Deep Rock Galactic is a cooperative action-packed game that has gained a strong fanbase since its release. With a unique premise of space dwarves exploring dangerous caves filled with alien threats and precious minerals, the game provides hours of fun and challenges. However, one of the most frequently asked questions about Deep Rock Galactic is whether it supports cross-platform play. In this article, we will delve into the topic of “Is Deep Rock Galactic cross-platform?” and explore everything players need to know about this feature, including its current status, the benefits of cross-platform play, and how it enhances the gaming experience.
What is Deep Rock Galactic?
Before we dive into cross-platform details, it’s important to understand the basic premise of Deep Rock Galactic. Developed by Ghost Ship Games, the game features a four-player cooperative play where players take on the role of dwarves employed by the mining company “Deep Rock Galactic.” As a team, players explore procedurally generated caves, complete various mission objectives, and fight off alien creatures in a quest for valuable resources.
The game’s appeal comes from its cooperative multiplayer experience, unique character classes, and exciting gameplay. Whether you’re drilling through rock, fending off swarms of enemies, or completing complex objectives, Deep Rock Galactic keeps players engaged with its variety of challenges and fun teamwork.
Is Deep Rock Galactic Cross Platform? The Key Question
The simple answer to the question “Is Deep Rock Galactic cross-platform?” is: Yes, it is cross-platform, but with some limitations.
This means that players on different platforms can play together, which is great news for those who want to team up with friends across different devices. However, not all platforms are created equal in terms of compatibility, so it’s important to look at the specific platforms where cross-platform play is supported.
Platforms Supported for Cross-Platform Play
As of now, Deep Rock Galactic supports cross-platform play between the following platforms:
- PC (Steam and Epic Games Store): Players on these two PC platforms can join forces without any barriers. If you own the game on either platform, you can play with your friends who might have the game on the other.
- Xbox: Deep Rock Galactic supports cross-play between Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. Additionally, players on Xbox can join in with those on PC.
- PlayStation: Deep Rock Galactic’s PlayStation version, available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, is also cross-platform compatible, but it has some restrictions in comparison to Xbox and PC.
It is important to note that Nintendo Switch players are not currently part of the cross-platform feature, and the game is not available on this platform at the time of writing. However, there have been community discussions about potential future support for cross-play on the Switch, but for now, Switch users are limited to playing with other Switch players.
How Does Cross-Platform Play Work in Deep Rock Galactic?
Understanding the technicalities of cross-platform play is key to ensuring a smooth gaming experience. When you launch Deep Rock Galactic, the game will prompt you to connect with your friends and invite them to your team. For players to join your session from different platforms, they need to follow these steps:
- Sign In to the Game: You will need to be signed into your platform’s online services (such as Steam, Epic Games, Xbox Live, or PlayStation Network) to ensure you are visible to others who are attempting to join your game.
- Invite Friends: On supported platforms, you can invite friends from other platforms via the game’s interface. If you’re playing on Steam, for example, you can send an invite to an Xbox or PlayStation player, and they can accept the invitation to join your session.
- Join Friends’ Sessions: Alternatively, you can join your friends’ games by searching for their sessions through the game’s matchmaking system. As long as you’re on a supported platform, you can find their session and join without issues.
While cross-play is enabled, it’s worth noting that some platforms might have slight variations in the user interface or controls. For instance, mouse and keyboard players on PC might find some differences in how they aim or interact with objects compared to those using controllers on consoles. Nonetheless, the experience is generally seamless across platforms.
Why is Cross-Platform Play Important for Deep Rock Galactic?
Cross-platform play is a key feature that enhances the multiplayer experience in Deep Rock Galactic. Here’s why:
1. Expanding the Player Base
Cross-platform play ensures that the player base remains active and large, which is vital for any multiplayer game. By allowing players on different platforms to team up, Deep Rock Galactic increases the chances of finding matches, especially for players who may not have friends on the same platform. This helps prevent long wait times and ensures a vibrant, active community.
2. Playing with Friends
One of the major advantages of cross-platform play is the ability to play with friends, regardless of their platform of choice. If you and your friends own the game on different platforms, you can still enjoy the game together. Whether you’re on PC and they’re on Xbox or PlayStation, everyone can team up and experience the game’s co-op challenges.
3. No Need for Duplicate Purchases
For players who already own Deep Rock Galactic on one platform, cross-play removes the need to purchase the game again on another platform to play with friends. This saves money and ensures that players can jump into the game without worrying about platform restrictions.
4. Increased Longevity of the Game
By allowing players from different ecosystems to come together, cross-platform play can help prolong the game’s lifespan. It keeps the player base active by ensuring that people don’t feel isolated due to platform differences.
Challenges of Cross-Platform Play
While cross-platform play is an excellent feature, there are still a few challenges and considerations:
- Platform-Specific Bugs and Updates: Sometimes, updates or patches roll out on one platform before others, which can cause some discrepancies in gameplay or features. These issues are usually addressed by the developers quickly, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
- Matchmaking Differences: Players on different platforms may experience slight differences in matchmaking, especially when it comes to controller vs. mouse and keyboard gameplay. However, this is typically minor and doesn’t detract from the overall experience.
- No Support for Switch: As mentioned earlier, Nintendo Switch players are currently excluded from cross-platform play. This can be frustrating for those who want to play with friends on other platforms.
Conclusion: Is Deep Rock Galactic Cross Platform Worth It?
So, is Deep Rock Galactic cross-platform? Absolutely! The game supports cross-platform play across a range of platforms, including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. The addition of this feature greatly enhances the multiplayer experience by allowing players to team up with friends on different platforms, making it easier to find matches and enjoy the game’s cooperative gameplay.
Despite a few challenges, such as platform-specific bugs or the exclusion of the Nintendo Switch, the overall implementation of cross-platform play in Deep Rock Galactic is impressive. It opens up the game to a larger, more diverse player base, ensuring that the experience remains fun, fresh, and accessible for everyone, regardless of the platform they play on.
If you’re a fan of co-op games and enjoy playing with friends, the cross-platform feature in Deep Rock Galactic is something to take advantage of. So, grab your pickaxe, ready your guns, and explore the dangerous caverns of the galaxy with your friends, no matter what platform they’re on!
