iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes—Valheim has full crossplay in its 1.0 release. Players on Windows, Linux, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 can share the same world. The easiest method is a hosted session using a join code. A dedicated server also works across platforms when it is launched with the -crossplay argument, which switches it to Iron Gate’s PlayFab crossplay backend.
Crossplay does not mean universal save syncing, however. Xbox saves can be opened on a PC through the Microsoft Store edition, but Valheim does not provide general cross-platform save-file synchronization. Every player must also be on a compatible game build; a delayed platform patch can temporarily block crossplay.
Which platforms support Valheim crossplay?
Valheim’s 1.0 release supports crossplay across the complete current platform roster. A player on any listed platform can join a multiplayer world hosted by a player on another listed platform, provided the versions are compatible.
- Windows PC
- Linux PC
- Mac
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series S|X
- PlayStation 5
- Nintendo Switch 2
Iron Gate’s 1.0 FAQ describes this as crossplay “between all platforms.” The 1.0 launch took place on September 9, 2026, after five and a half years of Early Access.
Popular on Amazon
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Which PC stores are included?
PC editions are sold through Steam, the Microsoft Store, the Mac App Store and Humble. Console editions are obtained through each console’s digital storefront. Microsoft Store and Xbox purchases are mutually playable, while Steam and Microsoft Store are separate platforms. Iron Gate says those PC versions continue to receive updates at the same pace.
How do I join a friend’s hosted Valheim world?
A normal hosted session is the simplest crossplay option. It uses Valheim’s built-in join code and does not require a separate dedicated-server installation.
Recommended Free Tools
- The host starts Valheim, then starts or loads the world.
- Open the pause menu and copy the displayed join code.
- Send that code to the other players using your preferred messaging method.
- Each guest opens Join Game, selects Add server, and pastes the code.
- The guest confirms the entry and joins when the host’s world is available.
This arrangement is peer-to-peer: the world is available while the host is running the session. If the host leaves, the session is no longer independently available to the group.
Do I need a dedicated server for Valheim crossplay?
No. A join-code session is enough for a group that plays when one person is present. A dedicated server is useful when the world should remain available without relying on a particular player’s game session.
| Consideration | Hosted session | Dedicated server |
|---|---|---|
| Persistence | Depends on the host being in the session | Can remain available independently of an individual player |
| Setup | Start a world and share its join code | Install and launch the official dedicated-server application |
| Crossplay setting | Built into the hosted-session flow | Requires the -crossplay launch argument |
| Ways to connect | Join code | Public IP and port, join code or server list |
| Xbox administration | An Xbox player can host a normal session | Xbox consoles can join, but cannot host a dedicated server themselves |
Iron Gate supplies peer-to-peer multiplayer and dedicated-server software; it does not operate official persistent servers for players.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
How do I set up a crossplay dedicated server?
Use the official Valheim dedicated-server application and launch it with -crossplay. That argument selects the PlayFab backend, allowing players from the supported PC and console platforms to discover and join the server.
- Install the official dedicated-server application on the computer or server that will run the world.
- Configure the world and server settings in the application’s normal configuration files or launch parameters.
- Add
-crossplayto the server’s launch command. - Start the server and wait for it to register with the crossplay backend.
- Give players the server’s join code, public address and port, or server-list details.
Without -crossplay, the dedicated server uses the Steam backend. In that mode, only Steam users can see and join it, so a Steam-backend server is not suitable for a mixed-platform group.
Which network addresses work?
A crossplay-enabled server can be reached through its public IP address and port, a join code, or the in-game server list. Local IP addresses and loopback connections are not supported for crossplay servers. Players connecting from another platform should therefore use the public address, code or server-list entry rather than a private LAN address such as a local router address.
Can Steam and Xbox play Valheim together?
Yes. Steam players can play with Xbox players when they use a compatible hosted session or a dedicated server configured with -crossplay. The Microsoft Store and Xbox editions are mutually playable as well, but Steam and Microsoft Store remain distinct storefront versions even though Iron Gate says they receive updates at the same pace.
For a quick mixed-platform game, the host can share a join code. For an always-available world, use the dedicated-server application with the PlayFab crossplay backend.
Also popular on Amazon
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Can PS5 play Valheim with PC?
Yes. PlayStation 5 is part of the 1.0 crossplay roster, so PS5 players can join Windows, Linux or Mac players. The same join-code and crossplay-dedicated-server rules apply: use the host’s code for a regular session, or use a server launched with -crossplay.
Does Valheim crossplay work on Game Pass?
The supported Microsoft Store and Xbox editions are mutually playable, so a Game Pass installation that provides the Xbox or Microsoft Store edition can participate with those versions. Steam remains a separate platform, but it can still join a mixed-platform hosted session or a dedicated server when the crossplay backend is enabled.
