Over the past several years, the gaming industry has adapted to meet more of the community’s needs, something that’s evidenced when looking at how many great cross-platform games now exist. While some industry trends have been met with negativity, others have become staples that gamers everywhere have come to enjoy. Cross-platform support, allowing players to connect with their friends and other players on different systems from their own, has been a very welcome development. 10 years ago, this feature wasn’t present in almost any titles; now, in 2024, there are hundreds of games that let you play alongside or against other players regardless of their platform of choice.
Cross-platform games are still few and far between in the grand scheme of things, so it might be difficult to discern which have the feature and are worth playing. If you have friends with a different system but want to play together, we’ve assembled a look at the 25 best cross-platform games you can play in 2024. This list is in no particular order. Be sure to also check out our lists of the best PS5 games, best Switch games, best Xbox games, and best PC games.
Fortnite
Developer: Epic GamesRelease Date: July 21, 2017Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Android, Nintendo SwitchGenre: Battle Royale
Fortnite is the game that popularized the cross-platform feature when it was released back in 2017. More specifically, the battle royale mode that took over the gaming community in the late 2010s featured cross-platform play at a time when platform holders were resistant to the idea. Regardless of if you had a friend on PS4 and you were on PC, you could squad up with them by simply adding their Epic Games ID. Developer Epic Games is responsible for many industry standards we see today, but perhaps its most influential work came with adding the cross-platform feature into Fortnite–something that was initially “accidentally” added to the game before being pulled.
Call of Duty: MW3 and Warzone
Developer: Activision (Infinity Ward, Raven Software)Release Date: November 10, 2023Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PCGenre: First-Person Shooter
We’re specifying Warzone and MW3 specifically here, but you can include any of the recent Call of Duty titles as well. Call of Duty introduced the cross-platform feature in 2019 with the release of Modern Warfare and it’s been a staple ever since. The current mainstream title, MW3, has seamless cross-platform matchmaking, as does Warzone. Activision makes things easy when it comes to adding friends and joining parties, as all you need to do is find another player’s ID. The matchmaking also allows you to join matches off other players without adding them, regardless of their platform.
Sea of Thieves
Developer: RareRelease Date: March 20, 2018Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PCGenre: Action-Adventure
Sea of Thieves is a late bloomer when it comes to both the gameplay experience and cross-platform functionality. While cross-play has been available between Xbox and PC for years, the game recently came to PS5 and introduced an entirely new crop of players. PS5 users can take full advantage of cross-play and join up with friends on both Xbox and PC. More players getting to hop in and experience Sea of Thieves only bodes well for a game that has become one of the best co-op games on the market.
Apex Legends
Developer: EARelease Date: February 4, 2019Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo SwitchGenre: First-Person Shooter/Battle Royale
EA’s battle royale darling, Apex Legends, is one of the best free games on Steam and also lets you play with those on any platform. The free-to-play game came out of nowhere in 2019 and offered cross-platform features right out of the gate. Since its release, the Apex community has only gotten stronger and the game has an almost overwhelming amount of content to consume. There are ranked playlists, different battle royale modes, loads of customization, and new non-BR modes being added all the time. You can experience all of that with friends on any available platform.
Helldivers 2
Developer: Arrowhead StudiosRelease Date: February 8, 2024Platforms: PlayStation 5, PCGenre: Third-Person Shooter
One of the more recent additions on this list, Helldivers 2 has been an extremely pleasant surprise in 2024. Featuring extremely fun and inventive gameplay, few current games can match the same level of enjoyment Helldivers 2 offers. While the game’s not currently available on Xbox, there’s full cross-platform functionality between PS5 and PC. You and up to two friends can spread democracy across the universe, blowing away robots and bugs alike. Working together as a team of three is extremely rewarding, especially when your Stratagems are all working in concert. Friendly fire makes the action all the more chaotic and hilarious.
