Updated: July 2025

Welcome to the Lands Between but can your friends join from another console?

Ah, Is Elden Ring cross platform. The game that made us scream, cheer, cry, and question our life choices all within the first hour. It’s no secret that Elden Ring is one of the most talked-about action RPGs of all time. Whether you’re a brave newcomer or a seasoned Tarnished, you’ve probably asked the big question at some point:

Is Elden Ring cross platform?

And you’re not alone. With so many players hopping onto the game from PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it’s only fair to wonder if everyone can ride into battle together. The dream: slashing monsters side-by-side with your best friend – even if they’re on a totally different system.

But here’s the catch and the good news, bad news kinda thing the answer isn’t just a straight yes or no. There are layers (like an ogre, or more accurately, like a heavily armored boss with a second phase).

In this blog, we’re going to break it down, no jargon, no headaches. Just pure, casual gamer talk. We’ll cover everything you need to know:

• Which platforms can play together
• What cross platform and crossplay really mean in Elden Ring’s universe
• Why FromSoftware made certain decisions
• And what it means for your gaming squad

We’ll also touch on related hot questions like:

• Does Elden Ring have cross generation support?
• Is Elden Ring cross progression or cross save?
• Can you play Elden Ring with Steam friends from Epic Games or Xbox?
• Is Elden Ring multiplayer good in 2025?
• What’s the future of cross platform gaming for Soulsborne titles?

So yeah if you’ve been typing is Elden Ring cross platform PS5 and PC?” o “can Xbox and PlayStation play Elden Ring together?” into Google like a panicked Tarnished looking for a grace point… this is your safe haven.

Who Plays is Elden Ring Cross Platform?

Spoiler alert: it’s not as many as you hoped but it’s still something!

Let’s get the truth out early: Elden Ring is not fully cross platform, despite what many players initially assume. But that doesn’t mean everyone is stuck in isolated universes. There’s actually a specific kind of multiplayer compatibility that works quite well it’s called cross-generation, and it’s the one slice of connectivity that FromSoftware got right.

If you’re playing on a PlayStation 4 and your friend upgraded to a PlayStation 5, you can absolutely explore the Lands Between together. The same applies for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players. These console families allow players to summon each other, share the multiplayer experience, and battle bosses side by side without any extra hassle. That’s because Elden Ring supports multiplayer within console generations, meaning you’re good to go as long as you’re still on the same “team” Sony with Sony, Xbox with Xbox.

But when it comes to true cross platform multiplayer

PlayStation users connecting with Xbox or PC players that dream remains out of reach. Despite the popularity of crossplay in many modern titles, Elden Ring doesn’t allow PlayStation, Xbox, and PC players to interact across those boundaries. So if you bought the game on Steam hoping to co-op with your friend on PS5, sadly, that’s not going to happen.

Even if you and your friend are sitting in the same room with matching characters and synchronized timing, if you’re on different platforms, you’re still separated by the game’s networking rules. And for those wondering whether there are any clever tricks like changing matchmaking regions or setting multiplayer passwords those only help you find friends faster within your own platform. They don’t break the cross platform barrier.

So, who actually gets to enjoy “Elden Ring cross platform” play? Technically, no one. But if we’re talking about cross generation, then yes there’s plenty of action happening between PS4 and PS5 users, or between Xbox One and Series X players. If your question is “is Elden Ring cross platform between PS4 and PS5?”, then the answer is a confident yes. But if you’re asking “is Elden Ring cross platform between PS5 and PC?”, that’s a definite no – at least for now.

What Does Is Elden Ring Cross Platform Really Mean?

Because it’s not just “can I play with my friend?” it’s “can I play with my friend on a different device without screaming into the void.”

In the gaming world, cross platform (also known as crossplay) usually means players on different hardware like Xbox, PlayStation, or PC can play together in the same online world. Think Fortnite, Rocket League, or Call of Duty: these games broke down platform walls and let everyone join the same match, no matter what system they’re on. That’s the dream, right?

Now here’s where Elden Ring throws its own twist into the mix.

When people ask “is Elden Ring cross platform?”, they’re usually picturing a seamless co-op experience: one friend on a PS5, another on an Xbox Series X, and maybe a third on Steam all joining forces to take down Margit. Unfortunately, that fantasy hits a wall, because Elden Ring doesn’t support that kind of cross-platform matchmaking. There’s no official crossplay between Sony, Microsoft, and PC platforms.

