Short answer

The strongest public workaround is to put the host and every friend on the same Steam Download Region, restart Steam, and join from Frostrail's in-game server list instead of Steam Overlay. This comes from players, not a developer support post.

Reported symptom
Server visible, join fails
Primary workaround
Same Steam Download Region
Join route
In-game server list
Steam Overlay
Reported not to work for this case
Official fix
Not published

Try these steps in order

  1. Choose one Steam regionOn every PC, open Steam Settings → Downloads → Download Region and select the same nearby region as the host.
  2. Restart SteamClose and reopen Steam so the region choice is applied consistently. Let Frostrail update before launching.
  3. Host a fresh sessionHave one player host, note the exact server name, and wait until it appears in the in-game list.
  4. Join inside FrostrailSearch the in-game server list. Do not rely on Join Game from Steam Overlay for this test.
  5. Check the Join controlIf the button is clipped or unreachable, temporarily lower resolution or UI/display scale. One thread participant associated the problem with display settings.
  6. Report the remaining failureCapture region, host location, server visibility, error text and whether the Join button reacted.

Evidence behind the workaround

The original Steam poster could find the friend's server, while the friend could see the host's server but could not join. A reply states that all players need the same Steam Download Region and that joining through Steam Overlay does not work. The thread also contains a less precise note about display graphics and the Join button.

Three replies are useful early evidence, but not enough to guarantee a universal fix. Network path, build version and UI layout may produce different symptoms.

Separate access problems from connection problems

A friend who does not have Frostrail Playtest in the Library still needs beta access or a Friend Invite. Region settings cannot grant access. Conversely, a friend who has installed the beta but cannot enter a visible server has a connection or UI problem, not an invitation problem.

Confirm both players launch the Playtest app, not only the retail store page, before changing network settings.

Safe escalation checklist

If the same-region test fails, relaunch both Steam and Frostrail, allow the game through the operating system firewall if prompted, and try a fresh host session. Avoid disabling the firewall globally or forwarding random ports because no official Frostrail port list has been published.

Use the in-game bug report tool and the tester forum. Include whether the server appeared, which join surface was used and the exact stage at which it failed.

Sources and context

Official material establishes game facts. Community threads are labeled because a player report is evidence of a question or workaround, not a developer guarantee.

  1. CommunityMy friend isn't able to join my server? — Steam Community. Accessed 2026-09-01.
  2. OfficialFrostrail Closed Beta Launched! — Frostrail official Steam news. Accessed 2026-09-01.
  3. OfficialFrequently Asked Questions about Frostrail — FakeFish. Accessed 2026-09-01.
  4. OfficialFrostrail on Steam — FakeFish / Shiro Unlimited. Accessed 2026-09-01.