15 Best Multiplayer Games for Cross-Platform Play [PC/Console]

Gaming used to be segregated by hardware: Xbox players stayed with Xbox, PlayStation with PlayStation, and PC in its own walled garden. Today, those walls are crumbling. The era of Cross-Platform multiplayer games (Crossplay) means you can squad up with friends regardless of whether they own a PS5, Xbox Series X, or a gaming rig.

This guide ranks the top 15 crossplay titles available right now, explains the technical nuances, and provides a quick-setup guide to get your party started.

Quick Answer — The Best Crossplay Games Right Now (PC/Console)

If you just want to know what to play tonight, here are the heavy hitters. The “Big Three” genres for crossplay are currently Battle Royales (Fortnite, Apex), Co-op Shooters (Helldivers 2, Destiny 2), and Survival/Sandbox (Minecraft, No Man’s Sky).

Most modern crossplay titles use a third-party account system (like an Epic Games or Activision ID) to bridge the gap between console networks and PC. Below is the quick-reference table for the top picks.

Top Picks: Crossplay Multiplayer Snapshot

What “Cross-Platform Play” Means (And What It Doesn’t)

Before diving into the games, it is vital to understand the terminology. Marketing teams often use these terms interchangeably, but they mean very different things for your gaming experience.

Crossplay vs. Cross-Platform vs. Cross-Progression

• Cross-Platform (Multi-Platform): This simply means a game is released on multiple devices (e.g., a game is on both PlayStation and PC). It does not guarantee you can play together.
• Crossplay (Cross-Platform Play): This is the feature you want. It means servers are shared, allowing a player on Xbox to join a lobby with a player on PC.
• Cross-Progression (Cross-Save): This allows you to carry your save data, skins, and unlocks between platforms. If you level up your Battle Pass on PlayStation, those rewards are waiting for you when you log in on PC. Note: Premium currency (like V-Bucks or COD Points) often does not transfer due to store policies.

Common Restrictions to Call Out

Even in fully crossplay titles, there are “asterisks” you should know:

• “Same Ecosystem” Only: Some older titles only allow crossplay between PC (Microsoft Store version) and Xbox, excluding Steam or PlayStation users.
• Console-Only Toggles: Competitive console players often turn crossplay off to avoid playing against PC players using mouse and keyboard (who have a distinct aiming advantage).
• Ranked Restrictions: Some games, like Overwatch 2, allow crossplay in casual modes but segregate PC and Console players in Ranked Mode to maintain competitive integrity.
• Generation Gaps: Occasionally, a “next-gen” version of a game (PS5/Series X) cannot play with the “last-gen” version (PS4/Xbox One) due to map size or engine differences.

15 Best Multiplayer Cross-Platform Games (PC/Console)

This list focuses on games with active player bases and seamless crossplay integration.

1. Fortnite

Verdict: The undisputed king of crossplay accessibility and pop culture.

Why it’s great for crossplay: Fortnite set the standard. It works on virtually everything—even your smartphone—so you can party up with literally anyone. The “Zero Build” mode has revitalized the game for players who hate the building mechanic, making it a pure shooter.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Switch, Android (iOS via cloud).
• Best Modes: Battle Royale (Zero Build), Creative, Festival (Music).
• Who it’s for: Everyone. From competitive squads to casual friends just wanting to hang out.
• Pro Tip: Use the “Visual Sound Effects” setting. It levels the playing field for mobile/Switch players by showing footsteps on screen, which helps against PC players with high-end headsets.

2. Call of Duty: Warzone

Verdict: The premier military battle royale for cross-platform squads.

Why it’s great for crossplay: Activision’s unified “COD ID” system makes joining friends seamless. It’s free-to-play and offers massive scale combat. The gunplay is best-in-class, and cross-progression is flawless across generations.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series.
• Best Modes: Resurgence (faster respawns), Battle Royale.
• Who it’s for: Competitive groups who communicate well.
• Pro Tip: Console players often complain about PC cheaters. If you are on PlayStation, you can disable crossplay in the system settings, but matchmaking times will increase significantly.

3. Rocket League

Verdict: Soccer with rocket-powered cars. Easy to learn, impossible to master.

Why it’s great for crossplay: Matches are short (5 minutes), making it perfect for quick sessions. Because it uses physics rather than aim, the “controller vs. mouse” debate is irrelevant here (controller is actually preferred by pros on all platforms).

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Switch.
• Best Modes: 2v2 and 3v3 Standard.
• Who it’s for: Competitive duos/trios and party nights.
• Pro Tip: Use Discord for voice chat if possible. In-game voice chat can be buggy across platforms.

4. Minecraft (Bedrock Edition)

Verdict: The ultimate virtual sandbox for creativity and survival.

