Is Valheim Cross Platform? Full Crossplay Guide (PC, Xbox, PS5, Switch 2)
Valheim crossplay in 2026: PC and Xbox already play together today, and the September 9, 2026 1.0 launch adds PS5 and Switch 2 with full crossplay across every platform — plus cross-progression, how to invite friends, and dedicated server setup.
Is Valheim Cross Platform? Full Crossplay Guide (PC, Xbox, PS5, Switch 2)
The short answer: yes. Valheim is cross-platform, and it's about to get much more so. Right now (August 2026), PC and Xbox players play together through Steam / PC Game Pass crossplay. On September 9, 2026, the game's 1.0 launch adds PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 versions — with full crossplay across every platform, plus cross-progression.
This guide gives you the complete crossplay picture, exactly how it works, and how to set it up with friends.
The Crossplay Status, Right Now
Valheim supports full crossplay between PC (Steam + PC Game Pass/Microsoft Store) and Xbox One / Series X|S today. PS5 and Switch 2 join at the 1.0 launch on September 9, 2026, with crossplay across all platforms.
| Platform | Plays with PC? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | — | The reference platform |
| PC (Microsoft Store / Game Pass) | ✅ Yes | Same pool as Steam — this is how PC Game Pass players join Steam friends |
| Xbox One / Series X|S | ✅ Yes | Full crossplay with PC today |
| PlayStation 5 | 🆕 From Sept 9, 2026 | Full crossplay with everyone at 1.0 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 🆕 From Sept 9, 2026 | Full crossplay with everyone at 1.0 |
What Changed at 1.0 (September 9, 2026)
The Valheim 1.0 launch is the game's biggest platform event since 2021:
- Early access ends — after five+ years, Valheim ships as version 1.0 with the Deep North biome completing the world.
- PS5 version — Valheim arrives on PlayStation 5 with full crossplay.
- Switch 2 version — Valheim arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 with full crossplay.
- Full crossplay everywhere — PC, Xbox, PS5, and Switch 2 players can all share the same worlds.
- Cross-progression — your character and world saves sync across platforms (details below).
As of this writing (August 2026), only PC + Xbox crossplay is live. The PS5/Switch 2 crossplay goes live with the 1.0 release on September 9, 2026. Don't expect PS5 players in your server before then.
Cross-Progression: How Saves Work
Valheim's save system across platforms:
- Your character is separate from your world. Valheim stores characters and worlds as separate save files — you can take a character into any world.
- Cross-progression at 1.0: With the 1.0 launch, character and world saves sync between platforms (via the game's cloud save system), so you can build on PC and continue on Switch 2.
- Today (PC/Xbox): Character data syncs between the Steam version and the Xbox/Microsoft Store version — a shared profile. World saves can be transferred manually by copying save files.
If you're planning to play on two platforms, wait for 1.0's official cross-progression rather than manually copying saves — the manual route works but risks corrupting worlds.
How to Play Crossplay With Friends
PC (Steam) + PC (Game Pass)
- Launch Valheim on either storefront.
- Use the in-game join code (shown in the main menu / server list) or search for your friend's world name.
- Both players need to be friends in-game (add via the friends tab) — the join code system makes this easy.
PC + Xbox
- Start Valheim on Xbox or PC.
- In the Join tab, enter the join code from your friend's game.
- Accept — you'll connect regardless of storefront.
Dedicated servers (the reliable route)
For anything bigger than a 2-4 person co-op, use a dedicated server (self-hosted or a provider). Dedicated servers appear in the in-game server list and work across all platforms:
- Any player on any crossplay-enabled platform can join a dedicated server via its IP/port.
- Port 2456-2458 (UDP) must be open if you self-host.
- Steam players can also use the server browser; Xbox/console players use the in-game "Join IP" option.
- Host a dedicated server (or rent one). 2. Open UDP 2456-2458. 3. Share the server IP (and password if set). 4. Everyone joins via Join IP / server list. That's the whole setup.
Which Version Should You Buy for Crossplay?
- Steam (PC): The most flexible — plays with Game Pass PC, Xbox, and (from 1.0) everyone.
- PC Game Pass: Free if you have Game Pass; crossplays with Steam and Xbox. Note: Game Pass versions of Valheim historically lagged Steam on updates; check before committing to a modded playthrough.
- Xbox One/Series X|S: Crossplays with PC today. Xbox Game Pass includes it.
- PS5 / Switch 2: Arrive with 1.0 (Sept 9, 2026), full crossplay from day one.
Buying recommendation: Steam remains the best choice for crossplay flexibility and mods; Game Pass is the cheapest if you already subscribe. Either way, everyone can play together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valheim cross platform?
Yes. PC and Xbox already crossplay today. On September 9, 2026 (the 1.0 launch), PS5 and Switch 2 join with full crossplay across all platforms.
Is Valheim crossplay between PC and Xbox?
Yes — Steam PC, Microsoft Store PC (Game Pass), and Xbox One/Series X|S all play together right now.
Does Valheim support cross progression?
At 1.0 (Sept 9, 2026), yes — characters and worlds sync across platforms. Today, PC and Xbox share character data; manual world-save transfer is possible.
How do I play Valheim crossplay with friends?
Use the in-game join code system for quick co-op, or a dedicated server for larger groups. Open UDP 2456-2458 for self-hosted servers.
Is Valheim crossplay on PS5 and Switch 2?
Yes — both join at 1.0 (September 9, 2026) with full crossplay with PC and Xbox.
How many players can play Valheim together?
Valheim supports up to 10 players on a dedicated server (official cap; community mods raise it).