Valheim Platforms Guide — Game Pass, PS5, Switch 2, and Every Way to Play in 2026
Valheim on every platform in 2026: Xbox Game Pass (yes, it's included), PC Steam vs Microsoft Store, the PS5 and Switch 2 versions arriving September 9, 2026 with 1.0, Steam Deck support, and which platform you should buy.
Valheim Platforms Guide — Game Pass, PS5, Switch 2, and Every Way to Play in 2026
The short version: Valheim is on PC (Steam + Microsoft Store/Game Pass) and Xbox One/Series X|S today, and PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 arrive with the 1.0 launch on September 9, 2026. Yes, it's on Xbox Game Pass (including PC Game Pass). There is no PS4 or Switch 1 version.
This guide lays out every platform, what's included where, and which one to buy.
The Platform List (2026)
| Platform | Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | ✅ Yes | The reference version, best mod support |
| PC (Microsoft Store / PC Game Pass) | ✅ Yes | Same game, crossplays with Steam |
| Xbox One / Series X|S | ✅ Yes | In Game Pass; crossplays with PC |
| PlayStation 5 | 🆕 Sept 9, 2026 (1.0) | First PlayStation version, full crossplay |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 🆕 Sept 9, 2026 (1.0) | First Nintendo version, full crossplay |
| PS4 / Switch 1 / Mobile | ❌ No | Never announced |
Is Valheim on Game Pass? (Yes)
Valheim is on Xbox Game Pass — both the console version (Xbox One / Series X|S) and PC Game Pass (via the Microsoft Store build). This has been true since 2021, when Valheim joined Game Pass shortly after its Early Access launch, and it remains true in 2026.
What Game Pass gets you:
- Console Game Pass: Valheim on Xbox One / Series X|S, included at no extra cost.
- PC Game Pass: The Microsoft Store version, included — crossplays with Steam friends.
- Cross-progression: Your character syncs between the Xbox and PC Game Pass versions.
- DLC/1.0: The 1.0 update (Sept 9, 2026) is free for all owners, including Game Pass subscribers.
Game Pass is free (with your sub) but the Microsoft Store build historically lags Steam on update timing and has weaker mod support. Steam is the best version if you mod or want day-one updates. If you just want to play with friends cheaply, Game Pass is great.
PC: Steam vs Microsoft Store
- Steam: Full mod ecosystem (Thunderstore, BepInEx), fastest updates, huge concurrent player base, Workshop-free (mods via Thunderstore). Crossplays with everyone.
- Microsoft Store / PC Game Pass: Included with Game Pass, crossplays with Steam and Xbox, character syncs with Xbox. Slower mod support (you must install BepInEx manually on the MS Store build, and some mods don't work).
- Steam Deck: Valheim runs well on Steam Deck (verified-ish — plays fine at 40-60fps on the OLED with medium settings; controller support is built in).
PS5 and Switch 2 (September 9, 2026)
The 1.0 launch on September 9, 2026 adds Valheim to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 for the first time:
- PS5: Full crossplay with PC/Xbox/Switch 2; the PS5 version targets 4K/60 (per platform previews) and supports the DualSense.
- Switch 2: Full crossplay; the Switch 2 version leverages the console's 1080p handheld display and Joy-Con 2 mouse sensor (Valheim's inventory/building benefits from pointer-style input).
- Cross-progression: character/world saves sync across all platforms at 1.0.
- Price on consoles: matching the $29.99 1.0 price point.
Valheim is skipping PS4 and the original Nintendo Switch entirely. If you own only a PS4 or Switch 1, the game isn't coming to those — your options are PC/Xbox (now) or PS5/Switch 2 (Sept 9, 2026).
Which Platform Should You Buy?
| You... | Buy |
|---|---|
| Want mods, best performance, fastest updates | Steam (PC) |
| Already have Game Pass | Game Pass — it's free with your sub |
| Have an Xbox, no PC | Xbox (Game Pass or buy) |
| Have a PS5 | PS5 from Sept 9, 2026 |
| Want portability | Switch 2 from Sept 9, 2026 (or Steam Deck on PC) |
| Play with friends | Match them — full crossplay means everyone can play together regardless of platform |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valheim on Game Pass?
Yes — Valheim is on Xbox Game Pass (Xbox One/Series X|S) and PC Game Pass (Microsoft Store version), included with the subscription.
Is Valheim on PS5?
Yes, from September 9, 2026 (the 1.0 launch). The PS5 version has full crossplay with PC, Xbox, and Switch 2.
Is Valheim on Switch 2?
Yes, from September 9, 2026 (the 1.0 launch), with full crossplay. There is no version for the original Nintendo Switch.
Does Valheim work on Steam Deck?
Yes — Valheim runs well on Steam Deck (built-in controller support, 40-60fps on OLED models with medium settings). Mods work too, via Thunderstore + BepInEx.
Where should I buy Valheim?
Steam if you want mods and the best version; Game Pass if you're already subscribed (it's free); PS5 or Switch 2 if those are your platforms (from Sept 9, 2026).
Is Valheim on PS4 or original Switch?
No — Valheim skips PS4 and the original Switch. Those platforms never got and will never get the game.