Can Evil West PS5 play with PS4?

As a hardcore Old West vampire hunting aficionado, one question is burning through the saloons: Can PS5 saddle up with PS4 friends for some ghoul-blasting co-op action?

Let’s investigate EVIL WEST’s multiplayer capabilities so you can best exterminate the undead plague.

1. EVIL WEST Multiplayer Overview

EVIL WEST features compelling multiplayer modes allowing you and a friend to team up. From developer Flying Wild Hog:

Battle alone or with a friend in stylish, gory action combat.

So the good news is that thrilling co-op awaits! But does this extend across PlayStation generations?

Key Multiplayer Features

• 2 player co-op campaign with story progress for the host
• Competitive multiplayer options
• Shared-screen couch co-op unavailable

While onboarding a companion brings camaraderie, only the host retains progress. Your partner controls a clone without advancing their personal story.

This distinction matters most when assessing cross-generational play.

2. No Cross-Generational PlayStation Multiplayer

Now to answer this article’s epic question:

Can PS5 play EVIL WEST with PS4?

Unfortunately no, PS5 cannot play cooperatively or competitively with the PS4 edition.

EVIL WEST lacks the cross-generational multiplayer support found in titles like Call of Duty: Vanguard. Without this advanced integration, PS5 and PS4 networks remain disconnected.

But while you can’t saddle up with cross-gen friends, playing on the same platform model is fully supported.

PlayStation Multiplayer Restrictions

• PS5 players CAN play together
• PS4 players CAN play together
• PS5 players CANNOT connect with PS4

So gather your like-console compadres and get hunting! Splitting skulls with your PS4 or PS5 posse brings satisfying fun.

3. Signature Co-Op and Competitive Modes

Let’s explore how playing with friends unfolds regardless of platform…

Co-Op Campaign

The co-op campaign lets you begrudgingly befriend Jesse Rentier, your vamp-slaying associate. Despite the jabs thrown, having a trusted partner enhances the monster-hunting journey.

Flying Wild Hog Creative Director Thomas Hentschel Hartwig says:

“It was important to make it feel like an extension of our single-player campaign.”

This entails replicated systems for weapon crafting, character development, and diaries expanding the story. Progress stays exclusive to the host but otherwise it feels like your personal playthrough.

Key co-op features:

• Open mission selection mirroring single player freedom
• Independent vamp execution animations
• Strategic synergies combining abilities for greater impact

Slaughtering the supernatural is a bonding experience!

Competitive Showdown

For friendly competition, Showdown mode brings deathmatch-style action. While details are scarce pre-launch, this promises a raucous good time.

Potential features based on co-op mechanics:

• Face-off using upgraded gear from campaign
• First to reach kill count limit wins
• Environmental hazards to manipulate opponents

There will likely be leaderboards tracking wins — extra motivation to massacre your pals!

4. Cross-Play Analysis

As mentioned before, cross-generational PlayStation play isn’t enabled in EVIL WEST. But what about crossing other online barriers?

Let’s examine wider cross-play capabilities:

Cross-Play Support Overview

Unfortunately there is no cross-play between any platforms. EVIL WEST adopts an isolated multiplayer environment across releases.

Squashing vampires is restricted to friends playing the same edition. But hopefully post-launch updates make slaying more inclusive!

5. PS4 vs. PS5 Gameplay Comparison

While you can’t play cross-generation co-op, understanding PlayStation differences helps match expectations.

Let‘s compare PS4 and PS5 versions of EVIL WEST:

PS4 Evil West

• Targets native 1080p display resolution
• PlayStation 4 Pro enhancement unavailable
• Original PS4 model supported
• Likely 30 FPS framerate

PS5 Evil West

• Choice between Quality (4K 30 FPS) or Performance (1080p 60 FPS) graphics
• Advanced haptics and triggers on DualSense controller
• Faster loading via SSD

PS5 plays smoother while seeing more blood splatter in higher fidelity. But PS4 packs plenty of punch too!

6. Tips for the Best EVIL WEST Co-Op

To conclude, let’s make playing with mates as awesome as possible:

Optimizing the Slay-cation

• Use in-game voice chat – Planning tactics verbally gives an edge!
• Compare gear strengths – Offset ally weaknesses by sharing loot
• Establish banshee-busting roles – “You go high, I’ll go low”

Streamlining teamwork lets you focus on cruel combos splitting skulls!

Now quit Stalin around – gather your platform compadres for cleansing undead scum from the West!