Palworld Crossplay Server: Steam, Xbox, PS5 & Mac

One dedicated server for Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac since 1.0. Why console players need the community server list, and the easiest way to host a crossplay server.

Published on 23 juillet 2026

Since Palworld 1.0 launched on PS5, Xbox and Game Pass on July 10, 2026, the question every group asks is the same: how do we all play together when half the group is on PC and the other half on console?

The answer is a crossplay dedicated server. One server, and everyone joins it — Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac. But there's one big constraint console players face that decides how you should host it. Let's get into it.

Which platforms can play Palworld together?

Since version 1.0, crossplay covers all major platforms on the same dedicated server:

Platform	Can join a crossplay server?	How they join
PC (Steam)	Yes	Community list or direct IP
Xbox Series X\|S / Xbox One	Yes	Community server list only
PS5	Yes	Community server list only
Mac	Yes	Community list or direct IP
Game Pass (console & PC)	Yes	Community server list

Everyone plays in the same world, with the same Pals and bases. There is no separate "console server" type — it's one dedicated server with crossplay enabled.

The one rule that changes everything

Xbox and PS5 players cannot type an IP address. They can only browse the in-game community server list. If your server isn't registered on that list, your console friends will never find it — no matter how well it runs.

The easiest setup: a rented crossplay server

Because consoles require a registered community server, the simplest path for a mixed PC/console group is a rented server. Hosts handle the two fiddly parts automatically: registering the server on the official community list and keeping the version in sync with client updates.

Pick a plan sized for your group

16 GB of RAM is the comfortable 1.0 baseline for 5-16 players. For a small group of 2-4, 8 GB works with a daily restart. Full sizing details are in our [RAM guide](/en/guides/palworld/how-much-ram-palworld).

Enable crossplay in the panel

Most hosts expose a crossplay toggle or ship with it enabled — it corresponds to CrossplayPlatforms=(Steam,Xbox,PS5,Mac) in the server config. Nothing else to install.

Name your server something findable

Console players search the community list by name. Pick a distinctive server name, set a password, and share both with your group.

Have console friends search the list

In Palworld: Join Multiplayer Game → Community Server → search your server name, enter the password, and they're in. PC players can do the same or connect by IP.

Launch your crossplay server today

Take the 2-minute quiz to find a Palworld host for your group, or grab a promo code before you order.

Self-hosting a crossplay server (and its limits)

You can run a crossplay server on your own machine, but console support adds two requirements on top of the usual dedicated-server setup:

Self-hosted crossplay checklist

•Set `CrossplayPlatforms=(Steam,Xbox,PS5,Mac)` in PalWorldSettings.ini (folder Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ or WindowsServer/)
•Add the `-publiclobby` flag to the server startup arguments so it registers on the community server list
•Keep the server updated within hours of every game patch — an outdated server rejects updated clients
•Leave the machine running 24/7 with a stable upload connection
•Set a server password unless you want the whole community list joining your world

The catch: -publiclobby makes your server publicly listed by design — that's the only way consoles can see it. Between that, the 24/7 uptime requirement, and Palworld's post-1.0 RAM appetite, most mixed groups end up renting. Our dedicated vs hosted comparison runs the real numbers.

Crossplay limits you should know before inviting everyone

Mods are PC-territory

Console clients can't load mods. On a crossplay server, stick to vanilla — or accept that server-side tweaks must stay invisible to console players. See our Palworld mods guide before experimenting.

Everyone needs the same game version

Crossplay works version-to-version. When Pocketpair ships a patch, consoles sometimes receive it hours after Steam. Until versions line up again, some players may not be able to connect — that's normal, not a broken server.

You can restrict platforms

Want a PC-only server after all? Set CrossplayPlatforms=(Steam) and console clients can no longer join. Useful for modded servers.

Palworld crossplay FAQ

Can Xbox and PC players play Palworld together?

Yes. Since the 1.0 update, a dedicated server with crossplay enabled accepts Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac players simultaneously. Xbox players join through the in-game community server list.

Why can't my PS5 friend join my Palworld server?

Three usual causes: the server isn't registered on the community list (self-hosted without -publiclobby), the CrossplayPlatforms setting doesn't include PS5, or there's a version mismatch after a patch. Rented servers eliminate the first two automatically.

Do console players need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core to join?

Online multiplayer on consoles generally requires the platform's online subscription, as with most online games on PS5 and Xbox. The Palworld server itself doesn't charge anything extra.

Can Game Pass players join a crossplay server?

Yes — Palworld 1.0 launched on Game Pass day one, and Game Pass players (console and PC) join crossplay servers through the community server list like other players.

Does crossplay make the server heavier to run?

Not by itself — a console player consumes the same server resources as a PC player. What matters is total player count and base activity: 16 GB of RAM is the comfortable baseline for a 1.0 server of 5-16 players.

Can I run mods on a crossplay Palworld server?

Not realistically. Console clients can't load mods, so client-side mods break the experience for them. If mods matter to your group, run a Steam-only server by setting CrossplayPlatforms=(Steam).

Our recommendation

Ready to launch your Palworld server?

Here are the best Palworld hosting deals right now, promo codes included. Still unsure? Our quiz finds the ideal host for you in under 2 minutes.

My box 8

Minestrator

11.99€/month

-10% with code HOSTMYGAME

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Mods:

Yes

Specifications

RAM:8GB(DDR4)

Compatible games

Palworld

Features

✓DDoS Protection
✓Backups

See offer

Lamball

Shockbyte

10.24€/month

-25% with code LAUNCH

Max players:8

Mods:

Yes

Compatible games

Palworld

Features

✓DDoS Protection
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See offer

Chikipi

GGServers

20.20€/month

-20% with code TAKE20

Max players:Unknown

Mods:

Yes

Specifications

RAM:8GB(DDR4)

Compatible games

Palworld

Features

✓DDoS Protection

See offer

See all Palworld offers