Get the Xbox Game Preview Build
Get GRAVHOUNDS (Game Preview) from the Xbox store for Xbox Series X|S or Xbox on PC. The US listing shows a $19.99 purchase route and Game Pass availability, with cloud play included through Game Pass Ultimate.
Choose Your Device and Access Route
- Open GRAVHOUNDS (Game Preview) on the Xbox store to reach the console and Xbox PC product listing.
- Check the listed device against where you intend to play, choosing the Xbox Series X|S or PC route as appropriate.
- Inspect your available Game Pass entitlement before buying, so you can see whether your subscription already provides access.
- Choose the purchase or subscription installation offered for your device after checking access and the displayed price.
For cloud play, the listing includes the game with Game Pass Ultimate. Streaming through Game Pass Essential or Premium requires a game purchase. Check the wording for the route you intend to use before treating a subscription option as access to the game itself.
Compare Xbox Game Preview With Steam
| Option | Access and Release State |
|---|---|
| Xbox Series X|S | Xbox store Game Preview release. The US listing shows a $19.99 purchase price and Game Pass availability. |
| Xbox on Windows PC | Available through the Xbox Game Preview listing. PC Game Pass players can play with Xbox console players. |
| Steam on Windows | Paid Early Access release. The US store shows $14.99 with a 25% discount from $19.99. |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming | Cloud play is included with Game Pass Ultimate. Essential or Premium streaming requires purchasing the game. |
Xbox calls the release Game Preview, while Steam calls it Early Access. The Xbox description identifies an unfinished game and says that changes or a final release are not guaranteed. Base your purchase on the current game and check the price displayed by your chosen store.
Check Which Friends Can Play Together
Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC support crossplay with each other. Steam players currently form a separate multiplayer community. The Xbox cross-platform labels therefore cover Xbox console and Xbox PC play; they do not provide a connection to Steam.
| Player Pair | Can Play Together |
|---|---|
| Xbox Series console and Xbox on PC | Yes. Crossplay is supported between these Xbox versions. |
| Xbox console and PC Game Pass | Yes. These players can join the same multiplayer community. |
| Steam and Steam | Yes. Steam players can play together. |
| Steam and Xbox Series console | No. Steam-to-Xbox crossplay is currently unavailable. |
| Steam and Xbox on PC | No. Using a PC does not connect the separate Steam and Xbox communities. |
Check Your PC Storefront Before Installing
- Check whether your GRAVHOUNDS copy is in Steam or the Xbox/Microsoft Store app to identify which PC build you use.
- Ask your friends to name their storefront as well as their device, so everyone can compare the actual editions.
- Match the group's editions against the crossplay table before buying or installing; Xbox PC can join Xbox consoles, while Steam stays separate.
- Choose compatible editions before arranging the session, so storefront differences do not become a surprise when you try to join.
Compare Platform Features
The Xbox listing includes Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox cloud saves, achievements, and Xbox cross-platform co-op. Steam lists single-player, online co-op, and full controller support. On PC, the game is playable with either a controller or mouse and keyboard.
Check the Steam Windows Minimum Requirements
| Option | Steam Windows Minimum |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10, 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-7600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 590 |
| DirectX | DirectX 12 |
| Storage | 10 GB available space |
| Network listing | Broadband internet connection |
Demo Progress, Offline Play, and Joining Friends
- Does demo progress carry into Early Access?
- No. The developer stated that demo progress would not transfer into Early Access. The earlier demo contained two solar systems and seven planets, while the Early Access launch announced seven solar systems and 25 planets. Treat the demo and the released Early Access or Game Preview build as separate stages when planning your return.
- Can I continue a solo save with friends?
- Yes. Saves can continue between offline single-player and online play with friends on the same device. The developer also notes that Steam cloud saves require internet access.
- How do I find a multiplayer session?
- Browse available public sessions, host your own public game, or restrict a hosted session to friends. GRAVHOUNDS uses player-hosted sessions rather than an automated quick-match queue. For PC games, the developer recommends a host with a capable system in a nearby region.
- What should we try if joining fails?
- Check the storefront pairing first, particularly when everyone says they are playing on PC. For a compatible group having connection trouble, return to the main menu and reconnect. If the problem persists, ask the host to recreate the session.
- Is Steam-to-Xbox crossplay planned?
- Yes. A developer response says Steam-to-Xbox crossplay is planned during Early Access. It remains a planned addition, so use the currently supported pairings when deciding which edition your group needs.