Prerequisites for Cross-Platform Play
Before starting, ensure you have these essentials:
- An active internet connection.
- A valid subscription to Xbox Live Gold for Xbox consoles or PlayStation Plus for PS4 consoles (required for most online multiplayer games).
- The specific game installed on both your Xbox and your friend's PS4 (or vice versa), and confirmation that this game supports cross-platform play between Xbox and PlayStation.
- Online accounts for the game itself, if required (e.g., Epic Games Account for Fortnite, Activision Account for Call of Duty: Warzone).
Setting Up Required Accounts
Cross-play games often necessitate linking your platform account to a third-party account:
- On your console, launch the cross-play game you wish to play.
- Navigate to the game's settings menu, often under Account, Linked Accounts, or Cross-Platform Play.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to create or sign into the required third-party account (e.g., Epic, Activision, Ubisoft Connect).
- Authorize the link between your Xbox or PlayStation Network account and this third-party account.
Note: Both you and your friend must complete this linking process.
Verifying Game Support and Finding Friends
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Not all games support Xbox-PS4 cross-play. Check the game's official website, store description, or recent news to confirm cross-play between Xbox and PlayStation is available.
Finding Friends: Typically, you add friends using their third-party account ID (e.g., Epic Games ID, Activision ID), not their Xbox Gamertag or PlayStation Network ID. Both players need to share these usernames.
- Within the game, go to your Friends List or Social menu.
- Look for options like Add Friend, Search, or Find Player.
- Enter your friend's specific cross-play username (the one linked to their third-party account).
- Send them a friend request. They need to accept it in their game.
Enabling Cross-Platform Play & Starting a Game
Ensure the setting is active:
- Access the game's settings menu.
- Look for an option labeled Cross-Platform Play, Crossplay, or similar.
- Ensure this setting is toggled to On or Enabled on both your console and your friend's console.
To Play Together:
- Invite via In-Game List: Once friends in the game, invite them directly from your in-game friends list using the game's invite system.
- Join Party/Lobby: Coordinate which party to join or which lobby to enter (e.g., a specific Duos queue in a battle royale). Ensure your party settings allow cross-platform players.
- Use Cross-Platform Party Features: Some games support voice chat within the game lobby regardless of platform.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Can't find friend: Double-check the exact spelling and case sensitivity of their cross-play username. Confirm both of you have completed account linking.
- Cross-play option missing: Verify the game definitively supports Xbox-PS4 cross-play. Ensure both players have the game fully updated to the latest version.
- Connection issues: Restart your game and console. Check your internet connection stability.
