Stardew Valley is a cozy game! You can farm, fish, and meet fun villagers here. But is Stardew crossplay? I know that’s why you came here. The game feels perfect for playing with friends. So I made this simple guide on Stardew crossplay status. Keep reading to find out more.
Stardew’s fun comes from its personal touch. I feel like I’m building my own small world. I love planting crops with my sister. We laugh when we mess up fishing. I enjoy giving Shane a hot pepper to make him like me. Every choice feels personal. Picking a farm layout or choosing who to date shapes my story. The game pulls you in with its calm feel. There is always something to do.
So, let’s address the is Stardew crossplay question. I will dig into whether you can farm with pals on different systems, and what multiplayer options exist. Plus, I’ll cover platforms, cross-save details, and more to keep your Pelican Town dreams alive. But let’s start with the main query.
Is Stardew Crossplay?
Stardew Valley supports limited crossplay, but only between PC and Mac or PC and mobile (iOS/Android) as of the 1.6 update in 2024. You can’t play across consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, nor between consoles and PC.
The reason lies in technical barriers. Developer Eric Barone, aka ConcernedApe, noted in 2018 that crossplay is tough due to different codebases across platforms. The small team, mostly Barone, focuses on content updates, like 1.6’s new festivals, rather than syncing consoles for crossplay. The PC-to-mobile crossplay added in 1.6 uses a shared codebase, making it feasible, but consoles like PS4 or Xbox run separate systems.
Hosting a Stardew Valley crossplay game between PC and mobile requires a server, like Shockbyte, and the same game version (1.6 or higher). Mobile multiplayer is experimental, so expect bugs, and you’ll need the host’s IP address to join. While full crossplay isn’t here, Barone’s openness to exploring it keeps hope alive for future updates.
Is Stardew Valley Multiplayer?
Now we know Stardew Valley crossplay is limited to PC and Mac or PC and mobile, but is it multiplayer? Yes, Stardew Valley has co-op. You can play with up to eight players on PC. Consoles allow up to four players. You can host a farm or join as a farmhand. Players can split tasks like planting or mining. It’s a blast to share the workload, like when I tend crops while my friend fights slimes in the mines.
To start, go to the Co-Op option from the main menu, select Host New Farm or join via an invite code or IP address. You need the same platform (e.g., all on PS4 or all on Switch) unless you’re on PC/Mac or PC/mobile. Consoles require online subscriptions like PS Plus or Nintendo Switch Online for remote play, but local split-screen is free. The host holds the save file, so farmhands can’t play if the host is offline.
Multiplayer makes Stardew’s world livelier, think festivals with friends or chaotic coop-building sessions. Even without full crossplay, same-platform co-op is seamless and fun. I love teaming up for the Stardew Valley Fair, showing off my crops with pals. If you’re on the same system, you’re set for a comfy group adventure.
Also, read Is MultiVersus Crossplay? We Finally Have the Answer
Where Can You Play Stardew Valley?
Stardew Valley runs on many platforms. This wide support also changes how multiplayer works. Here’s a quick list of where you can play:
PC
You can play Stardew Valley on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It works through Steam, GOG, or the Windows 10 Store. You need 2GB of RAM and 500MB of storage.
PlayStation
You can play on PS4 and PS5 (through backward compatibility). You need 500MB of storage and PS Plus for online play.
Xbox
You can play on Xbox One and Series X/S (through backward compatibility). You need Xbox Live Gold and 500MB of storage.
Nintendo Switch
It supports both local and online co-op. You need a Nintendo Switch Online account and 500MB of storage.
Mobile
You can play on iOS and Android. Stardew Valley Crossplay with PC may be possible with the 1.6 update. You need 500MB of storage.
PS Vita is no longer supported. There is no confirmed version for Nintendo Switch 2, but backward compatibility is likely.
Does Stardew Valley Have Cross-Save?
Yes. Stardew Valley supports cross-save. But it is only between PC and mobile. You can transfer save files using a file manager app. Copy the save folder from your PC’s %appdata%/StardewValley/Saves to your mobile device’s Stardew folder.
Stardew Valley cross-save doesn’t work between consoles. It not available between PC and consoles either. This comes due to platform restrictions. Always back up your save file before transferring, as the 1.6 mobile multiplayer guide on Stardew Valley warns of experimental bugs. If you switch devices often, stick to PC or mobile for flexibility.
Also, read Is Mecha Break Crossplay: Everything You Need to Know
Wrapping Up
That’s all about the “is Stardew crossplay” question. I hope it’s cleared your confusion. Though crossplay is limited to PC/Mac and PC/mobile, you can still enjoy multiplayer on the same platform or cross-save between PC and mobile.
Check my other articles for more gaming tips, and comment if I missed something you want covered. Dive into the FAQs for more on Stardew crossplay!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I play Stardew Valley multiplayer without crossplay?
Yes, you can play co-op with up to eight players on PC. You can play with up to four players on consoles. Everyone must use the same platform. Host a farm via the “Co-Op” menu and share the invite code. Local split-screen works without internet.
2. How do I set up PC-to-mobile crossplay in Stardew Valley?
Use a server like Shockbyte. Make sure all players are on version 1.6 or higher. Unlock mobile multiplayer by tapping the title screen leaves in this order: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, then “?” button. Enter the host’s IP address to join.
3. Why doesn’t Stardew Valley have full crossplay?
Different platforms use separate codebases, making crossplay complex. Small team of ConcernedApe prioritizes content updates over syncing consoles.
4. Will Stardew Valley’s next update add console crossplay?
No announcements confirm console crossplay for future updates. ConcernedApe mentioned technical barriers in 2018. His focus seems to be on new projects like Haunted Chocolatier.
5. Is split-screen multiplayer available on all Stardew platforms?
Yes. Split-screen co-op works on PC and consoles. It supports up to four players. Connect extra controllers and select “Start Local Co-Op” in the Options menu. No internet or crossplay is needed.