What Are Cross Platform Games?

Cross platform games (also called crossplay games) are titles that work across different devices. This means players on PC, console, or even mobile can join the same game together. For example, a person on Xbox can play with someone on PlayStation or PC in a crossplay-supported game. These games that are cross platform break down the walls between systems. The result is a unified player community instead of separate silos on each platform.

How does it work? Developers create a common online environment for all platforms. The game’s servers treat everyone equally, regardless of device. So games that are cross platform allow you to team up with friends even if one has a PS5 and another has a gaming PC. This wasn’t always common in the past, but now it’s a standard feature in many titles.

Why Cross Platform Multiplayer Games Matter

Cross platform multiplayer games are more than a buzzword – they are changing the gaming landscape. The biggest benefit is playing with friends no matter what hardware they own. You don’t have to buy the same console just to play together. A PC gamer can hop into matches with a console gamer easily. This freedom unites players and makes the gaming community feel smaller and more connected.

There’s also a huge player pool in cross platform games. When all players join one big lobby, matchmaking is faster and multiplayer modes stay active. No platform gets a population shortage. According to industry stats, games with cross-platform features see 25% higher player retention on average. Players stick around longer because their friends are there and finding a match is easy. In short, cross platform games keep communities alive and thriving.

Developers see advantages too. A larger audience means more potential players and revenue. Fortnite’s success proved this – it has over 30 million people playing daily across all platforms. This massive reach came from embracing crossplay on console, PC, and even mobile. Other games noticed and followed suit. Nearly 95% of major game studios now implement cross-platform features which make crossplay the new normal in multiplayer design.

What Games Are Cross Platform? Popular Titles to Play

Many popular cross platform games are available today. It’s impossible to list all cross platform games here, but below are some of the biggest and most beloved titles:

• Fortnite: Battle royale game with crossplay on consoles, PC and mobile.
• Call of Duty: Warzone: Free shooter; supports cross platform play between PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
• Minecraft (Bedrock Edition): Creative survival game; players on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, PC, and mobile can build together.
• Rocket League: Arcade soccer with cars; fully cross platform on consoles and PC.
• Apex Legends: Team-based battle royale; supports crossplay on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch.
• Overwatch 2: Hero shooter; cross platform multiplayer on PC and console (with input-based matchmaking).
• Among Us: Party/social game; play together whether on mobile, PC, or console.
• Destiny 2: Online sci-fi shooter; cross platform on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
• Roblox: Creative game platform; players on PC, mobile, and Xbox can join the same games.

These are just a few examples of games that are cross platform. New titles are joining the crossplay club every year. From competitive shooters to creative sandbox games, cross platform multiplayer is becoming standard. If you’re wondering what games are cross platform these days, chances are any big multiplayer release will have some level of crossplay support.

Not every game is cross platform, of course. Some older or exclusive titles still separate players by platform. However, the trend is clear – more games are embracing crossplay so gamers can play together. The list of good cross platform games keeps growing as developers see how much players love this feature.

Cross Platform Games on PS5 and Xbox

Can PS5 and Xbox players play together? Yes. Most cross platform games on PS5 and Xbox let console players join the same matches. This means a person with a PlayStation 5 can team up (or compete) with someone on an Xbox Series X|S. This was unheard of in past console generations but is common now.

What games are cross platform PS5 and Xbox? Many of the top multiplayer games support this. For example, Fortnite, Call of Duty (Warzone and recent titles), Rocket League, Apex Legends, Overwatch 2, Minecraft, and Destiny 2 all allow PS5 and Xbox users to play together. In sports games, titles like FIFA (EA Sports FC) and NBA 2K have added crossplay between these consoles as well.

Even if a game is on both PS5 and Xbox, it needs crossplay enabled by the developers. Luckily, most big releases in the last few years check this box. Gamers can buy their preferred console and still not miss out on playing with friends. Cross platform games on Xbox and PS5 ensure that your multiplayer crew isn’t split up by console choice.

(Note: PS5 and Xbox players usually need to have accounts (like Activision ID for Call of Duty or Epic Account for Fortnite) to party up across platforms. But the process is generally simple once the game supports crossplay.)

Cross Platform Games on PS4 and Xbox One

You might ask: what games are cross platform PS4 and Xbox? The good news is that crossplay isn’t only for the newest consoles. PS4 and Xbox One players can also enjoy many cross platform multiplayer games. In fact, most games that support PS5/Xbox Series X|S crossplay also include the previous generation.

For example, Fortnite, Rocket League, Warzone, Apex Legends, Minecraft, and Overwatch all work between PS4 and Xbox One. A player on an older PlayStation 4 can squad up with a friend on Xbox One in these games. This extends the life of older consoles by keeping their online communities active. Cross platform games (Xbox and PS4) connect last-gen players with others on different systems, which is great if not everyone has upgraded to PS5 or Series X yet.

Do note that very latest releases in 2025 and beyond might skip the old consoles. If a new game only launches on PS5 and Series X, then PS4/Xbox One won’t have it at all. But among the huge library of existing titles, there are plenty of cross platform games Xbox One and PS4 can share. Gamers on last-gen hardware can still play with friends on another platform without issue.

Cross Platform Games on PS5 and PC

Crossplay isn’t just for consoles – PC gamers are a big part of the mix. Cross platform games on PS5 and PC let computer and console players join forces. This is common in many genres, especially shooters and RPGs. PC players often enjoy the precision of a mouse, while console players relax with a controller, but crossplay bridges that gap.

