Palworld Crossplay Guide - Setup & Troubleshooting
Complete guide to Palworld crossplay between Steam, Xbox, Game Pass, and PlayStation 5. Since the v0.5.0 update, full crossplay is officially supported across all platforms.
Good News! As of v0.5.0, Palworld fully supports crossplay between PC (Steam), PC (Game Pass), Xbox consoles, and PlayStation 5. Players on different platforms can now join the same servers and play together.
Common Crossplay Error Messages
❌ "Failed to Connect"
Connection attempts time out or immediately fail between platforms.
- Platform version mismatch
- Network configuration issues
- Server crossplay disabled
❌ "Server Not Found"
Crossplay servers don't appear in server browser lists.
- Server visibility settings
- Platform filtering enabled
- Browser caching issues
❌ "Version Mismatch"
Different platform versions prevent connection.
- Update synchronization delays
- Platform patch scheduling
- Beta branch conflicts
❌ "Invalid Session"
Authentication failures when joining crossplay sessions.
- Account linking problems
- Platform authentication errors
- Server security settings
Platform-Specific Troubleshooting
Enabling Crossplay (Required Steps)
Before troubleshooting, ensure crossplay is properly enabled:
Step 1: Enable Crossplay on Steam (if needed)
- In your Steam Library, right-click Palworld → Properties
- Go to the Betas tab
- Select
crossplay_betafrom the dropdown (if available) - Steam will download a small update
- Launch Palworld
Step 2: Update All Clients
- Steam: Library → right-click Palworld → Properties → Updates → "Always keep this game up to date"
- Xbox/Game Pass: Xbox app → Palworld → "..." menu → Manage → Check for updates
- PlayStation: Options menu on game → Check for Update
Step 3: Configure Server for Crossplay
# PalWorldSettings.ini - Enable crossplay
[/Script/Pal.PalGameWorldSettings]
AllowConnectPlatform=Steam,Xbox,PlayStation
Important: All players and the server must be on the same game version. Platform updates may release at slightly different times, causing temporary version mismatches.
Xbox to Xbox Crossplay Issues
Problem:
Xbox console players cannot join Game Pass PC servers or vice versa.
Solutions:
- Enable Crossplay in Xbox Settings:
- Xbox Settings → Account → Privacy & Online Safety → Xbox Privacy → View Details & Customize → Communication & Multiplayer → "You can join cross-network play" set to Allow
- Check NAT Type:
- Open NAT Type required for optimal connectivity
- Test network connection on Xbox
- Configure router port forwarding for Xbox Live
- Microsoft Account Linking:
- Ensure same Microsoft account on all devices
- Verify Xbox Live subscription status
- Check parental controls and restrictions
Server Configuration for Crossplay
Optimal Server Settings
# Complete crossplay server configuration
[/Script/Pal.PalGameWorldSettings]
# Crossplay Settings
bEnableCrossPlay=True
CrossPlayPlatform=All
bIsMultiplay=True
bIsPvP=False
# Network Settings
PublicPort=8211
PublicIP="0.0.0.0"
RCONEnabled=True
RCONPort=25575
MaxPlayers=32
# Platform Integration
bEnableSteam=True
bEnableXbox=True
bEnablePS5=False # Not yet supported
CrossPlaySessionName="Crossplay Server"
# Security
bValidatePlatformSessions=True
bAntiCheatEnabled=True
bWhitelistEnabled=False
Hosting Provider Requirements
- Crossplay-Enabled Hosting: Not all providers support crossplay servers
- Port Configuration: Must support Xbox Live required ports
- Platform Authentication: Server must handle Xbox/Steam authentication
- Update Management: Automatic updates across all platforms
Network and Firewall Configuration
Required Ports for Crossplay
Essential Ports:
- UDP 8211: Palworld game traffic (all platforms)
- TCP 8212: Query port (server browser)
- TCP 25575: RCON administration
Xbox Live Additional Ports:
- UDP 88: Xbox Live authentication
- UDP 3074: Xbox Live multiplayer
- TCP 80, 443: Xbox Live services
Steam Additional Ports:
- UDP 27015-27030: Steam networking
- TCP 27036-27037: Steam server browser
Firewall Configuration
# Windows Firewall Rules (Administrator PowerShell)
# Palworld Game Port
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Palworld UDP 8211" -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 8211 -Action Allow
# Xbox Live Ports
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Xbox Live UDP 88" -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 88 -Action Allow
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Xbox Live UDP 3074" -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 3074 -Action Allow
# Steam Ports
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Steam UDP 27015-27030" -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 27015-27030 -Action Allow
# Router Port Forwarding (typical)
# Forward UDP 8211 to server IP
# Forward UDP 88, 3074 to Xbox/console IP
# Forward UDP 27015-27030 to server IP
Workarounds and Alternatives
Temporary Solutions While Waiting for Full Crossplay
Option 1: Same-Platform Server with Friends
- All players use same platform (all Steam or all Xbox)
- Most reliable but limits friend groups
- Consider platform migration for consistent play
Option 2: Dedicated Crossplay-Enabled Hosting
- Use hosting providers specializing in crossplay
- Higher cost but better compatibility
- Professional support for configuration
Option 3: Wait for Official Implementation
- Pocketpair confirmed crossplay in development
- Expected in major 2025/2026 updates
- Follow official announcements for release dates
Diagnostic Steps
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
- Check Game Versions: Verify all platforms have same version number
- Test Platform Connectivity: Try connecting within same platform first
- Verify Server Status: Ensure server is running and accessible
- Check Network Configuration: Test port forwarding and firewall rules
- Review Server Logs: Check for authentication or connection errors
- Test with Different Clients: Try connecting from different devices/platforms
- Contact Hosting Provider: If using hosted server, check their crossplay support
Common Log Errors and Solutions
| Error Message | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "Platform authentication failed" | Xbox Live/Steam auth issue | Check platform accounts, restart authentication |
| "Crossplay session invalid" | Server crossplay disabled | Enable bEnableCrossPlay in settings |
| "Version mismatch detected" | Different game versions | Update all clients and server to same version |
| "Connection timeout" | Network/firewall blocking | Configure port forwarding, check firewall |
| "Server not found" | Visibility/platform filtering | Adjust server browser filters, check IP:Port |
What's Included in Crossplay (v0.5.0+)
Supported Features
- Full Platform Connectivity: Steam, Xbox, Game Pass PC, and PlayStation 5 players can join the same servers
- Community Servers: Crossplay servers appear in the community browser for all platforms
- Dedicated Server Support: Most hosting providers now support crossplay-enabled servers
- Guild/Multiplayer: Players from different platforms can join the same guild and play together
Current Limitations
- Voice Chat: Native cross-platform voice may require third-party apps (Discord, etc.)
- Friend Lists: Platform-specific friend lists don't sync; use server browser or direct IP
- Save Transfer: Character saves cannot transfer between platforms
- Update Timing: Platform updates may release at different times, causing temporary connection issues
Pro Tip: For the most reliable crossplay experience in 2025, consider using a dedicated hosting provider with proven crossplay support. Consumer-grade solutions often lack the necessary platform integration and network configuration.
Need professional Palworld server hosting with crossplay support? Launch your Palworld server with Supercraft for optimized crossplay configuration and 24/7 technical support.