: While it is sometimes possible for a legitimate Steam user to play with a cracked user via LAN/IP connection, it is often unreliable. The most stable method is for everyone to use the same cracked version.

Black Screens or Infinite Loading: This usually happens when a firewall is blocking the connection. Ensure that Stardew Valley and your VPN software are added to your Windows Firewall exceptions.

Players join using the host's rather than a Steam invite.