Is Valheim Cross Platform? Crossplay Guide 2026
Sarah Chen|Yes, Valheim supports cross-platform play between PC and Linux. Both platforms can connect to the same dedicated servers and play together since they share the same Steam ecosystem.
Valheim Cross-Platform Support Explained
Valheim’s cross-platform functionality is straightforward but limited. The survival and exploration game from Dvoid currently supports crossplay between PC (Windows) and Linux systems. This works because both versions run through Steam and use identical networking protocols.
The game operates on a server-based system where players connect to either dedicated servers or peer-to-peer hosted worlds. Since both PC and Linux versions access the same server infrastructure, players on different operating systems can join the same worlds without restrictions.
However, crossplay is limited to these two platforms only. Valheim hasn’t expanded to consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, which means the cross-platform conversation is currently confined to the PC gaming space.
Which Platforms Can Play Together?
Here’s the complete breakdown of platform compatibility for Valheim:
| Platform | Crossplay Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Windows) | Yes | Full compatibility with Linux players |
| Linux | Yes | Full compatibility with PC players |
| PlayStation | No | Game not available on platform |
| Xbox | No | Game not available on platform |
| Nintendo Switch | No | Game not available on platform |
| Mobile | No | Game not available on platform |
How to Enable Crossplay in Valheim
Crossplay in Valheim works automatically without any special setup. Here’s how to play with friends across PC and Linux:
- Join dedicated servers: Browse the server list in-game and connect to any public server. Both PC and Linux players will see the same servers.
- Use server passwords: For private play, share the server name and password with your friends. They can connect regardless of their operating system.
- Host your own world: Create a world and enable “Community Server” in the settings. Your friends can find and join your world through the server browser.
- Direct IP connection: Share your server’s IP address and port number for direct connection. This method works identically for both platforms.
The process is the same whether you’re on Windows or Linux. The Steam integration handles all the technical aspects automatically, so you don’t need to configure anything special for crossplay to work.
Cross-Save and World Progression
Valheim’s cross-save functionality depends on how you manage your game files. Your character data and world saves are stored locally on your computer, not in the cloud by default.
If you switch between PC and Linux on the same computer (dual-boot setup), you’ll need to manually transfer your save files. Character saves are located in your user profile under “AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim” on Windows or “~/.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim” on Linux.
For dedicated servers, your character progress carries over automatically since the server stores world data. Your character stats, inventory, and skills remain consistent regardless of which platform you use to connect.
World saves hosted locally don’t automatically sync between different computers or operating systems. You’ll need to manually back up and transfer world files if you want to continue the same world on a different system.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
While Valheim’s crossplay works well within its supported platforms, there are several limitations to consider:
Platform restrictions: Crossplay only works between PC and Linux. The game isn’t available on any console platforms, limiting your potential player base to Steam users only.
Server performance varies: Player-hosted servers depend on the host’s connection and hardware. If someone on a lower-end Linux system hosts the world, it might affect performance for all connected players.
Mod compatibility: Popular Valheim mods might not work consistently between Windows and Linux versions. Some mods are platform-specific or require different installation procedures.
No cross-progression automation: Unlike modern games with cloud saves, Valheim requires manual file management if you want to continue your progress on different systems or installations.
Connection stability: Peer-to-peer hosting can be less stable than dedicated servers. The host leaving disconnects all players, regardless of their platform.
Can I play Valheim with friends on different operating systems?
Yes, you can play Valheim with friends using different operating systems as long as they’re both on PC platforms. Windows and Linux players can connect to the same servers and play together without any issues. The Steam integration makes this easy, and both versions have identical multiplayer functionality.
Do I need to buy Valheim twice for crossplay?
No, you don’t need multiple purchases for crossplay between PC and Linux. If you own Valheim on Steam, you can install and play it on both Windows and Linux systems using the same account. Steam’s cross-platform licensing covers both operating systems, so one purchase gives you access to both versions.
Will Valheim add console crossplay in the future?
There’s no official announcement from Dvoid about bringing Valheim to consoles or adding console crossplay. The developers haven’t confirmed any plans for PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch versions. Given the game’s early access status and focus on PC development, console ports and expanded crossplay aren’t currently on the confirmed roadmap.
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Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is the Reviews and Guides Editor at Explosion.com. With a background in game design studies and 6 years of gaming journalism, Sarah brings technical insight to her reviews and creates comprehensive guides that help players get the most out of their games. She has reviewed over 200 titles across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms. Her current obsessions include FromSoftware titles and indie roguelikes.