Destiny 2
Developer: BungieRelease Date: August 28, 2017Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PCGenre: First-Person Shooter/MMO
Destiny 2 has become a live-service behemoth, releasing back in 2017 but still pulling in large numbers of players in 2024. While the cross-platform feature wasn’t available at launch in Destiny 2, it has since become one of the game’s main selling points. You can play with any friend, anywhere, as the game promotes. There’s a little something for everyone in Destiny 2, as you can take part in both PvE and PvP modes, with PvE being the game’s strong suit, where activities like raids and dungeons require intense cooperation amongst players. Best of all, though, the base game in Destiny 2 is completely free. You can check out our previous list of the best free games in 2024 as well.
Rocket League
Developer: PsyonixRelease Date: July 7, 2015Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo SwitchGenre: Sports
Often referred to as “car soccer,” Rocket League is one of the longest-running games on this list. Cross-play was added post-launch, and the way it works has slightly changed over the years, especially after Epic Games acquired developer Psyonix, but the functionality is still as seamless as ever. Rocket League features one of the highest skill ceilings of any multiplayer game on the market, but it’s incredibly enjoyable to learn and play. You can experience car soccer for yourself at no charge.
Dead by Daylight
Developer: Behaviour InteractiveRelease Date: June 14, 2016Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo SwitchGenre: Survival Horror
Dead by Daylight is an online survival game with some horror elements, but nothing too major that you have to play it with the lights on. The premise of the game is simple, as there’s one killer in a lobby with four other players. The killer attempts to, you guessed it, eliminate the four players while the players band together to survive. You can use a myriad of tools and equipment to stop the killer, but the killer has access to some lethal weapons as well. There’s cross-play available across all of Dead by Daylight’s platforms, and the game is a true treat with a full lobby of friends.
Minecraft
Developer: Mojang StudiosRelease Date: November 18, 2011Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo SwitchGenre: Sandbox Survival
If you’re a fan of cross-platform games, you knew this entry was coming. Minecraft is one of the most successful video games of all time, reaching as far as any game can in the modern world. There are dozens of different ways to play Minecraft, and all of them offer cross-platform functionality. Unfortunately, if you’re on PS3 or Xbox 360, you won’t get to partake in any cross-play features. The rest of the platforms can join up with anyone else, provided you’re all on the same edition of Minecraft. The timeless crafting/survival gameplay lets you adventure with friends, building bases, and exploring limitless worlds.
Overwatch 2
Developer: Blizzard EntertainmentRelease Date: October 4, 2022Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo SwitchGenre: First-Person Shooter
Overwatch 2 carried over plenty of features from the original game, and cross-play was one of them. Cross-play in Overwatch 2 works exactly as it did in the first game, allowing you to play in a lobby with any other player. This is a great feature for Overwatch 2, as playing as a team is critical due to the interplay between support characters, tanks, and damage dealers. You and your friends can tackle both unranked and ranked playlists as well as other modes that are available with the various in-game seasons. Having everyone pick their hero and work through a map in unison is a terrific feeling.
NBA 2K24
Developer: 2KRelease Date: September 8, 2023Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|SGenre: Sports
While many gamers have their opinions on the NBA 2K series and its microtransactions, there’s no denying it’s one of the most enjoyable sports games to hop on with a group of friends. Unfortunately, cross-play is only available for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, meaning you can only invite and play against friends on those platforms alone. The rest of the platforms, including PC, are limited to playing with players on their system. NBA 2K24 is a solid addition to the long-standing franchise, featuring all the game modes players have come to enjoy while keeping the same gameplay feel.
No Man’s Sky
Developer: Hello GamesRelease Date: August 9, 2016Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo SwitchGenre: Open World/Survival
Before No Man’s Sky launched, the developers at Hello Games promised that you could run into other players when exploring the vast universe. That initially turned out to be untrue but was eventually corrected following a series of updates as No Man’s Sky slowly won back the trust of its community. Now, you can run into other players as well as play with any player, regardless of their platform. Cross-play is terrific in No Man’s Sky, as you and some friends can roam the galaxy together, build bases on new planets, take part in intergalactic warfare with other players, and complete quests at various space stations.