Because access terms can vary by device and subscription, check which edition the Game Pass installation provides on that device. The relevant distinction for connectivity is the edition and its current build, not the name of the subscription alone.
Do Valheim saves transfer between platforms?
Crossplay lets different platforms enter the same world; it does not create a universal cloud-save system. Progress made on one platform is not automatically synchronized to every other edition.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The documented Xbox-to-PC exception
Iron Gate’s 1.0 FAQ specifically says an Xbox player can access Xbox saves from a PC when launching the Microsoft Store version. That is an edition-specific access path, not a promise that Steam, PlayStation, Mac App Store, Linux and Nintendo Switch 2 saves will synchronize with one another.
Also popular on Amazon
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Plan characters and worlds on the platform where you normally play, and treat crossplay as shared multiplayer access rather than cross-platform progression.
What should I do if Valheim crossplay is not working?
The most common documented cause is version mismatch. Every platform needs the same compatible patch before it can connect reliably.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Check the build first
- Confirm that all players have installed the latest update available for their platform.
- Restart the game after an update so the new build is actually running.
- If one storefront is still distributing an older build, wait until that platform catches up before troubleshooting network settings.
Iron Gate’s October 15, 2026 notice for patch 1.0.20 illustrates the issue: a Mac App Store update delay temporarily prevented Mac App Store players from crossplaying with other platforms until that version caught up.
Check the connection method
- For a hosted world, obtain a fresh code from the host’s pause menu and enter it under Join Game > Add server.
- For a dedicated server, verify that the launch command contains
-crossplay. - Do not try to connect to a crossplay server through a local IP or loopback address; use its public IP and port, join code or server-list listing.
- If only Steam players can see the server, it was likely launched on the Steam backend without the crossplay argument.
How many players can join, and what does Valheim 1.0 cost?
Iron Gate’s 2026 launch information lists one to ten players per server. That is the stated server capacity, regardless of whether the world is hosted directly or runs on dedicated-server software.
| Launch detail | Iron Gate’s 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| 1.0 release date | September 9, 2026 |
| Players per server | 1–10 |
| Launch price | $29.99, subject to regional differences |
| Typical download | About 4.3 GiB on most platforms |
| Early Access period before 1.0 | Five and a half years |
The $29.99 amount is a launch figure and can vary by region, storefront taxation and local pricing. The download estimate is approximate and applies to most platforms, so the installed size shown by a particular storefront may differ.
Also popular on Amazon
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Which crossplay setup should you choose?
Choose a hosted session when:
- One player is usually available to start the world.
- You want the fewest configuration steps.
- Your group is comfortable joining with a code each time.
Choose a dedicated server when:
- Players need to enter the world at different times.
- The host should not have to keep the game open.
- You want a server-list entry, public address or persistent join code.
- Your group includes several platforms and you can manage a server launch command.
For the dedicated option, the decisive setting is -crossplay. Without it, the server is limited to the Steam backend even though Valheim itself supports crossplay.
What are the practical limits of Valheim crossplay?
- It is multiplayer compatibility, not automatic save migration. Shared worlds do not imply that character and world files move between every platform.
- Patch timing matters. A platform-specific certification or storefront delay can temporarily isolate that platform.
- Xbox cannot run a dedicated server from the console. Xbox users can join a correctly configured crossplay server, but the server software must run elsewhere.
- Crossplay servers need supported connection paths. Local and loopback IP connections are excluded; use a public address, join code or server list.
- There is no official persistent-server network operated by Iron Gate. Persistent worlds require the supplied dedicated-server software running on equipment managed by the player or a third-party host.
In short, Valheim crossplay is broad and functional in the 1.0 release, but the setup determines who can connect. Use a join code for the simplest game, use -crossplay for a mixed-platform dedicated server, keep every installation on the same patch, and do not expect universal save synchronization.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Valheim gain full crossplay support?
Full crossplay is tied to the 1.0 release on September 9, 2026. Earlier versions and platform-specific rollout periods should not be assumed to have the same compatibility as 1.0.
Can a Nintendo Switch 2 player join a PC Valheim world?
Yes. Nintendo Switch 2 is included in Iron Gate’s current platform list, so its players can use a hosted join code or a dedicated server running the crossplay backend.
Is a public IP required to join every crossplay game?
No. Hosted sessions use a join code, and dedicated servers can also be found through a server list. A public IP and port are one supported route for dedicated servers, while local and loopback addresses are not.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhat happens if one player’s platform has not received a patch yet?
That player may be unable to crossplay until the platform receives the same compatible build. Iron Gate’s 1.0.20 notice specifically described this temporary situation for the Mac App Store edition.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
