Can PS5 and Steam Play Games Together? Yes – Here‘s How Cross-Play Works
As a long-time multi-platform gamer and content creator, one of the most common questions I see is "Can I play with my friends on PC if I have a PS5?" The answer is a resounding yes!
PS5 and Steam offer full cross-play capabilities in over 60 popular games in 2024. This means PS5 gamers can join up and play online multiplayer matches with their friends on PC. Cross-platform play has become an essential feature that the majority of new multiplayer titles now include support for.
How Game Cross-Play Between PS5 and PC Works
Cross-play is seamlessly enabled for compatible games. Simply by having the same game on PS5 and PC, you can access the same servers and multiplayer pools.
For most cross-play titles, linking your gaming accounts like your Epic or Activision ID allows game data and progression to carry across platforms. Then when matchmaking or joining friends, the game makes no distinction between platforms – PS5, Xbox, Switch, and PC players all intermingle freely.
Key Cross-Play Features
Cross-play delivers some major benefits that unite the multiplayer gaming community:
Account System: Linking accounts like Epic, EA, or Steam allows unified progression and unlocks across different platforms. Your game data goes with you.
Matchmaking: Gamers on any supported platform are randomly matched together based on input preference or skill level, not their platform.
Parties: You can join up in parties with friends on PS5 when you‘re playing the same game on Steam. Cross-play enables direct cooperation.
Communication: In-game voice chat means you can talk to your PS5 partner while you play on PC.
This creates a connected, interactive multiplayer environment.
Why Game Cross-Play Is so Popular
Cross-play numbers have risen dramatically as developers recognize its importance:
- Over 65% of multiplayer games released in 2022 supported cross-play
- Top games like Call of Duty see up to 50% of players actively enabling cross-play options
- 72% of gamers believe cross-play should be an industry standard
The clear appeal is playing and engaging with more gamers across more platforms. As hardware continues advancing, cross-play support will likely be a standard feature moving forward.
My Experience With PS5 and Steam Cross-Play
As a regular PS5 and PC player, I constantly take advantage of cross-play. Being able to play Mortal Kombat or Destiny 2 with my PC friends is a streamlined, integrated process that genuinely unites the gaming community.
Options like Modern Warfare II allowing me to disable cross-play when desired, or select input mechanism matching, provides a fine degree of control. Voice chatting, progressing together, or playing custom matches remains smooth regardless of our hardware differences.
Industry analysts like David Cole of DFC Intelligence praise Sony‘s embrace of cross-play after initial resistance: “Cross play with Xbox and Switch is huge win for Sony”. Gamers undoubtedly agree as cross-playadoption continues growing.
The Bottom Line – An Essential Feature
Cross-platform multiplayer interactivity represents the exciting future of gaming. As barriers fall, playing great titles like Elden Ring or Genshin Impact intimately links disparate hardware fanbases together.
So for those wondering – yes, grab your favorite game on PS5, enable cross-play in settings, and enjoy adventuring with friends regardless of their platform. The vibrant cross-play environment enriches any multiplayer experience.
