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Valheim 1.0 supports co-op for 1–10 players, including crossplay between platforms. For a quick session, one player can host from the game and share a Join code; if friends need to enter the world when that player is offline, set up a dedicated server instead.
Choose the co-op setup that fits your group
| Option | Best for | Availability | Setup and crossplay |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-game peer-to-peer session | Friends playing together while the host is online | Host-dependent; the world is not always available | Start a session in the game and share its Join code with cross-platform friends. |
| Dedicated server | Friends who want to visit the same world at different times | Designed for a persistent world | Requires more setup. The Steam backend uses port forwarding; the Crossplay backend uses a relay and does not require external port forwarding. |
Iron Gate describes Valheim as a co-op game rather than an MMO and says servers are capped at 10 players. The official 1.0 FAQ likewise lists support for 1–10 players. Iron Gate’s FAQ and 1.0 FAQ
How to invite friends to a quick session
- Start a session in Valheim. Choose whether the session is public or private. This is the simplest option when the host will be playing with the group.
- Copy the Join code. The host opens the pause menu and copies the code.
- Send the code to your friend. The invited player opens Join Game, selects Add server, and enters the code. Iron Gate documents this flow for cross-platform play. Official crossplay FAQ
Keep the group within the 10-player limit. A player-hosted session depends on its host being available; choose a dedicated server if the world needs to stay accessible at other times.
How to set up a persistent dedicated server
Iron Gate’s detailed dedicated-server instructions apply to the Steam version. They should not be treated as identical instructions for every platform.
Steam backend
- Install Valheim Dedicated Server from the Tools section of your Steam Library.
- Make a copy of the startup file and edit the copy with your desired server settings. Iron Gate warns that Steam updates can reset the original startup file.
- Configure router port forwarding for the default range, 2456–2457. That range is the guide’s default configuration value, not a universal instruction for every network. Router and ISP setups vary; consult your router manual or ISP for device-specific steps.
Crossplay backend
The Crossplay backend relays server traffic, so it does not require external port forwarding for access from outside the local network. The dedicated-server guide says players can connect using a public IP and port, a Join code, or the server list. It does not support connecting through a local IP or loopback address.
See Iron Gate’s dedicated-server guide for the Steam setup details.
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Can Xbox players host or join a dedicated server?
An Xbox console can join a dedicated server when crossplay is enabled on both the server and the client, but the console cannot host the dedicated server itself. The crossplay FAQ also provides separate instructions for the Microsoft Store version on Windows; follow those instructions rather than assuming the Steam server setup applies.
Does Valheim crossplay work across platforms?
Iron Gate’s 1.0 FAQ says crossplay is supported between all platforms. Its listed platforms include Steam (Windows, Linux, and Mac), Mac App Store, Humble, Microsoft Store, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2. This is a multiplayer compatibility statement, not a promise that progress or save files sync between platforms.
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Platform compatibility can depend on matching game updates. In a September 11, 2026 hotfix notice, Iron Gate said compatibility across platforms had been restored after a Switch 2 patch delay; the notice also said Xbox labels the equivalent of 1.0.10 as 1.0.11. Check the latest official patch notice if friends cannot connect, since compatibility details can change with updates.
Crossplay is not the same as cross-platform save syncing
The official FAQ says Xbox saves can be accessed on a PC when Valheim is launched through the Microsoft Store. Beyond that case, save files do not sync across platforms. Friends can therefore play together without having their individual world or character progress automatically follow them between all platform versions.
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How do friends talk during co-op?
Valheim includes text chat, but voice chat requires separate software. Iron Gate names Discord and TeamSpeak as examples; voice communication is not built into the game.
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