How do I set up a Palworld crossplay server for Xbox, PS5 and Steam?

Since the 1.0 release of Palworld (10 July 2026), the most requested server feature has finally arrived: crossplay on dedicated servers. Thanks to the new server build based on Epic Online Services (EOS), Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac players can all play together on a single server. Crossplay is not configured correctly out of the box, though, and console players join in a completely different way than PC players do. In this guide you will configure the CrossplayPlatforms setting, make your server discoverable in the community server list and test how joining works on each platform. No server yet? Start with our getting-started guide for Palworld servers.

Step 1: Make sure your server runs the crossplay build

1. Restart your server once via the Console tab. On boot it automatically downloads the latest version; crossplay has been part of the official dedicated server build since 1.0.
2. Crossplay only works when the server runs in EOS mode. You can recognise that mode by the launch parameter EpicApp=PalServer in the start command; the -publiclobby parameter additionally makes your server appear in the community server list. You will find both in the Startup tab.
3. If the Startup tab offers a variable to enable crossplay or the community list, use it. If you cannot find the parameters anywhere, open a ticket and we will set up the correct build for you.

Step 2: Configure CrossplayPlatforms

1. Stop your server. Always edit configuration files while the server is offline, or your changes may be lost.
2. Open Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini via the Files tab. Every setting lives on a single long OptionSettings=(...) line.
3. Find CrossplayPlatforms on that line or add the setting: CrossplayPlatforms=(Steam,Xbox,PS5,Mac). Only the platforms listed between the brackets are allowed to join; if you do not want console players, for example, simply leave out Xbox and PS5. Mind the exact spelling, without spaces.
4. On the same line, give your server a recognisable ServerName="...". Console players can only find your server by searching for that name in the community list, so pick something unique — not "Palworld Server", but something like "PalsWithPete". You will find more naming and settings tips in editing PalWorldSettings.ini.
5. Save the file.

Step 3: Restart and check the community list

1. Start your server again via the Console tab and wait until the log lines show it has fully booted.
2. Open Palworld, pick the community server list in the multiplayer menu and search for your exact server name. After a restart it can take a few minutes before your server shows up in the list.

Step 4: Test joining on each platform

1. Steam and Mac — join via the community server list or via direct connect on IP:8211. PC players have both routes available.
2. Xbox (console and PC via Game Pass/Microsoft Store) — joining works exclusively through the community server list; this version has no field to enter an IP address at all.
3. PS5 — the community server list is the only way in here as well. Search for the exact server name.
4. If you have set a ServerPassword (recommended), console players simply get a password prompt when joining too.

Game Pass, Microsoft Store and platform combinations

On a correctly configured crossplay server, Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac play together in any combination, with up to 32 players. A few limitations apply to the Game Pass/Microsoft Store version: updates go through certification first and can therefore land days later than on Steam, so Game Pass players may temporarily see a "version mismatch". Hosting a dedicated server is not possible with this version — joining yours fortunately is. And mods are not supported on Xbox, PS5 or Game Pass: if you run server mods, these players can no longer take part.

Common problems

• Your console friend is trying to enter an IP address — This is pitfall number one: direct connect does not exist on Xbox and PS5, so sharing an IP address gets you nowhere. Share your exact server name instead and have them search the community server list.
• Your server does not appear in the community list — The server is running without -publiclobby or not in EOS mode (EpicApp=PalServer). Check step 1, restart and wait a few minutes. Then search for the exact name; the list contains thousands of servers.
• One platform cannot join while the others can — That platform is missing from CrossplayPlatforms or is misspelled. Use exactly the values Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac.
• "Version mismatch" when joining — Server and game are running different versions. Restart your server so it pulls the latest version (see updating your Palworld server) or wait until the console patch is available.
• You are following an old guide — Guides written before 1.0 point to beta branches or claim that crossplay on dedicated servers is impossible. That is no longer true: since 1.0, crossplay ships in the standard server build and the steps above are all you need.

Need help?

Is your server still missing from the community list despite these steps, or does one platform keep getting locked out? Open a ticket via our support page and mention your server name and the platforms you are testing with — we will take a look with you.