Stardew Valley does not have universal crossplay. Windows, macOS and Linux players can share farms across desktop versions, including Steam and GOG. Standard PC-to-console, PlayStation-to-Xbox and Nintendo-to-other-console sessions are not supported.
Mobile is the exception that needs careful wording. The regular Android and iOS release has a hidden experimental multiplayer mode that can join a PC-hosted farm by IP address. Stardew Valley+ on Apple Arcade does not include that experimental feature.
Compatibility at a glance
- Windows, macOS and Linux: compatible across desktop versions.
- Steam and GOG: compatible by invite code when the clients are running.
- PC and PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo: no standard crossplay.
- PlayStation and Xbox: no crossplay.
- Regular Android or iOS and PC: experimental connection by IP.
- Apple Arcade Stardew Valley+: experimental multiplayer unavailable.
- PS Vita: no multiplayer.
Matching version numbers is required for a supported pairing, but matching numbers cannot make an unsupported platform combination connect.
Set up a Steam and GOG farm
The host should launch through Steam or GOG Galaxy, open the save from Co-op, and set Server Mode to Online. Each guest needs a cabin. The host lives in the farmhouse, so a group of four needs three guest cabins.
Open the multiplayer options, select Show Invite Code, and send that code privately. Guests use Co-op, Join, then Enter Invite Code. If the option is missing, confirm both desktop clients are open and signed in, the save was loaded through Co-op, and the versions match.
Join from Android or iPhone
Back up the save before testing the experimental mobile mode. On the mobile title screen, tap the logo leaves up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right. Open the question-mark menu and close it to reveal Co-op, then choose Join and enter the PC host’s IP address.
The developer recommends a high-end mobile device on the same local Wi-Fi as a PC host. Mobile has no farm discovery, and cellular hosting can be unreliable. On iOS, permit local-network access if the first connection fails.
Understand Nintendo GameShare
Nintendo lists the Switch 2 Edition as a supported GameShare title. A Switch 2 can share compatible games locally with another Switch 2 or an original Switch. Online sharing through GameChat requires Switch 2 systems. GameShare is a game-sharing path, not proof of broad native crossplay between separately owned editions.
For a nearby group, the Switch 2 must be the system sharing the game, while either Switch generation can receive it. For players in different locations, every participant receiving an online GameShare session needs a Switch 2 because GameChat does not run on the original hardware. Nintendo Account, internet and service requirements can also apply to online features.
Separate multiplayer from save transfer
Manual PC-to-mobile save transfers let one player continue a farm on another installation. They do not let two platforms occupy that farm at the same time. Back up the complete save folder and confirm the receiving game is not older than the version that last wrote the save.
Fix a missing farm
- Load the host save through Co-op instead of the single-player menu.
- Build one cabin for each guest.
- Update every copy to the same game version.
- Keep Steam or GOG Galaxy open for desktop invite codes.
- Restart the game and devices before changing router settings.
- Check firewall access for the game on the host PC.
The farm save stays with the host, and guests need that host online to continue. Choose the host based on availability before the group invests hours in a new farm. Cross-save is separate: moving a save between PC and mobile transfers progress but does not create a live multiplayer connection.
