World War Z: Is Crossplay Available?

by Jhon Lennon 37 views

World War Z, the thrilling zombie shooter inspired by the hit movie, has players worldwide teaming up to take down hordes of the undead. One question that frequently pops up is: "Does World War Z support crossplay?" This feature would allow players on different platforms to join forces, expanding the player base and making it easier to find friends to play with. Let's dive into the current crossplay status of World War Z and what it means for you.

Crossplay in World War Z: What You Need to Know

So, you're itching to team up with your buddies in World War Z, but they're rocking a different platform? Let's get straight to the point: World War Z does offer crossplay, but with some limitations. Initially, when the game launched, crossplay wasn't available. However, the developers at Saber Interactive listened to the community and eventually rolled out crossplay support. Here's the breakdown:

PC and Console Crossplay

The good news is that World War Z allows crossplay between PC and consoles. Specifically, this means that if you're playing on your PC (via the Epic Games Store or Steam), you can team up with friends who are playing on PlayStation or Xbox. This is a huge win for players who have friends on different platforms, as it breaks down the barriers and lets you enjoy the zombie-slaying action together. Keep in mind that crossplay needs to be enabled in the game settings to function properly.

Generation-Specific Crossplay

Another important aspect to consider is that crossplay is generally generation-specific. This means that if you're playing World War Z on a PlayStation 4, you can play with others on PlayStation 4 and PC players. Similarly, if you're on an Xbox One, you can team up with other Xbox One players and PC players. However, with the release of World War Z: Aftermath, crossplay was expanded to include newer generation consoles. This means that PlayStation 5 players can play with PlayStation 4 players, and Xbox Series X/S players can play with Xbox One players. This ensures that players who have upgraded to the latest hardware can still enjoy the game with their friends who haven't yet made the jump.

Absence of Crossplay with Nintendo Switch

Unfortunately, World War Z on Nintendo Switch doesn't support crossplay with other platforms. This is a bummer for Switch players who were hoping to join their friends on PC or other consoles. While the Switch version offers the same thrilling zombie-killing action on the go, the lack of crossplay means you're limited to playing with other Switch users. Hopefully, the developers might consider adding crossplay to the Switch version in the future, but for now, it's not an option.

How to Enable Crossplay in World War Z

Alright, so you know that World War Z has crossplay, and you're ready to jump in with your friends on different platforms. Here’s a simple guide on how to enable crossplay in the game:

  1. Launch the Game: Fire up World War Z on your PC, PlayStation, or Xbox.
  2. Go to Options: Head over to the game's options menu. This is usually found on the main menu or in the pause menu during gameplay.
  3. Find Crossplay Settings: Look for the crossplay settings. It might be labeled as "Crossplay," "Platform Play," or something similar.
  4. Enable Crossplay: Make sure the crossplay option is enabled. It's usually a toggle switch or a checkbox.
  5. Save Changes: Save the changes to your settings. You might need to restart the game for the changes to take effect.

Once crossplay is enabled, you can invite your friends from other platforms to your game, or join theirs. You can search for their usernames or gamertags to add them to your in-game friends list.

Benefits of Crossplay in World War Z

So, why is crossplay such a big deal? Here are some of the major benefits of having crossplay in World War Z:

Expanded Player Base

With crossplay, you're no longer limited to playing with people on the same platform as you. This significantly expands the player base, making it easier to find matches and team up with other players. No more waiting around for ages to find a game – just jump in and start blasting zombies!

Play with Friends on Different Platforms

This is perhaps the most obvious benefit. Crossplay allows you to play with your friends, regardless of what platform they're on. Whether your buddy is on a PC while you're on a console, you can still enjoy the game together. This is a game-changer for groups of friends who have different gaming setups.

More Variety in Gameplay

Playing with people from different platforms can also add more variety to your gameplay experience. You might encounter different playstyles, strategies, and communication styles, which can make the game more interesting and challenging. Who knows, you might even learn a new trick or two from your cross-platform teammates!

Longer Game Lifespan

Crossplay can help to extend the lifespan of World War Z. By bringing together players from different platforms, it keeps the game active and populated, ensuring that there are always people to play with. This is great news for those who plan to stick with the game for the long haul.

Potential Drawbacks of Crossplay

While crossplay has many benefits, it's also important to be aware of some potential drawbacks:

Input Method Disparities

One common concern with crossplay is the difference in input methods between PC and consoles. PC players typically use a mouse and keyboard, which can offer greater precision and control compared to console controllers. This can create an uneven playing field, where PC players might have an advantage over console players. However, many console players are skilled enough to hold their own, and the game does its best to balance things out.

Communication Challenges

Communication can also be a challenge when playing with people on different platforms. Voice chat might not always work seamlessly across platforms, and text chat can be cumbersome, especially during intense gameplay. Using third-party voice chat apps like Discord can help to mitigate these issues.

Potential for Toxicity

Unfortunately, online gaming communities can sometimes be toxic, and crossplay can exacerbate this issue. Bringing together players from different platforms can lead to more opportunities for conflict and harassment. However, this is not unique to crossplay and can occur in any online multiplayer game.

The Future of Crossplay in World War Z

Looking ahead, it's likely that Saber Interactive will continue to support and improve crossplay in World War Z. As technology advances, we may see even more seamless integration between platforms, with better communication tools and more balanced gameplay. It's also possible that crossplay could be extended to include other platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch, in the future.

For now, if you're a World War Z player on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, you can enjoy the benefits of crossplay and team up with your friends on different platforms. Just make sure to enable crossplay in the game settings, and you're good to go. So, gather your squad, load up your weapons, and get ready to take on the zombie hordes together!

In conclusion, World War Z's implementation of crossplay is a welcome feature for players looking to expand their gaming experience with friends across different platforms. While there are limitations, the ability to connect between PC and consoles greatly enhances the game's community and longevity. Keep an eye out for future updates that may broaden crossplay capabilities even further! Have fun out there, zombie slayers!