Why it’s great for crossplay: Make sure you are playing the Bedrock Edition (the version on consoles and the default Windows 10/11 version). It allows seamless drop-in/drop-out play across consoles and mobile.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS, Xbox, Switch, Mobile.
• Best Modes: Survival (Realms), Creative.
• Who it’s for: Chill groups, families, and couples.
• Pro Tip: Renting a “Realm” (a dedicated server hosted by Mojang) is the easiest way to keep a world online 24/7 so friends can play even when the host is offline.

5. Helldivers 2

Verdict: The viral chaotic co-op shooter of the year.

Why it’s great for crossplay: It emphasizes PVE (Player vs Environment) cooperation, so platform differences don’t matter—you’re all fighting for Super Earth together. The “stratagem” mechanics create hilarious, chaotic moments.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS5. (Note: Xbox is currently not supported).
• Best Modes: 4-Player Co-op Missions.
• Who it’s for: Groups of 4 who love Starship Troopers and friendly fire chaos.
• Pro Tip: You generate a “Friend Code” inside the social menu to add cross-platform friends. Do this once, and they stay on your list forever.

6. Apex Legends

Verdict: The best movement and hero-based Battle Royale.

Why it’s great for crossplay: It requires high tactical synergy. The “Ping System” allows you to communicate enemy locations and loot without a microphone, which is excellent for cross-platform randoms.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS, Xbox, Switch.
• Best Modes: Trios, Ranked, Mixtape (TDM/Control).
• Who it’s for: Sweaty competitive players who love high mobility.
• Pro Tip: Console players have 0.6 aim assist while PC controller players have 0.4. This is a hot topic, but generally, console players can hold their own in close-range fights against PC players.

7. Destiny 2

Verdict: The definitive sci-fi looter shooter MMO.

Why it’s great for crossplay: Bungie completely opened the borders. You can run 6-player Raids or 3-player Dungeons with any mix of platforms. The “Bungie Name” system is very stable.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series.
• Best Modes: Vanguard Ops (PVE), Raids, Crucible (PVP).
• Who it’s for: Players who want a long-term “hobby” game to grind for loot.
• Pro Tip: Voice chat in raids is critical. Destiny’s in-game chat works well, but Discord is now integrated directly into Xbox and PlayStation, making cross-platform comms much easier.

8. Sea of Thieves

Verdict: A pirate sandbox generator for hilarious stories.

Why it’s great for crossplay: Originally an Xbox/PC exclusive, it recently launched on PS5, creating a massive, unified player pool. It’s slow-paced sailing interspersed with frantic cannon fights.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, Xbox, PS5.
• Best Modes: High Seas (Adventure).
• Who it’s for: Friends who want to chat while sailing, solving riddles, and fighting krakens.
• Pro Tip: Controller players can opt out of playing with “Keyboard and Mouse” players in the settings if they feel at a disadvantage in PvP sword fights.

9. Overwatch 2

Verdict: The classic 5v5 hero shooter.

Why it’s great for crossplay: It’s free-to-play and relies on team composition (Tank, Damage, Support) rather than just raw aim.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS, Xbox, Switch.
• Best Modes: Quick Play, Arcade.
• Who it’s for: Teams who like distinct roles and ability combos.
• Pro Tip: Crucial Warning: In Competitive (Ranked) mode, PC players and Console players cannot group up. Crossplay is fully enabled for Unranked modes, but Ranked is segregated to keep the competitive ladder fair.

10. Diablo IV

Verdict: Dark, gothic demon-slaying action.

Why it’s great for crossplay: It is one of the few games with flawless cross-play and couch co-op (on console). You can have two people on a couch on PS5 playing with two friends on PC in the same party.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series.
• Best Modes: Campaign, Helltides, Nightmare Dungeons.
• Who it’s for: RPG fans who love optimizing stats and loot.
• Pro Tip: Trading items works across platforms, so if your PC friend finds a legendary item for your class, they can drop it for you (restrictions apply to some unique items).

11. Final Fantasy XIV

Verdict: The MMORPG with the best story and community.

Why it’s great for crossplay: FFXIV finally came to Xbox in 2024, uniting the entire community. Everyone plays on the same servers (Data Centers), so the economy and world are truly shared.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox Series X|S.
• Best Modes: Dungeons, Trials, Main Story.
• Who it’s for: Players looking for a massive world and 100+ hours of story.
• Pro Tip: Xbox players require a Game Pass Core/Ultimate subscription plus the FFXIV sub, whereas PlayStation players do not need PS Plus. Keep this cost in mind.

12. No Man’s Sky

Verdict: From infinite space loneliness to infinite space friendship.

