Can PS4 and Xbox One Players Play Together? A Comprehensive Guide to Cross-Platform Gaming

Cross-platform play, also known as crossplay, is a feature that allows players on different gaming platforms to play together simultaneously. Imagine teaming up with your friends who own a PlayStation 4 while you’re gaming on your Xbox One, or vice versa. This eliminates the frustration of being unable to play with friends simply because you own different consoles. While it wasn’t always possible, crossplay has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, opening up a whole new world of gaming possibilities. This article delves into the world of cross-platform play between PS4 and Xbox One, exploring its limitations, available games, and how to get started.

The Reality of PS4 and Xbox One Crossplay

It’s important to understand that direct, universal crossplay between all PS4 and Xbox One games isn’t a standard feature. Sony and Microsoft historically had different approaches to crossplay, although both companies have become more receptive to it over time. The technical aspects of enabling crossplay are complex, but the primary hurdle has often been business decisions rather than technical limitations.

The Key Takeaway: Don’t expect every game to support crossplay between PS4 and Xbox One. It’s a game-by-game decision made by the developers and publishers, often requiring agreements with both Sony and Microsoft.

Games That Support PS4 and Xbox One Crossplay

While not universal, a growing list of games supports crossplay between PS4 and Xbox One. These games typically involve online multiplayer components where cross-platform interaction enhances the player base and overall experience. Here are some notable examples:

* Fortnite: Epic Games’ battle royale phenomenon was one of the first major games to fully embrace crossplay. Players on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile can all play together.
* Call of Duty: Modern Warfare / Warzone / Modern Warfare II / Modern Warfare III: The Call of Duty franchise has implemented crossplay, allowing players on different platforms to compete in multiplayer matches and Warzone.
* Rocket League: This vehicular soccer game has been a strong proponent of crossplay since its early days. Players on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC can seamlessly play together.
* Minecraft: The Bedrock Edition of Minecraft supports crossplay across various platforms, including PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile.
* Apex Legends: This popular battle royale game allows PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC players to team up and compete against each other.
* Dauntless: This free-to-play monster hunting game allows players across PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC to hunt together.
* Genshin Impact: This open-world RPG allows cross-platform play between PS4, PC, and mobile devices (though it isn’t cross-save with Xbox).
* Fall Guys: This colorful battle royale game allows crossplay between PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox consoles.
* Dead by Daylight: This asymmetrical horror game enables crossplay between PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
* Borderlands 3: This looter-shooter RPG has crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

This is not an exhaustive list, and new games are being added regularly. It’s always best to check the specific game’s documentation or website to confirm whether crossplay is supported and which platforms are included.

How to Determine if a Game Supports Crossplay

Before purchasing or playing a game with friends on different consoles, verify that it supports crossplay. Here are several ways to check:

* Game Website or Store Page: The game’s official website or the PlayStation Store/Microsoft Store often explicitly states whether crossplay is supported and which platforms are compatible.
* In-Game Settings: Many games with crossplay have an option in the settings menu to enable or disable the feature. If you see such an option, it’s a good indication that the game supports crossplay.
* Online Forums and Communities: Gaming forums, Reddit, and other online communities are excellent resources for finding information about crossplay compatibility. Search for the game’s name along with “crossplay” to see if other players have confirmed it.
* Gaming News Websites: Reputable gaming news websites often publish articles and lists of games that support crossplay.

Enabling Crossplay on PS4 and Xbox One

Once you’ve confirmed that a game supports crossplay, you’ll typically need to enable it in the game’s settings. The specific steps may vary slightly depending on the game, but here’s a general guide:

For PlayStation 4

1. Launch the Game: Start the game that supports crossplay.
2. Navigate to Settings: Go to the game’s settings menu. This is usually found on the main menu or within the gameplay options.
3. Find Crossplay Settings: Look for an option labeled “Crossplay,” “Cross-Platform Play,” or something similar. It might be located under “Online,” “Multiplayer,” or “Account” settings.
4. Enable Crossplay: Toggle the setting to enable crossplay. Some games may require you to restart the game for the changes to take effect.
5. Link Accounts (If Required): Some games require you to link your PlayStation Network account to an account specific to the game or publisher (e.g., an Epic Games account for Fortnite). Follow the in-game instructions to link your accounts.
6. Add Friends: Depending on the game, you may need to add your friends using their in-game usernames or IDs. This usually involves searching for their usernames and sending friend requests.

