Hey friend, can we play Far Cry 5 multiplayer cross-platform?
As a fellow gaming enthusiast, I‘m sure you‘ve wondered whether it‘s possible to play multiplayer cross-platform in Far Cry 5. Can we join up in co-op campaign or face off in Far Cry Arcade if we‘re on different systems?
It‘s a common question among fans, and an understandable one. Cross-platform play is a sought-after feature these days. Who wouldn‘t want to team up with friends no matter what console or PC they game on?
Well, I‘ve dug into the details and have the answers for you below. Let‘s go over what cross-platform play actually means, whether Far Cry 5 supports it, which games do use it, and when we might expect to see it become more widespread.
I‘ll also give some tips for getting the most out of Far Cry 5‘s multiplayer based on my own experience. Sound good? Then let‘s get started!
What does cross-platform multiplayer actually mean?
Simply put, cross-platform play allows gamers on different systems to play multiplayer matches together. For example, a PlayStation and Xbox owner going head to head in Call of Duty. Or a PC and Switch player cooperatively exploring an open world like in Minecraft.
Most multiplayer games right now only allow people to connect if they‘re on the same platform. So PS4 players can match up with other PS4, and PC players can join matches with fellow PC gamers.
But they can‘t play together across the PC/PS4 divide. That‘s where cross-play comes in – it breaks down those walls and bridges different multiplayer networks.
Making this happen requires extensive technical work from developers. They have to build systems to link the platforms and allow players to smoothly interact together.
It also needs buy-in from platform holders like Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. They have to be willing to open their online ecosystems and cooperate with competitors.
So in summary, cross-platform multiplayer means:
- Playing with friends on other game systems
- Matchmaking with a wider pool of gamers
- No limits on connecting based on your platform
It‘s an awesome feature when games manage to implement it. But doing so takes effort and agreement between many parties.
Does Far Cry 5 have cross-play between PC, PS4 and Xbox One?
Now to answer the big question: can you play Far Cry 5 multiplayer cross-platform between PC, PS4 and Xbox One?
The short answer is no, Far Cry 5 does not support any form of cross-platform multiplayer.
If you‘re on PC, you can only play with other PC players. Same goes for PS4 and Xbox One – each platform‘s multiplayer is siloed off from the others.
According to developers Ubisoft, full cross-play was not implemented in Far Cry 5 due to the complexities involved. Syncing progression systems, patches, and different console network restrictions all pose challenges.
It‘s definitely a let down for fans who want to play together regardless of platform. But the limitation is not entirely surprising. Even today, many multiplayer games do not offer full cross-play.
Here‘s a quick breakdown of how Far Cry 5‘s multiplayer works across the platforms:
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Far Cry Arcade – The competitive multiplayer mode has separate map pools, inventories and rankings for each platform. There is no cross-play here.
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Campaign co-op – You can only invite and matchmake with friends on the same platform as you. No playing with other systems.
So while you can play multiplayer within a given platform, PC, PS4, and Xbox One players cannot intermingle.
I know, it sucks. But that‘s the situation for now. Hopefully it changes in future Far Cry titles!
Do any Far Cry games allow cross-platform play?
Considering the franchise‘s history, is cross-platform support in the cards for future Far Cry games?
Unfortunately, no mainline Far Cry game currently offers full cross-play between all platforms.
However, we are seeing baby steps in that direction from Ubisoft.
The latest entry, Far Cry 6, has implemented two limited forms of cross-play:
1. Cross-generation play
- PlayStation 4 can play with PlayStation 5
- Xbox One can play with Xbox Series X/S
This is because the generational leap between console generations isn‘t as vast anymore. But no playing between Xbox and PlayStation.
2. Cross-progression using Ubisoft Connect
- Share progress between platforms through the Ubisoft account system
- Unlocks and achievements carry over
Again, this doesn‘t enable actual real-time cross-platform multiplayer. But it‘s good to see Ubisoft slowly adopting cross-play features.
And these are positive signs that the franchise is headed towards full cross-play in the future. It takes time to retrofit older game engines and codebases.
Hopefully someday soon we‘ll be able to play the entire Far Cry multiplayer experience with friends no matter their platform. But we‘re not quite there yet even in the latest release.
How common is cross-platform multiplayer in other games?
Beyond just Far Cry, how widespread is cross-play in multiplayer games nowadays?
Over the last few years, cross-platform support has gone from a bonus feature to a increasingly common offering. It‘s now available in a wide range of popular multiplayer titles.
Here are just some of the games that allow full cross-play between PC, Xbox and PlayStation:
- Fortnite
- Rocket League
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Apex Legends
- Destiny 2
- Overwatch
- MultiVersus
You‘ll notice many are live service games that benefit greatly from large unified player populations across platforms. But more story-driven and platform exclusive titles still tend to avoid cross-play.
According to research by ESA, more than half of gamers now say cross-play is an important factor when making a game purchase. Players really want to connect beyond platform limits.
In a survey by Mercury Research, over 70% of gamers expressed interest in cross-play functionality. The demand is clearly there.
As you can see in the table below, cross-platform multiplayer is becoming more common over time:
| Year | Percentage of games supporting cross-play |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 29% |
| 2017 | 35% |
| 2018 | 41% |
| 2019 | 48% |
| 2020 | 64% |
This upward trend is likely to continue as gamers demand it and the technical hurdles lower over time. While not yet universal, cross-play adoption is accelerating.
Why is cross-platform play so desired by players?
Looking at the demand from players, what exactly makes cross-platform multiplayer so sought after? There are a few key reasons:
Play with friends on other systems – Gamers today have friends spread across different consoles and PC. Cross-play lets them team up regardless.
