Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay: Exploring Cross-Platform Play in the World of Space Dwarves
Deep rock galactic crossplay has earned a dedicated following thanks to its cooperative gameplay, unique missions, and thrilling sci-fi setting. Developed by Ghost Ship Games, the game invites players to take on the roles of dwarves exploring alien-infested caves and extracting precious minerals. However, as more players dive into this adventure, one common question arises: Does Deep Rock Galactic support crossplay? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Deep Rock Galactic crossplay, including its current state, cross-platform capabilities, and what players can expect in the future.
What is Deep Rock Galactic?
Deep rock galactic crossplay is a co-op first-person shooter that emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and exploration. The game offers a unique blend of procedurally generated missions, four distinct dwarf classes, and dangerous alien foes that test players’ skills and coordination. Released in 2020, it is available on several platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, with a large focus on cooperative multiplayer gameplay.
Players take on the role of space-mining dwarves employed by Deep Rock Galactic, a mining corporation that sends its crew to the planet Hoxxes IV. The harsh underground environment is filled with dangerous creatures, valuable resources, and unpredictable terrain, making every mission different from the last.
However, given the Deep rock galactic crossplay cooperative nature, players have increasingly asked: Can friends from different platforms play together through Deep rock galactic crossplay? Let’s break down what crossplay is and how it applies to Deep Rock Galactic.
What is Crossplay in Gaming?
Deep rock galactic crossplay, also called cross-platform play, refers to the ability of gamers to play with each other across different platforms, such as consoles and PCs. In today’s multiplayer landscape, Deep rock galactic crossplay has become a highly requested feature, as it breaks down platform barriers and enables friends to team up regardless of their device.
For example, if a player owns a game on Xbox and their friend has the same game on PC, crossplay allows them to connect and enjoy the game together without either of them needing to switch platforms. Many modern games are moving towards implementing cross-platform support to keep their player bases connected and growing.
Crossplay improves the gaming experience in several ways:
- Expanded Player Base: Deep rock galactic crossplay ensures that players have access to more teammates, even when fewer people are online on their specific platform.
- Longer Game Lifespan: With cross-platform capabilities, games remain active for longer periods, as communities remain united across platforms.
- Flexibility for Players: Friends can play together without worrying about what platform they own, promoting inclusivity.
Does Deep Rock Galactic Support Crossplay?
Now comes the big question: Does Deep rock galactic crossplay offer crossplay between its platforms? The answer to this isn’t straightforward—it depends on what versions of the game players are using. While the game does support some crossplay functionality, it’s not available universally across all platforms.
PC and Xbox Crossplay
Deep rock galactic crossplay offers crossplay between Xbox consoles and the Microsoft Store version on PC. This means that if a player is using an Xbox console (Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S) and their friend is playing on a PC through the Microsoft Store, they can join the same game and complete missions together.
This Deep rock galactic crossplay setup is possible because both the Xbox and Microsoft Store versions of the game share the same server infrastructure and ecosystem. Players can invite friends from either platform, join lobbies, and complete missions without restrictions.
However, the Steam version of Deep rock galactic crossplay is not compatible with the Xbox or Microsoft Store versions. This limitation has been a point of frustration for some players who own the game on Steam and want to play with friends on Xbox.
Steam and PlayStation Versions
At present, Deep rock galactic crossplay does not support Deep rock galactic crossplay between Steam and PlayStation consoles. Although both versions of the game have vibrant communities, players on these platforms cannot join each other’s games due to differences in server infrastructure.
The lack of Deep rock galactic crossplay between Steam and Xbox (or PlayStation) is primarily due to technical limitations. Ghost Ship Games has stated that unifying all platforms under one system would require significant changes to their backend servers—a complex challenge that the developers have yet to tackle fully.
Cross-Generation Play for Consoles
While Deep rock galactic crossplay does not offer universal crossplay, it does support cross-generation play. This means that players using older consoles like the Xbox One can still team up with friends who have upgraded to the Xbox Series X|S. Similarly, PlayStation 4 users can join games with PlayStation 5 players, ensuring that upgrading hardware doesn’t separate players from their friends.
How to Enable Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
If you’re playing Deep Rock Galactic on Xbox or the Microsoft Store and want to enable crossplay, here’s how you can do it:
- Check Platform Compatibility: Ensure that both you and your friend are using compatible platforms (either Xbox or Microsoft Store). Crossplay between Steam and these platforms is not supported.
- Add Friends via Xbox Live: Use Xbox Live to add friends to your list. Since the Microsoft Store version of the game is linked to Xbox accounts, you’ll need to connect with your friends via Xbox Live.
- Join Friends’ Games: After adding friends, you can join their games directly from the in-game friends list. Look for the option to invite players or join active lobbies.
- Set Multiplayer Preferences: In the game’s settings, make sure your multiplayer preferences allow cross-platform play. If crossplay is disabled in settings, you won’t be able to connect with players on other platforms.
Will Deep Rock Galactic Expand Crossplay in the Future?
The demand for crossplay has grown significantly, and many players are hoping that Ghost Ship Games will implement broader cross-platform support in the future. While the developers have acknowledged the interest in full crossplay, they’ve also mentioned the challenges involved.
A full crossplay system would require major changes to the game’s servers and infrastructure. Additionally, unifying the Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam ecosystems introduces logistical and technical hurdles, such as differences in updates, matchmaking systems, and player economies.
That said, Ghost Ship Games has a track record of listening to player feedback and rolling out significant updates. As the game continues to grow in popularity, there’s always a possibility that the developers will revisit the idea of expanding crossplay capabilities.
Benefits of Crossplay for Deep Rock Galactic
If Deep Rock Galactic were to implement full crossplay across all platforms, the game would benefit in several ways:
- Increased Player Base: Allowing players from all platforms to join together would result in a more active and engaged community.
- Faster Matchmaking: Crossplay would ensure faster matchmaking times, especially during off-peak hours.
- Stronger Community: Unified platforms would encourage more social interaction among players, fostering a more vibrant community.
Additionally, expanded crossplay would make it easier for friends to team up without worrying about platform restrictions. In a game like Deep Rock Galactic, where teamwork is essential, this would greatly enhance the overall experience.
Final Thoughts: Should You Play Deep Rock Galactic with Crossplay in Mind?
Deep Rock Galactic offers a thrilling cooperative experience filled with adventure, teamwork, and chaos. While the game doesn’t yet offer universal crossplay across all platforms, the existing crossplay between Xbox and Microsoft Store versions is a step in the right direction.
If you’re planning to play the game with friends, it’s essential to consider which platform each person is using. If you’re on Steam or PlayStation, you’ll need to coordinate with friends on the same platform. However, if you’re on Xbox or the Microsoft Store version of the game, crossplay opens up more opportunities for teaming up.
Ultimately, while the current crossplay limitations may be disappointing for some, Deep Rock Galactic remains a must-play experience for anyone who enjoys cooperative multiplayer games. With its regular updates and developer transparency, there’s always hope that broader crossplay support will arrive in the future. Until then, grab your pickaxe, gather your friends, and get ready to delve deep into the alien caves of Hoxxes IV!
In conclusion, while Deep Rock Galactic doesn’t yet offer full crossplay across all platforms, the game still delivers a top-notch cooperative experience. Whether you’re mining resources or battling alien swarms, teamwork is at the heart of the adventure. And with the possibility of future crossplay expansion, the future of space-mining dwarves has never looked brighter.
