Does Valheim support crossplay?
Yes. Valheim 1.0 supports crossplay across its released PC and console platforms. A player can host an in-game world or use a dedicated server, then share the server's join code with friends on another supported platform.
| Platform or store | Crossplay in 1.0 | Dedicated-server note |
|---|---|---|
| Steam / Humble on PC, Mac, Linux | Yes | Can run the official server tool |
| Microsoft Store on Windows | Yes | Server files include StartHeadlessServer.bat |
| Xbox One / Series X or S | Yes | Can join; cannot host a dedicated server on-console |
| PlayStation 5 | Yes | Can join a crossplay-enabled world |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Yes | Can join a crossplay-enabled world |
Crossplay support can change with patches or platform certification. The table reflects the official 1.0 FAQ checked on September 17, 2026.
Join a friend with a join code
- The host starts the world or dedicated server with crossplay enabled.
- The host opens the pause menu and copies the displayed Join code.
- The joining player opens Join Game, chooses Add server, and pastes the code.
- The joining player enters the server password if one is configured.
Treat a join code like a temporary invitation. Share it privately, and change the server password if a code or password is posted publicly.
Steam backend or crossplay backend?
A dedicated server without the -crossplay launch argument uses the Steam backend. Steam-only hosting normally requires the configured port range to be reachable from the internet; the official default range is 2456–2457.
Adding -crossplay uses the PlayFab relay backend. The official server guide says this avoids router port forwarding for outside access. A crossplay server can be joined by public IP and port, join code, or the server list, but not through a local IP or loopback address. That final limitation matters when the server and client are on the same home network.
Fix a failed crossplay connection
Work through these checks in order:
- Update the host, server, and every player to the same public build.
- Confirm crossplay is enabled on both the world and the dedicated server command line.
- Generate a fresh join code instead of reusing an old screenshot.
- Re-enter the password and check server visibility.
- On Xbox, review parental controls if the crossplay option is missing.
- For a self-hosted Steam-backend server, verify the router and firewall rules for the configured port range.
- For a crossplay-backend server, stop testing with
localhostor a LAN IP and use the join code.
Do not rebuild or replace a world until the version, backend, code, and password have been checked. Most connection problems do not require deleting save data.
Crossplay is not cross-save
The official 1.0 FAQ only confirms save access between Xbox and a PC running the Microsoft Store version. It does not advertise universal save synchronization among Steam, PlayStation, Switch, and other stores. Players can share the same server world while still keeping separate local character or platform save arrangements.
For installation, ports, permissions, backups, and world modifiers, continue to the Valheim Server Settings & Dedicated Server Setup guide.
Official sources
Last checked: September 17, 2026.