With online multiplayer games becoming much more common as time continues, the demand for crossplay games between platforms has never been larger. Crossplay refers to a video game allowing players from different platforms to play together simultaneously.
Crossplay has been a major push from Microsoft since the last half of the eighth console generation. There is a solid selection of titles that support Xbox One and PC crossplay, but it can be difficult to choose which one to play. For those who have friends on other platforms or wish to play with a wider range of people, here are some fantastic crossplay titles that work between the Xbox One and PC. This list is in no particular order.
Updated August 23, 2022, by Rebecca Timberlake: The best thing about gaming is that there are always new games coming out, and existing games being ported to various consoles. More and more, games are becoming available for crossplay, making it easier to play the newest games with friends without having the tired “this is why X console/PC is better” debate.
Since the list of games featuring crossplay between Xbox One and PC is ever-changing, keeping your eye out for games to play with friends — local and global — is a must.
14 Among Us
Among Us was all the rage a couple of years ago, but lost steam due to lack of crossplay outside of mobile and PC. Since it’s been ported to other consoles, including the Xbox One, the game has opened itself up for more players around the world to call each other sus.
Without losing any of its quirky animations, Among Us on both PC and Xbox One offers a fun mystery along the lines of Clue and Mafia, but set in outer space. Essentially pitting players against one another in a battle of wits, uncovering (or not uncovering) who is the Imposter on board the ship is equal parts infuriating and exhilarating for the whole crew.
13 Overcooked! All You Can Eat
A mix of Overcooked! 1 and 2, Overcooked! All You Can Eat gives you full access to the Onion Kingdom with over 200 levels. As many players can join in as possible — there are over 80 chefs you can pick from — with crystal clear 4K visuals.
This edition of Overcooked! is perfect for crossplay, because it does have so many levels and nearly limitless player restrictions. PC and Xbox One players alike can race around the chaotic kitchens for a chance to be the best chef in the game.
12 Dead By Daylight
Like Among Us, Dead By Daylight is a co-op where you and other players are trying to survive a killer stalking you. Unlike Among Us though, it’s not cute-gory, but gory-gory akin to ’80s slasher movies. There are 29 survivors to choose from, but only four can be played in a single game.
Everyone has a role to play in trying to live to see the morning as a unit, and there are over 15 maps to explore — so you’ll be able to play this over and over again without it feeling stale. Add to that the crossplay function, and you’ll never play the same game twice.
11 Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
A spin-off game from Borderlands, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands sets you up with three other players to wreak whimsical havoc against the Dragon Lord. A first-person shooter with powerful weapons, you can divvy up loot with your teammates, or hoard it for yourself as you take out enemies.
Ultimately, the goal is to work together as a team to dominate and pillage, so getting matched with like-minded and skilled players is a must — a task made easier through crossplay options.
10 Fortnite
A free-for-all Battle Royale, Fortnite is often the butt of the joke in the gaming community, but it holds its own as a classic multiplayer game. A (mostly) family-friendly game, the easy controls and freedom to play to your own strategy can make Fortnite extremely fun to play with the randomly generated maps and competitors.
Fortnite is always adding new content and Battle Passes, including high-profile celebrities like John Cena, Ariana Grande, and Ryan Reynolds.
9 Smite
While the likes of League of Legends and DOTA 2 aren’t available on consoles, Smite is a fantastic substitute that can be played on the Xbox One or PC with crossplay.
Smite is unlike most MOBAs in that players control their characters from a third-person perspective instead of an isometric view. Players select their character from a large pantheon of gods that vary from multiple mythologies. Zeus, Ra, and Fenrir are just a few examples of the sheer variety of gods to choose from. With 3v3 Jousts and traditional three-lane 5v5 matches, Smite is one of the best MOBAs on the market — and one of the few that supports crossplay.
8 ARK: Survival Evolved
Most would consider survival crafting titles to be dead with the popularity of Minecraft and the thousands of copies that exist today, but ARK: Survival Evolved is no ordinary title.
Ancient technology and hundreds of dinosaur types roam ARK’s various maps for players to utilize. It has the standard rhythm of building shelter and unlocking higher-tier equipment, but ARK’s greatest strength is its gameplay sandbox. Every dinosaur feels much different from the last both visually and functionally, and the game’s plethora of items allows for a compelling PvE experience or one of the best PvP experiences this genre has seen. With crossplay available between the Xbox One and PC, this is the perfect game to play with a large group of friends or clan members.
7 War Thunder
War Thunder is a free-to-play vehicle combat title that allows players to control a wide selection of airplanes, tanks, and even naval boats.
The core combat is incredibly satisfying, and something that few games in the genre can compare to. It is one of the grindiest free-to-play titles available on the Xbox One and PC, but the gameplay loop is so satisfying that it more than makes up for it.
6 Deep Rock Galactic
For players looking for a great co-op PvE shooter, it’s hard to beat Deep Rock Galactic. Players choose between one of four classes as they drill in procedurally-generated caves that are fully destructible.
Hundreds of insectoid aliens crawl from the walls to take down the player, leading to intense gunfights that are reminiscent of Aliens. Unlockable items and cosmetic items give it great staying power as well.
5 Gears 5
The Coalition has done a fantastic job of recreating the intense firefights of past Gears of War titles in Gears 5. No matter how familiar a player is with the Gears franchise, Gears 5 is sure to be a joy for shooter fans.
A completely cooperative campaign that can support three players makes for a great casual shooter to play with friends or an intense PvE environment on harder difficulties. Competitive multiplayer with a variety of game modes are also present if players wish to frag out on others. For those that just want to fight waves of enemies, Horde Mode has them covered as well. It’s also available on Xbox Game Pass for those that wish to try Gears 5 before committing to a full purchase.
4 Rocket League
Rocket League combines sports and racing in one of the most enticing yet simple games in the genre. Mimicking soccer, Rocket League pits two teams against each other as they try to ram a ball into a goal.
Speed, precision, and teamwork are all key to winning a match, which makes nearly every game different. It’s the perfect game to play with friends, but remember to keep a cool head throughout. Rocket League can get surprisingly competitive, despite the game’s simple mechanics.
3 Forza Horizon 4
Racing games are a dime in a dozen, much less good ones. Out of most racing titles on the market, none can match the open-ended fun that Forza Horizon 4 provides.
Instead of the career-heavy titles such as Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo, Horizon 4 instead focuses on letting players loose in a giant open-world to do as they wish. Race other players online, collect hundreds of cars, or even create races for others to try. Forza Horizon 4 is the best blend of open-world and racing the genre has seen thus far.
2 Minecraft
Nearly everyone knows of Minecraft, the popular crafting survival title that is the best selling video game of all time. Minecraft is unlike most games in that the player decides what they wish to do.
The game gives a massive sandbox for players to explore, morph, and turn into something special. Constant updates and mod support keeps this juggernaut relevant for years since its release, and its inclusion of crossplay has further cemented it as one of the best games anyone can play.
1 Sea Of Thieves
Similar to Minecraft, Sea of Thieves is all about finding fun. Players get to crew a variety of ships as they explore vast oceans to find loot. Treasure hunting, fighting skeletons, practically everything associated with being a pirate is here. The best part of Sea of Thieves is arguably its PvP.
Sinking enemy ships and stealing their loot is an adrenaline-fueled experience that contrasts the game’s quieter moments perfectly. Anyone wishing to play with friends across platforms needs to give Sea of Thieves a try.
