Is Core Keeper cross-platform? Partly. As of October 2026, PC players can play with other PC players whichever store they bought it from (Steam, Epic, GOG or Microsoft Store). Crossplay also works inside the Xbox family and inside the PlayStation family. What you can't do is mix console and PC. The publisher says there are currently no plans for that.
So the quick test is simple: if everyone's on PC, you're fine. If anyone's on a console, everybody needs to be in the same console family. Here's the breakdown for a split friend group.
Core Keeper crossplay: who can play with who
| Pairing | Play together? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PC ↔ PC (Steam, Epic, GOG, Microsoft Store) | Yes | Non-Steam copies: turn crossplay on in the Gameplay settings |
| Xbox One ↔ Xbox Series X|S | Yes | Same device family |
| PS4 ↔ PS5 | Yes | Same device family |
| Console ↔ PC | No | No current plans to add it |
| PlayStation ↔ Xbox | No | Different console brands don't mix |
| Switch ↔ anything else | No | Switch players stick to Switch |
The publisher, Fireshine Games, spells out the PC and console-family rules in its support FAQ. PC crossplay runs on PlayFab, and you don't need an extra account or sign-up for it.
Is Core Keeper crossplay between PC and console?
No. This is the question people keep asking, and the answer is a flat no. Xbox with PC, PlayStation with PC, Switch with PC: none of them work, and the publisher says there are currently no plans to introduce it. If you've seen a forum post promising a trick, I wouldn't bank on it.
Core Keeper crossplay on PC
The PC side is the good news. Steam, Epic, GOG and Microsoft Store copies can all join each other. If you're not on Steam, check that crossplay is switched on in the Gameplay settings before you try to join, because that's the usual reason a friend can't get in.
Core Keeper crossplay on Xbox, PlayStation and Switch
Consoles cross over by family. Xbox One and Xbox Series players can play together, and PS4 and PS5 players can play together. Xbox to PlayStation isn't supported. Nintendo Switch doesn't pair with anyone, so a Switch player should expect to play with other Switch players only.
One thing that catches people out: buying the game on one platform doesn't unlock it on another. If you want to play on a second platform, you need to buy it for that platform. And don't count on your progress carrying over to the new one.
How to join a friend's Core Keeper game
Joining a friend runs on a Game ID that the host shares.
- Host: start the game, pick your world and character, then press Escape.
- Host: choose "Copy game ID" (top left) and send it to your friends.
- Friend: pick "Join Game" on the main menu, paste the ID into "Enter Game ID", and hit join.
If anyone's playing a PC copy from outside Steam, make sure crossplay is on in their Gameplay settings. If a console friend can't get in, double-check that you're both in the same family.
Core Keeper dedicated servers
Dedicated servers are a PC thing. The Steam page lists hosting your own dedicated server as a feature, and the server tool shows up in your Steam Library under the Tools filter. Start it, it gives you a Game ID, and players join with Join Game like normal. Console players can't join a PC dedicated server, in line with the no console-to-PC rule.
Steam players are the safe bet. If some of your group own Epic, GOG or Microsoft Store copies, test it before you pay for a rented server. Reports of non-Steam players getting turned away have been mixed, and it's not something I'd promise.
How many players can join?
Up to 8 on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Nintendo Switch is capped at 4. Steam describes it as 2-8 player drop-in, drop-out online co-op, so friends can come and go without restarting the world.
Which route for your group
- Everyone on PC: share a Game ID, crossplay on. Easiest.
- Everyone on Xbox, or everyone on PlayStation: you're set, and it doesn't matter which generation each of you has.
- Mixed PC and console: pick one side. Either the console players buy it on PC, or the PC players buy it for the console. Remember that each platform is a separate purchase.
- Xbox plus PlayStation: same story. One side has to move.
- Anyone on Switch: keep the group on Switch, and remember the 4-player cap.
If you're sorting out another game for the same group, I covered the same question for Terraria, Valheim and 7 Days to Die. And if Core Keeper's dig-and-build loop is what you like, my lists of games like Terraria and games like Enshrouded have more to try.