What Elden Ring does support is what we call cross generation, meaning if you’re within the same console family, you’re good. A PS4 player can team up with someone on a PS5, and an Xbox One player can jump into battle with someone on Xbox Series X or S. That’s possible because FromSoftware made the game compatible across generations – great news for friends who haven’t upgraded yet.

But if your buddy is on PC and you’re on console, or you’re split between Xbox and PlayStation? Sorry, Tarnished. You’re in separate dimensions.

Now, here’s the part that confuses people: Elden Ring does have online multiplayer, and there are matchmaking features like passwords and region settings but these only work within the same platform. No, setting a password won’t magically connect you from a PlayStation to a PC. It’ll just help you find your friend faster if you’re both on, say, PS5.

Why Is Elden Ring Cross Platform Still Not Fully a Thing in 2025?

Because apparently, fighting tree monsters together from different platforms is more complicated than it sounds.

So, you might be thinking: “Come on, it’s 2025 – how is Elden Ring cross platform when even tiny indie games pull it off?” And honestly, that’s a valid question. The demand is definitely there. Millions of players would love to team up with friends across platforms to explore the brutal, beautiful madness of the Lands Between. But FromSoftware didn’t go that route and there are a few solid reasons why.

First off, Elden Ring was never built with crossplay at its core. FromSoftware games have always had unique, intricate online systems summoning signs, world invasions, co-op zones, and restrictions based on in-game progress. Their multiplayer isn’t just about matchmaking; it’s deeply tied to lore, timing, and mechanics. Unlike games where you just invite a friend and press play, Elden Ring’s online system is more like a delicate ritual than a lobby system.

On top of that, cross platform support comes with technical challenges.

Each platform Xbox, PlayStation, and PC has its own network policies, security systems, and backend architecture. Making all of those play nicely together (without breaking the game or opening it to cheaters) is a massive job. FromSoftware and publisher Bandai Namco have likely weighed the effort versus the payoff – and for now, they’ve chosen to keep things platform-specific.

There’s also the elephant in the room: modding and cheating, especially on PC. The Steam version of Elden Ring is a playground for modders both good and bad. Allowing full crossplay could introduce risks for console users, especially if modded clients slip through the cracks and disrupt balance or fair play. And you can bet Sony and Microsoft wouldn’t love that.

Lastly, FromSoftware tends to focus on refined solo-first experiences. Even though Elden Ring offers co-op and PvP, the game is built primarily for single-player exploration. Multiplayer is a supporting feature not the main attraction like in Fortnite or Warzone which likely affects how much development effort they pour into expanding it.

In short, Elden Ring isn’t cross platform because it’s complicated, risky, and not the main point of the game.

Where Can You Actually Play Together (and What Does Is Elden Ring Cross Platform Really Mean Here)

If you’re still wondering “is Elden Ring cross platform,” let’s break it down by systems – plain and simple.

By now, you’ve probably realized that asking is Elden Ring cross platform is a bit like asking if you can bring your PlayStation character into your friend’s Xbox dungeon – and the answer, sadly, is still no. But let’s dive into the specifics so you know exactly where you can play Elden Ring with friends and where the doors are shut.

If you’re on PlayStation, you can team up with others on PlayStation. That means if your friend’s on PS4 and you’re on PS5, you’re good to go. This is what’s called cross-generation, and while it’s not full-on cross platform, it’s something – and it often gets confused in the great debate of is Elden Ring cross platform or not?”

The same applies to Xbox users. Whether you’re playing Elden Ring on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, you can summon friends, get summoned, and even invade each other. So in the Xbox universe, Elden Ring offers a smooth experience between generations – but again, only within the same console family. This is the part where gamers start Googling “is Elden Ring cross platform between Xbox and PlayStation?” And unfortunately, the answer is still no. Even in 2025, those two worlds remain separated.

Now comes the often misunderstood corner of the internet:

PC players. Steam and Epic Games versions of Elden Ring can usually connect with each other, so long as you’re on the sme version and update cycle. But don’t get your hopes up thinking is Elden Ring cross platform between PC and PS5 because it’s not. You can’t summon your friend on a console if you’re playing on Steam, and vice versa.

