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.

Turning crossplay on doesn’t uninstall BepInEx. It stays on the server, but mods can’t be used on a crossplay server, so none of them will run until crossplay is off again. 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, disable crossplay, whether or not you want mods.

How to Enable Crossplay on a Dedicated Server

On WinterNode

Crossplay is enabled by default. If nobody in your group plays on PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, or Game Pass, turn it off:

1. Go to Configuration > Server Options in the control panel
2. Find [REQUIRED] Enable Crossplay
3. Toggle it off (or back on if you add console or Game Pass players later)
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

The raw overhead is small, but Steam-only servers with crossplay on have also seen connection failures and desync since 1.0. If you don’t need crossplay, disable it.

Making the Right Choice for Your Group

Enable crossplay if:

• Anyone in your group is on Xbox, Game Pass, PS5, or Switch 2

Disable crossplay if:

• Everyone is on Steam
• You want to run BepInEx mods (this also requires an all-Steam group)

The deciding question is whether anyone plays on something other than Steam. If nobody does, crossplay should be off: toggle [REQUIRED] Enable Crossplay off on the Server Options page and restart. The world save isn’t affected by the toggle. You can switch crossplay on and off without losing progress, so turn it back on if a console or Game Pass player joins the group later.

Getting Your Crossplay Server Running

WinterNode Valheim servers come with crossplay enabled out of the box, so console and Game Pass players can connect right away. If your group is all on Steam, turn it off before you invite everyone. Pick your plan, set crossplay to match your group, and share the connection info.

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.

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