Multiplayer not working?

[ACatSiddy]

I've been trying to play this game with my boyfriend and anytime we try to join each other it says connecting then never does. Any advice on how to fix it?

[bramykim]

I'm currently having the same problems, it terminates the connection I think?

[LiquidMangosu]

Having the same issue with me and my boyfriend too ;o;

[CarThief]

Welp, in my own experience, Port-Forwarding helps, but it shouldn't be required in theory.

Generally, I'd suggest stuff like...
#1: Are both your files the same? Maybe do a cache integrity check, make sure you have your Workshop maps properly installed (they generally need time to "install" themselves when you first run viscera after subscribing to them, then restart the game when it tells you they're done, then they are ready for use).

Though, if the game doesn't mention missing files, you're probably good and can leave it be. But if files remain a issue even after a file cache integrity check, try unsubscribing from all (other) Workshop content, sometimes those can cause issues.
(Oh, and maybe you need to enable the Workshop via the blueprint icon on the main menu first, if they are hosting a Workshop map, and possibly give your subscribed map time to install.)

#2: There's two ways to connect to servers if a friend hosts it. Either click on their name on the main menu as their server appears bottom-right somewhere, or go to multiplayer, pick the friends tab (though it should already default to that), and hit Refresh a few times and connect through there.

#3: Have you tried rotating/changing who's hosting? Sometimes it helps if you can't join them but they can join you, or visa-versa. Also, do persistently try a few times, it can be that it just flubs the first (few) time(s), and it'll work after a few attempts.

#4: Did you disable any Firewall or Virus Scanner programs or make an exception for Viscera (or just the entire Steam folder) in them?

#5: Online might not work well if you're playing via public Internet if they've put restrictions on it. So it might not be feasible in colleges/etc.

#6: Did you perhaps try one of those private network multiplayer connectors like Hamachi or whatever the newest one is? The ones that let you play with others as if they where on the same LAN network as you? It's commonly used to play Minecraft via LAN-hosted worlds.

It's a desperate measure, but if regular online fails, that's a option. (Does possibly require direct IP connection, and for that you may wish to use one of the commonly used ports for Viscera or Steam or general ports like 7777, 27000-27014, etc.)
(God, what was the name of it... Can't remember... I don't think they use Hamachi anymore, so maybe if you look it up for Minecraft will it find you a good one.)
(Oh, and if you already own one, turn it off if you wish to use regular multiplayer with people outside your private/virtual LAN network. Just in case.)

#7: Like I mentioned, Port-forwarding can help a lot, though should not be required anymore in theory ever since MP was routed through Steam. Each router does it differently so maybe look up how to acces it and what it's default password and username settings are if you didn't change it. Ports 7777 (general game stuff) and the port-range 27000-27014 (Steam/TF2) should work if forwarded both on TCP and UDP or whatever it was. Only the host should need to port-forward, though.

#8: You could try a direct connection, as host, get your IP via one of those "what is my IP" websites, then make a string of "[my IP]:7777" or 27000, or some other port number, and share it with the people who wish to connect to you. All they have to do is find and use the direct connect/connect via IP thingy.

Well, that's numerous options in no particular order. Dunno if it helps, I'd suggest trying them from least invasive/drastic to most-invasive/drastic.