Can I Play Vanguard Cross Gen? Everything You Need to Know

Yes, absolutely! Call of Duty: Vanguard is designed to be cross-generation compatible, allowing players on different generations of consoles within the same family to play together. This means if you’re on a PlayStation 4 (PS4), you can play with friends on a PlayStation 5 (PS5), and if you’re on an Xbox One, you can play with those on an Xbox Series X|S. This functionality is a cornerstone of the game’s design, ensuring a larger and more unified player base. Let’s dive into the details of what this means and how it works for Call of Duty: Vanguard.

Understanding Cross-Generation Play

Cross-generation play, or “cross-gen,” allows players using different console generations within the same family to connect and play together online. It’s important to distinguish this from cross-platform play, which involves connecting players across different console families (e.g., PlayStation with Xbox or PC). Vanguard supports both, but for the purpose of this article, we’ll primarily focus on cross-gen.

Key Aspects of Vanguard’s Cross-Gen Capabilities

• Play with friends on different console generations: If your friend has a PS5 and you have a PS4, you can still squad up and play together. The same applies to Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S users.
• Unified progression and content: Your profile, in-game stats, progress, and digital content are tied to your Activision account. This means you can switch between console generations without losing your progress or items.
• Cross-gen bundles: Buying a Digital Cross-Gen Edition of Vanguard grants you access to the game on both console generations within the same family. This is often a cost-effective option for those who own, or plan to own, consoles from both generations.
• Seamless Transition: If you upgrade to a next-generation console, simply log in using the same Activision account, and everything will be available to you on the new console.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vanguard Cross-Gen

1. Does Vanguard cross-gen work on Xbox One?

Yes, absolutely. The Cross-Gen bundle for Call of Duty: Vanguard includes both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions of the game. This lets you play with friends regardless of which Xbox console they’re using.

2. Does PS4 Call of Duty: Vanguard work on PS5?

Yes, it does. You can play the PS4 version of Call of Duty: Vanguard on your PS5. While the game is playable, be aware that some features and visual fidelity may be enhanced on the PS5 version. For a more detailed list of these differences, it’s best to check the information available at PlayStation.com/bc.

3. Why won’t Call of Duty Vanguard play on my PS5?

There could be several reasons. Often, the most common issue is insufficient storage space. The PS5 game files are quite large. Ensure you have enough free hard drive space by going to Settings > Storage on your PS5. Other issues may include needing to update your console’s system software or having corrupted game data.

4. Can I upgrade Call of Duty Vanguard to the cross-gen version?

Yes. If you initially purchased the Standard Edition of the game digitally, you can upgrade to the Cross-Gen Bundle to gain access to the Xbox Series X|S version on Xbox or PS5 version on PlayStation. This upgrade will unlock the benefits that come with the enhanced versions.

5. What does cross-gen mean for Call of Duty: Vanguard?

For Vanguard, cross-gen means you can play with others on different console generations within the same console family. Specifically, PS4 players can play with PS5 players, and Xbox One players can play with Xbox Series X|S players. Additionally, your progress, content, and stats carry over between generations thanks to your linked Activision account.

6. What is a cross-gen edition?

A cross-gen edition includes the game on both the previous and current-gen console within the same console family. For instance, the Digital Cross-Gen Edition of Vanguard includes both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions or the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions.

7. Can old-gen consoles play with new-gen consoles?

Yes, for Call of Duty: Vanguard, old-gen consoles such as the Xbox One and PS4 can absolutely play with new-gen consoles like the Xbox Series X|S and PS5.

8. How do cross-gen saves work?

Cross-gen saves allow you to seamlessly transfer your save data and progress from the PS4 to the PS5 version of the game. Typically, the system will detect compatible save data in your PlayStation Plus cloud storage and prompt you to transfer. The same principal applies with Xbox using their cloud storage.

9. Does cross-gen mean crossplay?

No, cross-gen and crossplay are different. Cross-generation refers to playing with players on different console generations within the same family, while crossplay (or cross-platform) means playing with players on different console families (e.g., PlayStation with Xbox or PC). Vanguard does support both, allowing players from multiple platforms and generations to play together.

10. Is Call of Duty: Vanguard next-gen only?

No, Call of Duty: Vanguard is not next-gen only. It’s available on both last-gen and current-gen consoles. The game is cross-gen enabled, meaning you can play with players on both generations within your console family, as well as crossplay, meaning across different console families.

11. What is the difference between the cross-gen and standard versions?

The Standard Edition of Vanguard is for one console generation only, whilst the Cross-Gen Edition allows you to play the game on both the current and previous generation console within the same family. The cross-gen version usually costs a bit more.

12. How does a cross-gen bundle work?

A cross-gen bundle provides you with access to a game on two different console generations from the same manufacturer. These are typically the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions or PS4 and PS5 versions. This is convenient for players who might own both consoles or plan to upgrade.

13. What comes with the Vanguard cross-gen bundle?

Besides both console generation versions, the Vanguard cross-gen bundle includes 5 hours of weapons 2XP (Double Experience Points) and the Digital Exclusive Frontline Weapons Pack. It also includes the base game and all game features on your chosen platform.

14. How do I enable cross-generation play on Xbox?

Cross-generation play is enabled by default in Call of Duty: Vanguard. However, to ensure it works correctly and your Xbox account isn’t blocking others, check your Privacy and Online Safety settings. Go to Account > Privacy and Online Safety > Xbox Live Privacy > View Details and Customize > Communications and Multiplayer and ensure “You can play with people outside of Xbox Live” is set to “Allow“.

15. Can Call of Duty: Warzone be played cross-gen?

Yes, absolutely. Call of Duty: Warzone 2 and the most recent Warzone releases have full crossplay features. This means that regardless of whether you’re on a PlayStation or Xbox (of any generation) or on PC, you can play with whomever you want.

Conclusion

Call of Duty: Vanguard offers a seamless experience for players across console generations. Whether you’re on a PS4 or PS5, Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S, you can easily jump into the action with your friends. Remember to utilize your Activision account for unified progression and make sure your game and console software is up to date. By understanding these cross-gen capabilities, you can enjoy the full experience of Call of Duty: Vanguard no matter which platform you choose.