Battlefield 2042 is set to launch across the previous and current generation of console hardware along with PC as well, but will EA’s upcoming FPS feature cross-play? Here’s what we know.
The Battlefield franchise is headed to the year 2042 with the explosive new iteration set to launch on November 19. While we’re still a ways off from its release, EA has already begun teasing what to expect and perhaps more importantly, what not to expect.
We know for certain that 2042 will be launching without a single-player campaign. Moreover, a Battle Royale component doesn’t appear to be in the works. However, we do know that three unique multiplayer experiences are on the way.
All Out Warfare, Hazard Zone, and Portal will all be bundled into the full-priced package upon release. But will players across different hardware be able to play together right out of the gate?
Contents
- Does Battlefield 2042 have cross-play?
- Why is Battlefield 2042 cross-play limited?
- How to add friends in Battlefield 2042?
- Cross-progression in Battlefield 2042?
Does Battlefield 2042 have cross-play?
Battlefield 2042 will indeed be a cross-platform game and will offer cross-play at launch.
Though it’s worth noting that cross-play functionality doesn’t work across the board. Due to technical limitations, cross-play between generations simply isn’t feasible.
Therefore, those on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC will have cross-play functionality. While those on PS4 and Xbox One will not have cross-play enabled.
Why is Battlefield 2042 cross-play limited?
Cross-play is restricted to a certain degree in Battlefield 2042 due to lobby sizes. The PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC versions of the game can support 128 players while the PS4 and Xbox One versions can only support 64 players at one time.
- Read More: Every Battlefield 2042 map & mode
It just means those hoping to play with their friends using newer hardware will be unable to do so. However, those playing a PS4 or Xbox One version of the game on the more recent consoles will still be able to play with friends across the older systems.
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How to add friends in Battlefield 2042?
With the latest Battlefield being a fully multiplayer title, it’s important to know how to add friends to your party. Thankfully, this is a pretty simple all due to the Social menu.
According to EA, this how you can add friends in Battlefield 2042:
On the Party/Friends screen you can see:
- your friends who play on the same platform as you
- any friends that you’ve added through EA Services
- people you’ve played with recently
- people you’ve blocked
Hit the Create Party button to create a Squad with your friends.
On the Invitations screen you can see:
- EA Party invites
- EA Friend Requests
- Any EA Friend Requests you’ve sent
You can also search for and add friends using their EA Account name if you know it
Cross-progression in Battlefield 2042?
Those playing on newer hardware will also be able to take advantage of cross-progression in Battlefield 2042. This means players will need to log into their EA account and will share that data across multiple platforms if they wish.
- Read More: All Battlefield 2042 vehicles
While it’s encouraging to see DICE actively working to incorporate cross-play in their games, this is only likely to apply to titles arriving on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC moving forward.