To make it even clearer: PC to PC? Yes.
Xbox to Xbox? Yes.
PlayStation to PlayStation? Yes.
But Xbox to PlayStation or Console to PC? Still a big NO.

So next time you’re deep in the Lands Between and thinking, “Wait, is Elden Ring cross platform now?”, remember: only if your definition of cross platform means “same ecosystem, different generation.”

This can be frustrating, especially when you see your friends online but can’t link up. And it’s fair to wonder, “is Elden Ring cross platform going to happen in the future?” We’ll get to that soon but for now, if you’re dreaming of taking down Malenia together with your PC squad while you’re on Xbox, it’s time to make peace with the separation.

The simple rule: you can play together if your platforms share a logo.

How to Co-Op with Friends Even Though Is Elden Ring Cross Platform Has a Complicated Answer

Okay, so you’ve wrapped your head around the fact that the answer to is Elden Ring cross platform is mostly no. It stings, especially when you were ready to call in your bestie from a different console to help you deal with a massive boss fight. But hey, co-op isn’t dead – far from it.

While Elden Ring doesn’t support full cross platform multiplayer, it does offer one of the most iconic and slightly chaotic co-op systems in modern gaming. And yes, even with that limitation, you can absolutely team up with friends – as long as you’re all on the same platform.

First things first: if you’re asking “how can I play Elden Ring with friends?” after learning the truth behind “is Elden Ring cross platform”, the answer is summon signs. That’s right those mysterious gold (and sometimes red) marks you see on the ground? That’s how it all begins.

To set up co-op properly, both you and your friend need to be:

1. On the same platform (since “is Elden Ring cross platform” still gives us a big no)
2. In roughly the same location within the game world
3. Using the same password (go to Multiplayer settings and set a unique one something like “GitGud” or “MaleniaPlz”)

Then, one player uses the Furlcalling Finger Remedy, while the other places down a Tarnished’s Furled Finger sign. If everything’s aligned location, timing, and platform your friend’s summon sign should appear, ready for you to pull them into your world. No weird lobbies. Just magical signs and ancient fingers.

Now, since this guide is all about making it work even when Elden Ring isn’t cross platform, here are a few pro tips:

Make sure both players have the same game version installed. Even small patch mismatches can stop co-op from working.

• If you’re not seeing your friend’s sign, try restarting the game or reloading the area. Sometimes, FromSoftware’s servers just need a little nudge.
• Use the same matchmaking region, especially if you and your friend live in different parts of the world. You can find this option under Network Settings.

Even if is Elden Ring cross platform isn’t the answer we hoped for, Elden Ring’s multiplayer still offers a uniquely rewarding co-op experience. Summoning a friend to help you take down a monstrous foe feels even better after the effort it takes to set it up. And hey, working for it? That’s kind of the whole Elden Ring vibe, right?

So no, you can’t team up with friends across console families or between PC and console just yet. But if you’re on the same platform, co-op is alive, well, and honestly, a blast especially when your summoned friend accidentally triggers an invasion and chaos ensues.

Still wondering is Elden Ring cross platform while trying to co-op? Just remember: it’s not about what you can’t do it’s about what you can, and Elden Ring gives you just enough rope to summon greatness (or disaster).

FAQ Is Elden Ring Cross Platform?

Q: Is Elden Ring cross platform in 2025?
A: No, Elden Ring is still not fully cross platform in 2025. Players can only connect within the same platform family (e.g., PS4 to PS5, or Xbox One to Series X).

Q: Can PC players play Elden Ring with PlayStation or Xbox players?
A: Unfortunately, no. PC players cannot play with console players. Elden Ring does not support crossplay between PC and console.

Q: Is Elden Ring cross generation?
A: Yes! PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 users can play together, as can Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players.

Q: Will Elden Ring ever become cross platform?
A: FromSoftware hasn’t officially confirmed full cross platform support yet, but fans are hopeful it could come in future updates or a sequel.

Q: What’s the difference between cross platform and cross generation in Elden Ring?
A: Cross platform means playing across different systems (like Xbox and PlayStation), which Elden Ring does not support. Cross generation means playing across versions of the same system (like PS4 and PS5), which is supported.