First thing’s first. People keep asking: is Palworld crossplay? That’s not random. Makes sense. Palworld blew up because of how strange it feels. Pokémon-like creatures. Guns. Survival. Co-op. It’s different, and it’s addictive with friends.
But here’s the catch. Not everyone plays on the same device. Some use Steam. Others grab it on Xbox Game Pass. Then there are people waiting on console drops. That’s where crossplay comes in. Can you play together no matter what? Or are you stuck in platform walls?
I tested the game from day 1. I played it on PC, tested it on Game Pass, and had my friends try it on different setups with me. In this next bit, I’ll summarize what’s working, what’s not, and what’s coming next.

What Crossplay Means in Palworld
Crossplay is simply the ability for various players on different consoles to play within itself, same server or lobby. PC and Xbox? Works fine, if the dev approves. Steam and Game Pass? Pretty much the same thing. If crossplay is not there, you are not getting into play together with a friend on the other platform, most likely locking yourself onto the one where you have purchased the game.
When it comes to a game such as Palworld, this is problematic. The game is about cooperative play, catching Pals, building bases, raiding dungeons. Solo play? Gets boring real fast.
Palworld Crossplay Between Xbox and PC
Sure. This one sounds good. If you’re on Game Pass for Xbox, and your friend is on Game Pass for PC, you can play with him, no problem. That’s how it was created, it is part of the Xbox ecosystem.
Now, if your friend bought Palworld on Steam? Not the same. Steam and Xbox don’t connect yet. That is where confusion happens.
Xbox + Game Pass PC → Works.
Xbox + Steam PC → Not yet.
Palworld Crossplay on Steam and Game Pass
This is the division that is annoying everyone. Palworld is on Steam, and it is on Game Pass too. But their servers are not linked. I have tried it. I hosted a world on Steam, and my friend on Game Pass could not join. And vice versa.
The developers have stated they are working on it. There is no specific date, however. It could be months. It could be longer.

Palworld Multiplayer and Co-Op Mode
This game shines in co-op. You start with nothing. No food, no tools. Then slowly, you build. Gather wood. Craft gear. Catch your first Pal.
But it’s the chaos with friends that makes it stick. Someone forgets food. Another drags a giant Pal into camp. Or worse—someone sets fire to your base. That’s the kind of multiplayer energy people want crossplay for.
Without it, groups of friends are split up depending on where they bought the game.
Palworld Online Play With Friends
Playing Palworld online with friends isn’t complicated once you’re on the same platform. You can host a session, invite friends, and jump in. On Game Pass, it uses Xbox’s built-in friend system. On Steam, it’s through the Steam overlay.

The difference shows up when you try mixing platforms. Xbox and PC Game Pass connect easily. But Steam is a wall. You can’t send invites across stores.
Also worth noting: servers aren’t fully stable yet. I’ve had sessions drop. Pals disappearing. Items glitching. It’s early access, so you’ve got to expect some rough spots. Still, when it works, the game is a blast in co-op.
Palworld Console Release and Crossplay Future
Right now, Palworld is on PC and Xbox. No PS5 or Switch yet. Console release hasn’t been fully confirmed, but it’s likely if the game keeps growing.
When it comes, crossplay is going to be the big question again. The devs hinted they want it. But it’s not promised. They’re still focused on server stability and updates.
Palworld Supported Platforms
The present situation is that Palworld can run on the PC (Steam) and Xbox Game Pass, possibily on either Xbox Series X or Series S. A PC is also able to accommodate playing with Game Pass.
The poor little PlayStation and Switch are not present yet. The developers, however, have not made any announcements regarding any official words about them. Given how the game’s popularity might increase, these two platforms might even see a release down the road; for now, it’s practically off.
So if you want to play with friends, check what platform they’re playing on before you purchase. That right there is your key to avoiding the crossplay headache.
Does Palworld Have Cross Save?
No. Not yet. If you switch from Steam to Game Pass, you start over. No carryover for levels, items, or Pals. That stings. Especially if you’ve already sunk 50 hours into a world.
Cross save is on their roadmap, but like crossplay, it’s waiting in line behind bigger updates.

Palworld Cross Gen Support
Well, at this moment this isn’t really a concern considering the fact that it exists only through PC and Xbox Series X/S. But if cross-gen finds its way into PS or old Xbox consoles, it will matter. Nevertheless? Not an issue.
Palworld Dedicated Servers
It’s interesting from here on. Palworld will let you set up your own server. This means fun multiplayer sessions with friends or strangers. Works well on PC but not so much on Xbox at this point.
The future of Palworld multiplayer relies on dedicated servers, but alas, without real cross-platform support, they’re separated communities.
Table: Palworld Crossplay Options (2025)
| Platforms | Crossplay Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox + PC Game Pass | Yes | Works fine through Microsoft. |
| Xbox + Steam | No | Still waiting on support. |
| Steam + PC Game Pass | No | Planned, but not available yet. |
| PC (Game Pass) + PC (Steam) | No | Locked to purchase platform. |
| Future Consoles (PS5/Switch) | Unknown | Not confirmed yet. |
Palworld Update Roadmap and Crossplay News 2025
The devs shared a roadmap earlier this year. Crossplay is on it. Not top of the list, but it’s there. First, they’re fixing balance, Pal behavior, and server crashes.

If you’ve played, you know the game still feels a bit rough. Fun, yes. But buggy. So, don’t expect full crossplay tomorrow. It’s a waiting game.
FAQs:
1. Is Palworld cross platform between Xbox and PC?
Yes, but only if both use Game Pass. Steam doesn’t connect.
2. Can Steam players join Xbox Game Pass players in Palworld?
No. Not yet. The devs are working on it.
3. Does Palworld support cross save?
No. Progress doesn’t transfer between platforms right now.
4. Is Palworld multiplayer or single player only?
Both. You can play solo, but co-op is where it shines.
5. Will Palworld come to PlayStation or Switch?
Not confirmed. Possible, but no official news yet.

I’m Darius Lukas. On my blog, I break down what makes games tick with honest reviews, deep analyses, and guides to help you conquer your next virtual challenge.
