How to Enable Crossplay on Your Valheim Server: A Comprehensive Guide

Enabling crossplay on your Valheim server allows players from different platforms, such as Xbox and PC, to join and play together in the same world. This vastly expands your community and creates a richer multiplayer experience. The process is relatively straightforward, though it requires a bit of configuration. Here’s how you do it:

To enable crossplay, you must modify your server startup parameters. This is done by adding the -crossplay parameter to your server’s launch command. This parameter tells the server to allow connections from non-Steam clients (like Xbox players). Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Locate Your Server Configuration: Access the location where your server startup script or batch file is stored. This is often in the same folder where your Valheim server executable resides.
2. Edit the Startup Script: Open the startup script or batch file using a text editor like Notepad or Visual Studio Code.
3. Add the -crossplay Parameter: You need to add the -crossplay parameter to the line that launches your Valheim server.
   • Typical Command Example (Before): valheim_server.exe -name "My Server" -world "MyWorld" -password "MyPassword"
   • Modified Command Example (After): valheim_server.exe -name "My Server" -world "MyWorld" -password "MyPassword" -crossplay
4. Save the Changes: Save the modified startup script.
5. Restart Your Server: Restart your Valheim server using the modified script. The crossplay functionality is now enabled.
6. Community Server Consideration: For the crossplay to work seamlessly with players using the in-game browser, the server should be set to Community Server.

Once this is completed, players on Xbox and other platforms can connect to your server provided it’s a Community Server and they have the server details, including the password if required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Valheim crossplay and server management:

1. How do I find my Valheim server’s IP address?

To find your server’s IP address, you’ll typically need to look at your server hosting provider’s interface or directly on your home network’s IP configuration settings. If you’re hosting the server on your computer, you can search for “what is my IP” on a search engine or use a network diagnostic tool. Alternatively, your server hosting provider, if using one, will usually list it in their panel.

2. How do players on Xbox connect to my Valheim server?

Xbox players can connect by using the “Join IP” button in the game’s main menu. They’ll need to enter the server’s IP address and port (using the port with a ‘0’ at the end) (e.g. 2456 -> 2457) . The server must also be set up as a Community Server for the best chance of being found.

3. What is the correct port format to use for crossplay?

When connecting to a Valheim server, specifically when crossplay is enabled, use the port number ending in ‘0’ instead of ‘1’. For example, if your server’s port is normally 2456, connect using port 2457.

4. Do Valheim mods work on Xbox when playing on a crossplay server?

Xbox players cannot directly use mods on their consoles, whether on a crossplay server or not. However, they can join a modded server created on PC. It’s vital that the mods are installed correctly on the PC server, and it doesn’t make the mods work on the Xbox itself, they still won’t have the modifications, just the PC does.

5. How do I set up a dedicated Valheim server?

To set up a dedicated server, you’ll need to download the Valheim dedicated server files through Steam or your chosen server provider. Then, you’ll need to configure the server settings in the startup script, including server name, password, world seed, and the -crossplay parameter if you’re enabling crossplay. You also need to configure port forwarding on your router to direct internet traffic to your server’s local IP address.

6. Can I host a Valheim server on my own computer?

Yes, you can host a Valheim server on your own computer, provided your computer meets the game’s system requirements and your internet connection is strong enough for multiple players. Remember that your machine will need to be running whenever you wish for players to be able to join the game.

7. How do I change my Valheim server’s name and password?

You can change your server’s name and password in the server’s configuration file or through your server hosting provider’s control panel. Open the server’s startup script and change the -name "YourServerName" and -password "YourPassword" parameters. Remember to stop and restart the server for changes to take effect.

8. Why is my Valheim server not showing up in the server list for my friends?

If your server isn’t showing up, it could be due to incorrect port forwarding, firewall restrictions, or outdated network drivers. Ensure that your firewall is not blocking the game, ports 2456-2458 are open on your router, and that you have the latest version of your network adapter driver installed. The server must also be a Community Server.

9. Can I play Valheim with friends if they’re on a different platform?

Yes, you can play Valheim with friends on different platforms as long as the server is set to be crossplay enabled and the players are using the correct joining method and having the correct details to join.

10. How does Valheim multiplayer work?

Valheim multiplayer allows up to 10 players to play together on a server. Players can explore the same world, build together, and defeat bosses as a team. To initiate multiplayer, a player can host a server, either on their local computer or using a dedicated server, and invite others to join.

11. Is Valheim leaving early access?

Yes, Valheim is set to leave early access. While no specific date has been released, the game has been in development for a while, and is expected to be launched later in the year.

12. Do all Valheim servers require a password?

Not necessarily. Servers can be set up with or without a password. The password option is commonly used to ensure that only authorized players can join a server.

13. How do I access the Valheim server control panel?

Valheim doesn’t have a graphical server control panel built-in. Instead, you can access server commands by using the in-game console while playing as an admin by pressing the ‘F5’ key and typing commands. These commands allow for control of the server. If you have a server with an outside hosting provider, it’s likely that they will provide an additional control panel interface.

14. Can console players play on unmodded Valheim PC servers?

Yes, console players can join unmodded Valheim PC servers provided the PC server has crossplay enabled and the console players are able to locate the server on the server list by searching for the servers name, or by directly connecting by the IP and port.

15. Why do I need to use a specific port (ending in 0) when using crossplay?

The Valheim server uses different ports for the primary connection and the crossplay connection. The port ending in “0” is the one specifically used when connecting to a crossplay server. This is an essential part of the crossplay functionality.

By following these steps and addressing these common questions, you’ll be well-equipped to enable crossplay on your Valheim server, allowing all your friends to join the fun, regardless of their platform!