Valheim Crossplay Dedicated Server: How to Enable It and Join

Valheim supports crossplay between Steam and Xbox players on dedicated servers. It works differently from a normal server, so read this before enabling it.

How to enable it

Add the -crossplay option to the launch arguments. On a panel, this is done in the startup settings for the server or by editing the start command. Restart the server after the change. Ask us on Discord if you cannot find the setting.

What changes

• Crossplay servers use PlayFab for connections, not direct IP joining.
• Players join using a join code, shown in the server console after startup, not an IP and port.
• The server still needs a name, a world name and a password of at least 5 characters, and the password cannot be part of the server name.

Find the join code

1. Start the server.
2. Open the Console tab and read the startup output.
3. Look for a line mentioning the join code, then share it with players.

Players enter it from the join by code option in the game's server list. If the code changes after a restart, share the new one.

Mods and crossplay

Console players cannot load BepInEx mods. A server relying on mods should normally stay PC only. Check any mod you want to use before mixing platforms.

Troubleshooting

• If players cannot find the server, confirm the server shows as running and that you are using the current join code.
• Check that both sides run the same game version after an update. Version mismatches are the usual cause of failed joins.
• Wait a minute or two after startup, because registration can take a short while.
• Without crossplay, PC players can still use the normal server browser or direct connect with the IP and port, and the game uses UDP ports starting at 2456.

Tips

• Use a strong password, since the server is reachable through the online service.
• Back up your world before switching an existing server to crossplay.

Need help? Message us on Discord.