Can PS5 and PS4 Gamers Play Battlefield 2042 Together?

As a long-time Battlefield enthusiast, this is a question I‘ve seen pop up frequently leading up to BF2042‘s launch.

The short answer is no, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 players cannot play together in Battlefield 2042 matches. Cross-generation multiplayer is not supported. Squadmates will need the same version to join the same server.

This means your PS4 friends are locked out from playing with your next-gen squad. It‘s unfortunate news for those eager to continue growing their Battlefield comradery across console generations.

But while direct cross-gen play isn‘t possible, all hope isn‘t lost. This guide covers everything you need to know about the PS4 and PS5 editions, from installation to major technical differences.

Downloading Battlefield 2042 on PS4 and PS5

Gamers still have options to play Battlefield 2042 with friends on PS4 or PS5, but you‘ll need to download the correct version matched to your console.

Getting the PS4 Version on PS5

On your PS5 home screen:

1. Open Game Library
2. Select Battlefield 2042 and press X to open the game hub
3. Choose the […] button to access options
4. Pick PlayStation 4 | Full | Battlefield 2042

This will trigger the PS4 version to download onto your PS5 SSD storage or any connected external HDDs.

• Estimated file size: ~100 GB
• Check download progress under Notifications

Downloading the PS5 Version

Follow the same steps above, except choose the PlayStation 5 version in step 4.

• Estimated file size: ~80 GB
• This version is optimized specifically for PS5 hardware

Now you‘ll have two distinct versions of Battlefield 2042 ready to play while keeping your squad together on the same generation of PlayStation console.

Major Technical Differences Between PS5 and PS4

DICE built Battlefield 2042 to take advantage of next-gen power, which required scaling back some flagship features on PlayStation 4.

Here‘s a breakdown across some key areas:

As demonstrated above, the PS5‘s cutting-edge AMD Zen 2 + RDNA 2 silicon delivers up to 6x times the processing power and faster load times than PS4‘s dated Jaguar CPU and GPU.

This allows higher graphical effects, draw distances, 64 extra AI players for 128 max players, and steadier 60 FPS – a key advantage in competitive shooters like Battlefield.

PS4 simply couldn‘t handle Battlefield 2042 at its full ambition. Their compromises include:

• 64 Player Cap (down from 128 players on PS5)
• Shrunken map boundaries
• Significant visual downgrades
• Less environmental destruction

Make no mistake – PS4 owners still get a functional version of the same all-out war. But PS5 offers the definitive Battlefield 2042 experience DICE aimed to achieve with certain highlights only available in next-gen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Play with Friends on Xbox or PC?

Yes! Much to players‘ relief, Battlefield 2042 allows crossplay between PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC.

The game features unified multiplayer servers and progression systems under your EA account. This opens up more squad combinability options across platforms.

So fret not if your gaming buddies jumped ship to Xbox or shifted to mouse & keyboard. As long as you download the correct version that matches your system, crossplay ensures you can still play Battlefield 2042 together.

If I Upgrade to PS5, Will I Lose Progress?

Your entire Battlefield 2042 progress – including unlocks, stats, sensitivities – seamlessly carries over within the same PlayStation ecosystem via your PlayStation Network ID.

Upgrading from PS4 to PS5 mid-way through won‘t reset anything besides your version-specific control scheme preferences.

Can I Install Both Editions on my PS4 Too?

Unfortunately, only one can be installed locally at a time on PS4 models. Its HDD bandwidth bottlenecks transferring + storing two ~100 GB games.

I‘d recommend sticking to the PS4 version on PS4 to avoid storage hassles. Then download the PS5 edition later upon upgrading consoles.

Do Specialists Have Advantages on PS5 Over PS4?

Fundamentally, Specialists and their unique traits work identically across both generations. Paik‘s scan or Angel‘s loadout drop operate the same on PS4 as PS5.

However, I have noticed their gears‘ visual effects appear richer on PS5‘s enhanced graphics. Angel‘s wingsuit trails with extra particle detail, Irish‘s APS gadget projects sharper energy shields – stuff like that.

So slight cosmetic augmentations dependent on console power, but zero direct gameplay alterations otherwise.

If I Own a PS4 Disc, Can I Upgrade to PS5 Version Free?

Yes! Physical and digital owners of Battlefield 2042‘s Standard Edition can upgrade their PS4 copy to the native PS5 version at no additional cost.

It should automatically prompt you to upgrade within Battlefield 2042‘s main menu when booted up on a PS5 console. Then it‘ll shift to downloading the PS5 variant while keeping your progression intact.

Note this (free) upgrade option is only available for the base Standard Edition, not the Gold or Ultimate SKUs. Those premium versions already include both PS4 & PS5 copies by default.

I hope this guide has shed light on cross-generational play for Battlefield 2042 while showcasing the stark console differences. Feel free to ping me with any other questions! I‘m always happy to squad up with both next-gen and last-gen players.