In the world of gaming, cross-platform functionality has become a must-have feature for multiplayer games. Deep Rock Galactic, an action-packed co-op game where players embody dwarves on dangerous mining missions, has embraced this trend by offering crossplay support. If you’re wondering how crossplay works in this popular game and how it impacts your gameplay experience, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What is Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic?
Crossplay, short for cross-platform play, allows players on different gaming platforms to team up in the same game sessions. In Deep Rock Galactic, crossplay enables PC players and console players (such as those on Xbox) to join forces, regardless of the device they are using. This enhances the multiplayer experience by expanding the pool of players you can team up with, making it easier to find teammates and enjoy the cooperative gameplay the game is known for.
While the idea of crossplay sounds simple, it’s important to understand that there are various layers to it. Crossplay refers specifically to playing together on different platforms, whereas cross-save allows you to transfer your progress between platforms. In Deep Rock Galactic, there’s a distinction between these two functionalities. While crossplay exists, cross-save is not universally supported, meaning your progress may not automatically sync across different devices.
Crossplay has become especially important for players looking to maximize the multiplayer experience. By breaking down platform barriers, crossplay creates a more fluid and accessible way to enjoy co-op gaming, ensuring that players can team up with their friends no matter what device they are using.
Which Platforms Support Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic?
Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic is available primarily between PC and Xbox, allowing users on both platforms to play together in the same game session. This functionality was introduced to provide a more seamless multiplayer experience, particularly for players using Microsoft’s ecosystem, such as Xbox consoles and the Windows Store version of the game. For these platforms, crossplay is enabled natively, meaning you can easily invite friends from either platform into your game.
However, it’s important to note that not all platforms support crossplay. PlayStation players, for instance, do not currently have access to crossplay, which means they are restricted to playing with others on the same platform. This limitation can be frustrating for PlayStation users, but there’s hope that future updates may expand crossplay to include more platforms.
In addition to the platform-specific restrictions, Deep Rock Galactic’s crossplay comes with some limitations. For example, while PC players using the Microsoft Store version can join Xbox players, those using Steam do not have crossplay access. This creates a fragmented experience where crossplay is limited by where you purchase the game. Understanding these platform restrictions will help you set expectations when trying to set up crossplay sessions.
How to Enable Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
Enabling crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic is relatively straightforward. However, it varies slightly depending on the platform you’re using. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up crossplay so you can start playing with friends across platforms.
- For Xbox and Windows Store players:
- Ensure that your game is updated to the latest version.
- From the main menu, you can invite friends by clicking on the “Friends” tab.
- If your friend is on another platform (such as Xbox or PC), their profile should appear under your friends list as long as both players are using Xbox Live.
- For Steam players:
- Unfortunately, as of now, crossplay between Steam and Xbox/Windows Store is not supported.
- You can only invite friends who are also playing on Steam, but future updates may expand crossplay for Steam users.
- Troubleshooting:
- Ensure that your game is updated with the latest patches.
- If you’re facing connectivity issues, check your platform’s network settings to make sure you’re properly connected to Xbox Live (if applicable).
Following these steps should make crossplay a breeze. However, due to platform-specific limitations, not all players will have access to crossplay, and some may need to adjust their game purchases if they want to take full advantage of cross-platform gaming.
How Does Crossplay Impact Gameplay and Progression?
Crossplay not only opens up the ability to play with others on different platforms, but it also impacts the way you experience the game. However, this feature doesn’t drastically alter core gameplay mechanics in Deep Rock Galactic. The missions, weapons, enemies, and objectives remain the same across all platforms, ensuring that every player has access to the same content.
One area where crossplay may influence your experience is in terms of performance. PC players often have more control over graphics settings, higher frame rates, and the use of mods, which could give them a slight edge in certain scenarios. However, for the most part, the cooperative nature of the game ensures that these performance differences don’t significantly impact the overall gameplay. Players can focus more on teamwork and strategy, which are key elements of Deep Rock Galactic.
When it comes to progression, things get a bit more complicated. While crossplay is supported, cross-save is not universally available. This means that if you switch between platforms, your progress may not carry over. For example, if you play on Xbox and later decide to play on PC via Steam, you’ll likely have to start fresh. This limitation can be a drawback for players who want the flexibility of playing on multiple devices but wish to maintain their progression across platforms.
Pros and Cons of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
Pros:
- Larger player pool: Crossplay enables you to team up with a wider range of players, making it easier to find games and play with friends, regardless of the platform they are using.
- Flexible multiplayer experience: The ability to invite players from different platforms creates more opportunities for cooperative play.
- Stronger community: Crossplay helps build a more unified and active player base, extending the longevity of the game.
Cons:
- Platform limitations: Not all platforms support crossplay, meaning PlayStation and Steam players may feel excluded from the broader community.
- Performance differences: PC players may experience better graphics and controls compared to console players, which could create slight imbalances in certain scenarios.
- No cross-save: The lack of cross-save means that players cannot seamlessly continue their progress when switching between platforms, which can be a dealbreaker for some.
Conclusion
Deep Rock Galactic crossplay functionality has brought players together across platforms, making it easier than ever to enjoy cooperative gameplay with friends. While there are some limitations, such as platform restrictions and the absence of cross-save, crossplay still enhances the multiplayer experience by offering a larger pool of players and more flexible matchmaking options.
As the game continues to grow, there may be updates that expand crossplay capabilities further, potentially including PlayStation and Steam players in the future. For now, Deep Rock Galactic crossplay remains a valuable feature for Xbox and PC players looking to explore the depths of Hoxxes IV together.
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