Fallout 76, is a game set in a huge post-apocalyptic wasteland.
It also has online multiplayer mode, where players can explore the world with friends, completing quests together.
One of the requests from the Fallout 76 players is to make the game playable with friends regardless of any platform they use.
This ability to play together without worrying about your platform is called cross-play.
Cross-Play is very common nowadays in online games which allows players from different platforms like PC, Xbox, PS4 and PS5 to team up in the same game server. However, some players don’t like to cross play due to the advantage of PC players.
In this article I’ll talk about, if the Fallout 76 supports cross-play.
And if it doesn’t, then why it does not support cross-play and in future if there are possibilities of supporting or not.
Does Fallout 76 support cross-play and cross-platform?
As of now Fallout 76 does not support cross-play feature.
Meaning you won’t be able to play the game with your friends on PlayStation if you are playing on PC.
The same goes for Xbox players, their gameplay adventures are limited to only other Xbox players.
E.g., no PC-to-Console, no PS4/PS5 to Xbox.
Why Fallout 76 is not Cross-Play
While Bethesda, the developers behind the game, hasn't officially given any reason behind the lack of cross-play.
The reason could be technical or else purely the marketing gimmick.
To have a cross-play in the game, there has to be PVP mechanics, and for Bethesda it’s even hard to run a stable game on one sole platform.
And if they implement cross-play, players might encounter more errors and game crashes while playing on different platforms. Another technical reason could be the accuracy using a mouse and keyboard provides compared to any controllers.
Now comes their developer’s gimmick, as per earlier news we all know Bethesda and Sony are not on good terms.
I feel it would be totally a marketing thing of developer’s to not bring cross-play in the game.
Additionally, these console manufacturers have more stricter policies.
Also Read: Will GTA 6 be Crossplay?
Future Possibilities of Cross-Play
The future plans of cross-play in Fallout 76 are very uncertain. Also, Bethesda hasn't revealed any concrete information on this.
Now, Bethesda being owned by Microsoft, there is very less possibility of them bringing cross play for Xbox and PlayStation gamers.
In fact, there was some rumours earlier of bringing cross-play in Fallout 76, but due to some plans clash from Sony it got scrapped.
However, with their successful implementation of cross-play in games like “The Elder Scrolls Online”, it totally depends on Bethesda to bring cross-play in Fallout 76 as well.
Alternatives for Playing with Friends
The absence of cross-play is definitely a problem for players who wants to enjoy the wasteland together. However, looking into the future possibilities of bringing cross-play, I will suggest to discuss with your friend and convince them to play on the same platform you are playing on, like Xbox or either PC.
Ask your friend to purchase the game on same platform which you are using.
Another option is, ditch your friend and find other teammates on online communities and forums of Fallout 76, who are playing on same platform as you.
Yes, that’s the only way to play together.
Impact on Players
No cross-play is a big problem for players who wants to enjoy the game together through different platform, and it impacts player experiences.
Sometimes, this lack of player base on same platform makes it harder to find compatible teammates. Especially for those with smaller friend groups.
The social aspect of the game, a key element for many online experiences, is undoubtedly hindered by this limitation.
Community Response
The lack of cross-play in Fallout 76 has been a constant frustration for many players.
Many online forums and discussions are filled with pleas to bring cross-play in the game.
Players are eagerly waiting for Bethesda to implement this.
Considering this, as it breaks the barriers of platform, more people can enjoy the game together with their friends, which will technically increase their player base in the game.
Cross-Progression in Fallout 76
Now, along with the cross-play, the game also lacks cross-progression. Meaning, you cannot continue your hard-earned levels and unlocked items if you go and switch your platform.
This all the achievements and levels are confined to the only one platform you play on.
Imagine starting from beginning if you plan to switch from PC to Xbox or vice versa.
This could be another big drawback for someone who wants to switch his platform later sometimes.
I feel, with cross-play, Bethesda should also focus on bringing cross-progression in the game, for players to have flexibility to start the game from where they left.
Conclusion
Fallout 76, an online multiplayer game from Bethesda, which is owned by Microsoft is set into the post-nuclear wasteland. Leaving players to explore through the chaos.
Yet, this major barrier of cross-play is hurdle for players to enjoy it together with friends of different platform or console.
I feel the cross-play feature in the game should be from initially, it is not like we have technological problems to implement cross-play in the game. But it is more of a marketing reason and these big console gimmicks.
Anyway, we can’t say about future, if they bring cross-play in this game or not. As the news and all are hinting towards not possible side.
Till then enjoy your game as it is, without the cross-play functionality.
FAQs
Q1. Which game is the fallout show based on?
Ans: The recently released Fallout show on Amazon Prime Video is based on Fallout: New Vegas.
Q2. How many Fallout games are there?
Ans: There are total 11 Fallout games as of now (April 2024).
Q3. Is Fallout 76 the first Fallout?
Ans: No, Fallout 76 is not the first Fallout game. It is a first online multiplayer game in the series.
