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Why can’t i play with my friend on FIFA 23 cross platform?

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FIFA 23 Cross-Play Conundrums: Why Can’t You Play With Your Friend?

So, you’ve excitedly booted up FIFA 23, ready to dominate the virtual pitch with your friend, only to be met with the frustrating reality that you can’t connect. Don’t smash your controller just yet! The most common reason is that FIFA 23’s cross-play capabilities are generationally restricted. This means that players on PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X|S, and PC can play together, while players on PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Xbox One can only play with others on their respective older generation consoles.

Essentially, if you’re on a PS4 and your friend is on a PS5, cross-play isn’t natively supported in most modes. There are several other potential roadblocks as well, from simple settings issues to game mode limitations. Let’s delve deeper into these complexities.

Understanding FIFA 23’s Cross-Play Limitations

The generational limitation is a major hurdle. It’s tied to the game’s engine and overall architecture. The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions boast enhanced graphics, faster loading times, and gameplay improvements that the older consoles simply can’t handle. Bridging that gap for a seamless cross-play experience proved too technically challenging for EA. While disappointing, this decision ensured that players on next-gen consoles weren’t held back by the limitations of older hardware. This difference also impacts the game’s performance and core features.

Beyond the console generation divide, other issues can prevent you from playing with your friend. Let’s explore these in detail:

  • Cross-Play Settings: The most basic (and often overlooked) reason is that cross-play might be disabled in your FIFA 23 settings.
  • Platform Friend Lists: You might not be friends on the necessary platform. FIFA 23 uses EA Social to connect players across different systems.
  • Game Mode Restrictions: Not all FIFA 23 game modes support cross-play.
  • Account Issues: There might be problems with your EA account, Xbox Live account, or PlayStation Network account.
  • Connectivity Problems: A poor internet connection can hamper your ability to connect with your friend.
  • Game Bugs: Sometimes, it’s simply a glitch in the game.
  • Game Version: Make sure both of you have the latest version of the game.
  • Privacy Settings: Check your platform privacy settings that could be blocking cross-play.
  • EA Anti-Cheat: PC players, especially, might find the EA Anti-Cheat software is preventing a connection.
  • Firewall Settings: A PC firewall can block FIFA 23 connections.

Troubleshooting Common Cross-Play Problems

Let’s walk through some steps to fix those common problems:

  1. Verify Cross-Play is Enabled:

    • From the main FIFA screen, go to Customise.
    • Select Online Settings.
    • Select Matchmaking Options.
    • Ensure that Cross-Play is set to Enabled.

  2. Add Your Friend on EA Social:

    • Within FIFA 23, go to the Friends section.
    • Search for your friend’s EA ID (not their PlayStation Network ID or Xbox Gamertag).
    • Send a friend request.
    • Make sure your friend accepts the request.

  3. Check Game Mode Compatibility:

    • Cross-Play Supported Modes: Online Friendlies, FUT Play A Friend, FUT Online Friendlies, Online Seasons, FUT Rivals, FUT Champions, FUT Online Draft.
    • No Cross-Play Supported: Pro Clubs. This is a major point of frustration for many players.

  4. Restart Everything:

    • Completely exit and relaunch FIFA 23 on both systems.
    • Restart your console or PC.
    • Reboot your router.

  5. Check Account Status:

    • Ensure your PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription is active.
    • Verify that your EA account is in good standing.
    • Make sure you are signed in to the correct accounts on both your console and within the game.

  6. Troubleshoot Your Network Connection:

    • Run a network connection test on your console or PC.
    • Try using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
    • Check your internet speed.
    • Make sure your NAT type is Open or Moderate. Strict NAT types can cause connectivity issues.

  7. PC Specific Solutions:

    • EA Anti-Cheat: Make sure the EA Anti-Cheat software is properly installed and running. Try reinstalling it if necessary.
    • Firewall: Ensure that FIFA 23 is allowed through your Windows Firewall or any other firewall software you are using.

  8. Rebuild Database (PlayStation):

    • Boot your PS4 or PS5 in Safe Mode.
    • Select Rebuild Database. This can fix corrupted game files that might be causing connectivity problems.

