Borderlands 3 is a popular first-person shooter game that was released in 2019 by Gearbox Software. The game is a sequel to the Borderlands series, which features a sci-fi setting, loot-driven gameplay, and a humorous tone.
Borderlands 3 has received critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over 12 million copies worldwide. One of the most frequently asked questions by Borderlands 3 fans is whether the game supports cross-platform play.
Cross-platform play, or crossplay, is the ability to play online multiplayer games with other players who are using different devices or consoles. For example, crossplay would allow a PC player to team up with a PlayStation player in the same game session.
Crossplay is a desirable feature for many gamers, as it allows them to play with their friends regardless of what platform they own. It also helps to expand the player base and reduce the matchmaking time.
However, not all games support crossplay, as there are technical and business challenges involved in implementing it.
So, is Borderlands 3 cross-platform in 2024? The answer is yes but with some limitations. In this article, we will explain how crossplay works in Borderlands 3, what platforms are supported, and how to enable it.
How Crossplay Works in Borderlands 3?
Borderlands 3 introduced crossplay in June 2021, as part of a free update for the game. The update added a new option in the game settings to enable or disable crossplay. It also required players to create a display name that is unique across all platforms.
ICYMI, #Borderlands 3 is getting full crossplay across PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Stadia, and PC later this Spring! Keep an eye out for the exact date soon. pic.twitter.com/Elvp1r9HeV
— Borderlands (@Borderlands) April 22, 2022
To play with other players across different platforms, Borderlands 3 uses a system called SHiFT Matchmaking. SHiFT is a service that connects players to online games and rewards them with in-game items.
SHiFT Matchmaking allows players to join or host public or private games with other SHiFT users, regardless of their platform.
However, SHiFT Matchmaking only works for platforms that support crossplay. This means that some platforms are excluded from crossplay, either by choice or by default.
What Platforms Support Crossplay in Borderlands 3?
Borderlands 3 supports crossplay on the following platforms:
- Steam (PC)
- Epic Games Store (PC)
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X|S
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Mac
- Google Stadia
However, there are some exceptions and caveats to this list. First of all, PlayStation platforms do not support crossplay with other platforms, only with each other.
This means that PlayStation players can only play with other PlayStation players, and not with PC, Xbox, Mac, or Stadia players.
This is because Sony, the company that owns PlayStation, has been reluctant to allow crossplay for its games. Sony has cited various reasons for this, such as protecting its players from inappropriate content, preserving the quality of its online services, and maintaining its competitive edge.
However, Sony has also faced criticism and backlash from gamers and developers for blocking crossplay, especially for popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Rocket League.
As a result, Sony has gradually opened up to crossplay, but only on a case-by-case basis, and often with additional fees or restrictions.
In the case of Borderlands 3, Gearbox Software revealed that Sony had denied their request to enable crossplay for PlayStation platforms. Gearbox did not specify the reason for Sony’s decision, but it was likely related to Sony’s crossplay policy and business interests.
Secondly, Mac and Stadia platforms do not support crossplay with each other, only with PC and Xbox platforms. This is because Mac and Stadia use different versions of the game engine than PC and Xbox, which makes them incompatible for crossplay.
Therefore, the crossplay combinations for Borderlands 3 are as follows:
- PC (Steam or Epic) + Xbox + Mac
- PC (Steam or Epic) + Xbox + Stadia
- PlayStation + PlayStation
- Mac + Mac
How to Enable Crossplay in Borderlands 3?
To enable crossplay in Borderlands 3, you need to follow these steps:
Make sure you have the latest version of the game installed, as well as a SHiFT account. You can create a SHiFT account for free on the official website.
Launch the game and go to the main menu. You should see a pop-up window asking you to opt in or opt out of crossplay. Choose opt-in to enable crossplay, or opt-out to disable it.
You can also change this option later in the game settings. Choose a display name that is unique across all platforms. This name will be visible to other players in online games. You can also change this name later in the game settings.
To join or host a crossplay game, go to the social menu and select SHiFT Matchmaking. You can choose to join a public game, host a public game, or host a private game with a friend code. You can also invite or join other players who are on your SHiFT friends list, regardless of their platform.