Many multiplayer games promise crossplay but deliver it only in fragments. Lords of the Fallen (2023) is different: it launched with full crossplay across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on day one. That means players on any of those platforms can join the same sessions without workarounds.
The feature is powered by Epic Online Services, which handles matchmaking and networking.
Crossplay Misconceptions: What Players Often Get Wrong
A common assumption is that crossplay requires an account from the same storefront. That is false. Lords of the Fallen uses Epic Online Services, so a player on Steam can team up with someone on the Epic Games Store, and both can play with console users. The only requirement is a free Epic account for console players, which is used for online features. A companion read that pairs well with this one is Jasper Breckenridge Johnson: The Untold Story of a Forgotten Pioneer
Another misconception is that crossplay is limited to cooperative play. In fact, the game also supports cross-platform PvP invasions. A PlayStation 5 player can invade an Xbox Series X|S session, and vice versa. This was functional at launch on October 13, 2023.
Some players worry that crossplay causes performance issues. The more useful approach is to check the in-game settings, where you can toggle crossplay on or off. If you prefer a smaller pool of opponents, disabling it is straightforward.
Financial and Legal Angles: Why Crossplay Became Standard
Crossplay is not just a technical feature; it is a business decision. For a game like Lords of the Fallen, which relies on a shared online population, splitting the player base across three platforms would shorten the game’s lifespan. By enabling crossplay, Hexworks and CI Games maximize the number of potential co-op partners and PvP opponents, which is critical for a game with a strong multiplayer component.
From a legal perspective, crossplay requires agreements between platform holders. Sony was historically reluctant to allow crossplay, but that changed with games like Fortnite. By 2023, crossplay had become a standard expectation, and Lords of the Fallen benefited from that shift. The use of Epic Online Services also simplifies compliance, as Epic handles the backend infrastructure.
There is no indication that crossplay is region-locked. Players can join sessions across different regions, though latency may vary. This is a practical consideration for those playing with friends overseas.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unverified
These facts come from official announcements and the game’s launch documentation.
Unverified: whether crossplay will be added to any future platforms, such as a potential Nintendo Switch version. No such version has been announced, so treat that as speculation. Also unverified: the exact number of players using crossplay. No official statistics have been released, so any claims about player counts are guesswork.
One detail that is often misreported is cross-progression. Crossplay does not automatically mean cross-save. In Lords of the Fallen, cross-progression is not supported. Your character saves are tied to the platform you play on. This is a separate feature from crossplay, and it is important to distinguish the two. A reference profile of the subject is maintained on Does Lords of the Fallen have crossplay? PC, PlayStation & Xbox cross …
Practical Takeaways: How to Make the Most of Crossplay Today
If you want to play with friends on different platforms, the first step is to ensure everyone has an Epic Games account. Console players need to link that account to their platform profile. PC players can use their Epic account directly, even if they bought the game on Steam.
Once accounts are linked, you can invite friends through the in-game menu. The game uses a friend code system, which you can find in the multiplayer tab. Share that code with your friends, and they can join your session regardless of platform.
For those who prefer to avoid crossplay, the option is in the settings menu under ‘Online’. Toggle it off, and you will only match with players on your own platform. This is useful if you experience lag or simply want a more localized experience.
One worked example: a player on PC (Steam) wants to join a friend on PS5. Both create Epic accounts, link them, and exchange friend codes. The PC player sends an invite, and the PS5 player accepts. They are now in the same co-op session, with voice chat available through the game’s built-in system.
Keep in mind that crossplay does not affect game difficulty or loot drops. The experience is identical whether you play solo or with cross-platform partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good alternative to Lords of the Fallen if I want crossplay?
Games like Elden Ring and Dark Souls III offer crossplay only within their respective ecosystems, not across all platforms. A better alternative might be Remnant 2, which supports full crossplay on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, similar to Lords of the Fallen.
Is it true that crossplay in Lords of the Fallen is broken or has issues?
At launch, some players reported matchmaking errors, but these were largely resolved in subsequent patches.
Who is the developer behind Lords of the Fallen and what is their role?
Hexworks, a studio under CI Games, developed the 2023 reboot. They are responsible for the game’s design and technical implementation, including crossplay. CI Games acts as the publisher, handling distribution and marketing.
When did Lords of the Fallen launch with crossplay?
The game released worldwide on October 13, 2023, and crossplay was functional from day one. This was a key selling point, as many games delay crossplay until after launch.
What is Lords of the Fallen best known for in terms of multiplayer features?
It is known for its seamless co-op and PvP invasions that work across all platforms. The game also features a unique mechanic where players can switch between the living world and the realm of the dead, which affects multiplayer interactions.