Fall Guys
Developer: MediatonicRelease Date: August 4, 2020Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo SwitchGenre: Battle Royale
At the height of the pandemic in 2020, certain games became instant phenomenons within the community as everyone was gaming at home. Fall Guys came out at the perfect time, and it just so happened to be one of the more enjoyable and inventive titles of the past few years at the time of its release. A new take on the battle royale genre, you control a bean as you maneuver different obstacle courses and try to be the last player standing in a lobby of 60. You can party up with any player on any platform and compete against them to prove you’re the superior gamer.
Among Us
Developer: InnerslothRelease Date: June 15, 2018Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo SwitchGenre: Social Deduction
Speaking of games that became popular during the pandemic, few games have brought the gaming community together like Among Us did in 2020. Among Us blended strategy and horror with the murder mystery genre to create an experience like few others. You and other players all load into a map, where your main job is to complete various tasks. However, one player has been designated as the impostor, whose job is to blend in and slowly eliminate other players without being caught. Among Us creates some truly hilarious moments, and you can experience it with anyone on any platform, even on mobile.
Final Fantasy XIV
Developer: Square EnixRelease Date: September 30, 2010Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PCGenre: MMORPG
It was inevitable that one of the best MMORPGs would make this list, and it’s only right that Final Fantasy XIV take the spot. One of the most-respected games in its genre, FFXIV is bursting with content and is still receiving regular expansions and updates. While it does cost money to experience the entire game, you can play the full story plus two expansions at no cost. Moreover, you can meet up with players across all of the available platforms. Whether you’re completing quests, exploring new lands, training one of the many jobs, or taking part in combat, there’s something for everyone in FFXIV.
Diablo IV
Developer: Blizzard EntertainmentRelease Date: June 5, 2023Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PCGenre: Action-RPG
Diablo IV has kept a core audience in place with seasonal updates that keep adding content to Sanctuary. The ARPG features a fantastic base game with an enthralling story, interesting characters, and plenty of loot. The class system is also engaging, allowing you to fully shape your character’s playstyle and your abilities. Diablo IV features full co-op with up to four players and those players can be from any available platform.
Genshin Impact
Developer: miHoYoRelease Date: September 28, 2020Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, iOS, AndroidGenre: Action-RPG
One of the titles that popularized the “gacha” system in games, Genshin Impact is a massive game that’s still going strong in 2024. An open-world action-RPG, the title allows you to play as numerous characters and use a wide variety of weapons as you navigate an expansive map. Part of what makes Genshin Impact so popular is the party system, where you can join up on a friend’s world and clear Domains or complete quests together. It doesn’t matter what system a player is on; if they’re playing, you can join their world, provided you’re playing on the same Adventure Rank.
Mortal Kombat 1
Developer: NetherRealm StudiosRelease Date: September 14, 2023Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PCGenre: Fighting Game
The term cross-play is technically spelled “Krossplay” in Mortal Kombat 1, but the feature still does everything you would expect it to do. Support for it was added in early 2024, allowing friends to fight each other in online playlists or private matches. However, cross-platform features aren’t available for Nintendo Switch players. Mortal Kombat 1 doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to the fighting genre, but it’s a highly enjoyable game with a high skill ceiling that’s not for the faint of heart.
Forza Horizon 5
Developer: Playground GamesRelease Date: November 1, 2021Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PCGenre: Racing
Racing games aren’t as plentiful in the market as they used to be, but it’s difficult to beat the experience you can have in Forza Horizon 5. A true graphical marvel, Forza Horizon 5 is an incredible racing game that features a large open world set in a fictional version of Mexico and plenty to do across all the locations. You can unlock a myriad of vehicles, including iconic cars, and race against NPCs or real players. There are also dozens of other game modes to take part in, which you can do so against friends who are on Xbox or PC. It’s one of the best games on Game Pass, meaning if you have a subscription, you’ll be able to play it without buying it.
