows a black screen — is the server broken?
No. The server is working correctly. By default, DISABLE_RENDERING=true which means the server doesn't draw graphics to its own display (saving CPU). Players always see the game normally on their own screens — connect with your game client to verify.
You don't need VNC to play or manage the server. Use the CLI (docker compose exec server attach-cli) for server commands.
See VNC if you specifically need to enable the display for debugging.
Players can't connect
- Verify server is running:
docker compose ps - Check invite code is correct
- See Troubleshooting
Server won't start
Check logs: docker compose logs -f
Common causes:
- Docker not running
- Invalid Steam credentials
- Port conflicts
See Troubleshooting for detailed solutions.