Palworld Crossplay Not Working 2025 - Complete Fix Guide
Struggling with Palworld crossplay issues between Steam, Xbox, or Game Pass? This comprehensive troubleshooting guide provides step-by-step solutions for the most common crossplay problems reported in 2025.
⚠️ Current Status (2025): Full crossplay between Steam and Xbox/Game Pass is still in development. Partial solutions exist but require specific server configurations and workarounds.
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
Steam to Xbox/Game Pass Issues
Problem:
Steam players cannot join Xbox/Game Pass servers and vice versa.
Current Limitations (2025):
- No Native Crossplay: Steam ↔ Xbox crossplay not officially supported
- Workaround Required: Must use specific server configurations
- Update Delays: Platforms receive updates at different times
Solutions:
- Verify Server Configuration: Ensure crossplay is enabled in server settings:
# PalWorldSettings.ini [/Script/Pal.PalGameWorldSettings] bEnableCrossPlay=True CrossPlayPlatform=All - Check Server Hosting: Some hosting providers offer crossplay-enabled servers:
- Dedicated servers with crossplay support
- Proper port configuration (8211 UDP)
- Platform authentication configured
- Version Synchronization: Ensure all platforms are on same game version:
- Steam: Check for updates in Steam library
- Xbox/Game Pass: Check Microsoft Store updates
- Server: Verify server is updated to latest version
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 |
Future Crossplay Development
Official Roadmap Updates
- Q4 2025: Crossplay beta testing planned
- Q1 2026: Full crossplay target release
- Ongoing: Platform certification and testing
Expected Features
- Seamless Steam ↔ Xbox ↔ Game Pass connectivity
- Unified server browser across all platforms
- Cross-platform progression and saves
- Integrated voice chat across platforms
- Cross-platform friend lists and invites
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.
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