The FIFA series, like other sports games, always have releases every year to improve things and add new teams, with FIFA 23 being the latest. However, the main draw for games like it is the fact that you can play against other people with them. PvP sports to be exact. However, with the newer console generations and the rivalry between PlayStation and Xbox running high, a question must be asked: Is FIFA 23 cross platform compatible? For now, let’s look at FIFA 23 and find out if it is. Before that though, what is Crossplay?
What Is Crossplay
The first question that a lot of players minds when it comes to games like FIFA has always been if the said game has Crossplay. For those not in the know, Crossplay, or Cross-Platform Play, is a game’s ability to be played on different video game hardware. AKA, if a game can be played with players from PlayStation, Xbox, and PC consoles at the same time, that’s a Crossplay Compatible game. Or Cross Platform Compatible.
Another similar terminology for this is called Cross-Save, which is reserved for single-player games on multiple platforms. This can also be used on multiplayer games like FIFA though, but we digress. This allows players to save their progress on a game’s external servers rather than on the console they’re playing. This means that if the player resumes playing on a different console, they can continue their progress.
Usually, these games are games that require an internet connection to play. If the game you’re playing asks for that functionality, that means you can probably play the game on a different console to continue progress. Mobile gacha games are a great example of this, as players typically can play from different phones, or even different phone brands so long as they can log in to their accounts.
Is FIFA 23 Cross Platform
Luckily for everyone who is a fan of FIFA, FIFA 23 has crossplay available the moment the game launches. Usually, fans need to wait for quite a while before Crossplay can be implemented in the game. Oftentimes it’s implemented when it’s already almost time for a new entry. However, the developers are eschewing this asinine tradition for this FIFA entry.
However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t limits.
Is PS4 to PS5 And Xbox One to Series X/S Cross Generation Possible
First things first, players cannot play against each other if one player has a previous-generation console while the other’s console is next-gen.
It’s a sad thing as PS4 and Xbox One players can only play with each other. Mostly due to the sheer amount of things FIFA 23 has added in terms of graphics and a few others. However, that’s it. One of the biggest things as well as the fact that PS4 and Xbox One players can only play Online Friendlies and Fut Play a Friend. And those are against friends, with no matchmaking involved.
If they want to matchmake, they need to go to the next-generation consoles and PC, where matchmaking against other players is allowed. Which reminds us.
PlayStation 4/5 to XBOX One/Series X/S respectively?
Next Generation Consoles have crossplay against each other as well as a few additional things. Specifically, the ability to do online matchmaking against other players. In addition, more things are open to you, like Online Seasons, Fut Online Friendlies, Fut Online Draft, Fut Rivals, and Fut Champions. If you’re playing on a next-gen console, and you’re itching for a drawn-out, balls-to-the-wall football bout online, then you’re definitely in luck.
XBOX and PlayStation to PC
Now for those that want to go the full circle and add in PC, there’s no problem. Players from current generation consoles can play against PC players. However, PC players cannot play against older generation consoles players like the PS4 and Xbox One, sadly.
Why Are Cross Play Features Are Important
There are many myriads of reasons why Cross Play features are an important thing to cultivate. First off, due to the addition of multiple platforms, the amount of people that are playing a game in a given time is increased massively. Ergo, lower matchmaking times. This is one of the biggest things that Cross Play has an advantage over not having it. A player base from different consoles joining together in one.
This would also mean that social barricades are thrown down as the player’s social gaming circles are expanded from their usual spheres. Not only can PlayStation players interact with other PlayStation players, but also PC and Xbox players as well. This makes gaming way more accessible, and fun.
Weaknesses Of Cross-Save/Crossplay
There are a few weaknesses to this though, with one incredibly glaring weakness being the fact that no server lasts forever. For example, you, the player, are playing a really good game, doesn’t matter if it’s AAA or mobile gacha. However, time passes and the game’s practically dead and you’re the only one playing said game. The game developers decide to stop services in a few months.
That means that in a few months, the game you’re playing will no longer be supported by developers. No more updates, no more bug fixes, et cetera. However, the biggest drawback is the fact that the player will no longer be able to access any profiles/saves inside external servers. If your game doesn’t run without those external servers, you’re pretty much out of luck, as that means the game would be completely unplayable.
Luckily, most games do allow players to save not only on external servers but on their consoles as well. However, with the increasing prevalence of Cloud and other technologies like it, it’s only a matter of time.
