The Valheim 0.1 Update just introduced Valheim cross-platform multiplayer for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, joining the existing PC and Xbox versions. Players will now be able to bring together a much wider mix of platforms in the same Valheim world.
For anyone running a Valheim server, that means your group no longer needs to choose the same platform before beginning a multiplayer world. Here is how Valheim crossplay works, what dedicated server owners need to configure, and what to expect from cross-platform multiplayer in 1.0.
Which Platforms Support Valheim Crossplay?
Valheim 1.0 supports crossplay across the game's available platforms:
- Windows
- Linux
- macOS
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X|S
- PlayStation 5
- Nintendo Switch 2
This means players on PC can share a world with friends playing from Xbox, PlayStation 5, or Nintendo Switch 2.
For example, your group could have several Steam players, an Xbox player, and someone joining from PlayStation while everyone continues progressing through the same dedicated world.
The main requirement is that the Valheim server has crossplay enabled.
How Does Valheim Dedicated Server Crossplay Work?
Valheim dedicated servers can use different networking backends depending on how the server is configured.
A manually hosted server can use the Steam networking backend, which is suitable when everyone connects through Steam. To allow players from other supported platforms to join, the server needs to use Valheim's crossplay backend instead.
For manually configured dedicated servers, this is enabled with:
-crossplay
Once enabled, the server can accept connections from players using supported crossplay platforms.
This distinction becomes much more relevant with Valheim 1.0 because PlayStation and Nintendo players can now become part of the same multiplayer communities that previously consisted mainly of PC and Xbox players.
How Do You Join A Valheim Crossplay Server?
Crossplay servers support join codes, making it easier to connect without needing to manually enter traditional server networking information.
A server's join code can be viewed while connected to the server and shared with other players.
To join using a code:
- Launch Valheim.
- Select your character.
- Open Join Game.
- Select Add Server.
- Enter the server's join code.
- Connect to the server.
- Enter the server password when requested.
This is particularly useful for console players who may not want to deal with IP addresses or other manual connection details.
For a mixed-platform group, sharing a join code can be one of the simplest ways to get everyone into the same world.
Can Console Players Join Dedicated Valheim Servers?
Yes. Console players can join a dedicated Valheim server without needing another player to host the world directly from their game.
A dedicated server runs separately from the players connecting to it. This means the person who originally created the multiplayer group does not have to remain online for everyone else to continue playing.
Players can connect whenever the server is available and continue:
- Building bases
- Gathering resources
- Farming
- Exploring new biomes
- Preparing for bosses
- Sailing and discovering new areas
This is one of the biggest advantages of dedicated Valheim hosting, particularly when players across several platforms have different schedules.
Does Valheim 1.0 Increase The Player Limit?
Valheim 1.0 does not increase the normal multiplayer limit.
Dedicated servers continue to officially support up to 10 players.
Crossplay changes which platforms those players can use rather than increasing the overall server capacity.
A ten-player community could therefore contain any mixture of supported PC and console players, provided the server is configured for crossplay.
For most Valheim groups, this is enough space to create a persistent multiplayer community while still keeping the cooperative survival experience the game is designed around.
Crossplay And Cross-Platform Saves Are Different
It is important not to confuse crossplay with cross-platform progression.
Crossplay means players using different platforms can connect to the same server.
Cross-platform progression would mean being able to move the same local saves and character data freely between every platform.
Valheim 1.0 does not introduce universal save synchronization across every system.
For multiplayer communities, a dedicated server helps simplify part of this experience because the world itself remains stored on the server. Players connect to the same persistent world instead of needing one person to repeatedly move or host the world save.
Do Valheim Mods Work With Crossplay?
Mods can make cross-platform Valheim servers more complicated.
Valheim does not officially support mods, and console versions do not provide the same modding capabilities available to PC players.
Some PC mods only affect the individual player, but others require files or modifications to be installed on both the server and every connecting client.
That can create compatibility problems when console players are part of the group.
If you want the most reliable experience between PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2, running a mostly vanilla Valheim server is the safest option.
Server owners using mods should check each mod carefully before expecting players from every platform to connect without issues, particularly immediately after the Valheim 1.0 release.
What Should Server Owners Check Before Enabling Crossplay?
Before inviting players from several platforms, it is worth checking your server configuration.
Make sure:
- Crossplay is enabled
- The server is running the latest Valheim version
- Players have the correct server password
- Console players have the join code when needed
- Mods are not causing compatibility problems
- You have a recent world backup
Keeping the server and every connecting player on compatible game versions is particularly important after larger Valheim updates.
Run A Valheim Crossplay Server With Pine Hosting
With Pine Hosting Valheim server hosting, your server is deployed ready to configure without needing to run the dedicated server from your own PC.
Server settings, files, backups, and restarts can all be managed through the Pine Hosting game panel, making it easier to prepare your world for crossplay and keep it available 24/7.
With Valheim 1.0 bringing even more platforms together, Pine Hosting gives your group an always-online crossplay Valheim server where PC and console players can continue their Viking adventure together.
