The Greatest Xbox One And PC Games That Allow Crossplay

With online multiplayer games becoming much more common as time continues, the demand for crossplay games between platforms has never been larger. Crossplay refers to a video game that allows players from different platforms to play together simultaneously.

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Crossplay has been a major push from Microsoft since the last half of the eighth console generation. There is a solid selection of titles that support Xbox One and PC crossplay, but it can be difficult to choose which one to play. For those who have friends on other platforms or wish to play with a wider range of people, here are some fantastic crossplay titles that work between the Xbox One and PC.

Updated December 6, 2024, By Ben Jessey: Plenty of games these days allow you to play with people on different systems. For instance, PC players can play with Xbox One gamers. So, we made this list of the best games that allow that. Now, we’ve updated it to add a few more entries.

Gloomhaven

Gloomhavne is a turn-based tactical RPG that is an adaptation of a tabletop game. It isn’t set in a nice and wholesome world. This is very much a dark fantasy title, so be prepared to face all sorts of monsters while exploring dark dungeons.

The combat is very strategic, as you need to prepare for battles by selecting the right ability cards and then making the right moves once the fighting commences. Teamwork can be very valuable, so it’s nice that you can invite friends to your adventure in online co-op.

Paladins

Paladins is a free-to-play team-based hero shooter. Since it’s a hero shooter, there are a bunch of colorful characters for you to play as. Each one has its own distinct look, weapons, and abilities. So, they all feel very different to control, meaning part of the fun is finding out which is right for you.

You will be controlling them during PvP multiplayer battles where teams of five compete against one another in a variety of modes. It’s stylish and slick fun.

Valheim

Systems

Released

February 2, 2021

Developer(s)

Iron Gate AB

Publisher(s)

Coffee Stain Studios

Engine

Unity

ESRB

r

Expand

Valheim is an open-world survival game with a unique concept. You play as a fallen Viking who must earn their place in Valhalla. This means slaying a bunch of big bosses. In the meantime, you must gather resources and survive in what is a fairly harsh world.

You don’t have to do it alone, though, as a friend can join you on your adventure. This is where the crossplay feature comes in. You can wander the interesting lands while fighting and surviving together.

Quake

Quake is one of the most iconic first-person shooters ever and has been since its original release in the mid-90s. In recent times, it has been ported onto more modern systems, including the Xbox One. Along with this updated version came crossplay capabilities.

So, you can play either the PvP multiplayer or the co-op campaign with a friend online. As the game came out so long ago, the visuals aren’t impressive. However, the gunplay still feels smooth and it’s still really entertaining to play.

Brawlhalla

Brawlhalla is a free-to-play 2D platform fighter. Like plenty of games in the genre, most of the title’s modes task you with knocking your opponents off the map to eliminate them. It can be chaotic fun, especially when playing with friends.

Naturally, every game like this draws comparisons to Super Smash Bros. Yet, Brawlhalla has its own style. This comes across in its set of unique and diverse characters. Plenty of them are original designs made for the game, but there are also a bunch of crossover fighters. So, the likes of John Cena, SpongeBob, and Master Chief can join in on the fun.

Star Wars Squadrons

Some of the most exciting moments in the Star Wars movies and TV shows are the space battles where one faction’s ships battle the others. These are the sort of moments that Star Wars Squadrons attempt to replicate, as it’s a space combat game. There is a campaign, but the crossplay element features in the game’s PvP and PvE multiplayer modes.

In the said multiplayer, the Galactic Empire goes up against the New Republic. Both armies offer a few different starfighters for you to use. Each one has distinct attributes and plays a bit differently. So, there is some variety in the spacecrafts. Plus, they’re all well-known ones from the Star Wars universe. Therefore, this is your chance if you’ve ever wanted to fly an X-wing or a Tie-Fighter.

