Even years after its release, Elden Ring continues to captivate gamers with its vast open world, challenging combat, and intricate lore. A common question among players, especially those with friends on different platforms, is: Does Elden Ring have crossplay (cross-platform multiplayer)? As of January 2026, the answer, unfortunately, remains no. This article dives into the details of Elden Ring’s multiplayer capabilities, explains why crossplay is currently absent, and explores the possibilities (however slim) of it being added in the future.
Understanding elden ring cross platform:
Elden Ring offers a unique multiplayer experience that blends seamlessly with its single-player campaign. Players can summon other players to assist with challenging bosses, explore the world together, or engage in PvP combat. However, this multiplayer functionality is limited to players on the same platform family.
Currently Supported Multiplayer Options:
- PlayStation: Players on PlayStation 4 (PS4) can play with other players on PlayStation 5 (PS5).
- Xbox: Players on Xbox One can play with other players on Xbox Series X/S.
- PC: PC players can only play with other PC players (Steam and potentially other PC storefronts are separate ecosystems, requiring confirmation of interoperability).
Why No Crossplay? Potential Reasons:
The lack of crossplay in Elden Ring is likely due to a combination of factors:
- Technical Challenges: Implementing crossplay requires significant technical effort, including adapting the game’s network code and addressing potential performance disparities between different platforms.
- Platform Policies: Platform holders (Sony, Microsoft, Valve) may have varying policies regarding crossplay, which can complicate the implementation process.
- Balancing Issues: Ensuring a fair and balanced gameplay experience across different platforms can be challenging, especially in PvP combat. Differences in input methods (controller vs. mouse and keyboard) and performance can create unfair advantages.
- Development Priorities: FromSoftware may have prioritized other aspects of the game’s development and post-launch support, such as bug fixes, balance adjustments, and DLC content.
The Possibility of Crossplay in the Future (2026 and Beyond):
While there’s no official announcement of crossplay being added to Elden Ring, the possibility remains (albeit slim). Several factors could influence a potential decision:
- Community Demand: Continued demand from the player community could pressure FromSoftware to consider implementing crossplay.
- Technological Advancements: Advancements in crossplay technology could make implementation easier and more feasible.
- Changing Platform Policies: More lenient crossplay policies from platform holders could pave the way for cross-platform multiplayer.
- Success of Other Crossplay Games: The success of other crossplay games could demonstrate the benefits of cross-platform multiplayer and encourage From Software to follow suit.
Workarounds and Alternatives:
While official crossplay is not available, here are some workarounds and alternatives to consider:
- Play on the Same Platform: The simplest solution is to play Elden Ring with your friends on the same platform (e.g., all on PlayStation, all on Xbox, or all on PC).
- Use a Discord Server or Community: Join an Elden Ring Discord server or online community to connect with other players and find friends to play with on your platform.
- Focus on Single-Player Content: Enjoy the vast and challenging single-player experience that Elden Ring has to offer.
Conclusion:
As of January 2026, Elden Ring does not support crossplay. While the possibility of cross-platform multiplayer being added in the future cannot be completely ruled out, it’s unlikely given the technical challenges, platform policies, and development priorities involved. For now, players will have to stick to playing with friends on the same platform or explore the rich single-player content that Elden Ring has to offer. Keep an eye out for official announcements from From Software for any potential updates on crossplay in the future.