Have you played Elden Ring?
Of course, what kind of question I am asking!
This also means that you already know that this game is developed by FromSoftware and was launched two years ago in the month of February.
Okay, so I do not have to give too much information in the beginning itself, phew!
But one question most players are asking at the moment is this: Is Elden Ring cross platform?
This article will give you the answer and will also provide workarounds.
Keep reading, keep learning!
Is Elden Ring Cross Platform?
Well, the short and bitter answer is No. Elden Ring does not support cross platform between the different gaming platforms. Therefore if you are using PlayStation, Xbox or PC then you cannot interact in cross platform mode. However, there are some exceptions and workarounds that we will explain below in this article.
Cross Platform Limitations
Cross platform Limitations
Elden Ring is available for the following platforms:
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X/S
- Microsoft Windows (PC)
Though it is available across all these, Elden Ring doesn’t have cross platform multiplayer gameplay. To put it another way, when you are playing on a PlayStation console, you will see others playing only from a PlayStation device. The same goes for Xbox and PC players.
This limit is applicable to both cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes in Elden Ring. You can’t call in players on other platforms for help in defeating bosses or invade their worlds for PvP.
Cross-Generation Support
Cross-Generation Support
Although Elden Ring doesn’t quite support cross platform play it at least supports cross-generation play within same console family. This allows PS4 players to join those playing on PS5. Xbox One players are able to team up with those gaming on Xbox Series X and S
This feature will only work if you have correct version of game on your console. If you have PlayStation 4 you need to download PS4 version. If you have PlayStation 5, then get PS5. The same would go with Xbox consoles.
Moreover, Elden Ring offers free current generation upgrade for those players who have last generation console. For example if you have Xbox One version, you can upgrade to Xbox Series X/S variant via Smart Delivery absolutely free.
Cross-Progression
Cross-Progression
One features of Elden Ring that does support cross platform functionality however, is cross-progression. This allows players to transfer their saved game data from one platform to another. It works as long as it’s within same console family.
For example: if you are playing Elden Ring on PS4 and later decide to upgrade to PS5, then you can play the game from where you left it. You can upload saved data to cloud and download it on PS5. The same goes for new generation of Xbox consoles.
For Cross-Progression: Simply log in with same gaming account PlayStation Network or Xbox Live on both consoles. Your saved data will be synchronized across devices thus picking up whatever progress you left off.
Workarounds for Cross Platform Play
Workarounds for Cross platform Play
Although Elden Ring does not natively support cross platform play there are some workarounds to achieve this that players have found:
- Same password: If you and your friends are playing on different platforms, you can set password in multiplayer menu in game. You will be able to see other players’ summon signs. You can join each other’s worlds despite being on different platforms.
- Third-party services: Some players reported success with third-party services like Parsec or Steam’s Remote Play Together. These services simply stream your gameplay to other players so they get around Elden Ring’s platform restrictions.
Please note that the workarounds, since they are not officially supported by FromSoftware, may not always work perfectly. They add latency and other technical problems.
Future of Cross Platform Play in Elden Ring
The Future of Cross platform Play in Elden Ring
Since Elden Ring made a big wave in the gaming industry, considering that it was one of the most wanted features in recent gaming history, FromSoftware might add official cross platform support. The developer has not announced anything related to this, though.
FromSoftware did not include cross platform in the previous game too:
The maker of this game, FromSoftware, has always been very careful about cross platform play in its games. As a case in point, none of the Dark Souls series offered the functionality of cross platform multiplayer. That means the technical and logistic problems to implement this feature are rather large.
Cross-platform integration in recent years:
That said, the trend in the gaming industry as a whole over the past couple of years has been towards cross platform integration. Crossplay has definitely become one way in which major game publishers and platform holders have looked to increase player bases and offer a more seamless and more connected multiplayer experience.
Implementation of cross platform play in Elden Ring would be among the major factors that would increase life span of the game and make it more appealing to the gaming audience if FromSoftware decides to follow through with the trend.
Conclusion
While Elden Ring does not support full cross platform play, the game does offer cross-generation play of sorts between console families. One other route to partial cross platform functionality is via workarounds such as setting up a password or third-party services. These are, however, not officially recognized and might not work perfectly.
Even as the gaming industry definitely moves forward with respect to cross platform integration, it’s quite possible that at some point in the future, FromSoftware will integrate an official way for cross-play in Elden Ring. This would enhance its multiplayer features to a great extent and attract a large group of gamers.
Thus, Elden Ring will remain single-player focused with minimal cross-platform functionality until further notice. Still, for those willing to overcome such platform barriers, the game holds in reserve a full, rewarding multiplayer experience that will be well worth boarding on.
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