Deep Rock Galactic is a unique cooperative first-person shooter (FPS) game developed by Ghost Ship Games. Set in a futuristic world where players embody dwarf miners working for a space mining corporation, the game is known for its distinct blend of teamwork, exploration, and action. With its growing popularity, crossplay functionality has become a significant point of interest for players who want to team up with friends across different platforms. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what crossplay is, how it works in Deep Rock Galactic, and how you can maximize your cross-platform gaming experience.
What is Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic?
Crossplay refers to the ability for players using different gaming platforms to join the same multiplayer session. In Deep Rock Galactic, this means players on Xbox, PC (Microsoft Store/Game Pass), and other compatible devices can team up and take on missions together. The feature enables friends who are on separate platforms to cooperate seamlessly, enhancing the multiplayer experience for all.
For a cooperative game like Deep Rock Galactic, crossplay is crucial. The game is designed around the idea of teamwork—players control distinct character classes, each with specialized skills that complement one another. The ability to play across platforms broadens the player base, ensuring that teams can form faster, regardless of the device they’re using. Crossplay fosters a more inclusive gaming environment, breaking down the barriers of platform exclusivity and allowing gamers from various ecosystems to share the same adventures underground.
Platforms That Support Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
One of the first questions players often ask is which platforms support crossplay for Deep Rock Galactic. The game is available on several platforms, but crossplay is not universal across all of them. As of now, crossplay is supported between Xbox (including Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One) and PC versions purchased via the Microsoft Store/Game Pass.
However, it’s essential to note that Steam players are currently unable to participate in crossplay with those playing on Xbox or Microsoft Store versions. This distinction often causes confusion, as many PC players purchase the game through Steam, which offers a vast user base. Unfortunately, as of the latest updates, crossplay does not extend to players using the Steam version, which remains a limitation for some.
The PlayStation community is another group that currently lacks crossplay support. There has been no official confirmation regarding the introduction of crossplay for PlayStation players, but it’s a feature many hope to see in future updates. For now, crossplay remains limited to Xbox and PC through the Microsoft Store, creating an exclusive environment for players within that ecosystem.
How to Enable Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
Setting up crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic is relatively simple, provided you are playing on supported platforms. For those playing on Xbox and PC via the Microsoft Store or Game Pass, crossplay is automatically enabled. This means that players logged into the same Xbox Live account on different devices can easily team up without additional configuration.
To get started with crossplay, follow these steps:
- Ensure both players are logged in using Xbox Live credentials.
- Invite friends directly through your Xbox Live friends list, which works across both Xbox consoles and PC.
- You will see crossplay indicators in the game’s lobby screen, showing which players are on Xbox and which are on PC.
Crossplay is seamless between the Xbox and Microsoft Store versions, but if you’re facing issues, it’s essential to ensure that both users are playing the same game version and that crossplay is enabled in the game’s settings. Cross-generation play, which allows Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players to join the same sessions, is also supported, making it easy for teams to remain connected despite hardware differences.
For Steam users, crossplay isn’t available yet, but you can still invite friends using the Steam friends list, albeit within the limitations of your platform. Similarly, if you face issues, checking the game’s latest updates and patches might help resolve bugs related to crossplay functionality.
Limitations and Challenges of Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay
Despite its advantages, Deep Rock Galactic crossplay comes with several limitations. One of the primary challenges is the restricted crossplay between Steam and Xbox/Microsoft Store versions. Many PC players prefer using Steam for its community features and ease of access, but they are isolated from the broader crossplay ecosystem.
Another significant limitation is the lack of cross-save functionality. This means that even if you play on both Xbox and PC, your progress will not transfer between these platforms. For example, if you’ve built a high-level character on Xbox, that character won’t be available on your PC unless you’re using the same Xbox Live account on both platforms within the Microsoft Store ecosystem.
Performance discrepancies between platforms are also a common concern. Players on Xbox Series X/S might experience faster load times and smoother frame rates compared to those on older Xbox One consoles. These performance differences, while not game-breaking, can create imbalances in multiplayer sessions, particularly when precision and speed are crucial during intense missions.
Additionally, there’s no official word on when PlayStation users will be included in the crossplay feature set. This exclusion has left some PlayStation users disappointed, though future updates may expand crossplay capabilities.
Benefits of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
Despite the limitations, the benefits of crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic far outweigh the challenges. The most significant advantage is the expanded player pool. With crossplay, finding teammates is much easier, especially during off-peak hours or in regions with fewer active players. Crossplay allows you to team up with friends across different platforms, creating a more diverse and active multiplayer community.
Crossplay also contributes to the longevity of the game. As players are no longer restricted by platform, matchmaking becomes quicker, and games become more exciting as different players with varied skill sets collaborate. This means that even as the player base ages, the game will remain more active, ensuring that Deep Rock Galactic continues to thrive for years to come.
Finally, crossplay helps break down the boundaries that have traditionally existed between gaming platforms. By fostering a more inclusive environment, crossplay encourages friendships, collaboration, and shared gaming experiences, regardless of which hardware you use. For a game that thrives on teamwork like Deep Rock Galactic, crossplay is a critical feature that enhances the overall experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Deep Rock Galactic’s crossplay functionality is a fantastic feature that enriches the cooperative experience by allowing players from different platforms to collaborate. While there are limitations, such as restricted crossplay between Steam and Xbox/Microsoft Store versions and the lack of cross-save, the benefits far outweigh these challenges. With the ability to team up across platforms, players can enjoy smoother matchmaking and a richer multiplayer experience. As the gaming landscape evolves, Deep Rock Galactic is likely to expand its crossplay offerings, ensuring an even more inclusive future.
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