Why it’s great for crossplay: Hello Games has done an incredible job syncing a procedurally generated universe. You can build bases together on a random planet and see each other’s modifications in real-time.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS, Xbox. (Switch allows discovery sharing but has limited multiplayer interaction).
• Best Modes: Normal, Expedition (Seasonal events).
• Who it’s for: Explorers and base-builders.
• Pro Tip: Meet up at the “Space Anomaly” (the social hub) to easily group up with friends or trade resources.

13. Dead by Daylight

Verdict: Terrifying hide-and-seek.

Why it’s great for crossplay: As an asymmetrical game (4 Survivors vs. 1 Killer), the player base needs to be large to keep queue times short. Crossplay solved the matchmaking issues this game used to have.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS, Xbox, Switch.
• Best Modes: Public Match.
• Who it’s for: Horror fans and groups who can laugh at jump scares.
• Pro Tip: Survivors on voice chat (Discord) have a huge advantage over the Killer. If you are playing Killer against a cross-platform squad, expect them to coordinate efficiently.

14. Among Us

Verdict: The party game that ruins friendships (in a good way).

Why it’s great for crossplay: It runs on a potato. You can have a lobby with someone on an iPhone, someone on a $3,000 PC, and someone on a Switch, and the experience is identical.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS, Xbox, Switch, iOS, Android.
• Best Modes: Classic, Hide n Seek.
• Who it’s for: Large parties (up to 15 players).
• Pro Tip: Use an external voice chat app (Discord/Zoom). Typing on a console or mobile controller during “Emergency Meetings” is too slow and will get you voted out.

15. Fall Guys

Verdict: Battle Royale meets a goofy obstacle course game show.

Why it’s great for crossplay: It became free-to-play and added crossplay simultaneously. It is low-stress and high-laughs, perfect for a palate cleanser after intense shooter games.

• Crossplay Platforms: PC, PS, Xbox, Switch.
• Best Modes: Squads, Duos.
• Who it’s for: Casual gamers and people who tilt easily at shooters.
• Pro Tip: Grab mechanics and physics are slightly tied to frame rate, so PC players might have a slight edge in very technical jumps, but it rarely affects casual play.

How to Play Cross-Platform With Friends (Fast Setup Guide)

Getting crossplay to work is usually simple, but when it fails, it’s frustrating. Follow these four steps to ensure a smooth connection.

Step 1 — Confirm You’re on a Crossplay-Compatible Version

Not all game versions are created equal.

• Minecraft: Ensure all players are on Bedrock Edition. A PC player on “Java Edition” cannot natively play with an Xbox player.
• Sports Games (FIFA/NBA 2K): Be careful with “Generations.” Often, the PS5 version can only play with Xbox Series X/PC. The PS4 version cannot play with the PS5 version in some years/modes.
• PC Stores: Occasionally, a game on the Microsoft PC Store can play with Xbox, but the Steam version cannot. (This is rare now, but checks specs for older titles).

Step 2 — Link the Right Accounts

Most crossplay games require a “unified account” that exists outside of Steam, PSN, or Xbox Live.

• Epic Games Account: Required for Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys.
• Activision ID: Required for Call of Duty.
• Bungie Name: Required for Destiny 2.
• Action: Go to the publisher’s website, sign in, and find the “Linked Accounts” tab. Link your Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox credentials there before launching the game.

Step 3 — Add Friends via In-Game ID

You usually cannot invite a cross-platform friend using your console’s native friends list (e.g., an Xbox Invite won’t reach a PS5 player).

1. Open the game’s social menu.
2. Look for “Add Friend” or “Search ID.”
3. Enter their specific Crossplay ID (e.g., User#1234).
4. Once they accept, they will appear in the game’s internal friends list, separate from your console friends list.

Step 4 — Fix the Most Common Crossplay Problems

If you can’t join:

• Check the Toggle: Go to Settings > Account/Network. Ensure “Cross-Platform Play” is set to ON. (Note: Xbox sometimes requires this to be enabled in the actual console system settings, not just the game).
• NAT Type: If your NAT is “Strict” or “Type 3,” you may not be able to host parties. Reset your router or look up “Port Forwarding” for your specific platform.
• Update Mismatch: If PC gets an update before Console (common in Warframe or Ark), you cannot play together until the console patch goes live.
• Discord on Console: Both Xbox and PS5 now support Discord voice chat. This is infinitely better than using in-game game chat, which often cuts out during loading screens.

Final Thoughts

The walls between platforms have never been lower. Whether you are looking for the sweat of Apex Legends, the endless creativity of Minecraft, or the chaos of Helldivers 2, there is a high-quality crossplay option available.

For the best experience, we highly recommend setting up a Discord server for your friend group. With Discord now integrated natively into both Xbox and PlayStation interfaces, it serves as the perfect “neutral ground” for voice comms, keeping your party together even if you switch games or platforms.