Stardew Valley has grown into one of the most beloved indie games of all time. Its charming mix of farming, exploration, and community-building has captivated millions of players across PC, consoles, and mobile devices. But with so many platforms available, one of the most frequently asked questions is
“Is Stardew Valley cross-platform?”
In this guide, we’ll answer that question in detail, explain what cross-platform means, break down multiplayer support for each system, and provide updates as of 2025.
What Does “Cross-Platform” Mean?
Before diving into Stardew Valley’s specific case, let’s define what cross-platform gaming means.
- Cross-Platform Play (Cross-Play): When players on different platforms (e.g., PC and Xbox, or Switch and PS5) can play together in the same game session.
- Cross-Save (Save Transfer): The ability to use the same game save across multiple devices (e.g., starting on PC and continuing on mobile).
- Cross-Generation Play: Compatibility between old and new versions of the same console family (e.g., PS4 and PS5 players playing together).
With these terms in mind, let’s explore whether Stardew Valley supports cross-platform features.
Is Stardew Valley Cross-Platform?
The short answer is no, Stardew Valley is not cross-platform.
As of 2025, players can only enjoy multiplayer with others on the same platform. This means:
- PC players can only play with other PC players (Steam/GOG).
- Nintendo Switch players can only play with other Switch users.
- Xbox players can only play with Xbox players.
- PlayStation players can only play with PlayStation users.
- Mobile players (iOS/Android) currently cannot play multiplayer at all.
While the game does offer rich co-op experiences, it is limited by platform-specific restrictions.
Stardew Valley Cross-Platform Breakdown by System
Here’s a detailed look at how Stardew Valley works on each platform.
1. PC (Steam, GOG, Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Supports multiplayer up to 4 players.
- Works with both online and LAN play.
- Not cross-platform with console or mobile.
- Mods (such as SMAPI) further enhance co-op experiences.
2. Nintendo Switch
- Supports online co-op (Nintendo Switch Online required).
- Supports local wireless play (two or more Switch consoles nearby).
- No split-screen on Switch Lite (requires docked mode with controllers).
- Not cross-platform with PC, PlayStation, or Xbox.
3. PlayStation (PS4 & PS5)
- Multiplayer works online with a PS Plus subscription.
- Supports split-screen couch co-op introduced in version 1.5.
- PS4 and PS5 cross-generation multiplayer works.
- Not cross-platform with other console families or PC.
4. Xbox (Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S)
- Supports online multiplayer (requires Game Pass Ultimate/Xbox Live).
- Split-screen co-op is available.
- Cross-generation supported (Xbox One ↔ Xbox Series X|S).
- Not cross-platform with PC, PlayStation, or Switch.
5. Mobile (iOS & Android)
- Mobile versions are single-player only.
- As of 2025, multiplayer has not been added to iOS or Android.
- No cross-platform or cross-save support with PC/console.
Why Doesn’t Stardew Valley Have Cross-Platform Play?
There are a few key reasons why cross-platform hasn’t been implemented:
- Technical Complexity: Each platform has unique networking systems, making cross-platform syncing difficult.
- Licensing & Policy Restrictions: Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have historically placed barriers to cross-play integration.
- Small Development Team: Stardew Valley is primarily developed by Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, and while updates are frequent, cross-platform support requires major infrastructure.
- Focus on Content Updates: Development efforts have prioritized adding features like new farm types, NPC dialogue, festivals, and balance tweaks over cross-play.
While cross-platform isn’t available yet, Eric Barone’s dedication to expanding the game in other ways continues to impress fans. To see how his vision goes beyond current limitations, check out our feature on Why ConcernedApe’s Future Plans for Stardew Valley are a Gift to Gamers.
Is Cross-Save Available?
Unfortunately, Stardew Valley does not support cross-save between platforms. Your farm progress is tied to the system you play on.
For example:
- If you start a farm on PC, you can’t continue it on Switch or PlayStation.
- If you play on mobile, your progress stays on that device.
Some unofficial PC mods allow limited save transferring, but these are not officially supported.
Future of Stardew Valley Cross-Platform
As of 2025, there has been no official announcement from ConcernedApe regarding cross-platform play.
However, Stardew Valley continues to receive updates years after its release, and the developer is known for surprising the community with new features (such as the 1.6 update). While cross-platform is highly requested, it would require significant technical and licensing agreements to happen.
That said, Eric Barone is also working on his next game, Haunted Chocolatier, which may bring more modern features, potentially including cross-platform support.
Alternatives to Cross-Platform Play in Stardew Valley
If you want a multiplayer farming experience across different platforms, here are some alternatives:
- Farm Together (cross-platform PC, Xbox, and Switch).
- Minecraft (cross-platform across PC, consoles, and mobile).
- Core Keeper (supports multiplayer across PC and consoles).
While Stardew Valley remains platform-locked, these games provide similar cozy farming and building experiences with cross-play options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PC players play with console players?
No, PC players can only play with other PC users. Cross-platform is not supported.
Is Stardew Valley multiplayer on mobile?
No. Mobile versions are single-player only as of 2025.
Can PS4 and PS5 players play together?
Yes. Stardew Valley supports cross-generation play within PlayStation consoles.
Does Stardew Valley support split-screen?
Yes. On PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, you can play split-screen couch co-op with friends locally.
Will cross-platform ever come to Stardew Valley?
There’s no official confirmation. While it’s a highly requested feature, technical and licensing challenges make it uncertain.
Can I transfer my save from PC to Switch?
No, official cross-save is not supported. Saves are locked to their original platform.
Conclusion
So, is Stardew Valley cross-platform?
The answer is no—players on different platforms cannot farm together. Multiplayer functionality is limited to systems within the same family, and mobile versions are single-player only. While this may disappoint some, Stardew Valley still offers one of the most enjoyable co-op farming experiences when playing with friends on the same device ecosystem.
Features like split-screen, online co-op, and shared farms make it highly replayable and rewarding. For now, if you want to play with friends, make sure everyone is on the same platform. And who knows—future updates or new games from ConcernedApe might finally bring cross-platform farming to life.
Final Tip: If cross-platform play is a must-have for your group, consider alternatives like Minecraft or Farm Together, but if you’re looking for the coziest farming sim out there, Stardew Valley still reigns supreme.