State of Decay 2

Systems

Released

May 22, 2018

Developer(s)

Undead Labs

Publisher(s)

Microsoft Game Studios

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language

Expand

One thing that’s worse than finding yourself stuck in a zombie apocalypse is being alone in that apocalypse. Thankfully, you don’t need to do that in State of Decay 2, as this is a cooperative action-adventure survival game in which you’re encouraged to build up and manage a community of survivors. As such, you get a home base where your people stay, and you venture out into the zombie-infested open world to explore and scavenge for resources.

While doing these things, you need to watch out for the undead creatures roaming around. You can attempt to sneak around, but sometimes, you will have to fight them using melee weapons and guns. Also, the inclusion of permadeath means it really feels like you’re fighting for survival.

Ultimate Chicken Horse

Ultimate Chicken Horse is a unique party platformer. In each round, the aim is to reach the red flag, which is typically on the other side of the map. If you all get to it, nobody gets any points. So, the goal is to reach it and ensure the other players don’t.

To accomplish both of these things, every player gets to place something in each round that will either help or hurt people. Therefore, there’s an interesting dynamic at play, as you have to figure out how to help yourself while not really helping your opposition.

Grounded

Grounded is a survival game with a unique premise, as it’s set in a backyard. It doesn’t sound that difficult to survive in a backyard, but it is when you’re a tiny human, which is the case in this game.

The main issue with being that small is that bugs and spiders suddenly seem giant, and many are a threat to little you. So, you have to survive run-ins with the dangerous ones while trying to find food and water. This sounds like a perilous situation, but you can invite some buddies along for the ride to make yourself feel safer.

Minecraft Dungeons

Minecraft Dungeons is a spin-off to regular old Minecraft. As such, it’s a very different game. It uses the presentation and visuals of the creative sandbox title, but it’s a dungeon crawler. So, it’s a lot more like Diablo, except a bit more beginner-friendly and accessible.

As it’s a dungeon crawler, you roam around procedurally generated dungeons, solving puzzles, fighting monsters, and finding treasure. It’s a fairly simple game to understand, but it’s fun to play, especially when you have friends crawling those dungeons with you.

World War Z

You don’t need to know much about the World War Z novel or movie to appreciate this game set in the same universe. All you need to know is that there are fast-moving zombies everywhere that travel in giant hordes.

The game heavily resembles the Left 4 Dead titles in that you team up with a squad and use a variety of weapons to blast through zombies. So, it isn’t completely original, but it’s still a lot of fun, as the shooting is enjoyable, and the A.I. on the zombies is actually quite good. Plus, it isn’t exactly like L4D, as you have a character class system, and levels take place in different sorts of locations.

Need For Speed Heat

Racing games have always made for good multiplayer titles. So, it’s nice to see a great entry in the genre like Need For Speed Heat allow crossplay. The game offers fast-paced and slick driving mechanics that you get to experience in either day or night races.

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The day ones are more organized events, while at night, you partake in illegal street races. Naturally, a friend can join you for these events, too. More importantly, though, they can join you in your open world. So, you both can drive around the visually stunning Palm City together.

No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky is a very open sci-fi survival game. You’re placed in a procedurally generated open world, and you’re free to explore the galaxy. There are many planets to visit, aliens to meet, and things to build.

Your loose goal is to discover the secrets of the universe. But you can just explore different planets and enjoy your planet-hopping life if you desire. This is even more enjoyable if you have a friend to share that life with.

Destiny 2

Destiny 2 is a free-to-play FPS online game with some MMORPG elements. It’s designed around multiplayer, so it’s a perfect title to play with friends. There are PvE modes, such as the story campaign and raids, as well as more traditional PvP modes.

Naturally, all of this wouldn’t mean much if the core gameplay wasn’t good. Thankfully, though, the FPS gunplay is fluid and satisfying. The exploration is enjoyable, too, and the story is compelling. So, the title has a lot going for it.

Tetris Effect: Connected

While there have been many versions of Tetris over the years, not many have had a multiplayer component. This is what makes Tetris Effect: Connected different from most of the others. The game allows you to play the famous puzzle game with or against others. And they don’t even have to have the same system for you to do it.

