Cross-play explained: how to game with friends on other platforms
Cross-play means players on different platforms can play together in the same match. It has gone from a rare feature to an expectation, but it still isn’t universal, and the way it’s switched on differs from game to game.
How to check a game supports it
Look at the store page first — most now list “cross-platform play” under features. If it isn’t mentioned, assume it isn’t supported. Some games support cross-play but not cross-progression, so your unlocks may not follow you between platforms.
Turning it on
- In-game: most titles have a cross-play toggle in the settings menu, often under “Online” or “Matchmaking”.
- Console-level: PlayStation and Xbox both have system privacy settings that can block cross-platform communication; check these if a friend can’t join your party.
- Friend codes: many games use their own friend system rather than the platform’s, so you may need to add each other inside the game.
Things to know
Controller and mouse players are sometimes placed in separate pools for fairness, so a PC friend may be matched with controller lobbies when they party up with you. Voice chat often uses the game’s own system rather than the platform party, and text chat may be filtered differently per platform.
If a game you play with friends is on your wishlist, check cross-play support before buying — it’s the single most common reason a group ends up unable to play together.
