Valheim Crossplay Server: How to Play Across PC, Xbox, PS5 & Switch 2

Valheim added crossplay support after the Xbox and Game Pass release, letting Steam, Xbox, and Game Pass PC players all play on the same server. It works - but it comes with a real tradeoff that’s worth understanding before you set it up.

This guide covers what crossplay actually does, how to enable it, how players connect from each platform, and the one big limitation you should know about.

What Crossplay Actually Means in Valheim

When crossplay is off (default on self-hosted servers), Valheim uses Steam networking. Only Steam players can connect. This is how Valheim multiplayer worked for years before the Xbox release.

When crossplay is on (default on WinterNode, Valheim switches to PlayFab - Microsoft’s multiplayer backend. This enables connections from:

• Steam (PC)
• Xbox (console)
• PC Game Pass (Microsoft Store version)
• PlayStation 5 (starting September 9, 2026 with Valheim 1.0)
• Nintendo Switch 2 (starting September 9, 2026 with Valheim 1.0)

All platforms connect to the same server, see the same world, and play together. There are no gameplay differences between platforms once connected.

The Big Tradeoff: Crossplay vs. Mods

This is the thing most guides bury three paragraphs deep, so here it is up front:

Crossplay and BepInEx mods cannot run at the same time.

When crossplay is enabled, Valheim uses PlayFab networking instead of Steam networking. BepInEx hooks into the Steam networking path. With crossplay on, BepInEx doesn’t load, and no mods will run.

This isn’t a bug or a compatibility issue - it’s architectural. There’s no workaround.

The decision is simple: If anyone in your group is on Xbox, Game Pass, PS5, or Switch 2, crossplay stays on and mods are off. If everyone is on Steam and you want mods, disable crossplay.

How to Enable Crossplay on a Dedicated Server

On WinterNode

Crossplay is enabled by default. To toggle it:

1. Go to Configuration > Server Options in the control panel
2. Find Enable Crossplay
3. Set to 1 (enabled) or 0 (disabled)
4. Restart the server

On a Self-Hosted Server

Add the -crossplay flag to your server startup command:

valheim_server -nographics -batchmode -name "My Server" -port 2456 -world "Dedicated" -password "secret" -crossplay

Remove the -crossplay flag to disable it.

How to Connect from Each Platform

Steam (PC)

1. Launch Valheim
2. Select your character, click Start
3. Go to Join Game tab
4. Use Add Server and enter the IP:port (e.g., 123.45.67.89:2456)
5. Or search the Community server browser for your server name
6. Enter the server password when prompted

Steam players can connect to both crossplay and non-crossplay servers. The connection process is the same either way.

Xbox

1. Launch Valheim
2. Select your character
3. Go to Join Game
4. Search for the server by name in the server browser
5. Or use a Join Code if the host has generated one
6. Enter the password when prompted

Xbox players can only connect to servers with crossplay enabled.

PC Game Pass (Microsoft Store)

Same process as Xbox. Game Pass PC uses the Microsoft Store version, which connects through PlayFab like Xbox does.

If a Game Pass player tries to connect to a server without crossplay enabled, it simply won’t appear in their server browser and direct IP connect won’t work.

PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2

Starting with Valheim 1.0 on September 9, 2026, PS5 and Switch 2 players connect the same way Xbox players do:

1. Launch Valheim
2. Select your character
3. Go to Join Game
4. Search for the server by name in the server browser, or use a Join Code if the host has generated one
5. Enter the password when prompted

Like Xbox, both platforms can only connect to servers with crossplay enabled - they use PlayFab, not Steam networking.

What About Other Platforms?

• PlayStation 5: Yes, starting September 9, 2026 with the Valheim 1.0 launch. Full crossplay with PC, Xbox, and Switch 2.
• Nintendo Switch 2: Yes, also starting September 9, 2026. This is Switch 2 specifically - Valheim does not run on the original Nintendo Switch.
• Mobile (iOS/Android): No.
• Steam Deck: Yes - runs the Steam version, connects like any Steam PC.

Once 1.0 launches, crossplay covers PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), Xbox, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Does Crossplay Affect Performance?

Slightly. PlayFab networking adds some overhead compared to Steam networking. In practice, this means:

• RAM: Budget an extra 1-2GB compared to a Steam-only server with the same setup
• Latency: PlayFab routes through Microsoft’s servers, which can add a few milliseconds. Most players won’t notice.
• Stability: PlayFab is generally reliable, but you’re adding a dependency on Microsoft’s infrastructure

For most groups, the performance difference is negligible. If you’re running a large server (10+ players) and don’t need crossplay, disabling it saves a bit of overhead.

Making the Right Choice for Your Group

Enable crossplay if:

• Anyone in your group is on Xbox, Game Pass, PS5, or Switch 2
• You want the broadest compatibility
• You don’t care about mods

Disable crossplay if:

• Everyone is on Steam
• You want to run BepInEx mods
• You want slightly better performance / lower RAM usage
• You’re running a modded server (crossplay will break it)

If you’re unsure, leave crossplay on. It’s the more inclusive default, and you can always disable it later if your group decides they want mods. The world save isn’t affected by the toggle - you can switch crossplay on and off without losing progress.

Getting Your Crossplay Server Running

WinterNode Valheim servers come with crossplay enabled out of the box. Pick your plan, share the connection info with your group, and everyone connects regardless of platform.

All servers run at $1.99/GB of RAM with no extra charges for crossplay, CPU, or storage. Get your Valheim server → If you’re unsure about RAM, our RAM guide has recommendations for crossplay setups.

Need help? Support is available via ticket or Discord. Everything is backed by a 48-hour refund policy.