Deep Rock Galactic is a thrilling co-op first-person shooter that has captured the hearts of players since its release. Developed by Ghost Ship Games, the game invites you to step into the shoes of a space dwarf as you embark on exciting mining missions filled with alien hordes and precious resources. With its increasing popularity, many players are curious about Deep Rock Galactic crossplay—the feature that allows friends to team up across different gaming platforms. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about crossplay, how it works, and how it enhances your gaming experience.
Overview of Deep Rock Galactic
Before diving into the details of Deep Rock Galactic crossplay, it’s essential to understand what the game is all about. Released in 2020, Deep Rock Galactic has become a beloved title in the gaming community, thanks to its engaging gameplay mechanics, deep customization options, and unique character classes.
In this game, you and your friends play as dwarven miners tasked with exploring procedurally generated caves filled with hostile alien creatures. Each player selects a specific class, such as the Gunner, Scout, Engineer, or Driller, each equipped with unique abilities and roles. Working together is crucial for success, as you mine valuable resources, complete objectives, and survive against waves of enemies.
With the game available on multiple platforms, the demand for Deep Rock Galactic crossplay has grown, allowing players to connect regardless of their chosen system.
What is Crossplay in Gaming?
Crossplay, or cross-platform play, refers to the ability for players on different gaming platforms—such as PC, PlayStation, and Xbox—to play together in the same game. This feature is increasingly sought after as it breaks down barriers between platforms, enabling friends with different consoles to join forces.
In recent years, the gaming industry has recognized the importance of crossplay. By enhancing the multiplayer experience, crossplay ensures a larger player base, quicker matchmaking times, and a more vibrant gaming community. For many players, the ability to connect with friends across platforms has become a must-have feature.
Is Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay Enabled?
The short answer is yes! Deep Rock Galactic crossplay is partially enabled, allowing players on specific platforms to join each other in-game. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how crossplay works across different systems:
PC and Xbox
Players on Windows 10 (Microsoft Store) can enjoy crossplay with Xbox consoles (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S). This means if you’re playing on your Xbox and your friend is on a Windows PC, you can team up seamlessly. Additionally, players benefit from the Xbox Play Anywhere feature, allowing game progress to sync between platforms. If you start a mission on your Xbox, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC.
Steam and Epic Games
Unfortunately, there is no crossplay between players on Steam or the Epic Games Store and those on Xbox or PlayStation. Players can only join others using the same platform, which limits the crossplay experience for some users. If you’re playing on Steam, you’ll need to connect with fellow Steam players.
PlayStation
Similar to PC, PlayStation players (PS4 and PS5) can enjoy crossplay with others on the same console generation. However, they are unable to join games with players on Xbox or PC. This limitation can be frustrating for friends who want to play together across different systems.
In summary, while Deep Rock Galactic crossplay is available, it is somewhat platform-dependent. Xbox and PC players have a more unified experience, while Steam and PlayStation players face restrictions.
Cross-Save vs. Crossplay: What’s the Difference?
It’s essential to differentiate between cross-save and crossplay, as these two features serve different purposes:
Cross-Save:
This feature allows players to transfer their game progress between platforms. In the case of Deep Rock Galactic, cross-save is supported between Windows 10 (Microsoft Store) and Xbox. Unfortunately, if you’re playing on Steam, Epic, or PlayStation, your progress will only be accessible on that platform.
Crossplay:
As previously mentioned, crossplay enables players to team up across different platforms. Currently, Deep Rock Galactic crossplay is limited to Windows 10 and Xbox, but it does enhance the multiplayer experience significantly.
Understanding the distinction between cross-save and crossplay is crucial for ensuring you and your friends have the best gaming experience possible.
How to Set Up Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
Setting up Deep Rock Galactic crossplay between PC (Windows Store) and Xbox is straightforward. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
- Update Your Game: Ensure you’ve installed the latest version of the game on both platforms. Crossplay is only available in the most recent updates.
- Link Your Xbox Live Account: If you’re playing on Windows 10, make sure your Xbox Live account is linked to the game. This will allow you to sync progress and play with Xbox users.
