Introduction:
In the world of modern gaming, crossplay has become an essential feature that enhances the multiplayer experience. Deep Rock Galactic crossplay takes this a step further by allowing gamers on different platforms to work together in an alien-infested, co-op environment. Whether you’re on PC or Xbox, the ability to join forces with your friends, regardless of their device, adds a whole new level of excitement and accessibility. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Deep Rock Galactic crossplay, from setting it up to making the most out of your cross-platform adventures.
What is Deep Rock Galactic?
Deep Rock Galactic is a thrilling, cooperative first-person shooter that throws you into the shoes of space dwarves, sent on dangerous mining missions. In this game, teamwork is everything. Each player chooses one of four distinct classes—Driller, Engineer, Gunner, or Scout—each bringing their own skills and weapons to the table. This cooperative experience allows you to strategize and communicate with your team to mine precious resources and fend off alien creatures.
The game is fast-paced and full of excitement, with procedurally generated environments that keep every mission fresh. Whether you’re tunneling through rock formations or fending off waves of insect-like creatures, Deep Rock Galactic never fails to deliver an engaging experience. Crossplay amplifies this by opening the door to more players and more diverse strategies.
Crossplay Features in Deep Rock Galactic
Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic allows players from different platforms to team up in the same game. This means that if you’re playing on PC through the Windows Store, you can join forces with a friend on Xbox and dive into the game together. The crossplay feature also reduces matchmaking times, as there is a larger pool of players to team up with.
However, not all versions of the game support crossplay. For instance, players on Steam cannot join Xbox or Windows Store players at this time. It’s essential to know which platforms are compatible to avoid confusion when trying to invite friends to your missions.
Platforms Supporting Crossplay
Currently, Deep Rock Galactic crossplay is primarily supported between the Xbox and the Windows Store versions of the game. This seamless cross-platform functionality makes it easy to team up with friends and join missions together. However, as mentioned earlier, Steam players are limited to playing with other Steam users, which creates some fragmentation in the player base.
PlayStation users, unfortunately, do not have access to crossplay at this time. This restriction limits PlayStation players to their own community. Despite this, Deep Rock Galactic developers are continually updating the game, and there is always hope that future updates will extend crossplay to more platforms.
Setting Up Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
Setting up Deep Rock Galactic crossplay is relatively simple, but it varies slightly depending on the platform. Here’s a quick guide:
- Xbox and Windows Store Players: Crossplay is enabled automatically. Ensure your game is updated, and then invite friends through the in-game “Friends” tab. If your friend is on the other platform, their profile should still show up, as long as they are using Xbox Live.
- Steam Players: As of now, Steam does not support crossplay with Xbox or Windows Store players. You can only invite friends who are also playing on Steam. Hopefully, future updates will expand cross-platform capabilities to include Steam users.
For seamless gameplay, ensure both players have updated their games to the latest version. Additionally, always double-check your privacy settings, allowing friend requests from other platforms to avoid connectivity issues.
Common Crossplay Issues and How to Fix Them
While Deep Rock Galactic crossplay is a fantastic feature, it can sometimes come with technical issues. Here are a few common problems and how to solve them:
- Connection Issues: If you’re having trouble connecting to a friend on a different platform, ensure both players have updated to the latest game patch. Also, check your internet connection and platform’s network settings to ensure there are no blockers.
- Privacy Settings: If you can’t find your friend in the game’s list, you might need to adjust your platform’s privacy settings to allow friend requests from other platforms. This is particularly important for Xbox users.
- Platform Restrictions: Remember, Steam users cannot currently crossplay with Xbox or Windows Store players. Make sure both you and your friends are playing on compatible platforms.
Benefits of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
Crossplay significantly enhances the gaming experience in Deep Rock Galactic. Here are some key benefits:
- Larger Player Base: With crossplay, the player pool increases significantly. Whether you’re on PC or Xbox, it’s much easier to find teammates for your mining missions.
- Reduced Matchmaking Times: Crossplay minimizes waiting times by allowing more players to join the same game, regardless of their platform. This means you can dive into the action faster.
- Diverse Play Styles: Each platform often brings its own play styles, which can make missions more exciting. PC players might bring more precision with mouse and keyboard controls, while console players may bring a different kind of agility.
- Stronger Community: By breaking down platform barriers, crossplay fosters a stronger community. It allows players from all over the world to come together, building friendships and alliances that transcend hardware differences.
Best Practices for Cross-Platform Teams
When playing with a cross-platform team in Deep Rock Galactic, communication is crucial. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your cross-platform experience:
- Use Voice or Text Chat: Clear communication is key in a game that relies heavily on teamwork. Ensure that everyone is on the same page by using in-game chat features.
- Understand Platform Differences: Be mindful of how players on different platforms control their characters. PC players, for instance, might have an easier time with precise aiming, while console players might excel in movement and agility. Adjust your team’s strategies accordingly.
- Be Flexible: Cross-platform play means working with diverse play styles. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial to successful missions.
- Share Resources: In Deep Rock Galactic, sharing ammo, health packs, and other resources is key to survival. This is especially important in cross-platform teams where communication gaps might occur.
The Future of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
As Deep Rock Galactic continues to evolve, there is potential for even more crossplay features to be introduced. The developers have already shown a commitment to keeping the game fresh with updates and expansions, so there’s hope that future updates might include PlayStation players or even expand crossplay functionality for Steam users.
Cross-save is another area where the game could improve. Currently, players cannot transfer progress between platforms, meaning that if you switch from Xbox to PC, you’ll have to start fresh. The introduction of cross-save would be a huge benefit, allowing players to seamlessly continue their progression across devices.
Crossplay Security and Privacy Concerns
When playing cross-platform games, it’s important to consider security and privacy. Always ensure that your gaming account is secured with strong passwords and two-factor authentication if available. Additionally, be mindful of who you’re playing with and report any suspicious behavior to the game developers.
Privacy settings are also important. Ensure that your platform’s privacy settings allow you to safely connect with friends while avoiding unwanted invites from strangers.
Conclusion
Deep Rock Galactic crossplay has transformed the game into a truly inclusive, multiplayer experience, uniting players across platforms. With its easy setup and numerous benefits, crossplay allows for larger teams, faster matchmaking, and a stronger gaming community. Though some platform restrictions exist, and cross-save is not yet universal, the developers have laid a strong foundation that could lead to more expansive cross-platform functionality in the future.
By following best practices, troubleshooting common issues, and embracing the diverse play styles that come with cross-platform gaming, you can ensure that your Deep Rock Galactic adventures are exciting and memorable. With crossplay, the vast alien caverns of Deep Rock Galactic are more accessible than ever, allowing you and your friends to mine, battle, and survive—no matter what platform you’re on.
Happy mining, and rock and stone!