It can be a lot of fun because Tetris is a timeless game. Moreover, the title has a vibrant and stylish presentation that is hard to take your eyes off.

Borderlands 3

Borderlands 3 is one of the most enjoyable cooperative shooters in recent memory. Like its predecessors, it has a nice art style, fun weapons, and slick shooting mechanics. Also, the game is partially an RPG, which adds extra depth to the combat, as you’ve got unique abilities at your disposal alongside traditional weaponry.

The story is about a collection of Vault Hunters who intend to stop a group of dangerous people. Collectively, they’re called the Children of the Vault. But their leaders, Tyraan Calypso and Troy Calypso, are the ones you really have to look out for.

Diablo 4

Your changes have been saved

4.5/5

Diablo 4

Action RPG

Hack and Slash

Released

June 6, 2023

Engine

Proprietary Engine

ESRB

m

Expand

Diablo 4 is a multiplayer action RPG. The general premise is that you make your way through dangerous places while slaying the many enemies in your path in isometric battles. Like most games, it’s more enjoyable when you’re playing with friends.

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Together, you can be a mix of classes and use a range of different builds to form one perfect team. As a team, your ultimate goal is to bring down the evil Lilith. So, it’s a typical dark fantasy tale but still a compelling one.

Back 4 Blood

You can’t call Back 4 Blood a completely original game since it clearly borrows some ideas from Left 4 Dead. Yet, it still puts its own spin on squad-based zombie-killing fun.

In this game, the creatures are actually called the Ridden, and you have to fight your way through them to reach every checkpoint. There is plenty of variety in the enemies, selectable characters, and weapons. And it’s best enjoyed with friends, which is why crossplay is a welcome feature.

Sniper Elite 5

Sniper Elite 5 is an exceptional sniper game that puts significant focus on stealth. You’re encouraged to sneak through all the levels, which are set in WW2. Your goal is typically to kill important Nazis or mess with their plans. Either way, you put a dent in the Third Reich.

You can do all of this with a buddy in online co-op. Alternatively, you can play with them in survival mode or in the various PVP game types. All modes support crossplay.

PowerWash Simulator

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what PowerWash Simulator is about. As the title suggests, you use a power washer to clean dirt off surfaces.

You don’t just go around indiscriminately washing things, though. You get jobs to clean certain surfaces. And you don’t have to wash everything alone. There is cooperative play in the game, meaning you can clean things with friends. Your buddy doesn’t even need to be playing on the same system.

Streets Of Rage 4

Streets Of Rage 4 came out 26 years after its predecessor. Yet, the game is still very similar to the original Streets Of Rage titles. This is because it follows the classic beat ’em up formula where you walk the streets and beat up anybody who attacks you.

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This means taking on everyone from standard thugs to major bosses as your chosen character. Another character can be played by a friend online, who can join you on the entire adventure.

Apex Legends

Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale FPS. In the standard mode, you drop down into an arena with one or two allies as well as a bunch of opposing groups. You have to search for supplies and kill any foe you find. The ultimate goal is to outlast every other squad.

The game allows PC and Xbox One players to team up together. Even people on PlayStation and Switch can join, too. Yet, you can only have two additional teammates, so choose wisely.

Halo Infinite

Systems

Released

December 8, 2021

Engine

Slipspace

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood, Mild Language, Violence

Expand

Halo Infinite continues the series tradition of providing exciting FPS action. Much of the fun comes in the multiplayer, which in this installment is free to play. Despite costing nothing, Infinite still contains plenty of fun and classic modes, from Capture the Flag to Oddball.

If you prefer cooperative play, you can also run through the game’s thrilling story with a friend. It doesn’t matter if that buddy is on a different system, as the title supports crossplay for both PvP and co-op modes. Yet, it’s worth noting that the campaign portion of the game isn’t free.

Astroneer

There are many sandbox games out there, but few are as cute or engaging as Astroneer. The title puts you on a procedurally generated planet, gives you a terrain tool, and sets you free. What you do from there is pretty much up to you.

