Quick answer
Official facts confirmedCrossplay is broad. Cross-save is not.
At 1.0, PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and Switch 2 players can play together. Cross-save is limited to Xbox and the PC Microsoft Store version. Steam and Microsoft Store purchases are separate, and Xbox players can join—but not host—a dedicated server.
Compatibility matrix
What each feature actually covers
| Question | Status | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Play across all launch platforms | Yes | Officially confirmed for PC, Xbox, PS5, and Switch 2. |
| Join a dedicated server from Xbox | Yes | Xbox players can join a server using the crossplay backend. |
| Host a dedicated server on Xbox | No | The official FAQ says Xbox cannot host a dedicated server. |
| Move saves between Xbox and PC MS Store | Yes | This is the official cross-save exception. |
| Move saves between every platform | No | Universal cross-save is not confirmed. |
| One purchase covers Steam and MS Store | No | They remain separate purchases. |
How the official join-code flow works
- 1
Host: copy the join code
Open the pause menu in the hosted world and copy the join code.
- 2
Player: add the server
Open Join Game, choose Add server, then paste the code.
- 3
Confirm the same session
Use the code for the current host or crossplay-enabled dedicated server. A save-transfer feature is not required to play together.
Server networking
Choose Steam or crossplay deliberately
The default Steam backend requires port forwarding for outside connections. Adding -crossplay switches to a relay backend that does not require port forwarding, but the official guide says it cannot connect through a local IP or loopback address. Wait for the console to report Game server connected before treating the server as ready.
Cross-save has one confirmed lane
Xbox and the PC Microsoft Store version can share saves. Do not plan a Steam-to-PlayStation, Steam-to-Switch 2, or universal platform migration from the word “crossplay.” Those routes are not confirmed by the official 1.0 FAQ.
Version & sources
Sources & what may change
- Applies to
- Valheim 1.0 launch platforms
- Last verified
- September 4, 2026
- When to check again
- PS5 and Switch 2 menu steps and platform exceptions still need confirmation after launch.