For Xbox One

1. Launch the Game: Start the game that supports crossplay.
2. Navigate to Settings: Go to the game’s settings menu, typically found on the main menu or within the gameplay options.
3. Find Crossplay Settings: Look for an option labeled “Crossplay,” “Cross-Platform Play,” or something similar. It might be located under “Online,” “Multiplayer,” or “Account” settings.
4. Enable Crossplay: Toggle the setting to enable crossplay. Some games may require you to restart the game for the changes to take effect.
5. Check Xbox Live Privacy Settings: Ensure that your Xbox Live privacy settings allow crossplay communication. To do this:
* Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
* Go to “Settings” > “Account” > “Privacy & online safety” > “Xbox Live privacy” > “View details & customize” > “Communication & multiplayer.”
* Make sure “You can play with people outside of Xbox Live” is set to “Allow.”
6. Link Accounts (If Required): Some games require you to link your Xbox Live account to an account specific to the game or publisher (e.g., an Epic Games account for Fortnite). Follow the in-game instructions to link your accounts.
7. Add Friends: Depending on the game, you may need to add your friends using their in-game usernames or IDs. This usually involves searching for their usernames and sending friend requests.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

While crossplay offers numerous benefits, there are also some potential challenges and considerations to keep in mind:

* Account Linking: As mentioned earlier, many crossplay games require you to link your console account (PlayStation Network or Xbox Live) to a separate account specific to the game or publisher. This can be a minor inconvenience, but it’s necessary for the game to identify and connect you with players on other platforms.
* Communication Barriers: In some cases, in-game voice chat may not be fully cross-platform compatible. This means that you might not be able to communicate with your friends on other consoles using the game’s built-in voice chat. You may need to use a third-party voice chat application like Discord to communicate.
* Input Methods: A frequent argument against crossplay is the advantage PC players may have over console players due to keyboard and mouse vs. controller. Some games will separate the queues based on input method, and some won’t. This can result in a less-than-fair playing field, depending on the game.
* Game Updates and Patches: Occasionally, game updates and patches may be released at different times for different platforms. This can temporarily disrupt crossplay functionality until all platforms are updated.
* Social Features: The social features (friends lists, party systems, etc.) of the different consoles can sometimes be a barrier. You often have to use the game’s internal social system rather than your console’s native friends list to connect with cross-platform players.

Troubleshooting Crossplay Issues

If you encounter problems with crossplay, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

* Verify Crossplay is Enabled: Double-check that crossplay is enabled in the game’s settings on both consoles.
* Check Account Linking: Ensure that your console account is properly linked to the game or publisher account, if required.
* Restart the Game and Consoles: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
* Update the Game: Make sure that both consoles are running the latest version of the game.
* Check Network Connection: Ensure that both consoles have a stable internet connection.
* Review Privacy Settings: As described above, check your Xbox Live privacy settings to ensure that crossplay communication is allowed.
* Contact Game Support: If you’ve tried all the above steps and are still experiencing issues, contact the game’s support team for assistance.

The Future of Crossplay

The trend towards crossplay is likely to continue in the future. As more and more games embrace cross-platform play, it will become increasingly seamless and commonplace. This will benefit players by expanding the player base, reducing matchmaking times, and allowing friends on different platforms to play together more easily.

Furthermore, advancements in technology and infrastructure will likely address some of the challenges associated with crossplay, such as communication barriers and input method disparities. We may see more sophisticated solutions that automatically balance the playing field based on input devices or that provide more seamless cross-platform voice chat.

Benefits of Crossplay

Crossplay offers several significant benefits for gamers:

* Expanded Player Base: Crossplay combines the player bases of different platforms, resulting in larger online communities and faster matchmaking times. This is especially beneficial for games with smaller player populations.
* Playing with Friends on Different Platforms: The most obvious benefit is the ability to play with friends who own different consoles. This eliminates the frustration of being unable to play together simply because you have different hardware.
* Increased Game Longevity: Crossplay can extend the lifespan of a game by keeping the player base active for longer. This is particularly important for games that rely on online multiplayer.
* More Competitive Matches: A larger player base means a wider range of skill levels, leading to more competitive and engaging matches.

Conclusion

Crossplay between PS4 and Xbox One is a reality for a growing number of games. While it’s not a universal feature, many popular titles now support cross-platform play, allowing players to team up and compete regardless of their console preference. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily enable crossplay and start playing with your friends on different platforms. As crossplay continues to evolve, it promises to enhance the gaming experience for players around the world.

Remember to always check the specific game’s documentation to confirm crossplay support and to follow the in-game instructions for enabling the feature and adding friends. With a little effort, you can break down the platform barriers and enjoy seamless multiplayer gaming with your friends, no matter which console they own. Keep an eye out for announcements of new games supporting crossplay, and embrace the future of connected gaming!