Introduction
Fallout 76, the post-apocalyptic multiplayer game from Bethesda, has garnered significant attention since its release in 2018. With its recent surge in popularity, many players are eager to explore Appalachia with friends across different platforms. However, the question remains: Can players on Steam and Xbox play together? In this article, we'll delve into the specifics of Fallout 76's crossplay capabilities and what it means for players using Steam and Xbox.
Crossplay in Fallout 76
General Overview
Fallout 76 does not support crossplay between different platforms like PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. This means that players on Xbox cannot play with those on PlayStation or vice versa. However, there is a nuance when it comes to PC players.
PC Players
PC players can play together regardless of whether they purchased the game through Steam or accessed it via Xbox Game Pass on PC. The key is that both players must be using the PC version of the game. If a player uses the Xbox Game Pass to access Fallout 76 on PC, they will be playing on PC servers and can join or play with friends who have the Steam version.
When exploring Appalachia in Fallout 76, players often focus on collecting valuable Fallout 76 items such as rare guns, armor, and crafting materials. While crossplay limitations mean players cannot share these items across different platforms, PC players can exchange tips on how to find and craft these items, regardless of whether they're using Steam or Xbox Game Pass. This exchange of knowledge can enhance the gameplay experience and encourage collaboration among PC players, even if they cannot directly share in-game assets with console users.
Xbox Game Pass and PC
Xbox Game Pass offers Fallout 76 for both PC and Xbox. However, these are treated as separate versions. If a player installs the PC version of Fallout 76 through Game Pass, they can play with other PC players, including those who bought the game on Steam. But if they use the cloud version, which is tied to their Xbox account, they will not be able to play with PC players.
Key Points for Crossplay
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PC vs. Console: There is no crossplay between PC and console platforms (Xbox, PlayStation).
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PC Players: Can play together if both are using the PC version, regardless of whether they accessed it through Steam or Xbox Game Pass.
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Xbox Game Pass: Offers both PC and cloud versions. The PC version allows play with other PC players, while the cloud version is tied to Xbox and does not support crossplay with PC.
Conclusion
While Fallout 76 does not support crossplay between different platforms like Xbox and PC, PC players can enjoy the game together regardless of how they access it. This means that friends who have Fallout 76 on Steam can play with those who have it through Xbox Game Pass on PC, as long as both are using the PC version. However, there remains no crossplay between Xbox and PC or PlayStation platforms.