However, the loose goal is to start digging to find resources and then use those to build up your base. If you gather enough supplies, you can make a ship that takes you to other planets. The inclusion of multiplayer means you don’t need to be a lonely astronaut, and the addition of crossplay means you have more options for allies.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022)

Systems

Released

October 28, 2022

Engine

iw 9.0

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs

Expand

Few series have had as much impact on PVP multiplayer as Call of Duty. The series started in the 2000s, but it is still going strong with 2022’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. The FPS game offers plenty of slick multiplayer fun.

You can head into various PVP modes, or you can opt for the cooperative spec-ops mode. Whatever mode you’re playing, you will get to experience fast-paced and satisfying shooting action and Call of Duty’s signature charm.

Fall Guys

Most of the games in the battle royale genre include crossplay. And the free-to-play Fall Guys is no different in that regard. Yet, it differs from other battle royale titles in many other ways, as it’s one of the most original games the genre has produced.

This is because you don’t shoot or kill your opponents. Instead, you merely need to beat them in different competitions, as in every round, somebody gets eliminated. If you survive to the final round, you get a chance to win the elusive crown. You can invite a few friends in for the competition, too.

Dead By Daylight

Dead By Daylight is a co-op where you and other players are trying to survive a killer stalking you. It’s gory-gory, akin to ’80s slasher movies. There are 29 survivors to choose from, but only four can be played in a single game.

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Everyone has a role to play in trying to live to see the morning as a unit, and there are over 15 maps to explore — so you’ll be able to play this over and over again without it feeling stale. Add to that the crossplay function, and you’ll never play the same game twice.

Among Us

Your changes have been saved

4.0/5

Among Us

Released

June 5, 2018

Engine

Unity

ESRB

E10+ for Everyone 10+: Mild Blood, Fantasy Violence

Expand

Initially, Among Us didn’t feature crossplay between PC and Xbox because the game wasn’t on the latter console. But a few years after launch, it finally made its way on other systems, including the Xbox One. As a result, the game has opened itself up for more players around the world to call each other sus.

Without losing any of its quirky animations, Among Us on both PC and Xbox One offers a fun mystery along the lines of Clue and Mafia but set in outer space. Essentially pitting players against one another in a battle of wits, uncovering (or not uncovering) who is the Imposter on board the ship is equal parts infuriating and exhilarating for the whole crew.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat

A mix of Overcooked! 1 and 2, Overcooked! All You Can Eat gives you full access to the Onion Kingdom with over 200 levels. Four players can join in on the fun and control any one of the 80 chefs in the game.

This edition of Overcooked! is perfect for crossplay because it does have so many levels and nearly limitless player restrictions. PC and Xbox One players alike can race around the chaotic kitchens for a chance to be the best chef in the game.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

A spin-off game from Borderlands, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands sets you up with three other players to wreak whimsical havoc against the Dragon Lord. A first-person shooter with powerful weapons, you can divvy up loot with your teammates, or hoard it for yourself as you take out enemies.

Ultimately, the goal is to work together as a team to dominate and pillage, so getting matched with like-minded and skilled players is a must — a task made easier through crossplay options.

Fortnite

A free-for-all Battle Royale, Fortnite is often the butt of the joke in the gaming community, but it holds its own as a classic multiplayer game. A (mostly) family-friendly game, the easy controls and freedom to play to your own strategy can make Fortnite extremely fun to play with randomly generated maps and competitors.

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Fortnite is always adding new content and Battle Passes, including high-profile celebrities like John Cena, Ariana Grande, and Ryan Reynolds.

Smite

While the likes of League of Legends and DOTA 2 aren’t available on consoles, Smite is a fantastic substitute that can be played on the Xbox One or PC with crossplay.

Smite is unlike most MOBAs in that players control their characters from a third-person perspective instead of an isometric view. Players select their character from a large pantheon of gods that vary from multiple mythologies. Zeus, Ra, and Fenrir are just a few examples of the sheer variety of gods to choose from. With 3v3 Jousts and traditional three-lane 5v5 matches, Smite is one of the best MOBAs on the market — and one of the few that supports crossplay.

