Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay: A Complete Guide to Multiplayer Across Platforms

Deep Rock Galactic has become a hit among gamers, letting players take on the role of space dwarves diving deep into alien caves. The thrill of the cooperative missions is one of its biggest draws, and thanks to Deep Rock Galactic crossplay, you can now enjoy the game with friends across multiple platforms. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Deep Rock Galactic crossplay, including setup instructions, platform details, and how to make the most of the crossplay experience.

What is Crossplay and How Does It Work?

Crossplay allows players from different gaming platforms to team up and play together in the same game. In Deep Rock Galactic, this means that whether you’re on a PC, Xbox, or another console, you can enjoy cooperative gameplay with friends regardless of their platform. Crossplay has become a major trend in modern gaming, breaking down barriers that previously separated players based on their hardware.

Crossplay makes it easier to find teammates, enhances social interaction, and improves the overall gaming experience. With more players available, matchmaking becomes quicker, and you can always have friends to play with, no matter what system they use.

Differences Between Crossplay and Cross-Save

While crossplay is all about playing with others across different platforms, cross-save refers to the ability to transfer your game progress from one platform to another. In Deep Rock Galactic, crossplay is supported between certain platforms, but cross-save is not universally available.

This means that while you can play with friends on Xbox or PC, your progress doesn’t automatically carry over if you switch platforms. For instance, if you start on Xbox and later decide to play on PC, you may need to start over. Understanding the distinction between crossplay and cross-save helps you plan better if you want to switch devices while maintaining your progress.

Which Platforms Support Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic?

Deep Rock Galactic crossplay is primarily supported between PC (via the Windows Store) and Xbox. This compatibility means that users in the Microsoft ecosystem can play seamlessly together, regardless of whether they’re using a console or a PC.

However, it’s important to note that Steam players do not currently have access to crossplay with Xbox users or players using the Windows Store version. PlayStation players are also not included in crossplay at this time, limiting them to playing with others on the same console. This platform fragmentation can be a downside for some players, but the developers are continually working on improving cross-platform support, and future updates may address these limitations.

Setting Up Crossplay Between Different Platforms

Setting up Deep Rock Galactic crossplay is simple but can vary slightly depending on your platform. Here’s a quick guide:

For Xbox and Windows Store Players:

1. Update the Game: Ensure your game is updated to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.
2. Invite Friends: From the main menu, navigate to the “Friends” tab. If your friend is on another platform (Xbox or PC), they should appear under your friends list if both players are using Xbox Live.
3. Link Accounts: You may need to link your Microsoft account to enable crossplay.

For Steam Players:

Unfortunately, Steam players are not currently able to crossplay with Xbox or Windows Store users. You can only invite friends who are also playing on Steam.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Make sure all players have updated the game to the latest version.
• Check network settings to ensure proper connectivity to Xbox Live or other required services.

Following these steps should make crossplay setup easy, allowing you to jump into the action quickly.

Crossplay Restrictions and Workarounds

There are a few restrictions when it comes to Deep Rock Galactic crossplay. As mentioned, PlayStation and Steam players cannot currently join crossplay sessions with Xbox or Windows Store users. This can be disappointing, especially for those with friends on different platforms.

Workarounds:

• One workaround is to ensure all friends are on compatible platforms. If you plan to play crossplay, purchase the game from the same digital store, such as the Windows Store, which supports crossplay with Xbox.
• Stay informed about updates from the developers, as future patches may expand crossplay options to include more platforms.

Crossplay-Compatible Features (Voice Chat, Mods, etc.)

When playing Deep Rock Galactic across platforms, it’s essential to know what features are supported. Crossplay brings compatibility for multiplayer, but not all features are available uniformly.

Voice Chat:

Voice chat is an integral part of coordinating with teammates, especially in a cooperative game like Deep Rock Galactic. Cross-platform voice chat is supported, but using third-party apps like Discord can enhance communication quality.

Mods:

Mods are only supported on the PC version via Steam, meaning console players won’t be able to use mods when playing in a crossplay session. This can be a limitation if you enjoy customizing your game.