- Send Invites: In the multiplayer menu, search for your friends using their Xbox Gamertags or unique player IDs. You can invite them directly from this menu.
- Join a Game: Once everyone’s in the lobby, simply launch the game. Your friends should be able to join your game regardless of whether they’re on Xbox or PC.
By following these steps, you’ll be ready to enjoy crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic with your friends.
Benefits of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
There are numerous benefits to using Deep Rock Galactic crossplay, especially if you have friends playing on different platforms. Here are some of the main advantages:
Larger Player Base
Crossplay brings together players from various platforms, making it easier to find friends and teammates for co-op missions. This is particularly beneficial for those who want to avoid long matchmaking wait times, as a larger pool of players leads to quicker game starts.
Playing with Friends Across Platforms
Perhaps the biggest advantage of crossplay is that you’re no longer restricted by the platform. Whether your friend is on an Xbox and you’re on a PC, Deep Rock Galactic crossplay allows you to dive into alien caves together seamlessly, enhancing your cooperative gaming experience.
Cross-Save Benefits
For Windows 10 and Xbox players, the Xbox Play Anywhere feature means your progress follows you between platforms. This flexibility makes it easy to switch from console to PC without losing any progress, allowing for a more relaxed gaming experience.
Sustained Game Lifespan
Crossplay helps keep games like Deep Rock Galactic active for longer periods. By ensuring a larger pool of players is always available, developers can continue to support the game with updates and new content.
Challenges of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
While Deep Rock Galactic crossplay offers numerous benefits, it’s not without its challenges. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider:
Limited Crossplay Options
As mentioned earlier, crossplay is currently limited to Xbox and Windows 10 (Microsoft Store). Steam, Epic Games Store, and PlayStation players cannot join games across other platforms, which restricts the full crossplay experience.
Skill Disparity
There may be a skill disparity between players on different platforms. For example, PC players often have more precise controls with a mouse and keyboard, which can create an uneven playing field compared to console players who use controllers.
Communication Barriers
Different platforms may have varying voice chat systems, making it harder to coordinate with teammates if you’re not all using the same communication platform. This can impact teamwork and overall performance in the game.
Despite these drawbacks, the advantages of Deep Rock Galactic crossplay far outweigh the negatives for most players.
Future of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
As crossplay continues to gain popularity, the future of Deep Rock Galactic crossplay looks promising. While the game currently limits crossplay between specific platforms, future updates could expand the feature to include Steam, Epic Games, and PlayStation players. Developers are consistently updating the game, so keep an eye out for future announcements regarding expanded crossplay capabilities.
Community Impact of Crossplay
The introduction of Deep Rock Galactic crossplay has significantly impacted the game’s community. It fosters a more inclusive environment, allowing friends to play together regardless of their platform. This has strengthened relationships within the gaming community, encouraging players to team up with others they may not have had the opportunity to connect with otherwise.
Additionally, a larger player base contributes to a more vibrant game ecosystem, ensuring that players can find teammates and engage in missions more easily. As the community continues to grow, players can look forward to more collaborative experiences and friendships formed through gaming.
How to Fix Crossplay Issues in Deep Rock Galactic
If you’re experiencing issues with Deep Rock Galactic crossplay, here are some common fixes to consider:
- Check for Updates: Ensure all players have the latest version of the game installed. Mismatched versions can lead to crossplay issues.
- Check Account Links: Make sure your Xbox Live account (for Windows players) is correctly linked and active.
- Restart the Game: Sometimes, simply restarting the game can resolve minor connection issues.
- Contact Support: If all else fails, reaching out to Ghost Ship Games support can help resolve persistent problems.
Conclusion
Deep Rock Galactic crossplay opens up exciting opportunities for players to team up across platforms, enhancing the game’s cooperative experience. While the feature is currently limited to specific platforms, crossplay still provides significant benefits, such as a larger player base, flexible cross-save options, and enhanced teamwork. Whether you’re diving into alien caverns with friends on PC or Xbox, crossplay ensures you can experience the best of Deep Rock Galactic without hardware barriers.
