Is Elden Ring on Xbox Play Anywhere?
The straightforward answer to this question is a resounding no. Elden Ring is not part of the Xbox Play Anywhere program. This means that purchasing the game on an Xbox console will not grant you a free digital copy on PC, and vice versa. Unlike some titles that allow seamless transitions between Xbox and PC with a single purchase, Elden Ring requires separate purchases for each platform.
Understanding Xbox Play Anywhere
Before diving deeper into Elden Ring’s limitations, it’s helpful to understand what the Xbox Play Anywhere program entails. This initiative by Microsoft allows gamers to buy a select digital game once and play it on both their Xbox console and a Windows 10/11 PC. It’s a very convenient feature, offering cross-platform play and shared game progress between the two platforms. This allows users to pick up where they left off on either system. Unfortunately, Elden Ring doesn’t support this cross-platform functionality, which leads to some specific implications.
Elden Ring’s Platform Limitations
Not Available on the Windows Store or Xbox App
It’s essential to note that Elden Ring is not available on the Windows Store or through the Xbox App on PC. This is another indicator that the game is not part of the Play Anywhere ecosystem. To play Elden Ring on PC, you’ll need to purchase it through platforms like Steam or other digital retailers. This further cements the need for separate purchases if you wish to experience the game on both PC and Xbox.
Save Transfers Between Xbox and PC are Not Supported
Adding to the limitation, game progress cannot be transferred between the Xbox console and PC. Even if you were to purchase the game on both platforms, your saved data and progress will not be synchronized. This means starting from scratch on a different platform and losing your progress on another. This lack of a cross-save feature is a significant drawback for players who prefer the flexibility of switching between console and PC.
Cross-Platform Play is Not Supported
Additionally, Elden Ring does not support cross-platform play between Xbox and PC. If you are playing on PC, you can only play with other PC users. The same is true for Xbox consoles; you can only connect with other Xbox players. This separation between player bases can be a limiting factor for those looking to play with friends who might be on different platforms.
Why Isn’t Elden Ring on Xbox Play Anywhere?
While the exact reasons for Elden Ring’s exclusion from the Play Anywhere program aren’t officially stated, it likely comes down to licensing agreements between FromSoftware and Microsoft, or simply the design and development of the game itself. Developers choose whether to opt into the Play Anywhere program, and for Elden Ring, that choice was clearly not made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elden Ring and Platforms
1. Can I play games I bought on Xbox on PC?
Yes, if the game is part of the Xbox Play Anywhere program, you can play it on your PC without buying it again. However, this does not apply to Elden Ring.
2. Is Elden Ring available on Xbox One?
Yes, Elden Ring is available on Xbox One, as well as the Xbox Series X/S consoles. You can purchase it from physical retailers or digitally through the Xbox store.
3. Can I play Elden Ring on a laptop?
Yes, Elden Ring can be played on a laptop or desktop PC as long as the device meets the minimum or recommended system requirements. You’ll need Windows 10 or a later version.
4. What kind of computer do I need to play Elden Ring?
The recommended specifications for Elden Ring are:
- CPU: Intel i7-8700K or AMD R5 3600X
- Graphics Card: Nvidia GTX 1070 or AMD RX Vega 56
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage Space: 60GB
5. What is the best platform to play Elden Ring?
According to most reviews, including some from Digital Foundry, the PS5 provides a smoother experience, particularly in performance mode. Both Xbox Series X and PS5 offer quality and performance modes, but PS5 typically maintains a more stable 60 FPS.
6. Can Xbox One play with PC Elden Ring?
No, Elden Ring does not support cross-platform play between Xbox and PC. Players on each platform are limited to playing with others on the same platform.
7. How big is Elden Ring on Xbox?
The approximate download size of Elden Ring on Xbox is around 45-49GB. This size can vary slightly depending on updates and patches.
8. Can I connect my Xbox to my PC?
Yes, you can connect your Xbox to your PC and share its internet connection using Windows Internet Connection Sharing or a network bridge connection. However, this won’t allow you to transfer save data for Elden Ring.
9. Is Elden Ring cross play?
No, Elden Ring does not have cross-play support. Players on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC cannot play together.
10. How difficult is Elden Ring?
Elden Ring is known for its high level of difficulty, similar to other games by FromSoftware. It’s often described as unforgiving, requiring careful strategy and execution. However, it is considered one of the more accessible titles in the genre.
11. Is Elden Ring worth playing?
Absolutely. Elden Ring is critically acclaimed and regarded as an exceptional gaming experience. It’s immersive and highly replayable, especially with New Game+ mode.
12. Is Elden Ring cross-platform saves?
No, Elden Ring does not have cross-platform saves. You cannot transfer your progress from one platform to another.
13. Can you play Elden Ring without Internet PC?
Yes, you can play Elden Ring offline on PC. This means you will not have access to online features like multiplayer or player messages.
14. What consoles can run Elden Ring?
Elden Ring is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. However, the technical performance varies across different platforms.
15. Is Elden Ring better for beginners?
Despite its difficulty, Elden Ring is considered more accessible for beginners compared to other Souls-like games. The open-world design and variety of gameplay options make it easier to approach.
Conclusion
To summarize, Elden Ring is not on the Xbox Play Anywhere program. This entails that it requires separate purchases for the Xbox and PC platforms, doesn’t have cross-save functionality, and doesn’t offer cross-platform play. If you wish to enjoy this critically acclaimed game, be prepared to acquire it separately for each platform you choose to play on. Despite these limitations, Elden Ring remains a captivating and highly recommended experience.