Can PS5 and PC play together? Absolutely. Many top titles have PC-PlayStation crossplay. For instance, Call of Duty (Modern Warfare II, Warzone), Fortnite, Apex Legends, Overwatch 2, and Rocket League all put PS5 and PC users in the same matches. Final Fantasy XIV is another great example – this MMO has let PC and PlayStation players adventure together for years.

Some games are even PC/PS exclusive in their crossplay. Genshin Impact allows cross platform co-op between PC, PlayStation, and mobile (though it’s not on Xbox). Meanwhile, Street Fighter 6 launched with crossplay connecting PC, PS5, and Xbox players in one fighting game community.

If you’re primarily a PC gamer, cross platform support means you can play with console friends without buying a console. Likewise, PS5 players can enjoy competitive scenes that include PC opponents. It’s important for balance – some games will separate mouse/keyboard and controller players in ranked modes for fairness. But in casual play, the more the merrier. Cross platform games (PS5, PC) ensure no one is left out based on their device.

Free Cross Platform Games

Looking for free cross platform games to play with friends? There are plenty of excellent choices that won’t cost you a dime. Free-to-play titles have been pioneers in crossplay because they thrive on large communities. Here are some of the top free games that are cross platform:

• Fortnite: Completely free battle royale; crossplay on console, PC, mobile. It’s one of the biggest games in the world with a huge cross-platform player base.
• Call of Duty: Warzone: Free Call of Duty battle royale mode; supports full crossplay between PC and consoles.
• Apex Legends: Free hero-based battle royale; cross platform multiplayer on PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Switch, and PC.
• Rocket League: Now free-to-play; cross platform car soccer on consoles and PC.
• Destiny 2: Base game is free; allows cross platform play on Xbox, PlayStation, PC (you can raid or compete in Crucible together).
• Genshin Impact: Free action RPG; crossplay between PC, PlayStation, and mobile devices.
• Roblox: Free game platform; cross platform on Xbox, PC, and mobile (and likely coming to PlayStation).
• Fall Guys: Party battle royale (now free); cross platform across PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch.

These free cross platform games offer hours of fun without any upfront cost. They are perfect to try out crossplay with friends. Since they’re free, everyone can download and jump in quickly – no barrier to entry. Just keep in mind some require creating a free account (Epic Games account for Fortnite, etc.) to enable cross-platform friends lists. Once that’s set up, you’re good to go.

Cross Platform Survival Games

Survival games are all about teaming up (or competing) in harsh virtual worlds. Many survival titles now support crossplay so friends can endure the challenge together on different devices. If you enjoy survival adventures, here are a few cross platform survival games worth checking out:

• Minecraft: The quintessential survival sandbox. In Survival Mode, players on console, PC, and mobile can all mine and craft together. It’s fully cross platform via the Bedrock Edition.
• Ark: Survival Evolved: Dinosaur-themed survival game. Ark allows crossplay between Xbox and PC players (when using the Microsoft Store version) and also between PlayStation and PC (via specific servers). Survive the dino island with friends on different systems.
• No Man’s Sky: Exploration survival in space. It features cross platform multiplayer across PS4/PS5, Xbox, and PC. Team up to discover planets and survive the universe together.
• Valheim: Viking survival adventure. Supports crossplay between PC and Xbox (Windows/Xbox players can join the same servers). Build, fight, and explore in co-op regardless of platform.
• Dead by Daylight: A survival horror multiplayer (4 survivors vs 1 killer). It’s cross platform on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Survive (or haunt) with friends on any device.

Each of these games proves that cross platform survival games are viable and popular. Working together in a survival scenario is more fun when your friends can join on whatever gear they have. Whether it’s building a shelter in Minecraft or escaping a killer in Dead by Daylight, crossplay brings more players into the fray. Just remember that some survival games may have opt-in crossplay or specific server settings to enable it, so check the options or game notes.

What Call of Duty Games Are Cross Platform?

Many players ask about Call of Duty: what COD games are cross platform? In recent years, the Call of Duty franchise has fully embraced crossplay. Since 2019, nearly every new COD release has supported cross platform multiplayer. This means Xbox, PlayStation, and PC players can all fight together online.

Here are the Call of Duty games that are cross platform:

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019): The first COD to enable crossplay between PC, PS4, and Xbox One. It set the stage for future titles.
• Call of Duty: Warzone (2020): The free battle royale mode (originally tied to MW) is fully cross platform. Millions of players across console and PC drop into Warzone daily.
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020): Supports crossplay on PC, Xbox One/Series X|S, and PS4/PS5.
• Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021): World War II themed entry with cross platform multiplayer across consoles and PC.
• Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 (2022): Standalone Warzone sequel, also cross platform like its predecessor.
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022): Crossplay enabled across all platforms.
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023): Continues the trend with full cross platform support.

In summary, all recent Call of Duty games are cross platform. Older titles (pre-2019) did not have this feature. For example, classics like Black Ops 3 or WWII did not allow crossplay. But now, Activision has made cross-platform play a standard part of the COD experience. You just need to add friends via an Activision ID and you can squad up whether on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation.

Crossplay in Call of Duty has been great for the community. It ensures a larger pool of players for matchmaking and lets friends stay together each yearly release. If you’re wondering what Call of Duty games are cross platform, stick to the modern titles from Modern Warfare 2019 onward – you’ll be covered.

Conclusion

Cross platform games have revolutionized multiplayer gaming. They bring players together across PC, consoles, and more. Whether you’re surviving in a sandbox or competing in a shooter, crossplay means everyone can join the fun. The trend is only growing, so expect even more games to break down platform barriers in the future. In today’s gaming world, it’s play anywhere with anyone.