Your Wilderack Windrose server doesn’t use an invite code. Your crew joins with the server’s address and port instead, through Direct IP in the game. This page explains both ways of joining, why we picked this one, and when your friends need the wake link.
The short version
| Invite code | Direct connection (what your server uses) | |
|---|---|---|
| What players type | A code like f1014dc1 |
The address and port, like galleon.play.wilderack.com and 31777 |
| How players reach the server | Through Windrose’s own connection service | Straight to your server’s address |
| Our attack protection | Doesn’t apply | Protects every connection |
| Joining wakes a sleeping server | No | Yes |
| Where to type it | Play > Connect to Server | Play > Connect to Server, then Direct IP |
How invite codes work
An invite code is the default way to join a Windrose server that someone runs at home.
- The code lives in the
InviteCodesetting inServerDescription.json. The server makes one up on its first start, likef1014dc1. - A code uses letters and numbers only, has at least 6 characters, and is case-sensitive.
- When a player types the code, Windrose’s connection service finds the server. It then links the player and the server through a method called NAT punch-through. If that fails, the game can send the traffic through Windrose’s relay servers.
This is handy at home, because nobody has to open ports on their router. But the traffic goes through Windrose’s service, not to the server’s address. On a hosted server, that has two downsides:
- No attack protection. Traffic that never reaches our network can’t be filtered by us.
- No wake on join. A sleeping server can’t see the join attempt, so it stays asleep.
How direct connection works
With direct connection, the server opens a port of its own, and players connect straight to its address and port. The developers added this option in April 2026, and their Linux server is set up to use it. Every Wilderack Windrose server runs this way.
The settings behind it, in ServerDescription.json:
UseDirectConnectionistrue.DirectConnectionServerPortis your server’s port, the same number as on your address card. It carries both TCP and UDP traffic.
We set both for you. Leave them as they are, or your crew won’t be able to connect.
The developers are clear on one point: when a server uses direct IP, invite codes don’t work. The InviteCode line is still in the file, but nobody can join with it.
Join with the address and port
- Open the panel and find the address card on Overview. It shows the address and the port, like
galleon.play.wilderack.com:31777. - In Windrose, choose Play, then Connect to Server.
- Switch to Direct IP.
- Type the address in the address box and the port in the port box. Type only the name, without the colon and port, in the address box.
- If the server has a password, type it in the password box.
- Connect.
The connection guide covers the same steps with more help for when it doesn’t work.
When your crew needs the wake link
Your server naps when nobody’s playing. In direct connection mode, joining wakes it, usually in a couple of seconds. Most of the time your friends don’t need to do anything special.
The wake link is play.wilderack.com/w/galleon, and it’s on the address card. Share it when:
- The game gives up first. After a long nap, waking can take longer than the game is willing to wait. Opening the wake link first means the server is up by the time your friend clicks Connect.
- A friend wants to check before launching. The wake link page shows whether the server is awake and how to join.
- You turned direct connection off. Then joins go through Windrose’s service and never reach us, so they can’t wake the server. Friends must open the wake link, wait for the server to wake, and then use the code.
Can I switch back to invite codes?
We don’t recommend it. If you set UseDirectConnection to false yourself, your server loses our attack protection and can’t wake on join. The developers’ Linux server is also set up for direct connection, so invite codes may not work on it at all. If you need them for a reason we haven’t thought of, write to us at support@wilderack.com first.
Common mix-ups
- “The invite code can’t find the server.” Expected. Use the address and port instead.
- “I’m sent back to the main menu with no message.” The developers list this as a known issue with direct IP: a wrong password or a version mismatch returns you to the menu without an error. Check the password, then update the game.
- “The address box won’t take the name.” See the game won’t take the address.
Questions
Where do I find the invite code for my Windrose server?
You don't need one. Your Wilderack server uses direct connection, so friends join with the address and port from the address card on Overview, in the Direct IP part of Connect to Server.
Can I use an invite code and direct connect at the same time in Windrose?
No. The developers say that when a server uses direct IP, players can only join by its address, and invite codes don't work.
Why does my friend's invite code say the server can't be found?
The code is from a server that uses Windrose's connection service. Your server uses direct connection instead, so the code doesn't apply. Use the address and port from the address card.
When does my crew need the wake link?
Joining by address wakes a sleeping server by itself. Share the wake link if the game gives up before the server is awake, or if a friend wants to wake it before launching Windrose.
Sources we checked
- Dedicated Server GuideKraken Express
- Connectivity fixes, Direct IP added and save backup system updateKraken Express
- FAQ and troubleshootingKraken Express
