Start with restrictive permissions, agree on resource rules, and never market the session as a permanently shared farm or shared save.
Version 1.0 supports up to four players on one host island. Guests keep their own island progression, and some quests must be finished back on the guest’s island.
Choose the right join mode
Hosts can allow anyone, require approval, or use an Island Code/password.
- Use Island Code/password for a private group.
- Nintendo Switch 2 invitations require the code/password mode.
- Cross-platform multiplayer is not currently supported.
Review every permission group
Hosts can control crops, livestock, fishing, crafting, and other island resources.
- Move scarce quest and festival items before opening access.
- Grant one resource category at a time.
- Change access immediately if a rule is misunderstood.
Agree on farm and machine rules
Decide who may harvest crops, care for animals, refill processors, and take completed outputs.
- Keep breeding stock and rare crops protected.
- Use separate storage for shared materials.
- Tell guests which machines are part of an active quest chain.
Understand separate progression
Island Life and personal island progression are not shared even when activities and profession tasks are completed together.
- Guests should return home regularly.
- Check whether a quest step requires the player’s own island.
- Use Multiplayer Coins in the Multiplayer Shop; do not confuse them with Coins or Starsand.
Frequently asked questions
Does multiplayer create a shared save?
No. The session uses the host’s island, while each player retains separate island progression.
Is cross-play supported?
Not as of September 1, 2026. Do not promise cross-platform multiplayer until an official update confirms it.