Can PS4 and PS5 Play Back 4 Blood Together? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! PS4 and PS5 players can team up and play Back 4 Blood together. This exciting feature is possible thanks to the game’s robust crossplay capabilities. Whether you’re on a PlayStation 4 or enjoying the enhanced graphics of a PlayStation 5, you can join forces with friends on either console to take on the Ridden hordes. This seamless integration ensures that no one is left behind, regardless of which PlayStation console they own.
Understanding Back 4 Blood’s Crossplay
Back 4 Blood was designed from the ground up to be a collaborative experience. Recognizing that friends may not always be on the same platform, the developers included crossplay functionality at launch. This means that players on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC can all play together. The ability for PS4 and PS5 players to connect is particularly simple, as the PS5 version of Back 4 Blood often utilizes the PS4 version through backwards compatibility.
How Does Crossplay Work Between PS4 and PS5?
Since the PS5 can run the PS4 version of the game, connecting players across these two consoles is straightforward. If you’re on a PS5, you’re essentially playing the same version of the game as your PS4 friend, facilitating a seamless multiplayer experience. There’s no need to worry about compatibility issues or special settings; crossplay is enabled by default.
Inviting Friends and Joining Games
To play with friends, you need to navigate to the in-game social menu. Here’s how to invite friends to your Back 4 Blood party:
- Open the Pause Menu: While in-game, hit the pause button.
- Select Social: Navigate to the “Social” option within the pause menu.
- Find Your Friend: Locate your friend’s name under the “B4B Friends” or “Xbox Friends” lists.
- Invite to Party: Click on their name and select “Invite to Party.”
Once your friend accepts the invitation, they will join your party, and you can start a game together. This simple process makes it easy to connect with friends regardless of their console.
Setting Up Crossplay in Back 4 Blood
While crossplay is automatically enabled, you may want to check or adjust your settings. Here’s how to access the crossplay options on both PS4 and PS5:
On PlayStation 4
- Go to the Play Menu: In Fort Hope (the main menu area), open the Play menu where you normally start a new run or matchmake.
- Access Preferences: Click on the “Preferences” option.
- Toggle Crossplay: You’ll find “Crossplay” at the bottom of the list. Toggle it to “On” or “Off” as desired.
- Exit: Return to the previous menu and start your game.
On PlayStation 5
- Open the Play Menu: Navigate to the Play menu within the game.
- Find Preferences: Look for “Preferences” on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Adjust Crossplay: In the preferences menu, you can switch crossplay on or off as needed.
- Save Changes: Exit the menu, and your changes will be applied.
Additional Considerations
Beyond the basics of connecting, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind for a smooth crossplay experience:
- PlayStation Plus: A PlayStation Plus subscription is required to play Back 4 Blood online on either PS4 or PS5. You can play the offline campaign and training modes without the subscription, but online multiplayer with friends necessitates it.
- Cross-Progression: While Back 4 Blood supports crossplay, its cross-progression system is limited. Your progress can carry over from last-gen to current-gen within the same console family (e.g., Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S), but cross-progression between PlayStation and other platforms isn’t available.
- Free PS5 Upgrade: If you own the PS4 version of Back 4 Blood, you can upgrade to the PS5 digital version at no extra cost. This means you’re not paying twice for the same game, especially if you are upgrading your console.
Why Choose Back 4 Blood?
Back 4 Blood is a highly engaging co-op zombie shooter that benefits significantly from its crossplay feature. The ability to play with friends regardless of their platform expands your player base and offers a more dynamic multiplayer experience. The game, even though it will not be getting further content, still holds value for fans of the genre.
Benefits of Playing with Friends
- Enhanced Co-op Experience: Playing with friends makes the game more strategic and enjoyable.
- Variety of Playstyles: Each playable character has their own strengths and weaknesses, enhancing teamwork.
- Overcoming Challenges: Tackling the horde is more fun and achievable with a coordinated team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about Back 4 Blood crossplay, specifically concerning PS4 and PS5:
1. Do I need a PS5 to play Back 4 Blood with my friends who have a PS4?
No, you do not need a PS5. You can play Back 4 Blood with your friends on PS4, even if you are using a PS5. The crossplay feature ensures you can play together seamlessly.
2. Is crossplay enabled by default in Back 4 Blood?
Yes, crossplay is enabled by default in Back 4 Blood, so you shouldn’t have to adjust any settings if you want to jump straight into playing with friends on different consoles.
3. Can I disable crossplay in Back 4 Blood?
Yes, you can disable crossplay in the “Preferences” menu within the game on both PS4 and PS5. This allows you to only play with users on the same platform if you choose.
4. Does Back 4 Blood have cross-progression between PS4 and PS5?
Yes, there is cross-progression between PS4 and PS5 versions of the game. So your saves and unlocked items will carry over when you play on either system. This is not the case for other console versions, however.
5. Is a PlayStation Plus subscription required for online play in Back 4 Blood?
Yes, a PlayStation Plus subscription is needed for online multiplayer in Back 4 Blood on both PS4 and PS5. You can play solo modes offline without it.
6. Can I use a PS4 disc version of Back 4 Blood on my PS5?
Yes, the PS5 can play the disc version of the PS4 game. Simply insert the PS4 disc into your PS5. You may need to download an update to enable optimal play.
7. Do PS4 games look better on PS5?
While some PS4 games have upgrade patches for PS5, the visual difference is often minimal. Most PS4 games will look the same whether played on PS4 or PS5.
8. Can I get a free PS5 upgrade for Back 4 Blood if I own the PS4 version?
Yes, you can get a free digital PS5 upgrade if you own the PS4 version of Back 4 Blood. This means you don’t have to buy the game again for your PS5.
9. Is Back 4 Blood still getting new content?
No, Back 4 Blood is no longer receiving new content. The developers have confirmed that the December expansion was the last addition to the game.
10. What are the best characters to play in Back 4 Blood?
Popular and highly-rated characters include Evangelo, Doc, and Tala. However, each character has unique abilities and is valuable in different team settings.
11. How do I invite a friend on a different console in Back 4 Blood?
Invite your friend using the in-game “Social” menu. Find their name under B4B Friends or Xbox Friends and select “Invite to Party”. Cross-platform players must have the in-game crossplay option enabled.
12. Can I play Back 4 Blood offline on my PS5?
Yes, you can play Back 4 Blood offline in the Campaign mode and Training mode with AI teammates. You don’t need an internet connection for these single-player modes.
13. Is Back 4 Blood a better game than Left 4 Dead?
Whether Back 4 Blood is “better” than Left 4 Dead is subjective. Some players prefer Left 4 Dead’s simplicity, while others appreciate Back 4 Blood’s modern mechanics and card system. Both are high-quality zombie shooters, and preferences will vary.
14. Will Back 4 Blood get a sequel?
Currently, there are no plans for a Back 4 Blood sequel. The developers have moved on to new projects and have confirmed no additional content for this game.
15. Can I play with my friends if one of us is using a disc and the other a digital copy of the game?
Yes, you can. Both disc and digital copies of Back 4 Blood are compatible, as long as both users are using the same platform and their systems can connect via crossplay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PS4 and PS5 players can absolutely play Back 4 Blood together, thanks to the game’s well-implemented crossplay system. This feature makes it easier than ever to join up with your friends and dive into the thrilling cooperative zombie battles. With easy setup and seamless connectivity, you and your friends can take on the Ridden regardless of which PlayStation console you own. So, grab your gear and get ready for a chaotic and thrilling ride!