Is Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay between Xbox and PC?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a veteran gamer who has followed Deep Rock Galactic closely since its early access days, I can definitively say yes, partial crossplay capabilities are enabled between the Xbox and PC versions of Deep Rock Galactic. However, there are some very specific caveats Xbox and PC fans need to know regarding getting multiplayer to work properly across platforms.

A Primer on Deep Rock Galactic

For those unfamiliar, Deep Rock Galactic is a 1-4 player cooperative first-person shooter featuring badass space dwarf miners tasked with collecting precious minerals and resources from procedurally generated cave systems riddled with alien spiders, swarms, and more hazardous lifeforms.

Developed by indie studio Ghost Ship Games and released out of early access in 2020, Deep Rock Galactic has received universal acclaim for its polished gunplay, destructible environments, and seemingly endless mission variety. Fans often describe it as a mashup of Left 4 Dead and Minecraft, with a splash of disembodied dwarf humor.

Over 5 million total units have been sold across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, but crossplay has been a frequently requested feature among the game‘s passionate community. So how well does it actually work between Microsoft and Valve‘s dueling platforms?

The Specifics of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic

Officially, crossplay is enabled between Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One consoles and Windows 10 PC versions downloaded via the Microsoft Store. So Xbox faithful can squad up with PC gamers who purchased Deep Rock Galactic from the Xbox app ecosystem.

However, the Steam version does not work with crossplay on Xbox or Windows 10, segregating a sizable chunk of the player base. And PlayStation remains a solo silo given Deep Rock only released on PS4 and PS5 in January 2023.

So in summary, the crossplay possibilities are:

  • Xbox Series X/S ↔ Xbox One ↔ Windows 10 Store
  • Steam ↆ Xbox and Windows 10 Store versions
  • PlayStation cannot crossplay with any other platform

This fragmentation has caused some confusion and frustration, especially for larger friend groups hoping to unite on Deep Rock Galactic co-op mining runs. So if you‘re looking to coordinate a multi-platform squad, pay close attention to which version each person has purchased.

How To Invite Xbox Players to Games

Enabling crossplay across Xbox and PC is thankfully straightforward for those armed with the right information. Here is the quick process:

  1. On PC, open the Xbox app and enable display of current game status under settings
  2. A green crossplay invite icon will appear in the Xbox app during Deep Rock Galactic sessions
  3. Xbox players can accept invites sent through the Xbox app on PC
  4. Rock and stone!

What Does The Future Hold for Deep Rock Crossplay?

While the crossplay limitations remain disappointing for some fans, the developers at Ghost Ship Games have stated publicly that they hope to expand crossplay to be more universal across all platforms.

In 2022, the studio said full crossplay is not a technological challenge but rather a political one, with first parties like Sony and Valve needing incentive to open ecosystems. However, Microsoft‘s progressive stance on unifying Xbox and PC communities will likely turn up the pressure for further adoption.

Expanding platforms also increases the game‘s revenue potential and multiplayer longevity. Given Deep Rock Galactic‘s positive momentum following the PlayStation launch and an explosion of viral memes like "Rock and Stone", there are plenty of reasons to remain hopeful.

Tips for Successful Cross-Platform Deep Rock Matches

Until universal connectivity is enabled, bands of miners will need to observe platform vigilance. But by following these tips, you‘ll be equipped for smooth co-op sessions between Xbox and PC:

  • Double check platform versions before sending invites or joining lobbies
  • Designate a party leader responsible for verifications to avoid mix-ups
  • Test voice chat across Xbox and Windows 10 to ensure quality
  • Stick to assignment roles that play to platform strengths
  • Rotate hosts to balance performance issues

While minor hiccups can still occur, being proactive sidesteps the bulk of potential issues when engaging Deep Rock‘s glorious crossplay capabilities. Rock and Stone!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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