Choosing a crossplay game is about more than checking whether a PC and console version both exist. This guide compares the details that affect a shared session—platform support, cross-progression, account requirements, party limits, voice chat, and input matchmaking—so you can choose a game that works for your group before spending money or downloading a large update.
Overview
The best crossplay games for PC and console make it straightforward to invite friends, carry progress between devices, and communicate during a match. However, “cross-platform” can describe several different features. A game may support multiplayer between PC and console while keeping progression tied to a publisher account. Another may allow cross-progression but restrict certain modes or platforms. Some games also separate players by input method, while others place everyone in the same matchmaking pool.
The comparison below is designed as a practical starting point rather than a permanent ranking. Platform support, account rules, subscription requirements, and multiplayer features can change after major updates. Before buying, confirm the current details on the game’s official support page and the store listing for your platform.
| Game or category to investigate | Typical crossplay question | Progression check | Party and chat checks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters | Can PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players enter the same playlist? | Is progress linked to a publisher account, and are purchases shared? | Are parties limited by mode, and is input-based matchmaking available? |
| Co-op survival and adventure games | Does crossplay cover the complete game or only selected modes? | Can the same character, world, or save be used on another platform? | What is the maximum party or server size, and does in-game voice work? |
| Sports and racing games | Are all supported platforms included in online matchmaking? | Are career progress, items, and currencies shared? | Do ranked modes use separate pools or platform restrictions? |
| Free-to-play multiplayer games | Is a separate publisher account required before joining friends? | Are cosmetics and battle-pass progress shared across platforms? | Does console voice chat work with PC players, and can crossplay be disabled? |
How to compare options
Start with the group’s actual hardware. “PC and console” is not a complete compatibility check: a game may support current consoles but not older generations, or it may offer different features on handheld and cloud versions. Write down every platform your group uses, then check the developer’s current crossplay list rather than relying only on a store badge.
Next, separate crossplay from cross-progression. Crossplay answers whether people on different systems can play together. Cross-progression answers whether a player’s account, unlocks, purchases, characters, or campaign progress follow them to another device. These systems often require a linked publisher account, and some items may remain tied to the platform where they were purchased.
Also check the subscription and account requirements. Paid online multiplayer may require the relevant console subscription, while free-to-play titles can have different rules. PC players may need a launcher account in addition to their storefront account. These requirements are easy to miss when buying from a digital game marketplace, especially if one friend owns a console edition and another owns a PC edition.
Finally, check how the game handles input. Mouse-and-keyboard players may be placed with controller users, separated into different pools, or allowed to choose a setting. Competitive players should treat input matchmaking as a core buying factor, not a minor option.
Feature-by-feature breakdown
Platform scope
Look for an explicit list of supported systems and modes. A game can have broad crossplay in casual matchmaking but narrower support for ranked, local, campaign, or user-hosted modes. If your group includes an older console, verify that version separately.
Cross-progression and account linking
Progression is most valuable for players who switch between a desktop and console. Confirm what transfers: level, cosmetics, saved games, downloadable content, premium currency, and achievements may follow different rules. Do not assume that buying the game twice automatically combines ownership or saves.
Party size and mode limits
Party size is often mode-specific. A game may allow a small group in standard matchmaking but use a different limit for raids, squads, private servers, or competitive playlists. Check the current limit for the mode your friends actually want to play. If one person regularly joins late, also confirm whether an in-progress invite is possible.
Voice and text chat
Built-in voice chat is usually the simplest option, but availability can depend on privacy settings, parental controls, platform permissions, and the selected mode. Test voice chat before the first competitive session. If it is unreliable, agree on a separate voice service and confirm that every player can use it on their chosen device.
Matchmaking and competitive fairness
Crossplay is especially complicated in shooters, sports games, and racing games. Look for input-based matchmaking, opt-out settings, platform pools, and mode-specific restrictions. A setting that works well for casual play may not suit ranked competition. Read the current support documentation before assuming that disabling crossplay will preserve access to every playlist.
Best fit by scenario
For a mixed-platform family or friend group: prioritize simple account creation, reliable in-game voice, and broad casual-mode support. Free-to-play multiplayer games can reduce the cost barrier, but confirm account and parental-control requirements first.
For competitive players: prioritize input matchmaking, stable ranked support, and clear crossplay controls. A game with more platforms is not automatically the better choice if your group wants a tightly controlled competitive environment.
For long co-op campaigns: prioritize cross-progression, shared saves, drop-in support, and a party limit that matches your group. Read the edition details carefully; multiplayer access and expansions may not be shared in the same way as the base game.
For players who switch between PC and console: confirm account linking and purchase portability before buying. Our guide to choosing the right game edition can help you distinguish included content from platform-specific extras.
For buyers comparing storefronts: check the refund terms, launcher requirements, and regional version before purchasing. You can also use our PC game store comparison and game deal checklist before committing to a sale.
When to revisit
Recheck this information before buying a newly released crossplay game, after a major platform update, or when a friend changes devices. Developers can add or remove platform support, change account-linking rules, adjust party limits, alter input matchmaking, or introduce a new multiplayer mode.
A practical pre-purchase routine is to verify five items: your exact platforms, the intended game mode, cross-progression rules, required accounts or subscriptions, and voice-chat compatibility. Save a screenshot or bookmark the relevant support page if your group plans to play over several months. If a deal looks unusually attractive, review the edition and activation region as well; our guides on buying cheap game keys safely and checking PC system requirements cover those related checks.
The best crossplay games are the ones that remove friction for your particular group. Compare the full multiplayer setup—not just the platform logo—and you are much more likely to choose a game everyone can install, join, and keep playing together.
