Cross-play has finally arrived in Baldur’s Gate 3, breaking down the walls between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players. Now, adventurers across all platforms can unite, form parties, and tackle the epic quests of Faerûn together. Ready to join forces with friends no matter their system? Here’s how to enable and master cross-play in Baldur’s Gate 3 to embark on your shared journey.
In this Baldur’s Gate 3 guide, we’ll explain how cross-play works, what platforms are supported, and how to set it up.
What is cross-play and what platforms are supported in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Cross-play in Baldur’s Gate 3 allows players on different platforms-PC, Mac, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5-to join the same multiplayer lobby and play together seamlessly. Introduced with the game’s final major update, Patch 8, this feature uses the Larian Network and requires all participants to have a Larian Account for friend invitations and lobby access. Cross-play also supports cross-platform progression, enabling players to continue their campaigns on any supported device. Additionally, mods can be used in cross-play sessions as long as all players have the same mods installed, with some limitations on third-party mods and mod counts on consoles.
Cross-play is a multiplayer feature in Baldur’s Gate 3 that allows you to play with other players who are on a different console or computer than you are. For example, if you want to play with a friend using your Windows PC copy via Steam, but your friend only has a Mac, you can still group up via cross-play. The same is true between a PC system and a console, or even Xbox and PlayStation.
Basically, you are able to use cross-play to group up with friends regardless of where everyone owns the game.
Here is the full list of platforms that you can connect to via cross-play:
- Mac
- PlayStation 5
- Windows PC
- Xbox Series X/S
How to enable cross-play in Baldur’s Gate 3
To enable cross-play in Baldur’s Gate 3, first ensure your game is linked to your Larian account. From the main menu, go to Options, then under the Gameplay tab, scroll down and enable the “Allow Cross-play” option. After enabling cross-play, add friends by their Larian account usernames through the Friends List in Account Management. To start a cross-play game, select Multiplayer from the main menu, switch to the Cross-Play tab, and create a lobby where you can invite friends. All players must have cross-play enabled and be added as friends via their Larian accounts to join the same session. Once everyone is ready, launch the game to play together across different platforms like PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
To use cross-play in Baldur’s Gate 3, you need a Larian Account and to enable cross-play in the settings menu.
To get a Larian account, you can go to the studio’s website and make one. Use that login once you boot up the launcher to connect your account to your copy of the game. You’ll then need to either add your friend’s Larian account in-game, or remember their username, so you can type it into the party manager menu later on.
Next, you’ll need to activate cross-play, which you can find in the multiplayer settings in the game’s main menu. Note that it will not appear if you’re already loaded into the game, and must be done from the multiplayer menu at the title screen.
When you enter the multiplayer menu, you’ll see online, LAN, and now cross-play at the top of your screen. Select the crossplay bar and then click “enable cross-play” when you’re prompted.
Want to know the easiest way to set up cross-play in BG3
The easiest way to set up cross-play in Baldur’s Gate 3 is as follows:
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Make sure you have a Larian account and are signed in, as this is required for cross-play.
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From the main menu, go to Options, then under the Gameplay tab, scroll down and enable Allow Cross-Play.
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Next, go to Multiplayer from the main menu, then select the Cross-Play tab at the top.
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To start a new cross-play session, choose Create to open a lobby. You can then invite friends by clicking the plus (+) icons and adding them via their Larian account usernames.
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Your friends must also have cross-play enabled and accept your invite to join the lobby. Once everyone is ready, click Launch to start playing together across platforms.
This straightforward process lets you easily team up with friends on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox without hassle.
What’s the simplest step to enable cross-play in BG3 for beginners
The simplest step to enable cross-play in Baldur’s Gate 3 for beginners is to go to the main menu, select Options, then under the Gameplay tab, scroll down and check the box next to Allow Cross-Play. This activates cross-play functionality, allowing you to connect with friends on different platforms once you have linked your game to your Larian account.
