The Ultimate Guide to Adding PS5 Friends from PC
As a hardcore PlayStation fan who also loves gaming on my tricked-out PC, one of my favorite features this generation is expanded cross-platform support. Playing with all your friends regardless of platform opens up a whole new world of competitive and cooperative possibilities!
But for those new to linking up the PlayStation Network with other platforms, the process can seem daunting. Well, I‘m here to help with the definitive guide to adding PS5 friends from a Windows PC.
An Exciting Frontier for Crossplay
Sony has done a complete 180 from last generation in terms of opening up cross-platform multiplayer. There are now over 150 PS4 and PS5 games supporting crossplay with Xbox consoles, Switch, and PC:
| Year | New Crossplay Games Added |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 105 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 (expected) | 20+ |
Crossplay games now account for nearly 45% of multiplayer titles on PlayStation systems. And Sony has committed to adding crossplay support for their biggest upcoming releases like Marvel‘s Spiderman 2.
However, there are still limitations gamers should be aware of:
- PC and PlayStation players can only connect in games specifically programmed for crossplay. No system-level integration yet.
- The process for adding friends and linking accounts can vary depending on the game.
- Certain multiplayer features may be limited depending on platform (e.g. voice chat).
But with some handy tips and tricks, you‘ll be playing with all your buddies on both PC and PlayStation in no time!
Step-by-Step Guide to Add Friends from PlayStation App
The official PlayStation App is the easiest way to link up with PS5 friends from your Windows or Mac computer. Here is a fool-proof walkthrough:
1. Download and Install PlayStation App
First, you‘ll need to download the free PlayStation App from the Microsoft Store on Windows or the App Store on Mac:
Once installed, open the app and sign in using your PlayStation Network account credentials.
2. Connect Your PSN and Discord Accounts
In the Settings menu (the gear icon ⚙️) you can link your PlayStation account to other platforms like Discord. This will make finding friends even easier later.
3. Send Friend Requests to PS5 Players
In the Friends tab, you can search for other PSN users and send them friend requests just like on a PlayStation console.
Use the search bar or filter by games owned.
Your friend will then get a notification prompting them to accept the request.
🎮 Pro Tip: Having your friend connect their PSN and Discord accounts makes it even easier to find each other across platforms.
4. Accept Friend Requests on Your PS5 Console
This last vital step is easy to miss! Once you send a friend request via the PlayStation App, your friend needs to:
- Turn on their PS5 console and log into their user profile
- Navigate to Settings > Users and Accounts > Friends > Friend Requests
- Accept pending requests
And that‘s it – you‘re now PSN buddies across PC and PlayStation!
Time to squad up and earn some Victory Royales!
Key Features of the PlayStation App
The PlayStation App offers a bunch of handy ways to enhance your PlayStation experience on desktop:
- Message PS5 and PS4 friends
- Voice chat in parties
- Browse the PlayStation Store and manage purchases
- View achievements and trophy progress
- Stream your PS5 to mobile device
Sony also continues updating it with new capabilities. 2023 rumors point to future updates allowing you to organize multiplayer events and interact with in-game communities. Exciting times ahead!
⚡Latest Update: PlayStation Stars integration – earn points and collectibles for purchases and trophies earned on the app.
For core features like messaging PSN friends from PC, I definitely recommend installing the PlayStation App. It works seamlessly alongside the PS5 system software.
Optimizing Your PS5 Friends List
I can‘t understate the importance of properly organizing your PlayStation friends list both to easily track your connections across platforms and take advantage of networking features.
Here are my top tips for friend list management on your PS5 console:
- Review all Privacy Settings in your account settings – this will impact who can see your online status and send requests.
- Sort friends alphabetically or by platform to easily find newer crossplay connections. You can also favorite friends for quick access.
- Set Notification Preferences for easier monitoring of friend requests and activity.
- Take advantage of the Game Base hub in the main UI to see what everyone is playing and send party invites. Super handy!
Optimizing these options ensures you don‘t miss notifications from that PC pal trying to game!
For hardcore multiplayer fans like myself, the PS5 friends list is your most valuable asset. Treat it like the VIPs they are!
Over to You!
I hope this guide gives you confidence to link up your gaming profiles across the PlayStation and Windows ecosystems. The process may seem complex, but becomes second nature once you‘ve done it.
Game development powerhouses like Epic are committed to erasing platform barriers so more players can quest together. I find it so exciting that I can squad up with my little brother who only has a Nintendo Switch to play Fortnite!
What games are you looking forward to playing cross-platform? Let me know in the comments! And for more of my gaming guides covering PlayStation, PC, VR, and beyond – don‘t forget to subscribe 👇