Another inherent weakness is the fact that a lot of games favor PC players rather than console players. For games like PUBG and Fortnite, playing against a PC player when you’re a console player is a bloody nightmare. After all, PC players can aim better than you due to the mouse, and keybinds can be edited to suit personal playstyles. Last but not least, games with Cross Play enabled are incredibly competitive, and passively encourage said competitiveness. The fact that players can be incredibly great due to having a keyboard and mouse is something that can be an annoying thing to experience.
Should You Play Games With Crossplay Enabled
If your game has Crossplay enabled? Definitely. Crossplay allows the player to play with people not on their console, expanding not only their possible competition but also friends. If you play with a friend on PlayStation while you’re on PC and the game in question has Crossplay, definitely go for it.
However, if you’re in a competitive game like Apex Legends and PUBG and you’re against overpowered opponents? Then yes, you may want to turn Crossplay off.
5 Other Cross Platform Sports Games
Now that we know that FIFA 23 is a game with Cross Platform, let’s go over other games like it with Cross Platform capabilities. We’ll start with DIRT 5, followed by Chess Ultra, Rocket league, Fall Guys, and lastly, Rocket Arena.
DIRT 5
First on this list is DIRT 5, the newest entry to the DIRT racing game series by Codemasters. The game has several iconic routes taken from all over the world, with a wide variety of cars and tracks to choose from. Combine this with the star-studded career mode where players can compete against well-known drivers in the business. Well, you got something interesting in it.
In addition to this, for players that want to play in the same place, there’s 4-player split-screen support. Those that want online modes however shouldn’t fret, as they’re overhauled with new features for players to enjoy. Last but not least is a livery editor for those that want to go ham in the car customization.
Now, let’s go over the Crossplay. DIRT 5 has crossplay across these platforms: Steam (PC), PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X. Amazon Luna and Google Stadia are also available.
Chess Ultra
Following up DIRT 5 is Chess Ultra, a great 4K Chess game that offers grandmaster-approved AI for players to fight. For those that want to be a little more interactive, they can also play Chess Ultra in VR to enjoy the visuals. Last but not least, there’s also seamless online multiplayer that offers crossplay for PC, Xbox One, PS4, and lastly, Nintendo Switch.
Rocket League
Next, we have Rocket League, which isn’t a real sport, but it’s football with cars, so it counts. It’s really easy to get into as the controls can be learned easily. However, the skill ceiling is high, very high. Combine this with really fierce competition and hardcore physics-driven driving. Well, you have a really fun game.
In addition to this, there are a few different modes for players to choose from. These range from the usual casual matches to competitive online matches. To those that want a little more excitement, players can also go for a fully-featured offline season mode. There are also special “Mutators” that add in special rules, or change some of the rules of Rocket League entirely, kind of like Left 4 Dead 2 in a way. For those that want a bit more variety, players can also partake in extra modes that take inspiration from basketball and hockey. Combine this with a 500 trillion possible car cosmetic combinations. Well, you can see why we had to add Rocket League here.
Seriously, if you’re a football fan who wants a bit more action, then get Rocket League. You can play the game with Crossplay on PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.
Fall Guys
Following Rocket League is Fall Guys, an online multiplayer mini-game game where players go against each other individually or on teams. The game has a series of maps that will be drawn randomly in a series of rounds. The main goal? last player, or team, standing. The maps and challenges themselves are pretty diverse, ranging from obtaining the most eggs to soccer and sort-of tennis.
The game can get pretty hilarious as well, as the player’s stubby Fall Guy is a bit on the challenged side. They struggle to stand up and will usually fall if they get hit by something. They also have a tendency of being incredibly grabby which can lead to shenanigans. Hilarious doesn’t do this game justice. Just play it to understand.
Anyhow, Fall Guys can play with Crossplay on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and PS5.
Rocket Arena
Last but not least on this list is Rocket Arena, a 3v3 arena shooter where players battle with rocket launchers. We’re not joking.
This is Overwatch with rockets, and its 3v3 arena maps make the action a bit more intimate compared to the famous shooter. Each of the characters in Rocket Arena has unique abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Just like Overwatch. All in all, just think of this game as Overwatch with rocket launchers and you’re good to go.
Rocket Arena can play with Crossplay on PC, Xbox One, and PS4.
Final Word – Is Fifa 23 Cross Platform Compatible
Well, that’s it. FIFA 23 is Cross Platform Compatible. However, only on certain consoles, specifically, the current console generation. Players on the PS4 and Xbox One cannot play with PC players or those on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, sadly enough. We hope that this is useful for you, the player, in determining which ones to go Crossplay within FIFA 23.
