Palworld Crossplay Dedicated Server: Platforms, Community List and Join Errors
A Palworld dedicated server can accept players from several platforms. The setting that controls this is CrossplayPlatforms, and the documented default is (Steam,Xbox,PS5,Mac). Players on consoles generally find servers through the community server list, so listing your server matters more for crossplay than it does for a Steam-only group.
This guide was checked on 2026-11-15 against Pocketpair's server documentation and hosting documentation. Some console-side steps come from a single source, so they are marked as such. Platform rules can change in updates, so if a step does not match your console, check the in-game messages first.
CrossplayPlatformsdefaults to(Steam,Xbox,PS5,Mac). Remove a platform from the list to exclude it.- The old keys
AllowConnectPlatform,bEnableCrossPlay,CrossPlayPlatformandbEnablePS5are deprecated. Do not rely on them. - Pocketpair's documentation says Xbox and PS5 players need a community server to join, so turn on List in community servers on the Startup tab.
- Everyone, including the server, must be on the same game version. A mismatch is the most common reason a join fails.
- Use a join password if you do not want strangers on a listed server.
On this page
The CrossplayPlatforms setting
In the world settings, CrossplayPlatforms is a list of the platforms allowed to join. The default is (Steam,Xbox,PS5,Mac). To limit the server to PC, you would list only the platforms you want. Edit it on the Configs tab, use the Text view if you prefer raw text, then Save and Restart.
| Deprecated key | Status |
|---|---|
AllowConnectPlatform | Deprecated |
bEnableCrossPlay | Deprecated |
CrossPlayPlatform | Deprecated |
bEnablePS5 | Deprecated |
List the server so consoles can find it
- Open the Startup tab
Go to panel.chicagoservers.co, choose your Palworld server and open Startup.
- Turn on listing
Set List in community servers to on. Set the Server name to something players can search for.
- Set a password if wanted
A Server password keeps a listed server private to people who know it.
- Save and restart
Click Save startup, then Restart.
Searching by exact server name in the community list is the most reliable way to find yours. Pocketpair's host documentation describes crossplay servers appearing in the community browser for every platform. Public listing arguments are explained in the launch options guide.
Joining from each platform
- Steam and Mac: use the community server list, or enter the address and port directly if your game version offers that option.
- Xbox: one source says the console's cross-network play setting must be set to Allow. This comes from a single source, so check your Xbox privacy and communication settings if joining fails.
- PlayStation 5: use the community server list and search by name, as with other consoles.
- Make sure each platform's own online subscription and privacy settings allow multiplayer, since the game cannot override them.
Keep versions matched
Palworld will refuse a join when the server and the player are on different builds. Console updates can arrive on a different day from Steam updates, which is a common reason for a Version Mismatch message after a patch. After a game update, update the server with Update now on the Steam update bar, then restart. If consoles are behind, players may need to wait for their platform's update.
Join errors and what they usually mean
| Message | Usual cause and fix |
|---|---|
| Failed to Connect | Wrong address or port, the server is offline, or a firewall is blocking UDP. Confirm the server is running in the panel. |
| Server Not Found | The server is not listed or the name is wrong. Turn on List in community servers and search the exact name. |
| Version Mismatch | Server and player builds differ. Update the server and make sure the player's platform is up to date. |
| Invalid Session | A stale connection. Restart the game and try again. |
| Connection timeout | Often a network or port issue. See Palworld connection timed out fix. |
Frequently asked questions
How do I enable crossplay on a Palworld dedicated server?
Use the CrossplayPlatforms setting, whose default is (Steam,Xbox,PS5,Mac), and list the server in the community server browser so console players can find it.
What replaced bEnableCrossPlay in Palworld?
CrossplayPlatforms. The older keys AllowConnectPlatform, bEnableCrossPlay, CrossPlayPlatform and bEnablePS5 are deprecated.
How do console players join a Palworld dedicated server?
Generally through the community server list, by searching for the server name. Listing the server makes this possible.
Why does Palworld say Version Mismatch when I join?
The server and the player are on different game versions. Update the server and make sure the player's platform has the same update.
Do I have to list my Palworld server to play with friends?
Not on PC, where you can connect directly. Pocketpair's documentation says Xbox and PS5 players need a community server, so list yours for crossplay.