Short answer: yes. Since 1.0 on 9 September 2026, Valheim has crossplay between all its platforms, including the new PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 versions (Iron Gate's 1.0 announcement). It works in worlds a player hosts with a join code, and on dedicated servers that are started with the -crossplay option. A dedicated server started without that option only lets Steam players in.
Which platforms does Valheim run on?
- Steam (PC, Mac and Linux)
- Microsoft Store / Xbox Game Pass (PC)
- Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
- PlayStation 5 (launched with 1.0 on 9 September 2026)
- Nintendo Switch 2 (launched with 1.0 on 9 September 2026)
Everyone has to run the same game version. Patch 1.0.20 noted, for example, that crossplay between Mac App Store players and the other platforms stops working until that store catches up with the update (patch notes).
Player-hosted crossplay
When a player hosts a world from their own game with crossplay enabled, Valheim gives them a join code. Anyone on any platform can enter that code and join. The catch is the host: when they close the game, the world goes offline for everyone.
Dedicated servers: the -crossplay switch
A dedicated server keeps the world online while nobody is playing, and it can run crossplay too. Iron Gate's dedicated server guide describes two backends:
- With
-crossplay, the server runs on the PlayFab backend and players from any platform can join, by IP and port, by join code or through the server list. Traffic goes through a relay, so no port forwarding is needed. - Without it, the server uses the Steam backend. Only Steam players can see and join it, and the usual ports 2456 and 2457 need to be reachable.
So whether your Xbox, PS5 or Switch 2 friend can join a rented server depends on how your host starts it. Ask before you pay.
On Space-Node: our Valheim servers run without crossplay for now, so they accept Windows players on Steam only. If your group includes a console or Game Pass player, our servers are not the right fit today.
Crossplay and mods
The Valheim 1.0 FAQ says there is no mod support on consoles. A modded server needs every player to run the same BepInEx mods, which in practice means a group that plays on PC. The usual pattern:
- Mixed group with consoles: a vanilla server with crossplay on.
- PC group that wants mods: a Steam server with BepInEx and Thunderstore mods.
Some groups run both: a modded Steam server for the regulars and a vanilla crossplay world for nights when console friends join.
What this means for your group
Everyone on Steam: a Steam backend server is all you need. You get the world online around the clock, a fixed address, backups and full mod support.
Someone on Xbox, Game Pass, PS5 or Switch 2: use a server that runs with -crossplay, or host from your own game with a join code when you play together. Keep the world vanilla.
FAQ
Is Valheim crossplay?
Yes. Since 1.0, PC, Xbox, PS5 and Switch 2 players can play together, in player-hosted worlds and on dedicated servers that run with -crossplay.
Why can my Xbox friend not join my dedicated server?
Most likely the server runs on the Steam backend, without -crossplay. On that backend only Steam players can see and join it.
Do I need port forwarding for a crossplay server? No. Iron Gate's guide says a crossplay server sends its traffic through a relay, so port forwarding is not required.
Can I use mods with crossplay? Console players cannot use mods. For a modded world, keep the group on PC and run the server on Steam.
Does Space-Node support Valheim crossplay? Not at the moment. Our Valheim servers accept Steam players on Windows only. For a Steam group they give you BepInEx mods, backups and Ryzen 9 hardware from €6.40 a month.
Host a Steam Valheim Server
For a Steam group, a dedicated server beats a hosted world: the world stays online, nobody has to keep their PC running, and mods work. Space-Node runs Valheim on Ryzen 9 hardware with NVMe storage, DDoS protection and BepInEx mod support. Valheim server hosting starts at €6.40 a month, at the same price in Europe, Singapore, India and Australia, and from €6.80 in the USA. If you are still comparing hosts, our Valheim hosting comparison lists prices and crossplay support for six providers.