Can Xbox and PS5 Play Together? How It Works and How You Can Make It Happen

18. Januar 2025

The gaming community has often been divided into Xbox and PlayStation camps, with each console offering its own exclusive games and features. This has led to a common question: Can Xbox and PS5 players play together? While console exclusivity has always separated platforms, there’s been increasing interest in cross-play—the ability for players on different platforms to play together in the same game.

In this blog, we’ll explore how cross-platform play between Xbox and PS5 works, which games support it, and the steps you can take to make it happen. Plus, we’ll highlight some YouTube channels for tech tutorials and gaming insights that can help you stay updated.

1. What Is Cross-Platform Play?

Cross-platform play (or cross-play) is the ability for players on different gaming platforms to play the same game together. This means Xbox players can team up with PlayStation players, PC gamers can join in, and even those on Nintendo Switch can all enjoy the same multiplayer experience.

In the past, each console was restricted to its own ecosystem, and players could only interact with others on the same platform. However, in recent years, cross-play has become increasingly common, as developers work to make gaming more inclusive and accessible.

2. Which Games Support Cross-Play Between Xbox and PS5?

The good news is that many popular multiplayer games now support cross-play between Xbox and PS5, meaning you can play with friends regardless of whether they’re on one console or the other. Some of the most well-known games that offer cross-play include:

1. Fortnite

How it works: Players can team up across Xbox, PS5, PC, Switch, and mobile. All you need to do is sign in to your Epic Games account, and you can join friends on any platform.
How to set up: After linking your account, you can add friends across platforms and invite them to join your party, regardless of their console.

2. Call of Duty: Warzone

How it works: Activision’s popular battle royale supports cross-play between Xbox and PS5 players, as well as PC players.
How to set up: You’ll need to link your Activision account to both consoles. From there, you can invite friends to join your party, regardless of which console they’re using.

3. Minecraft

How it works: Minecraft allows players on Xbox, PS5, PC, and Switch to join each other’s worlds.
How to set up: Make sure you're signed into a Microsoft account, as Minecraft uses that account for cross-play. Once logged in, you can invite friends on different platforms to join your server or world.

4. Rocket League

How it works: Rocket League enables cross-play across all platforms, including Xbox, PS5, PC, and Switch.
How to set up: Link your account (either through Epic Games or Psyonix) and add friends from other platforms to play together.

5. Apex Legends

How it works: Players on Xbox and PS5 can play together in Apex Legends without any issues.
How to set up: Make sure to enable cross-play in your game settings. Link your accounts, and you’ll be able to play with friends regardless of their platform.

6. Destiny 2

How it works: Cross-play was introduced in Destiny 2 in 2021, allowing players on Xbox and PS5 to play together seamlessly.
How to set up: You’ll need to link your Bungie account, and from there, you can join cross-platform fireteams, allowing you to team up with players from any platform.

3. How to Set Up Cross-Play Between Xbox and PS5

Setting up cross-play between Xbox and PS5 usually involves a few simple steps. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Create/Link an Account

For most games that support cross-play, you’ll need to create or link an account across both platforms. Here are the common accounts used:

Epic Games Account (for Fortnite, Rocket League)
Activision Account (for Call of Duty)
Bungie Account (for Destiny 2)
Microsoft Account (for Minecraft, Xbox integration)
Riot Games Account (for games like League of Legends)

Step 2: Add Friends Across Platforms

Once you’ve linked your account, add your friends from other platforms. You’ll typically need their username or ID to send them an invite. Most games have a built-in friend system, where you can search for players on other platforms and invite them to join your party or game.

Step 3: Enable Cross-Play in Game Settings

In some games, cross-play may need to be manually enabled in the game’s settings:

Navigate to the Settings menu.
Look for an option called Cross-Platform Play or Cross-Play.
Ensure that this option is enabled so that you can join games with players on different platforms.

Step 4: Invite and Play Together

Once cross-play is enabled and your friends are added, you can simply invite them to join your game. Many games allow you to send invites across platforms, so your friends don’t need to be on the same console to play with you.

4. YouTube Channels for Tech Tutorials and Gaming Insights

If you're looking for more detailed tutorials on how to set up cross-play, troubleshoot issues, or get the most out of your gaming console, these YouTube channels are great resources:

1. Digital Foundry

Channel Focus: Tech and performance analysis for consoles and PC games.
Why it’s useful: Digital Foundry dives deep into graphics, performance, and hardware comparisons. They frequently analyze games on Xbox and PS5 and provide detailed performance reviews, including cross-play comparisons.
Channel Link: Digital Foundry YouTube Channel

2. ElAnalistaDeBits

Channel Focus: Gaming technology, performance reviews, and comparisons between different consoles.
Why it’s useful: Known for their detailed breakdowns of game performance and visual fidelity, this channel helps gamers understand how cross-play performs on different systems.
Channel Link: ElAnalistaDeBits YouTube Channel

3. The Cultured Gamer

Channel Focus: Gaming guides, console comparisons, and tech tips.
Why it’s useful: This channel covers everything from how-to tutorials for setting up cross-play to game reviews and console performance analysis. Great for beginner gamers looking to set up their consoles.
Channel Link: The Cultured Gamer YouTube Channel

4. Xbox

Channel Focus: Official Xbox updates, gameplay tutorials, and news.
Why it’s useful: The official Xbox channel provides regular updates on cross-play compatible games, tips for using Xbox Game Pass, and features that improve cross-platform experiences.
Channel Link: Xbox YouTube Channel

Conclusion: Can Xbox and PS5 Play Together?

Yes, Xbox and PS5 players can play together in many popular games thanks to the increasing support for cross-play. Whether you’re playing Fortnite, Call of Duty, Minecraft, or Apex Legends, it’s easier than ever to connect with friends, regardless of their console choice.

By linking your accounts, enabling cross-play in settings, and inviting friends from other platforms, you can enjoy multiplayer experiences with everyone, no matter what console they own. Plus, with more YouTube channels dedicated to gaming tutorials, you can get detailed guides to ensure smooth gameplay across platforms.

Would you like more recommendations for cross-play games, or tips for getting the most out of your console’s online features? Let me know if you'd like additional help!