  9. Check for Game Updates:

    • Make sure both you and your friend have the latest version of FIFA 23 installed.

The Pro Clubs Cross-Play Controversy

One of the biggest points of contention within the FIFA community is the lack of cross-play in Pro Clubs. This popular mode, which allows players to create and manage their own virtual football clubs, remains isolated by platform. This means that if your friends are on PlayStation and you’re on Xbox, you simply can’t play Pro Clubs together.

This omission has sparked outrage and frustration, especially given the cross-play availability in other modes. EA’s explanation for not including cross-play in Pro Clubs has been vague, citing technical challenges and development priorities. However, many players believe that the decision is driven by commercial factors, such as encouraging players to purchase the game on multiple platforms to play with different friend groups. Regardless of the reasoning, the lack of Pro Clubs cross-play continues to be a major source of disappointment for the FIFA community.

FIFA 24 and Beyond

While FIFA 23 is the last game in the series to bear the FIFA name, the cross-play foundation it laid hopefully persists. EA SPORTS FC 24, the successor to FIFA, maintains cross-play functionality, giving hope for the future. The Games Learning Society explores these issues. This means you and your friends can likely play together, regardless of platform.

https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will FIFA 24 have cross-play?

Yes, EA SPORTS FC 24 (the successor to FIFA 23) will continue to offer cross-play functionality. The specific details of which modes will support cross-play may vary, but it is expected to be a core feature.

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

No. FIFA 23’s cross-play only works within the same generation. PS4 can only play with PS4 and Xbox One, while PS5 can only play with PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

3. How do I enable cross-play on Xbox?

Go to your Xbox settings, then:

  • Scroll to Account and click on Privacy and Online Safety.
  • Click on Xbox Live Privacy.
  • Click on View Details and Customise.
  • Click on Communications and Multiplayer.
  • Change “You can play with people outside of Xbox Live” to Allow.

4. Why can’t I play FIFA 23 with PS4 and PS5?

FIFA 23’s cross-play feature only supports cross-generation play within the same family of consoles (e.g., PS4 with PS4 and Xbox One with Xbox One). The PS5 version can play with Xbox Series X|S and PC.

5. Which FIFA 23 game modes support cross-play?

Cross-play is available for the game modes: Online Friendlies, FUT Play A Friend, FUT Online Friendlies, Online Seasons, FUT Rivals, FUT Champions, and FUT Online Draft.

6. Is FIFA 23 the last FIFA game?

Yes, FIFA 23 is the last game in the series to be released under the FIFA name. Future installments will be released under the EA SPORTS FC banner.

7. Can Xbox and PS5 play together on FIFA 23?

Yes, FIFA 23 supports cross-play between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

8. How do I invite my friend to play FIFA 23 cross-platform?

You need to add your friend on EA Social using their EA ID. Once you are friends, you can invite them through the game’s friend list.

9. Why isn’t cross-play working on Xbox?

Make sure you’re signed in to the Xbox network and that the Xbox status is up and running. Also, check your Xbox Live privacy settings to ensure you are allowed to play with people outside of Xbox Live.

10. Can PS4 and PS5 play together on 2K23?

No, there are no NBA 2K23 cross-platform or crossplay options.

11. Is FIFA 23 cross-platform PS4 and PS5 Pro Clubs?

No, Pro Clubs does not feature cross-play on any platform.

12. What is EA Social and how does it relate to FIFA 23 cross-play?

EA Social is EA’s cross-platform friend system. It allows you to add friends from different platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox) using their EA ID, enabling you to invite them to cross-play matches in FIFA 23.

13. What do I do if I still can’t connect after trying all the troubleshooting steps?

Contact EA Help for further assistance. They can provide more specific troubleshooting based on your account and platform.

14. Will the cross-play limitations in FIFA 23 be addressed in future EA SPORTS FC games?

EA has not made any official announcements regarding future cross-play plans. It is possible that they will expand cross-play to include Pro Clubs and cross-generation play in future installments, but this is not guaranteed.

15. Can I play co-op with friends on different platforms in FIFA 23?

Yes, co-op is available in Volta and Ultimate Team mode, apart from friendlies. Make sure you both have cross-play enabled and are friends on EA Social.

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