Stardew Valley works with PlayBound Connect two ways: host it yourself on your own PC, or run it on a PlayBound server. Self-hosting is the default — your party reaches the host over Connect's overlay network, so nobody forwards a port.
Your PC runs the game. Lowest latency, and your party reaches it over the PlayBound network — no port forwarding. The room ends when you quit.
Connect online multiplayer for local co-op games: the game runs on your PC; friends join with the link (keyboard & mouse by default, pads optional) ± game view.
| Max players | 8 |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| How PlayBound connects you | LAN-only (bridged over Connect) |
Most home connections can't accept inbound traffic, which is normally what breaks self-hosting. PlayBound Connect puts everyone in the party on one private network instead, so the host is directly reachable without opening anything on their router.
Stardew Valley works with PlayBound Connect two ways: host it yourself on your own PC, or run it on a PlayBound server. Self-hosting is the default — your party reaches the host over Connect's overlay network, so nobody forwards a port.
Stardew Valley supports up to 8 players in one session.
No. Party members reach a self-hosted room over PlayBound Connect's overlay network, which needs no port forwarding. A port is only mapped if you make the room publicly joinable to people outside your party.
Stardew Valley is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, though cross-play support isn't confirmed — check the game's own platform requirements before your party mixes systems.
Yes, for the modes above. Stardew Valley uses LAN-only (bridged over Connect) through PlayBound Connect.