Roblox
Developer: Roblox CorporationRelease Date: September 1, 2006Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, iOS, AndroidGenre: Game Creation
There’s really no succinct way to describe what Roblox has evolved into. The game is essentially composed of thousands of other games, all available to download with a few clicks. The genres in Roblox are bountiful, with first-person shooters, RPGs, action-adventure games, strategy games, and more. If you want to take part in any specific game with a friend, all you need to ensure is they have the game properly downloaded. Mobile players can join up with console players and even VR users can create a part for anyone to join.
The Finals
Developer: Embark StudiosRelease Date: December 7, 2023Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PCGenre: First-Person Shooter
A newer entry into the FPS genre, The Finals is a high-octane shooter that rewards ingenuity, aggressive gameplay, and accurate shots. You play across arenas that are all completely destructible, making each match feel different from the last depending on what you or others decide to destroy. The core feeling of The Finals is an arcade shooter where the goal is to eliminate enemy players, but it features more replayability than many FPS titles on the market today. You can experience the game in full cross-play with any other player regardless of platform.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
Developer: Gearbox SoftwareRelease Date: March 24, 2022Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PCGenre: Action-RPG/Shooter
While this spot could have gone to Borderlands 3, the cross-platform features in that game tend to not function correctly. Instead, we’re giving the spot to a franchise spin-off, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. Set in a magical land dreamt up by Tiny Tina herself, you set off on a Dungeons & Dragons-style adventure that’s made much more enjoyable with a friend or two. The gameplay is the same as the Borderlands franchise and there’s still plenty of loot to be had. However, the way the story develops and some of the other new features make Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands a different experience altogether from Borderlands. Full cross-play is available for all platforms.
Chivalry 2
Developer: Tom Banner StudiosRelease Date: April 23, 2021Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PCGenre: Action
Chivarly 2 is a first-person action game that takes place in medieval times. You can take part in massive bow-and-arrow and sword-and-shield wars on a battlefield or mount a steed and take a more fast-paced approach to combat. The game takes you through historical battles, letting you live out what it was like for soldiers back in the medieval era. Chivarly 2 is incredibly realistic, allowing you to fight through an excessive amount of damage, and can be played with a friend on any available platform.
Smite
Developer: Hi-Rez StudiosRelease Date: March 25, 2014Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PCGenre: MOBA
While Smite might not be the most popular MOBA on the market, it’s an enjoyable experience that you can play for free with friends and other players across any available system. Like most MOBAs, Smite features a steep learning curve, as you have to understand each character’s abilities and how they work on the map. However, with time, you’ll start to master the “deities” you enjoy playing as and can take that knowledge into several different game modes. It’s also worth noting that Smite 2, the upcoming sequel to Smite, is also going to be cross-platform with the current-gen consoles and PC.
Deep Rock Galactic
Developer: Ghost Ship GamesRelease Date: February 28, 2018Platforms: PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5; Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Xbox Store version)Genre: FPS/Action-Adventure
Deep Rock Galactic takes players on a solo or co-op adventure to some of the deadliest mining locations across the galaxy. Players are tasked with clearing out mining sites that are infested with enemies, collecting resources and leveling up their character along the way. Deep Rock Galactic isn’t technically classified as a looter shooter, so don’t expect weapons and items to fall from the enemies you eliminate. However, there are horror elements and tons of randomized levels to clear out. Deep Rock Galactic supports cross-platform, albeit with some limitations: PS4 and PS5 players can join up together, but PC players need to be on the Xbox Store version of the game to link up with those on Xbox consoles. Users on Steam are limited to playing with other Steam players.
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