Prerequisites

Docker

Docker Engine 20+ with Compose V2.

docker --version
docker compose version

Compose V2 Required

Use docker compose (V2), not docker-compose (V1). Install Docker

Platform	Method
Linux	Docker Engine + Compose plugin (recommended for production)
Windows/macOS	Docker Desktop

Steam Account

A Steam account that owns Stardew Valley. Credentials are only used locally to download game files.

Use a Dedicated Steam Account

Do not use the same Steam account for both the server and your game client. Steam only allows one active session per account. If the same account is used for the server and a player's client, Steam will log the server out, causing "Connection Failed" for all subsequent reconnect attempts — even with a valid, unchanged invite code.

Use a separate Steam account (with its own copy of Stardew Valley) for the server.

Hardware

Resource	Minimum	Recommended
CPU	Dual-core	Quad-core
RAM	2 GB	4 GB
Disk	1 GB	2+ GB

Ballpark Estimates

These are approximate figures based on testing. Actual requirements vary depending on player count, mods, and farm complexity. Monitor resource usage and adjust as needed.

The server runs continuously and uses resources even when no players are connected. For cloud hosting, factor in always-on costs.

System Clock

The server uses the host's clock, and GOG invite-code connections fail when it is not accurate. Operating systems keep the clock synced automatically, so nothing is normally required. To check on Linux:

timedatectl status   # System clock synchronized: yes

Docker Desktop can fall behind after the computer wakes from sleep; restart it to resync.