INTRODUCTION
Deep Rock Galactic is a cooperative first-person shooter that has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide with its exciting, team-based gameplay. With its blend of exploration, combat, and resource gathering, it’s no surprise that many players want to team up with their friends across various gaming platforms. Thanks to crossplay, this is now possible, allowing players to join forces regardless of whether they’re on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Deep Rock Galactic crossplay, from what it is to how you can enable it on your system, and how to make the most of it for a smooth multiplayer experience.
What is Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic?
Crossplay refers to the ability for players on different gaming platforms to play together in the same game session. This feature is a game-changer for multiplayer experiences, especially in games like Deep Rock Galactic, where teamwork is key. In the case of Deep Rock Galactic, crossplay allows players on different platforms—whether it’s PC, Xbox, or PlayStation—to join forces and play together without being limited by the platform they own.
The benefit of crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic is that it expands the player pool significantly. Normally, players are restricted to matchmaking with others who are using the same platform, but with crossplay enabled, players can team up with anyone across these platforms. This drastically reduces wait times for matchmaking and increases the chances of finding compatible teammates.
Moreover, crossplay also fosters a stronger sense of community. Instead of players being divided by platform preferences, everyone is united by the goal of completing missions, mining valuable resources, and defeating hostile enemies. It’s a great way to connect with friends or meet new players from around the world, regardless of the platform they’re using.
How to Enable Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
Enabling crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic is relatively simple, but the process can vary slightly depending on the platform you’re using. Here’s a breakdown of how to enable it across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation:
For PC Players (Steam or Epic Games Store):
- Launch the game through your preferred store (Steam or Epic Games Store).
- Head to the Options menu, then navigate to the Online tab.
- Ensure that the Crossplay option is turned on.
- If you haven’t done so yet, link your account with an appropriate online service (e.g., Steam or Epic Games account).
For Xbox Players:
- Open the game on your Xbox console.
- From the main menu, access the Settings.
- In the Network Settings, ensure Crossplay is enabled.
- Sign into your Xbox Live account for the best experience.
For PlayStation Players:
- Launch the game and go to Settings.
- In the Online Settings, make sure the Crossplay toggle is switched on.
- If necessary, link your PlayStation Network account to your Deep Rock Galactic profile.
Once you’ve followed the appropriate steps for your platform, crossplay should be enabled. It’s a good idea to restart the game to ensure everything is set up correctly. If you encounter any issues, check for game updates or contact support for troubleshooting assistance.
Crossplay Compatibility Between Different Platforms
One of the major highlights of Deep Rock Galactic crossplay is its compatibility across various platforms. Whether you’re playing on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, you can connect with players from other platforms seamlessly. However, it’s important to understand how crossplay works between these systems.
PC to Xbox:
Crossplay between PC and Xbox is one of the easiest and most effective pairings in Deep Rock Galactic. The game runs smoothly on both systems, and players can join games without any major performance discrepancies. While PC players may have the advantage of mouse and keyboard controls, the gameplay experience is still enjoyable for both platforms, with Xbox controllers offering precise control for console players.
PC to PlayStation:
Playing between PC and PlayStation offers a similar seamless experience, although some minor graphical differences may be noticeable. While PC players benefit from higher frame rates and custom graphics settings, PlayStation users can still enjoy excellent visuals and smooth performance. The primary distinction between these platforms may lie in controls—PC players can use mouse and keyboard, while PlayStation users will rely on their controllers.
Xbox to PlayStation:
Crossplay between Xbox and PlayStation works well but comes with a few caveats. Both platforms are part of the console ecosystem but have different online infrastructures. Xbox users play on Xbox Live, while PlayStation players use PlayStation Network. Fortunately, these differences don’t significantly affect gameplay, and players can join multiplayer sessions without issue. The main difference lies in the player interface, where the controls and menu systems differ slightly from console to console.
Despite these minor differences, Deep Rock Galactic does an excellent job of making crossplay between these systems as seamless as possible.
The Advantages and Challenges of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
Advantages of Crossplay:
Crossplay enhances the overall Deep Rock Galactic experience in several ways. Firstly, it eliminates the need to be restricted to a specific platform to enjoy multiplayer. This significantly increases the player pool, making it easier to find active players, especially for teams looking for specific classes or playstyles.
Secondly, crossplay enhances the game’s social aspect. If your friends are playing on a different platform, you no longer need to worry about platform exclusivity. Whether your friends are on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, you can all enjoy missions together, creating a more inclusive and connected community.
Lastly, crossplay reduces the waiting times for matchmaking. With a larger pool of players available, you’ll have shorter queue times and more frequent team opportunities.
Challenges of Crossplay:
While crossplay has many benefits, it does come with its own set of challenges. For one, players on PC may have an advantage over those on console due to the precision of mouse and keyboard controls. This can make balancing the gameplay a bit tricky, though the developers have worked to ensure that skill levels are not drastically affected by the platform choice.
Another potential issue is the performance disparity between different platforms. PC players may experience better frame rates and graphics settings, which could create a slight difference in how the game looks and feels compared to console players.
Finally, connectivity issues and server stability can sometimes be problematic for crossplay sessions, especially when playing across different networks. Some players may experience lag or delays depending on their internet connection or the server they are connected to.
Tips for a Seamless Crossplay Experience
To make the most out of Deep Rock Galactic crossplay, follow these tips for a smooth experience:
- Communication is Key: Use voice chat or in-game communication to coordinate with your team. Some players may prefer to use external apps like Discord to communicate across platforms more easily.
- Match Settings: Ensure that your match settings are compatible with crossplay. Some settings may differ across platforms, so it’s best to confirm with your team before launching a mission.
- Optimize Your Settings: Adjust your game settings to ensure you’re getting the best performance. Console players may want to check for performance modes, while PC players can tweak their graphics settings for smoother gameplay.
- Check for Updates: Make sure your game is up to date to avoid any crossplay bugs or compatibility issues.
Conclusion
Deep Rock Galactic crossplay is a fantastic feature that enables players across different platforms to team up and explore the cosmos together. Whether you’re playing on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, the ability to join forces with friends, regardless of their platform, enhances the cooperative gameplay experience. While there are some challenges, such as performance differences and potential control advantages, the overall benefit of crossplay is undeniable. By following the tips and ensuring your settings are optimized, you can enjoy a seamless and fun multiplayer experience.