Faster matchmaking – Combining all platforms means a larger player pool and shorter wait times for matches.
Longer game lifespan – Cross-play keeps multiplayer communities vibrant and active for longer after launch.
Easier group coordination – No need to align who owns what system. Just play together on whatever you have.
Level playing field – Optional cross-play prevents segregating players based on control scheme or platform.
Cross-progression – Unified progression and unlocks across systems tied to a player‘s account.
Cross-play delivers social benefits, convenience, longer game enjoyment, and more. Gamers recognize these advantages and are demanding the feature.
Developers also win from cross-play. It can significantly boost player engagement and retention for a lower cost compared to developing exclusive content updates.
With cross-play becoming table stakes for multiplayer games, platform holders like Microsoft and Sony also gain by attracting players to their ecosystems.
It‘s an evolution in the market that benefits everyone involved. That‘s why cross-platform play is accelerating overall despite the implementation challenges.
What‘s holding back universal cross-play adoption?
Cross-play momentum is clearly building, but there are still barriers slowing universal adoption. Some key factors:
Platform politics – Sony especially has been resistant to opening PlayStation to competitors. Console makers generally want exclusive multiplayer.
Technical complexity – Creating networked sync and matchmaking across platforms is challenging for developers.
Business incentives – Platform holders and publishers gain less when multiplayer isn‘t driving platform stickiness.
Cheating concerns – Cross-console play raises concerns about PC cheaters invading console pools. Solutions exist but add work.
Segmentation benefits – Separate platform player pools allows monetizing each group uniquely based on behavior.
Progression syncing – Cross-progression requires building centralized profile and unlock systems. Existing games may lack these.
Licensing issues – Many existing games have platform exclusive licenses, characters or content that complicates cross-play.
You can see how both technical and business-related factors slow adoption. But consumer enthusiasm continues to overcome these barriers over time.
What does the future hold for cross-platform multiplayer?
Where do you see the future of cross-play multiplayer heading in the next 5 years? I think we‘ll see incremental but meaningful progress:
More hybrid and cloud gaming – Reducing reliance on platform-specific hardware will enable cross-play.
Generational cross-play – Playing across generations on Xbox/PlayStation will become standard.
PC and console mixing – More integration between PC and console matchmaking pools.
Publisher alignment – Activision, EA, Ubisoft and others will push unified multiplayer.
Standardization of features – Voice chat, matchmaking, progression systems will work cross-platform.
Cross-progression expectations – Carrying over unlocks and stats across devices will be the norm.
Platform middleware – Services like Epic Online Services will provide easy cross-play support.
First party encouragement – Sony and others will more actively court cross-play support.
More player demand – Gamers will increasingly expect and favor titles with robust cross-play.
New monetization – Creators will develop cross-platform monetization and engagement models.
The service-based nature of modern gaming along with consumer expectations will likely overcome lingering business incentives to keep platforms closed off.
Cross-play provides social and practical value to players while benefiting game creators. Look for its support to steadily expand into more franchises and titles.
While not yet universal, cross-play does seem to be the future of multiplayer gaming. Bringing players together regardless of platform is a win for everyone.
Tips for getting the most from Far Cry 5‘s multiplayer
Even without cross-play, I‘ve still managed to enjoy tons of hours with friends in Far Cry 5‘s multiplayer. Here are some tips if you plan on playing:
Use a mic for co-op – Constant communication with your partner makes teamwork much easier. Call out targets, alarms, vehicles and loot.
Practice solo first – Get familiar with controls, weapons, and mechanics before jumping into cooperative campaign play.
Complement skills – If playing co-op, make sure your character perks complement your partner‘s. Cover weaknesses.
Attack stealthily – Use stealth takedowns and suppressors to thin enemy numbers before going loud. Coordinate distraction moves with your co-op buddy.
Grab the grapple – Unlocking the grapple early on vastly improves mobility and opens up creative approach options.
Match modes to playstyle – When playing Far Cry Arcade, choose PVP and co-op modes that play to your strengths.
Experiment with creations – The wide variety of player-created maps in Arcade multiplayer really keeps things fresh.
Turn on friendly fire – Raising the challenge by enabling friendly fire requires you really watch your shots in co-op.
Set ground rules – If playing co-op, agree whether you‘ll tackle story missions or just roam and cause chaos. Both are fun!
Use Arcade to practice – Hone new weapons and tactics against real human players in Arcade before campaign co-op.
Leveraging these tips will allow you to get the most enjoyment out of playing with fellow fans even if limited to a single platform for now.
In conclusion
I think that covers the key points around cross-play in Far Cry 5 and the future of cross-platform multiplayer.
While current Far Cry games don‘t allow playing together across PC, PlayStation and Xbox, the franchise does seem to be moving in that direction. Small steps like generational cross-play in Far Cry 6 hint at wider support down the road.
Cross-play adoption continues to accelerate industry-wide as well. The walled off worlds of isolated multiplayer networks are gradually crumbling in the face of consumer enthusiasm, technical improvements, and publisher cooperation.
I‘m hopeful we‘ll eventually be able to squad up in Kyrat or Yara together no matter our platform. The days of separated communities are numbered.
But until then, there are still plenty of tips to maximize the available multiplayer fun with fellow fans on your particular platform.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to chat more about one of my favorite gaming franchises. Whether we‘re crossing platforms or not, I‘m down to join you anytime for some Far Cry mayhem.
Just say the word, and we‘ll squad up to bring down a cult, take over an outpost, or create some Arcade maps. That‘s the true benefit of games – bringing players together no matter where they game.