Stardew Valley is a beloved indie farming simulator that has captured the hearts of millions. Its nostalgic pixel art, soothing music, and engaging gameplay loops have turned casual players into dedicated virtual farmers. But while tending crops and raising animals alone is fun, nothing beats the experience of building your farm with friends. Naturally, this raises the question: Does Stardew Valley support crossplay? In this comprehensive guide, we dive into everything you need to know about Stardew Valley crossplay, including platform support, limitations, and future possibilities.
What Is Crossplay in Stardew Valley?
Crossplay refers to the ability to play a multiplayer game across different gaming platforms—such as PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or mobile—so that users on different systems can play together. If you’re wondering whether Stardew Valley crossplay is currently available, you’re not alone. Many fans are hoping to connect with friends regardless of their chosen device.
Stardew Valley Multiplayer Basics
Before diving into Stardew Valley crossplay, it’s essential to understand how multiplayer works in general within the game:
- Multiplayer was officially added in version 1.3.
- You can host or join a farm via LAN or online connection.
- The host controls game settings like time, weather, and festivals.
- Each player must have their own cabin to participate.
- Up to 4 players can play together on most platforms.
Now let’s break down crossplay support by platform.
Is Stardew Valley Crossplay on PC and Console?
PC (Steam, GOG, Windows, macOS, Linux)
Multiplayer works smoothly on PC—but only with other PC users. That means a Steam user can play with a GOG user, but not with someone on a console. Currently, there is no official Stardew Valley crossplay between PC and consoles.
PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
Players on PlayStation can enjoy multiplayer with other PlayStation users, but Stardew Valley crossplay is not available between PS4/PS5 and PC, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch.
Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
Xbox users can connect with other Xbox users, but again, Stardew Valley crossplay is not supported outside the Xbox ecosystem.
Nintendo Switch
Multiplayer is available on Nintendo Switch, but only locally or with other Switch users via online services. Stardew Valley crossplay with Switch and other platforms is currently impossible.
Is Stardew Valley Crossplay Available on Mobile?
The mobile version of Stardew Valley (available on iOS and Android) does not support multiplayer at all, let alone crossplay. While it’s perfect for single-player farming on the go, there’s no Stardew Valley crossplay functionality here—at least not yet.
Why Doesn’t Stardew Valley Support Crossplay?
The lack of Stardew Valley crossplay isn’t due to unwillingness on the developer’s part. Eric Barone, aka ConcernedApe, has stated that implementing crossplay would be incredibly complex due to the differences in architecture, update cycles, and platform policies.
Here are a few reasons why Stardew Valley crossplay is difficult:
- Different update timelines across platforms
- Compatibility issues with saved game data
- Varying network protocols and policies
- Certification requirements from platform holders
Can You Use Mods to Enable Stardew Valley Crossplay?
Mods on PC can greatly enhance gameplay—adding everything from new crops to cheat menus. However, even the most advanced mods do not enable true crossplay between PC and consoles. Console platforms do not officially support mods, and forcing crossplay via third-party tools is not only unreliable but potentially against terms of service.
So, while mods can expand the PC experience, they won’t unlock Stardew Valley crossplay functionality.
Will Stardew Valley Crossplay Ever Be Added?
There’s currently no official plan to bring crossplay to Stardew Valley, but fans remain hopeful. ConcernedApe is now working on his next game, Haunted Chocolatier, which may introduce new multiplayer mechanics—but nothing has been confirmed.
Still, the demand for Stardew Valley crossplay is strong, and the game’s thriving community continues to voice its support. If anything changes, official announcements will likely appear on the game’s website or ConcernedApe’s Twitter account.
Best Alternatives While Waiting for Stardew Valley Crossplay
If you’re eager to farm with friends on other platforms, consider these workarounds:
- Use the Same Platform: The most straightforward method. Make sure everyone plays on the same system.
- Steam Remote Play or Parsec: Let others connect to your PC session remotely.
- LAN Workarounds: Some use VPNs to simulate LAN multiplayer, though this is often unstable.
- Play Co-Op on Consoles: Split-screen co-op (only on PC and console) lets two players share the screen.
While these don’t offer true Stardew Valley crossplay, they provide ways to enjoy multiplayer to some extent.
Stardew Valley Crossplay: Feature Breakdown by Platform
| Platform | Multiplayer Support | Crossplay Support |
| PC (Steam/GOG) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| PlayStation | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Xbox | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Nintendo Switch | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Mobile (iOS/Android) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Community Reactions on Stardew Valley Crossplay
Online forums like Reddit and the Stardew Valley Discord are filled with discussions about Stardew Valley crossplay. Many fans express frustration that a game so universally loved doesn’t allow cross-platform multiplayer. However, the overall tone is one of understanding—given that the game was largely developed by one person and remains impressively functional across all systems.
Still, as one Reddit user said:
“It’s a shame my friends are on Switch and I’m on PC. Stardew Valley crossplay would make this game 10x better.”
FAQ
1. Is Stardew Valley crossplay available in 2025?
No, as of 2025, Stardew Valley crossplay is still not supported on any platform.
2. Can PC and Xbox users play Stardew Valley together?
Unfortunately, no. Stardew Valley crossplay is not supported between PC and Xbox.
3. Does Stardew Valley support crossplay between Switch and PS4?
No, there is no cross-platform support between Switch and PlayStation.
4. Will Stardew Valley ever get crossplay?
There are no official plans, but fans continue to hope for a future update or inclusion in a sequel.
5. Can I play Stardew Valley with my friend on mobile if I’m on PC?
No, mobile versions do not support multiplayer at all, let alone Stardew Valley crossplay.
6. Does Stardew Valley have split-screen multiplayer?
Yes, but only on PC and some consoles. It is not a crossplay feature but a local co-op option.
7. Is cross-progression available in Stardew Valley?
No. There is no cross-progression between different platforms.
8. Are there mods that enable crossplay in Stardew Valley?
No mod currently enables true Stardew Valley crossplay, especially not across PC and console.
9. Can you transfer your farm from PC to Switch or PS4?
No, save files are not cross-compatible due to differing file structures and platform restrictions.
10. Which platform has the best Stardew Valley multiplayer experience?
Most users agree that the PC version offers the smoothest multiplayer, though it’s still limited to other PC users without Stardew Valley crossplay.
Conclusion
Despite being one of the most cherished indie games of the past decade, Stardew Valley crossplay remains one of its most requested—but missing—features. Whether due to technical, logistical, or licensing hurdles, cross-platform multiplayer is not available as of now. However, there are still many ways to enjoy co-op farming with friends on the same system.
If you’re holding out hope for Stardew Valley crossplay in the future or perhaps in the next ConcernedApe title, you’re not alone. Until then, pick a common platform, gather your friends, and enjoy the relaxing rhythms of Pelican Town—together.