Joining the server
Your Grounded 2 server runs on Lantern, an open-source, community-built framework. To join it, each player goes through the Lantern launcher and connects straight to the server's IP:PORT.
What you need to join
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Grounded 2 on Steam (PC) | Each player must own the game on their own Steam account |
| A Windows PC | The Lantern launcher is only available for Windows |
| The Lantern launcher | Installed on each player's PC (see below) |
| The server address | In the IP:PORT format, shown in the Game Panel |
Play with your regular Steam account, never with the dedicated account entered in the panel: Steam only allows one session at a time per account, and the server would be disconnected. See Dedicated Steam account.
Installing the Lantern launcher
- Go to the official Lantern project page and download the player installer from the latest published version (Releases)
- Run the installer. Windows SmartScreen may show a warning if the installer isn't signed: make sure you downloaded it from the official page before continuing
- Open Lantern. The launcher checks for its own updates
Lantern is a community project, with no ties to Obsidian Entertainment or Xbox Game Studios. Only download it from its official page.
Connecting to the server
- In the Game Panel (game.yorkhost.fr), check in the Console that the server is started and has finished loading
- Note the
IP:PORTaddress shown on the server's page - In Lantern, add a server: give it a name, then enter the IP and port shown in the panel
- Select the server and click Connect: Lantern launches Grounded 2 and you join the world
You only need to enter the gameplay port: Lantern works out the other ports it needs on its own. The add-server form may also offer a join key field: only fill it in if a key has been set for your server.
Just share the IP:PORT with your group: everyone adds it once in their launcher.
The server doesn't show up in the session list
That's expected. A Lantern server isn't visible in Grounded 2's multiplayer menu: you always connect through the Lantern launcher and the IP:PORT. The game launched without Lantern can't connect to this server.
No crossplay
Only the Steam (PC) version of Grounded 2, launched through Lantern on Windows, can join your server. Players on Xbox, PC Game Pass (Microsoft Store) or PS5 can't join it, so there's no crossplay.
Up to 4 players
Grounded 2 supports 4 players at most per world, a limit set by the game, whatever your plan.
After a game update
Grounded 2 is in Early Access and gets regular updates. After an update, there may be a delay before you can join the server again, while Lantern gets updated. See Troubleshooting: version mismatch.
If something goes wrong
- The connection fails: see Players who can't join
- The server won't start: see Troubleshooting
- Our team is available 7 days a week on Discord or through your client area