Fortnite Crossplay has changed the way we view multiplayer gaming, not just with its addictive battle royale mode but also with its crossplay capabilities. Fortnite crossplay allows players across various platforms—such as PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile—to play together in the same game. Whether you’re a casual gamer or an esports contender, understanding Fortnite crossplay can enhance your gaming experience. In this guide, we’ll dive into how Fortnite crossplay works, setting it up, its benefits, and troubleshooting common issues.
What is Fortnite Crossplay?
Crossplay (or cross-platform play) is a feature in Fortnite that enables players from different gaming consoles and devices to join the same game session. This means that if you’re on a PS5, you can team up or compete against someone on a PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or even a mobile device. Crossplay breaks down the barriers between gaming platforms, allowing friends to connect and play together no matter their device.
This feature, which was groundbreaking when Fortnite introduced it, has become a staple of the game and a significant reason Fortnite has retained such a massive player base. Fortnite crossplay supports all the core game modes, from Battle Royale to creative and custom matches, making it a highly versatile feature.
How to Set Up Fortnite Crossplay
Setting up crossplay in Fortnite is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Create an Epic Games Account
- Why You Need It: Epic Games is Fortnite’s developer, and an Epic Games account is necessary to enable crossplay. Your Epic account is a central hub for friends and stats across all platforms.
- How to Create It: If you still need an Epic Games account, go to Epic Games’ website and register for a free account.
- Link Your Gaming Accounts
- Step-by-Step: Log into your Epic Games account and go to the Connected Accounts section. You can link your PSN, Xbox Live, Nintendo, or Steam accounts here.
- Platform Compatibility: Linking these accounts ensures that no matter which platform you’re playing on, your friends list, skins, and other items remain the same.
- Add Friends on Epic Games
- Once your accounts are linked, you can add friends from other platforms directly through the Epic Games Launcher or within the Fortnite app.
- Use your friend’s Epic Games username to send a friend request. Once they accept, you can invite them to games, regardless of their platform.
- Enable Crossplay in Fortnite
- Open Fortnite and go to the Settings menu. Under Account and Privacy, ensure that Allow Cross-Platform Play is enabled.
- Sometimes, console players must also allow crossplay through their console settings.
- Form a Party and Start Playing
- To invite friends to a match, go to the game lobby, select Party Finder, and choose friends from your Epic Games friends list. Once they accept the invite, you can start a match together.
Pros of Fortnite Crossplay
- Play With Friends Across Platforms
- The primary benefit of crossplay is the ability to connect and play with friends regardless of their gaming device. Fortnite has millions of players worldwide, and with crossplay, you’ll never be restricted by the type of console or device your friends are using.
- Wider Pool of Opponents
- Crossplay provides access to a larger pool of players, resulting in shorter waiting times for matchmaking. It creates a more diverse gaming experience and allows players to compete against various opponents.
- Consistency in Progress and Purchases
- Since Fortnite crossplay is tied to your Epic Games account, you’ll retain your progress, skins, and other purchases across all platforms. This is a significant advantage for players who switch between platforms, as it ensures consistency in gameplay.
- Improved Matchmaking Quality
- Crossplay enables Fortnite to balance matchmaking by skill level rather than platform. You’re more likely to face players with similar skill levels, creating fairer, more competitive matches.
Common Challenges with Fortnite Crossplay
While Fortnite crossplay is a fantastic feature, it still needs its issues. Here are some common challenges players face and how to address them:
- Skill Gaps Between Console and PC Players
- Console players generally face a slight disadvantage against PC players due to the precision of mouse and keyboard controls.
- Solution: Fortnite’s matchmaking algorithm takes platform differences into account. If you’re a console player and prefer playing with others on consoles, you can turn off crossplay, which may result in longer match wait times.
- Technical Issues with Connections
- Crossplay sometimes causes connectivity issues, especially if players need to link their Epic Games accounts correctly or have unstable internet connections.
- Solution: Check your Epic Games account settings to ensure all accounts are linked. Additionally, ensure that your internet connection is stable and that your console or PC is not undergoing any software updates that might interfere with gameplay.
- Voice Chat Incompatibilities
- In some cases, voice chat may not work correctly between platforms.
- Solution: Ensure all players have voice chat enabled in Fortnite’s settings. Some players find using third-party apps, such as Discord, helpful if voice chat issues persist.
Fortnite Crossplay on Mobile: A Note for iOS and Android Users
Crossplay is still possible for mobile users but with some limitations. Due to recent disputes between Apple and Epic Games, Fortnite is no longer available on the App Store. Android users, however, can still download Fortnite via the Epic Games website or the Samsung Galaxy Store.
Despite these limitations, Android users can participate in crossplay with console and PC players, but they may encounter challenges due to the smaller screen size and mobile controls. Mobile players often use external controllers to improve gameplay performance to stay competitive.
Tips for Optimizing Your Fortnite Crossplay Experience
- Use a Cross-Platform-Friendly Controller
- Consider using a Bluetooth controller compatible with multiple platforms, such as Xbox or PS4/PS5, which can be connected to PCs, mobile devices, and consoles. This helps maintain consistent controls across platforms.
- Utilize Voice Chat
- Voice chat can be a game-changer for crossplay as it allows for real-time strategy discussions with teammates. Ensure all players have voice chat enabled and are on the same voice channel.
- Stay Updated on Platform-Specific Features
- Each platform has unique features that may affect gameplay, such as different HUD layouts on mobile or varying graphics quality on consoles. Familiarize yourself with these to avoid disadvantages.
- Optimize Your Settings
- Adjust your settings for frame rate, resolution, and controls based on your platform to get the best performance, especially when playing on crossplay. For instance, PC players can adjust their graphics settings, while console players may focus on controller sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fortnite Crossplay
Q1: Do I have to pay for Fortnite crossplay?
Crossplay is free to use as part of Fortnite’s core game features. However, players may purchase in-game items like skins and Battle Passes, which are optional.
Q2: Can I turn off crossplay in Fortnite?
Yes, players can turn off crossplay by adjusting their settings. However, this may result in longer matchmaking times due to fewer opponents.
Q3: Can I crossplay with a friend on an older generation console?
Yes, Fortnite supports crossplay between older and newer generations of consoles. For example, PS4 players can still crossplay with friends on PS5.
Q4: What is the difference between crossplay and cross-progression?
Crossplay refers to playing with friends on different platforms, while cross-progression ensures that your game progress, items, and stats remain consistent across platforms.
Final Thoughts on Fortnite Crossplay
Fortnite crossplay has revolutionized multiplayer gaming, making it accessible, flexible, and inclusive. It allows friends and families to connect and game, regardless of their preferred gaming platform. Crossplay in Fortnite is simple to set up, packed with benefits, and offers an inclusive gaming environment for players around the globe.
As Fortnite continues to evolve, crossplay will become even more refined, connecting players in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re a dedicated Fortnite player or just diving into the game, crossplay is an essential feature that can elevate your experience and help you enjoy the game like never before.