Benefits of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic

Playing Deep Rock Galactic with crossplay offers several benefits:

1. Larger Player Pool: Crossplay allows you to team up with friends across platforms, making it easier to find matches and ensuring that you always have players to join you on missions.
2. Enhanced Teamwork: Crossplay encourages collaboration and teamwork, regardless of hardware. Players bring different skills and tactics, enriching the gameplay experience.
3. Quicker Matchmaking: A larger pool of players means less waiting time for matches, helping you dive into the action faster.
4. Vibrant Community: Crossplay helps keep the community active and thriving. With players from different platforms interacting, it fosters a more connected and engaged player base.

Potential Drawbacks of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic

While there are many advantages to crossplay, there are also some potential downsides to consider:

1. Performance Differences: PC players often have access to higher frame rates, customizable graphics settings, and mods, which could give them a slight advantage over console players. This can create imbalances during gameplay.
2. Latency Issues: Connecting players from different platforms may lead to latency or lag, which can impact the quality of gameplay, especially during high-intensity missions.
3. Platform-Specific Updates: Updates may be rolled out at different times for each platform, which can lead to compatibility issues. Ensuring all players have the latest version is crucial for smooth gameplay.

Tips for a Smooth Crossplay Experience

To ensure a great crossplay experience in Deep Rock Galactic, consider the following tips:

• Use Voice Chat: Good communication is essential for teamwork. Make sure everyone is on the same voice chat platform to coordinate strategies effectively.
• Update Regularly: Always ensure that all players have the latest game update installed. This prevents compatibility problems and keeps gameplay smooth.
• Adjust Graphics Settings: If you’re on PC and playing with console users, consider adjusting your graphics settings to ensure a stable frame rate that aligns more closely with consoles.
• Plan Ahead: Be mindful of time zones and coordinate with friends to ensure everyone is available. Scheduling your play sessions can help avoid delays.

How Crossplay Affects Competitive Play

One of the concerns players may have with crossplay is how it affects competitive dynamics. In Deep Rock Galactic, teamwork is more critical than individual performance, which helps mitigate some of the issues related to platform performance differences.

However, PC players having access to higher frame rates and customizable controls can create slight advantages. The cooperative nature of the game makes this less impactful compared to competitive PvP games, but it’s still something to consider if you want an even playing field.

Future Plans for Crossplay Expansion

The developers of Deep Rock Galactic have shown interest in expanding crossplay options, and there’s hope that future updates may bring full crossplay compatibility to all platforms, including PlayStation and Steam. Keeping an eye on official announcements will help you stay informed about upcoming changes.

Common Issues with Crossplay and Troubleshooting

Crossplay is a great feature, but it’s not without its challenges. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:

• Connection Problems: Ensure all players have a stable internet connection and are signed in to their respective accounts (Xbox Live, Microsoft Store, etc.).
• Incompatible Game Versions: If players can’t connect, check that everyone has the latest game update.
• Voice Chat Issues: Different platforms may use different voice chat systems. Consider using third-party apps like Discord for better cross-platform communication.

Player Experiences and Community Feedback

Players generally love the crossplay functionality in Deep Rock Galactic, as it allows them to play with friends regardless of platform. Many appreciate the seamless matchmaking and the sense of community it fosters. However, some players have pointed out the disadvantages, such as performance imbalances and connectivity issues, particularly when playing across different platforms.

Conclusion: Is Crossplay Right for You?

Deep Rock Galactic crossplay offers an exciting way to experience the game with friends across different platforms. The benefits, such as a larger player pool, better matchmaking, and enhanced community engagement, make it an appealing option for many players. However, the platform restrictions, performance differences, and lack of cross-save are essential factors to consider.

Ultimately, whether Deep Rock Galactic crossplay is right for you depends on your gaming style and preferences. If you value playing with friends regardless of their platform and are willing to work around some of the limitations, crossplay will significantly enhance your experience. Dive into the depths, coordinate with your teammates, and enjoy the thrilling adventures that await you in Deep Rock Galactic!