ARK: Survival Evolved

Most would consider survival crafting titles to be dead with the popularity of Minecraft and the thousands of copies that exist today, but ARK: Survival Evolved is no ordinary title.

Ancient technology and hundreds of dinosaur types roam ARK’s various maps for players to utilize. It has the standard rhythm of building shelter and unlocking higher-tier equipment, but ARK’s greatest strength is its gameplay sandbox. Every dinosaur feels much different from the last, both visually and functionally, and the game’s plethora of items allows for a compelling PvE experience or one of the best PvP experiences this genre has seen. With crossplay available between the Xbox One and PC, this is the perfect game to play with a large group of friends or clan members.

War Thunder

War Thunder is a free-to-play vehicle combat title that allows players to control a wide selection of airplanes, tanks, and even naval boats.

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The core combat is incredibly satisfying, and something that few games in the genre can compare to. It is one of the grindiest free-to-play titles available on the Xbox One and PC, but the gameplay loop is so satisfying that it more than makes up for it.

Deep Rock Galactic

For players looking for a great co-op PvE shooter, Deep Rock Galactic is hard to beat. Players choose between one of four classes as they drill in procedurally generated caves that are fully destructible.

Hundreds of insectoid aliens crawl from the walls to take down the player, leading to intense gunfights that are reminiscent of Aliens. Unlockable items and cosmetic items give it great staying power as well.

Gears 5

Your changes have been saved

4.5/5

Gears 5

Systems

Released

September 10, 2019

Developer(s)

The Coalition

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

M

Expand

The Coalition has done a fantastic job of recreating the intense firefights of past Gears of War titles in Gears 5. No matter how familiar a player is with the Gears franchise, Gears 5 is sure to be a joy for shooter fans.

A completely cooperative campaign that can support three players makes for a great casual shooter to play with friends or in an intense PvE environment on harder difficulties. Competitive multiplayer with a variety of game modes are also present if players wish to frag out on others. For those who just want to fight waves of enemies, Horde Mode has them covered as well.

Rocket League

Rocket League combines sports and racing in one of the most enticing yet simple games in the genre. Mimicking soccer, Rocket League pits two teams against each other as they try to ram a ball into a goal.

Speed, precision, and teamwork are all key to winning a match, which makes nearly every game different. It’s the perfect game to play with friends, but remember to keep a cool head throughout. Rocket League can get surprisingly competitive despite the game’s simple mechanics.

Forza Horizon 4

Systems

Released

September 28, 2018

Developer(s)

Playground Games

Publisher(s)

Microsoft Game Studios

Engine

Forza Tech

ESRB

t

Expand

Racing games are a dime a dozen, much less good ones. Of the most popular racing titles on the market, none can match the open-ended fun that Forza Horizon 4 provides.

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Instead of the career-heavy titles such as Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo, Horizon 4 instead focuses on letting players loose in a giant open world to do as they wish. Race other players online, collect hundreds of cars, or even create races for others to try. Forza Horizon 4 is the best blend of open-world and racing the genre has seen thus far.

Minecraft

Nearly everyone knows of Minecraft, the popular crafting survival title that is the best-selling video game of all time. Minecraft is unlike a lot of games in that the player decides what they wish to do.

The game gives a massive sandbox for players to explore, morph, and turn into something special. Constant updates and mod support have kept this juggernaut relevant for years since its release, and its inclusion of crossplay has further cemented it as one of the best games anyone can play.

Sea Of Thieves

Similar to Minecraft, Sea of Thieves is all about finding fun. Players get to crew a variety of ships as they explore vast oceans to find loot. Treasure hunting, fighting skeletons, practically everything associated with being a pirate is here. The best part of Sea of Thieves is arguably its PvP.

Sinking enemy ships and stealing their loot is an adrenaline-fueled experience that contrasts the game’s quieter moments perfectly. Anyone wishing to play with friends across platforms needs to give Sea of Thieves a try.

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