Deep Rock Galactic has built a loyal community thanks to its unique blend of teamwork, procedural caves, and chaotic alien combat. One of the most common questions players ask before jumping in with friends is simple: does Deep Rock Galactic support crossplay? The answer is not as straightforward as most players expect.
Crossplay has become a standard expectation in modern multiplayer games. Players want the freedom to team up regardless of whether they are on console or PC. In the case of Deep Rock Galactic, the situation depends heavily on which platforms and versions you are using. This guide breaks everything down clearly so you know exactly who you can play with—and who you can’t.
What Crossplay Means in Deep Rock Galactic
Before diving into platform-specific details, it helps to understand how crossplay works in this game.Deep Rock Galactic does not offer full universal crossplay across all platforms. Instead, it has partial crossplay, which works only between specific ecosystems. This limitation often confuses players because two people may both be on PC—but still unable to play together depending on where they bought the game. The key factor here is platform ecosystem compatibility, not just hardware.
Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay PS5 and PC
One of the mostsearched questions is whether PS5 players can play with PC users.The short answer is: No, PS5 and PC do not support crossplay.If you are playing on PlayStation 5, you are locked into the PlayStation network environment. PC players, whether on Steam or Microsoft Store, cannot join your session. This separation exists because Sony’s ecosystem is not connected to the PC multiplayer infrastructure used by the game.
So if your friend is on PC and you are on PS5, you won’t be able to team up—no matter what version they own.
Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay PS4 and PC
The situation is the same for PlayStation 4.
PS4 players cannot play with PC players.
Even though the hardware is different between PS4 and PS5, both operate within the same PlayStation network environment. This means they share compatibility with each other—but not with PC.
If you’re planning to play with friends on PC, choosing the PlayStation version will limit your options.
Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay Between PS4 and PS5
Here’s the good news.
PS4 and PS5 players can play together without any issues.
Sony allows cross-generation multiplayer within its ecosystem. So if you upgrade from PS4 to PS5—or your friends are on different PlayStation consoles—you can still squad up and mine together.
This is one of the smoother aspects of multiplayer in Deep Rock Galactic.
Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay on Steam
Steam is one of the most popular platforms for PC players, but it introduces an important limitation.
Steam players cannot crossplay with PlayStation or Xbox players.
Even more surprising:
Steam players cannot crossplay with Xbox Game Pass players on PC.
This is where many players get confused. Even though both are technically “PC,” they are treated as separate ecosystems.
Is Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay Between Steam and Game Pass?
This is one of the most critical distinctions to understand.
No, Steam and Game Pass versions are not crossplay compatible.
If you bought the game on Steam, you are in a completely separate matchmaking system from those who downloaded it through Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass.
However, there is a workaround if you want crossplay with Xbox players:
- You must use the Microsoft Store version of the game on PC
- This version connects to Xbox servers
So while Steam is popular, it limits your ability to play with friends on Xbox.
Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay Between Xbox and PC
Here’s where crossplay actually works.
Xbox consoles and Microsoft Store PC players can play together.
This includes:
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X/S
- PC players using Microsoft Store or Game Pass
This is the only true cross-platform functionality in Deep Rock Galactic. If your goal is to play with friends across console and PC, this is the ecosystem you should choose.
Is Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay Between PS5 and Xbox?
Another common question.
No, PlayStation and Xbox do not support crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic.
These platforms operate in completely separate environments. Unlike some modern multiplayer games that bridge this gap, Deep Rock Galactic keeps them isolated.
So if one friend is on PS5 and another is on Xbox, they won’t be able to play together.
Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay PS5 and PS4
As mentioned earlier, crossplay within PlayStation works smoothly.
PS5 and PS4 players can fully play together.
There are no restrictions, and matchmaking works seamlessly. This makes it easy for PlayStation users to stay connected regardless of console generation.
Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay Mods
Mods add another layer to the conversation.
Deep Rock Galactic supports modding on PC, especially through Steam. However, mods introduce limitations when it comes to multiplayer compatibility.
Here’s how it works:
- Modded games can only be joined by players with compatible mods
- Console players cannot access mods at all
- Crossplay between modded and non-modded environments is restricted
This means if you’re using mods on PC, your multiplayer pool becomes even smaller. It’s best to keep a “vanilla” setup if you want maximum compatibility.
Why Crossplay Is Limited in Deep Rock Galactic
Many players wonder why full crossplay isn’t available.
There are a few key reasons:
Platform Ecosystems
Each platform (PlayStation, Xbox, Steam) has its own network infrastructure. Connecting them requires agreements and technical integration that not all developers pursue.
Version Differences
Different platforms may receive updates at slightly different times. This can cause compatibility issues in multiplayer.
Technical Constraints
Maintaining stable crossplay across multiple systems adds complexity. For a game focused on cooperative performance, stability often takes priority.
Best Platform Choice for Crossplay
If crossplay is your main concern, here’s a simple breakdown:
- Best option: Xbox + Microsoft Store PC
- Good option: PlayStation (PS4 & PS5 together)
- Limited option: Steam (PC only, no crossplay outside Steam)
Choosing the right platform from the start can save you a lot of frustration later.
Tips for Playing With Friends
If you want a smooth multiplayer experience, keep these points in mind:
- Confirm which platform your friends are using before buying
- Avoid mixing Steam and Game Pass versions
- Stick to the same ecosystem whenever possible
- Keep mods disabled if playing with a wider group
A little planning goes a long way in avoiding compatibility issues.
Future of Crossplay in Deep Rock Galactic
There is always hope that crossplay will expand in the future. The demand from players is strong, and many modern games are moving toward full cross-platform support.
However, as of now, there has been no confirmed update that will unify all platforms. Developers would need to redesign networking systems and coordinate across platform holders.
So while it’s possible, it’s not something you should rely on in the short term.
Conclusion
Deep Rock Galactic delivers an incredible cooperative experience, but its crossplay system requires careful understanding. Unlike fully cross-platform games, it divides players based on ecosystems rather than just devices.
- PlayStation players can play with PlayStation
- Xbox players can play with Xbox and Microsoft Store PC
- Steam players are limited to Steam
There is no universal crossplay across all platforms, and this is the most important takeaway. If you plan ahead and choose the right version, you can still enjoy seamless co-op gameplay with your friends. Just make sure everyone is in the same ecosystem before heading into the caves.
