Is Palworld Cross-Platform? (2026 Crossplay Status)
Short answer: Yes, mostly. Xbox One/Series, PlayStation 4/5, and Game Pass PC all share the Microsoft / Xbox network pool since the 2026 patch. Steam-only servers are still available for groups that want a pure-PC, modded session.
Palworld Crossplay Compatibility (2026)
| Platform A | Platform B | Crossplay Status |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox One / Series | PlayStation 4 / 5 | Yes |
| Xbox One / Series | Xbox Game Pass (PC) | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 / 5 | Xbox Game Pass (PC) | Yes |
| Steam (PC) | Xbox / Game Pass / PS5 (Microsoft pool) | Yes, on the unified network |
| Steam-only dedicated server | Xbox / PlayStation | No (Steam-only is opt-in for mods) |
| Steam (Windows) | Steam (Linux/Proton) | Yes |
The Two Server Pools
Palworld in 2026 has two distinct dedicated-server modes:
Microsoft / Xbox network pool (the unified pool)
Xbox console, PS5 console, and Xbox Game Pass PC clients all live here. Steam clients can also opt in via the in-game server browser. Vanilla content only, no mods because consoles can't install them.
Steam-only dedicated servers
Steam-only is for Workshop-modded servers or groups that want a strictly Steam audience. Mods load fine; PalEdit, custom-rate scripts, server-side balance mods all work. Console players can't join.
How to Tell Which Pool a Server Is On
- The in-game server browser tags "Crossplay" on Microsoft-pool servers.
- Steam-only servers show no crossplay tag and are filtered out of the Xbox/PS5 client browser.
- Server admins flag this in
PalWorldSettings.inivia theCrossplayPlatformssetting (Steam, Xbox, PS5). - If you're running a third-party host, the host's panel exposes the same toggle.
Hosting a Palworld Server in 2026
Crossplay (Microsoft pool) dedicated server
Best for mixed-platform groups. Supports Xbox, PS5, Game Pass PC, and Steam clients. Vanilla content only. The official Pocketpair dedicated server binary supports this pool natively.
Steam-only dedicated server
Best for groups that all play on Steam and want Workshop mods, custom rate scripts, or community balance patches. Lock the server to Steam in PalWorldSettings.ini and you're free to run any mod the PC ecosystem supports.
Common Questions
Can my PS5 friend join my Steam Palworld server?
Yes, if your server is on the Microsoft / Xbox network pool (with crossplay enabled). If your server is Steam-only (for mods), no.
Do save files transfer between platforms?
No. World saves stay on the host's storage; character progression doesn't follow you between Xbox and PlayStation. The server itself is shared, but each platform has its own client install and own save.
Can Xbox and PS5 players use the same server admin commands?
Yes. Admin commands work the same way on every client, chat-based authentication via /AdminPassword, then the same command syntax regardless of the client platform. RCON and the REST API also work on crossplay servers.
Will mods ever come to crossplay (Microsoft pool) Palworld?
Pocketpair has not committed to console mods. The Microsoft / Xbox network pool is likely to stay vanilla-only for the foreseeable future. Steam-only remains the modded path.
Looking to host a Palworld crossplay or Steam-only dedicated server? Rent a Palworld server with Supercraft, both crossplay and Steam-only modes supported, instant setup, RCON + REST API ready.