Deep Rock Galactic, the co-op multiplayer game developed by Ghost Ship Games, has gained a massive following for its unique blend of action, strategy, and teamwork. One of the most requested features by players has been crossplay, allowing friends to team up and explore the caverns of hostile planets together, regardless of which platform they’re using. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Deep Rock Galactic crossplay, including how it works, which platforms are supported, and how it enhances the overall experience for players.
What is Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic?
Crossplay refers to the ability to play with other people across different gaming platforms, meaning players can connect, play, and progress together even if they’re on different consoles or PCs. In Deep Rock Galactic, this feature allows users from different ecosystems to team up and face the game’s challenges as a team, no matter whether they’re on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, or other supported platforms. The introduction of crossplay brings a level of convenience and excitement to the game, allowing players to connect with a broader pool of people and making matchmaking quicker and easier.
Platforms that Support Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
One of the key aspects that determine how well crossplay works in any game is platform compatibility. Deep Rock Galactic has implemented crossplay for certain platforms, but it’s important to know which combinations work and which do not.
Xbox and Microsoft Store (PC) Crossplay
For players on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and the Microsoft Store version on PC, crossplay is fully supported. This means that Xbox players can team up with their friends on PC without any issues, provided both are using the Microsoft Store version or Xbox. Thanks to the Xbox Play Anywhere program, players can seamlessly access their game and progress on both platforms, making it easy for users to switch between devices without losing any in-game achievements or data.
PlayStation Crossplay
At the moment, PlayStation players (PS4 and PS5) are excluded from crossplay with players on other platforms such as Xbox or PC. While PlayStation users can play together, cross-platform play is not possible between PlayStation and other ecosystems. This limitation can be frustrating for friends who own different consoles, but it’s something the developers have acknowledged and are working on addressing in future updates.
Steam and Crossplay Limitations
Unfortunately, players on Steam face some unique challenges when it comes to crossplay. The Steam version of Deep Rock Galactic does not support crossplay with players using Xbox or the Microsoft Store PC version. Steam users are limited to connecting only with other players on the Steam platform. This is one of the more significant barriers to seamless crossplay in the game and stems from platform-specific backends that are difficult to integrate across ecosystems.
Other Platforms & Future Updates
As of now, Deep Rock Galactic does not support crossplay for other platforms outside of Xbox, Microsoft Store (PC), and Steam. However, the game’s developers have indicated that they are exploring the possibility of expanding crossplay support to additional platforms, including full integration with PlayStation consoles. Players should keep an eye out for any future updates that may bring more crossplay features.
Crossplay Compatibility and Restrictions
While Deep Rock Galactic’s crossplay is a great feature, there are some limitations and compatibility issues that players should be aware of.
Technical Constraints
The backend systems for different platforms vary, which can sometimes make crossplay difficult to implement seamlessly. The differences in networking and online services across platforms like Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam add another layer of complexity. For instance, PlayStation’s ecosystem uses a completely different system compared to Xbox or PC, making it challenging to synchronize crossplay across all platforms.
Cross-Progression Across Platforms
Crossplay is one thing, but cross-progression is another. Deep Rock Galactic allows players to carry over their progress on the Xbox and Microsoft Store versions, but this doesn’t apply to Steam or PlayStation players. If you’re playing on Steam or PlayStation, your progress is limited to that platform, and it won’t carry over to other versions. This can be frustrating for players who want to switch platforms but keep their progress intact.
Crossplay with Mods
Modding is one of the key selling points for Steam users, as it provides access to a wealth of community-created content that can enhance the game. However, mods can create compatibility issues with crossplay. Players using mods may face problems connecting with others who are playing on consoles or without mods, as the game’s files can differ significantly. This means that crossplay with mods is not feasible in most cases.
How Crossplay Enhances the Deep Rock Galactic Experience
The addition of crossplay has brought several benefits to Deep Rock Galactic, making the game more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
Expanding Multiplayer Pools
One of the most significant advantages of crossplay is that it expands the pool of available players. With players from different platforms able to team up, the game becomes much easier to play, especially during off-peak hours when matchmaking can be slow. Crossplay ensures that players will always have others to team up with, no matter which platform they use.
Global Player Base and Matchmaking
Crossplay also has a significant impact on matchmaking times. By uniting players across different regions and platforms, the game’s matchmaking system can work more efficiently. This ensures faster game starts, reducing wait times for players.
Friends and Social Play
Crossplay removes the barrier of platform exclusivity. This means that no matter what device your friends are using, you can still join forces and play together. Whether you’re on PC and your friends are on Xbox, the ability to play together without worrying about which platform they’re on makes Deep Rock Galactic a much more inclusive experience.
The Future of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
As Deep Rock Galactic continues to evolve, there’s a chance that the game’s developers will expand crossplay support to include more platforms and improve the current limitations. While there’s no official timeline for this expansion, the game’s popularity and player feedback could push for further improvements.
The most significant hope among players is that PlayStation will eventually become part of the crossplay ecosystem, allowing even more people to join the fun. The developers have already expressed interest in improving crossplay, so it’s only a matter of time before we see even more crossplay capabilities in future updates.
Common Crossplay Issues and How to Solve Them
While crossplay can enhance the experience, it’s not without its issues. Players may encounter problems like invite errors, matchmaking failures, or even technical glitches that prevent crossplay from working smoothly. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Crossplay Invite Problems
If you’re having trouble sending or receiving crossplay invitations, ensure both players have enabled cross-network play settings. Also, check if both players are using compatible versions of the game (e.g., Xbox Live for Xbox players and Microsoft Store for PC players).
Technical Glitches
Sometimes, players may experience lag, disconnections, or other technical issues when trying to play across platforms. These problems can often be fixed by restarting the game, checking for server outages, or troubleshooting internet connectivity.
Crossplay Settings Not Working
If you can’t enable crossplay settings, ensure that your game is up to date and that both players are using the same version of Deep Rock Galactic. Sometimes, a simple patch or update can resolve compatibility issues.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Deep Rock Galactic crossplay significantly enhances the game’s multiplayer experience, bringing together players from different platforms and allowing them to enjoy the game without worrying about which device they’re on. While there are still limitations, such as the lack of crossplay for PlayStation players and the challenges of modding, the game has made strides in fostering a more connected and inclusive gaming environment. With more updates on the horizon, crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic is likely to continue improving, making it easier for players to team up and enjoy the game together, regardless of their platform.
FAQs
1. Does Deep Rock Galactic support crossplay between all platforms?
No, Deep Rock Galactic currently supports crossplay between Xbox, Microsoft Store (PC), and Steam. However, PlayStation players cannot crossplay with players on other platforms yet.
2. Can I play with my friends if one of us is on Steam and the other is on Xbox?
Yes, players on Steam and Xbox (Microsoft Store) can play together. However, Steam users cannot play with PlayStation or other non-Microsoft platforms.
3. Is my progress shared across platforms with crossplay?
No, cross-progression is only supported between Xbox and Microsoft Store versions. If you switch platforms, your progress won’t carry over between Steam and PlayStation.
4. How do I enable crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic?
To enable crossplay on Xbox or Microsoft Store (PC), ensure Cross-Network Play is allowed in your privacy settings. Unfortunately, PlayStation does not yet support crossplay.
5. Are there any issues with crossplay when using mods?
Yes, crossplay with mods can cause compatibility issues, especially for Steam users. Mods on Steam may prevent players from connecting with those on other platforms due to different game files.
