Table of Contents

Can PlayStation 4 Cross Play? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, PlayStation 4 supports cross play, also known as cross-platform play, with other consoles and PC for a growing list of games. This means players on PS4 can play online multiplayer games with friends and other players on platforms like Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Understanding Cross Play on PlayStation 4

Cross play has revolutionized the gaming landscape, breaking down the traditional walls that kept players confined to their chosen console ecosystem. For years, gamers were limited to playing online multiplayer games only with others who owned the same platform. Thanks to the rise of cross play, these barriers are crumbling, creating a more unified and accessible gaming experience. The PS4, after a period of initial resistance, has embraced this trend, allowing players to connect with a wider community.

A Brief History of PS4’s Cross Play Journey

Sony’s initial stance on cross play was cautious. Concerns about player experience and business models led to reluctance in fully embracing cross-platform play. However, pressure from the gaming community and the success of games like Fortnite ultimately led to a change in policy. In September 2018, Sony officially entered the cross play arena, initially with Fortnite. Since then, the number of cross play-enabled games on PS4 has steadily increased.

How to Identify Cross Play Games on PS4

Identifying whether a game supports cross play on PS4 is relatively straightforward.

Check the Game Packaging/Digital Store Page: Most games that support cross play will clearly indicate this feature on the game’s packaging or digital store page (PlayStation Store). Look for phrases like “Cross-Platform Play,” “Cross Play Enabled,” or “Play with Friends on Other Platforms.”
In-Game Settings: Some games have a cross play setting within their options menu. This allows you to enable or disable cross play depending on your preference. However, disabling cross play might extend your matchmaking times.
Online Resources: Websites and online gaming communities like Reddit often maintain lists of games with confirmed cross play support.

Benefits of Cross Play on PS4

The advantages of cross play are undeniable:

Expanded Player Base: Cross play significantly expands the player base for online multiplayer games. This leads to faster matchmaking times, ensuring you can quickly find a game.
Play with Friends on Different Platforms: The most significant benefit is the ability to play with friends who own different consoles or play on PC. This fosters a more inclusive and connected gaming experience.
Increased Game Longevity: Cross play can extend the lifespan of games by ensuring a healthy player population even after the initial launch hype has subsided.
Competitive Balance: In some cases, cross play can improve the competitive balance of a game by matching players based on skill rather than platform.

Cross Play Limitations on PS4

While cross play offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations.

Game-Specific Implementation: Cross play is not a universal feature. Each game developer must implement cross play functionality individually. This means that not all PS4 games support cross play.
Account Linking: Some games may require you to link your PlayStation Network account with an account from the game developer (e.g., an Epic Games account for Fortnite) to enable cross play.
Communication Barriers: In some cases, communication between players on different platforms can be limited. Voice chat may not always be seamless across all platforms. Text chat functionality may also vary.
Potential Input Disadvantages: Depending on the game, players using controllers (typically console players) may face a slight disadvantage against players using a mouse and keyboard (typically PC players) due to the precision afforded by the mouse.
Patch Timing Differences: Patches and updates may be released at different times for different platforms. This can sometimes lead to temporary incompatibilities or imbalances in cross play matches.

Top PS4 Games with Cross Play Support

Many popular PS4 games now support cross play. Here are a few notable examples:

Fortnite: A pioneer in cross play, Fortnite allows PS4 players to play with players on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II/Warzone 2.0: The Call of Duty franchise offers cross play between PS4, Xbox, and PC, uniting a vast player base.
Rocket League: This fast-paced vehicular soccer game allows PS4 players to compete against players on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Apex Legends: This popular battle royale game supports cross play between PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Genshin Impact: This open-world action RPG allows players on PS4, PC, and mobile devices to explore and adventure together.
Minecraft: Another iconic title, Minecraft supports cross play between PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices.
Dead by Daylight: This asymmetrical horror game allows PS4 players to team up with or face off against players on other platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PS4 Cross Play

1. How do I enable cross play on my PS4?

In most cases, cross play is enabled by default. However, some games may require you to enable it in the game’s settings menu. Look for an option labeled “Cross-Platform Play” or similar.

2. Is cross play always on? Can I disable it?

Whether cross play is always on depends on the game. Some games offer an option to disable cross play, but disabling it may significantly increase matchmaking times.

3. Can I add friends from other platforms on PS4?

This depends on the game. Some games have in-game friend systems that allow you to add friends regardless of their platform. Others might require linking accounts (e.g., using an Epic Games account) to connect with friends on other platforms.

4. Does cross play affect matchmaking? Will I only play with people on other platforms?

Cross play aims to expand the pool of available players. Matchmaking algorithms typically prioritize finding the best match based on skill and connection quality, regardless of platform. You will likely play with players on PS4 and other platforms when cross play is enabled.

5. Are there any security risks associated with cross play?

The security risks are generally the same as with any online game. Be cautious about sharing personal information with strangers and be aware of potential phishing attempts.

6. What happens if someone on another platform is cheating?

Game developers have systems in place to detect and punish cheaters, regardless of their platform. If you suspect someone is cheating, report them through the game’s reporting system.

7. Will cross play affect my PS4’s performance?

Cross play itself does not typically affect your PS4’s performance. However, if you are playing with players on PC with significantly higher graphical settings, it might indirectly impact performance, depending on how the game handles it.

8. Can I use voice chat with players on other platforms?

Voice chat support varies from game to game. Some games offer seamless voice chat across platforms, while others may have limitations. Check the game’s documentation or settings for details.

9. Do I need PlayStation Plus to play cross play games?

Yes, a PlayStation Plus subscription is generally required to play online multiplayer games on PS4, including cross play games. There might be exceptions for free-to-play games.

10. Is cross play available for all PS4 games?

No, cross play is not available for all PS4 games. It is up to the game developers to implement cross play functionality.

11. How do I know which games support cross play?

Check the game’s packaging, digital store page, or online resources to see if it supports cross play.

12. What are the benefits of cross play for smaller games?

Cross play can be particularly beneficial for smaller games with smaller player bases, as it significantly expands the pool of potential opponents and teammates, ensuring more active matches.

13. Does cross play require any special hardware or software?

No, cross play does not require any special hardware or software beyond a standard PS4 console, a PlayStation Plus subscription (if required for online play), and the cross play-enabled game.

14. Does cross play affect trophies or achievements?

No, cross play does not affect trophies or achievements. You can still earn trophies and achievements regardless of the platform you are playing against.

15. Will more games support cross play in the future?

The trend indicates that more games will support cross play in the future. The increasing demand from gamers and the success of cross play in existing games are strong incentives for developers to implement this feature. The continued development of cross play technology will only make it easier for developers to implement this feature in their games, meaning the list of PS4 cross play games will continue to grow in the future.

Can PlayStation 4 cross play?