How to play Nightingale crossplay between Steam and Epic with a Join Code

Steam and Epic players can play Nightingale together on PC with an official Join Code from a hosted game. Both players must use the current, up-to-date main version. Crossplay is supported, but progression between the two launchers should not be treated as universal cross-save.

Check these points before connecting

• Steam and Epic players can play together through Nightingale’s official Join Codes.
• The host selects Join Code in the connection options and shares the code from the Social tab.
• Epic’s Legacy Mode branch does not match the current main version.
• A character can join a friend’s realm and leave with its progression, without confirming complete synchronization between Steam and Epic accounts.
• With a listen server, the host must remain connected. A dedicated server is better for groups that play at different times.

Can Steam and Epic players play together?

Yes. The official February update announcement states that Join Codes enable crossplay between Steam and Epic players. The host creates a session, selects code-based connection mode, copies the code from the Social tab, and the other player enters it from the connection menu.

Both editions are Windows PC versions published by Inflexion Games. The official Nightingale Steam page lists the game in early access with online co-op, while the Epic Games Store confirms co-op and that an Epic ID is required.

Launch the current version on both storefronts

The first check is the game version. Epic offers Nightingale - Legacy Mode separately as the version from before the Realms Rebuilt update. If one player launches this branch while the other uses the current version, the invitation may fail before any network checks take place.

1. Open Steam or the Epic Games Store and install the main version of Nightingale.
2. Update the game on both computers before creating a session.
3. Close Legacy Mode if it is selected in the game properties on Epic.
4. Choose the appropriate mode: listen server for a quick session, dedicated server for a persistent world.
5. Use Join Code first, then try IP/LAN only if necessary.

No graphics setting or additional social account is needed to enable the announced crossplay. For the first test, keep the same host and avoid changing several settings at once.

Choose between a listen server and a dedicated server

For an evening between two friends, the listen server is the quickest choice. The game runs on the host’s PC and requires neither additional software nor a rental. The session ends when that host leaves the game.

A dedicated server serves a different purpose: everyone can return to the same realm when the PC owner is unavailable. The official announcement about playing with friends also explains that existing characters can join a friend’s realm and bring their progression back to their own world with Play Solo.

Test the Join Code before starting a long session

A two-minute test can reveal a mismatched version, an expired code, or a hosting problem before you prepare an expedition.

1. The host selects their character and chooses Host a Game.
2. In the connection options, they select Join Code.
3. They open the Social tab and send the code to the player using the other storefront.
4. The invited player opens Join a Game, enters the code, and waits to arrive in the realm.
5. Once together, check that both characters can move, open a chest, and enter a portal.
6. Leave the session properly, then relaunch Play Solo to confirm that the character keeps its equipment and progress.

The chest and portal provide a stronger check than simply seeing a friend in the game. Make a short test save before starting an important construction project. Nightingale remains in early access, and the Steam page reminds players that its features may still change.

What progression follows the character?

Nightingale’s co-op is built around the character brought into another player’s game. The official server announcement states that an existing character can join a friend’s realm and bring its progression back to its own world with Play Solo. The guest can therefore play, gather resources, and progress with their character during the shared session.

This rule does not automatically amount to full cross-save between Steam and Epic. Official sources confirm crossplay and the character’s movement into a shared realm, but do not document a general merger of saves, purchases, or profiles between the two storefronts. Keeping one primary launcher for solo progression is safer than buying the game again on the second storefront in the hope of recovering the entire save.

If crossplay does not work

Completely close the game on both PCs, relaunch the storefronts, and check for updates. Confirm that nobody is using Legacy Mode, then create a new Join Code. An old code copied into a conversation may no longer match the active session.

• If the code is rejected, the host should recreate the game and share the new code from Social.
• If the game is visible but disconnects, test the same host with a different character.
• If the direct connection fails, let the game use the Steam Datagram Relay announced for Join Codes.
• If you use IP/LAN, check the Windows firewall, the shared port, and the address entered.
• If the host leaves, a listen server disappears: switch to a dedicated server to keep the world accessible.

Do not permanently disable the firewall. Allow the game and server on the private network, then restore the usual rules. To follow connection changes, consult the official Nightingale announcements and the studio’s multiplayer information page.

When a dedicated server is worth using

The invitation code suits a one-off session: it avoids sharing an IP address and lets players quickly find the host. For groups of two or three whose schedules match, a listen server is generally enough.

A dedicated server becomes useful when the group wants to build a shared base or continue exploring without depending on one player. Official documentation explains that dedicated servers can be installed through Steam or SteamCMD on Windows and Linux. This solution requires managing an address, port, password, and server data.

For new releases and previously published features about co-op games, you can also browse jeu.vidéo’s practical gaming articles, gaming news, and the latest news.

Frequently asked questions

To keep following the topic, also read our article on GOALS: how to play crossplay between PC and PS5 and our article on ARK: Survival Ascended: how to play together on PC,.