Valheim Crossplay Guide: PC, Xbox, PS5 and Switch 2

Yes. Valheim 1.0 supports crossplay between all announced platforms. Players on PC, Linux, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2 can play together when the session or dedicated server uses crossplay-compatible networking.

Crossplay does not create universal save sync. It controls multiplayer compatibility, while save files remain subject to separate platform rules.

Platform compatibility

Iron Gate's 1.0 FAQ confirms crossplay between all platforms. The save exception it documents is Xbox-to-PC access through the Microsoft Store version; beyond that, there is no cross-platform save sync.

Steam versus PlayFab dedicated servers

Valheim's dedicated-server application supports two networking backends.

The official server guide says the Steam backend is visible and joinable only to Steam users. The PlayFab backend relays traffic and lets users from any supported platform join.

How to enable crossplay

Add the following argument to the dedicated server's launch command:

-crossplay

For example:

valheim_server -nographics -batchmode -name "My server" -port 2456 -world "Dedicated" -password "change-this-password" -public 1 -crossplay

Keep the argument outside quoted values and restart the server after changing the launch file. A client and server must also run compatible game versions.

Joining with a code

Iron Gate's crossplay FAQ documents this flow:

1. Start the world or dedicated server with crossplay enabled.
2. Open the pause menu on the host or connected server session.
3. Copy the displayed join code.
4. On the joining device, open Join Game.
5. Choose Add server and enter the code.

Join codes are useful when a server is difficult to locate by name. Treat a current join code as access information and share it only with intended players.

Joining through the server list or address

The official server guide lists three ways to reach a PlayFab crossplay server:

• public IP address and port;
• join code;
• server list.

A PlayFab crossplay server cannot be reached through a local or loopback address. If a player is on the same home network, use the public address and port, join code, or server list rather than 127.0.0.1 or a private LAN address.

Does crossplay require port forwarding?

Not for outside access through the PlayFab backend. It uses a relay. The chosen port still distinguishes multiple servers sharing one public IP address.

Steam-backend servers do require the configured range to be reachable from the internet. Valheim uses the selected port and the next port; the default is 2456–2457.

Can consoles run the dedicated-server application?

Iron Gate explicitly says an Xbox console cannot run the dedicated-server application, although it can join one when crossplay is enabled. The current official material does not publish equivalent dedicated-application hosting instructions for PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch 2, so this guide does not claim that either console can host the standalone server process.

Players can still use player-hosted worlds where supported by the game. Final 1.0 platform-specific menus and restrictions should be checked again at launch.

Can PS5 and Xbox players play together?

Yes. Full crossplay between all announced platforms includes PlayStation 5 and Xbox.

Can Switch 2 and PC players play together?

Yes. Nintendo Switch 2 and PC are included in the full-crossplay announcement.

Cross-platform saves

Crossplay and save sync are different:

• an Xbox save can be accessed from a PC running the Microsoft Store version;
• a Steam purchase does not provide the Microsoft Store version;
• no broader cross-platform save synchronization is announced for 1.0.

Moving a world file manually is a separate operational task. Preserve backups and use the world migration checklist.

Common crossplay connection problems

The server is Steam-only

Confirm that the launch command includes -crossplay. Without it, the server uses the Steam backend.

A local IP address fails

This is expected for the PlayFab backend. Use a public address and port, join code, or server-list entry.

The server is missing from the list

Confirm -public 1, check the server name, verify the server reached Game server connected, and try the join code. Continue with server-not-showing troubleshooting.

Versions differ

Update the server and every client to compatible versions. A platform rollout delay can temporarily prevent joining.

Xbox has no crossplay option

Iron Gate notes that parental-control settings can hide the option. Review the console account's multiplayer permissions.

Multiple PlayFab servers conflict

Servers using the same port and MAC address should use a unique -instanceid value for distinct PlayFab IDs.

Crossplay server checklist

• Add -crossplay to the launch command.
• Use a strong server password.
• Decide whether the server should appear publicly with -public 1.
• Confirm Game server connected in the server output.
• Record the current join code.
• Test one non-Steam platform before inviting the whole group.
• Avoid local and loopback addresses for PlayFab connections.
• Confirm all clients and the server use compatible versions.
• Keep world backups independent from crossplay configuration.

Official sources

• Valheim 1.0 FAQ
• Valheim dedicated-server guide
• Valheim crossplay FAQ
• Valheim 1.0 release announcement

Next: configure a dedicated server or review server settings.