Palworld supports crossplay between Steam and Xbox Game Pass (PC). Players on different platforms can join the same server and play together. Enabling it requires the right server configuration.
Enabling crossplay
In your server's startup configuration, set the ALLOW_CONNECT_PLATFORM variable. The options are:
Steam: only Steam players can connect.Xbox: only Xbox Game Pass players can connect.Steam,Xbox: both platforms can connect.
On the HostValues game panel, this setting is available in the Startup tab as a dropdown.
Important notes
- Xbox console players: as of September 2026, Xbox console players cannot join dedicated servers. Crossplay on dedicated servers is between Steam and Xbox Game Pass on PC.
- Community servers: the in-game community browser does not always show all servers. Players can connect directly via IP address.
- Version matching: Steam and Xbox may update at different times. If versions do not match, players on the outdated platform cannot connect until they update.
How players connect
Steam players connect via the server browser or by entering the IP and port directly. Xbox Game Pass (PC) players use the same method. If the server does not appear in the browser, direct connection by IP is the reliable fallback.
Troubleshooting
- Xbox player cannot find the server: verify that the platform setting includes Xbox. The player may need to connect via IP.
- Connection refused: confirm that the server and client versions match. Steam and Xbox can receive updates at different times.
- NAT issues for Xbox players: Xbox Game Pass uses a different network stack. Connection problems often originate on the player's side (NAT type, firewall).
Server settings for mixed platforms
There are no separate gameplay settings per platform. All players share the same world, the same rules and the same difficulty. The only platform-related setting is ALLOW_CONNECT_PLATFORM. Everything else applies equally to all connected players.
Enable crossplay on your Palworld server at HostValues via the Startup settings.
Do Steam and Xbox players see each other's characters?
Yes. Once connected to the same server, all players interact normally regardless of platform. They can join the same guild, share bases and trade Pals.
Are there gameplay differences between platforms?
No. The game is identical. Steam players may receive updates slightly earlier, but gameplay and features are the same.
Can I switch the platform setting on an existing server?
Yes. Changing the ALLOW_CONNECT_PLATFORM setting and restarting the server is all it takes. Player data and world progress are not affected by the change.
