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Can I Play My Friend on FIFA 23 Crossplay? The Ultimate Guide

The short answer is yes, mostly. FIFA 23 introduced cross-play functionality, allowing players on different platforms to compete against each other. However, there are some crucial caveats you need to understand to ensure you can actually team up with (or defeat!) your friends. Understanding these limitations and settings is essential to taking full advantage of this feature.

Understanding FIFA 23’s Crossplay System

FIFA 23’s cross-play isn’t a blanket free-for-all across every platform. Instead, it’s segmented by platform generation. This means that players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Stadia (RIP) can play together. Meanwhile, players on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One can only play with others on those specific consoles.

This division is due to the different game engines and capabilities of the older and newer generations of consoles. The PS5/Xbox Series X/S/PC versions of FIFA 23 boasted significant graphical and gameplay improvements compared to their PS4/Xbox One counterparts, making cross-play between the two groups technically challenging and potentially unfair.

Key Considerations for Crossplay Success

Before you dive in, here’s a checklist to ensure you and your friend can connect:

Platform Compatibility: Are you both on compatible platforms (either PS5/Xbox Series X/S/PC or PS4/Xbox One)?
Game Updates: Ensure you both have the latest version of FIFA 23 installed. Outdated versions may not be cross-play compatible.
Crossplay Enabled: Crossplay needs to be enabled in the FIFA 23 settings. We’ll cover how to do this in the FAQs below.
EA Account: You both need an EA Account linked to your platform accounts. This is essential for identifying and connecting with each other.
Online Subscriptions: If you’re playing on PlayStation or Xbox, you need an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass Ultimate subscription, respectively. PC players don’t need this.
Friend Requests: Make sure you’ve added your friend on the EA Social platform within FIFA 23.

Crossplay in Different Game Modes

The availability of cross-play varies depending on the game mode:

Online Friendlies: This is where cross-play is most straightforward. You can easily invite friends from compatible platforms to play friendly matches.
Ultimate Team: Cross-play is available in FUT Rivals, FUT Champions, Online Draft, FUT Friendlies, and when playing FUT Co-Op with a friend.
Online Seasons: Cross-play is enabled in Online Seasons.
Volta Football: You can team up with friends on other platforms in Volta Squads.
Pro Clubs: Sadly, Pro Clubs did not support cross-play in FIFA 23. This was a major disappointment for many players and remains a highly requested feature for future FIFA titles (now EA Sports FC).

Troubleshooting Common Crossplay Issues

Even with everything set up correctly, you might still encounter problems. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

Can’t Find Your Friend: Double-check that you’ve added them as a friend through the EA Social menu within FIFA 23. Also, ensure you’re both online.
Connection Issues: Network problems can disrupt cross-play. Make sure you both have stable internet connections. Try restarting your routers or consoles/PCs.
Crossplay Not Working: Go to the FIFA 23 settings and verify that cross-play is enabled. Sometimes, toggling it off and back on can resolve glitches.
Game Mode Restrictions: Remember that not all game modes support cross-play. Make sure you’re both trying to play a mode that allows it.

The Future of Crossplay in EA Sports FC

While FIFA 23 marked a significant step forward for cross-play in the franchise, the future holds even greater potential with the transition to EA Sports FC. Many fans are hoping to see broader cross-play support, including the addition of Pro Clubs and potentially even cross-progression (the ability to transfer your progress and team between platforms).

The success of cross-play in FIFA 23 has undoubtedly paved the way for more robust and inclusive online experiences in future EA Sports FC titles. By understanding the current limitations and embracing the evolving landscape of cross-platform gaming, you can ensure you and your friends can enjoy the beautiful game together, regardless of your chosen platforms.

The benefits of cross-platform play extend beyond just playing with friends. It fosters larger online communities, reduces matchmaking times, and creates a more vibrant and diverse gaming experience. The Games Learning Society understands the social and cognitive benefits of collaborative gameplay, and cross-play initiatives like this align with their mission of exploring the intersection of games and learning. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I enable cross-play in FIFA 23?

Go to the main FIFA 23 menu. Navigate to Customize, then Online Settings, and finally Matchmaking Preferences. Here, you’ll find the option to toggle Crossplay on or off. Make sure it’s set to Enabled.

2. Can PS4 players play with PS5 players in FIFA 23?

Yes, but only if both players are playing the PS4 version of the game. Cross-play in FIFA 23 is generation-specific, meaning PS4 players can only play with other PS4 players and PS5 players can only play with other PS5 players if they’re on the next-gen version. To play with your PS4 friend, you’ll need to download and play the PS4 version of FIFA 23 on your PS5.

3. Can Xbox One players play with Xbox Series X/S players in FIFA 23?

Yes, similar to PlayStation, Xbox One players can play with Xbox Series X/S players, but both need to be playing the respective version.

4. Is cross-progression available in FIFA 23? Can I transfer my FUT team between platforms?

No, FIFA 23 does not support cross-progression. Your FUT team, progress, and FIFA Points are tied to the platform you initially created them on. You cannot transfer them between PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or other platforms.

5. Can PC players play with console players in FIFA 23?

Yes, PC players can play with players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

6. Why can’t I find my friend in FIFA 23 even though we’re on the same platform generation?

Ensure you’ve added them as an EA Friend within the FIFA 23 interface. Go to the Social tab, search for their EA ID (not their platform gamertag), and send a friend request. Also, double-check that you’re both online and that neither of you has blocked the other.

7. Does FIFA 23 cross-play include all game modes?

No, the primary omission is Pro Clubs. Cross-play is available in most other online modes, including Online Friendlies, Ultimate Team, Online Seasons, and Volta.

8. Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold to play cross-play FIFA 23 on consoles?

Yes, you need an active PlayStation Plus subscription on PlayStation consoles or Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass Ultimate subscription on Xbox consoles to play online, including with cross-play.

9. Is there a way to disable cross-play in FIFA 23?

Yes, you can disable cross-play in the FIFA 23 settings. Go to Customize, then Online Settings, and finally Matchmaking Preferences. Toggle the Crossplay option to Disabled.

10. Can I play co-op seasons with a friend on a different platform in FIFA 23?

Yes, you can play co-op seasons with a friend on a compatible platform, provided you both have cross-play enabled and are friends on the EA Social network.

11. Does Stadia cross-play still work in FIFA 23?

No, Google Stadia has been discontinued. Stadia players can no longer participate in cross-play.

12. What are the benefits of enabling cross-play in FIFA 23?

Enabling cross-play expands the pool of potential opponents and teammates, leading to faster matchmaking times and more diverse gameplay experiences. It also allows you to play with friends who own different platforms.

13. How do I know if I’m playing against someone on a different platform in FIFA 23?

In some game modes, an icon indicating the player’s platform (PlayStation, Xbox, PC) will be displayed next to their name during pre-match screens and in-game.

14. Can I voice chat with players on different platforms in FIFA 23?

Yes, voice chat is typically enabled across platforms, allowing you to communicate with your teammates and opponents regardless of their console or PC.

15. Will cross-play be improved in future EA Sports FC games?

While EA hasn’t made specific announcements, it’s highly likely that EA Sports FC will continue to build upon the cross-play foundation established in FIFA 23. Many fans are hoping for expanded cross-play support to include Pro Clubs and potentially even cross-progression.

Can I play my friend on FIFA 23 Crossplay?