Is Valheim Cross Platform? Steam, Xbox & PS5 (2026)
Last verified: May 26, 2026. PlayStation 5 release confirmed for 2026 alongside Version 1.0 launch, with full crossplay from day one.
Yes — Valheim supports full crossplay between PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Game Pass), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S in 2026. PlayStation 5 joins the crossplay group in 2026 with Iron Gate confirming the port via Piktiv alongside the upcoming 1.0 launch. Switch and PS4 are not supported and not announced.
- Which platforms can play together right now — and when PS5 arrives
- How to host or join a cross-platform Valheim server
- Quick fixes for connection, mod, and version-mismatch issues
Is Valheim cross platform right now?
Yes. Steam (Windows/Linux), Microsoft Store (PC), and Xbox One/Series X|S players can join the same Valheim world today. PlayStation 5 joins the crossplay roster in 2026 alongside Iron Gate’s Version 1.0 launch — the studio confirmed this in September 2025, with Piktiv handling the port. There is no Nintendo Switch or PS4 version, and neither is on the roadmap.
2026 Update: PlayStation 5 Crossplay Confirmed
Iron Gate Studio announced on September 16, 2025 that Valheim will arrive on PlayStation 5 in 2026 with full crossplay from day one. The port is being built by Piktiv so the main Iron Gate team can keep focus on Deep North and the Version 1.0 release. The 2026 PS5 launch coincides with the 1.0 release, which also ships a proper achievements list.
What this means in practice for a 2026 crossplay party:
- A PC friend on Steam, a friend on Xbox Series X, and a friend on PS5 can all gather around the same Karve and head out raiding together.
- The crossplay toggle and -crossplay server flag continue to work the same way. The PS5 build slots into the existing crossplay infrastructure.
- Existing Steam and Xbox dedicated servers will accept PS5 connections automatically once Valheim 1.0 ships, as long as the server is updated and crossplay is enabled.
Platform Support Matrix (May 2026)
| Platform | Available? | Crossplay? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC Steam (Windows/Linux) | Yes | Yes | Original release Feb 2021; modding via BepInEx. |
| PC Microsoft Store / Game Pass | Yes | Yes | Released 2023; shares crossplay with Steam and Xbox. |
| Xbox Series X|S | Yes | Yes | Released 2023; full crossplay with PC; no BepInEx mods. |
| Xbox One | Yes | Yes | Released 2023 alongside Series; same crossplay pool. |
| PlayStation 5 | 2026 | Yes | Confirmed for 2026 alongside Version 1.0 launch; Piktiv handling the port. |
| PlayStation 4 | No | N/A | Not announced; not on roadmap. |
| Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 | No | N/A | Not announced; not on roadmap. |
| Mobile (iOS / Android) | No | N/A | Not announced. |
How to enable Valheim crossplay
- Update Valheim on every device so everyone shares the same version.
- Host creates a world with Crossplay enabled on the world creation screen.
- Share the join code or IP/port; guests enter it from Join Game → Join IP.
- If you run a dedicated server, set
-crossplayin your startup script or panel. - For modded servers, keep mods server-side only or align exact mod versions across every client.
Hosting tips for stable cross-platform sessions
- Use a dedicated server (self-hosted or rented) to avoid console sleep timeouts and host-handoff downtime.
- Open required ports (2456-2458 UDP by default) and forward them to your host.
- Disable or match mods across all players; mismatched mods block connections.
- Use a memorable world name and keep backups of
.dband.fwlfiles. - For mixed PC + Xbox parties, host on PC if you want server-side mod support.
Quick fixes if crossplay is not working
- Version mismatch: Force an update on Steam/Xbox; restart both game and client.
- Firewall/NAT: Allow Valheim through the firewall and ensure UPnP/port forwarding is on.
- Mod conflicts: Temporarily remove mods or align exact versions on every player.
- Server code errors: Regenerate a new join code from the host and retry.
- Crossplay flag missing: Confirm
-crossplayis set on dedicated servers. - “Connection failed” on the same LAN: The Xbox client may be hitting the router internally instead of WAN. Try connecting from outside the network or use the server’s hostname instead of IP.
- World was created without crossplay: Crossplay is a per-world flag set at creation. To fix, delete the world or use a save-editor tool to flip the flag.
FAQ
Does Valheim support cross-save? Not automatically. Move both world files (.db and .fwl) between hosts to keep progress. Xbox and PS5 save systems are more locked down than Steam; the recommended pattern is a dedicated server with each player keeping their character file (.fch) local.
Can Xbox play with modded Steam servers? Only if the mods are server-side only (no client install required). Client-required BepInEx mods (most of them) won’t load on Xbox; the connection will either fail or the modded features will silently break.
Will PS5 players need a PlayStation Plus subscription for online? Like other multiplayer titles on PS5, online play likely requires PS Plus, though Iron Gate has not confirmed details. Steam and Xbox don’t require any special subscription for Valheim multiplayer beyond standard Xbox Live for console.
Where are official notes? Check the Valheim Steam news feed and Iron Gate’s official news for patch details and the PS5 release window confirmation.
Need hands-off hosting for your crossplay world? See our Valheim server hosting plans and keep your PC + Xbox + (soon) PS5 crew raiding without downtime.