Apex Legends, the popular battle royale game, has taken the gaming world by storm since its release in 2019. One of the most significant features that have contributed to its massive success is crossplay, which allows players to team up with friends across different platforms. However, many gamers are still unsure about how to enable crossplay in Apex Legends. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of crossplaying Apex Legends, ensuring that you’re ready to squad up with your friends regardless of the platform they’re on.
What is Crossplay, and Why is it Important?
Crossplay, also known as cross-platform play, is the ability to play online multiplayer games with friends who are using a different gaming platform or device. In the context of Apex Legends, crossplay allows players on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch to team up and play together in the same match. This feature is essential for several reasons:
- Wider player base: Crossplay increases the overall player base, making it easier to find matches and reducing wait times.
- More social opportunities: With crossplay, you can play with friends who might be using a different platform, fostering a more social and connected gaming community.
- Enhanced gameplay experience: Crossplay allows for more diverse gameplay experiences, as players from different platforms can bring their unique skills and playstyles to the table.
How to Enable Crossplay in Apex Legends
Enabling crossplay in Apex Legends is a straightforward process that requires minimal setup. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Create an EA Account
If you haven’t already, create an EA account (Electronic Arts) by visiting the official EA website and following the sign-up process. This account will act as a hub for all your EA game profiles, including Apex Legends.
Step 2: Link Your Platform Accounts
Link your platform accounts (Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch) to your EA account. This step is crucial for crossplay, as it allows Apex Legends to recognize your platform-specific username and enable cross-platform play. To link your accounts:
- Go to the EA website and sign in to your account.
- Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then select “Account Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Connections” section and click on the platform you want to link (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch).
- Follow the prompts to complete the linking process.
Step 3: Enable Crossplay in Apex Legends
Launch Apex Legends on your preferred platform and follow these steps to enable crossplay:
- On PC: Open Apex Legends and click on the “Account” button in the top right corner of the screen. Select “Account Settings” and toggle the “Crossplay” switch to the “On” position.
- On Console: Go to the Apex Legends settings menu and select “Account.” From there, navigate to “Online” or “Multiplayer” and toggle the “Crossplay” option to the “On” position.
Benefits and Limitations of Crossplay in Apex Legends
While crossplay has revolutionized the Apex Legends gaming experience, it’s essential to understand both the benefits and limitations of this feature.
Benefits:
- Larger player base: Crossplay increases the player base, making it easier to find matches and reducing wait times.
- More social opportunities: Crossplay allows players to connect with friends across different platforms, fostering a more social and connected gaming community.
- Improved matchmaking: Crossplay enables Apex Legends to match players based on their skill level, rather than their platform, resulting in more balanced and competitive matches.
Limitations:
- Controller vs. Keyboard and Mouse: One of the most significant limitations of crossplay is the disparity between controller users and keyboard and mouse users. PC players using keyboard and mouse have a distinct advantage over console players using controllers, which can lead to an uneven playing field.
- Platform-Specific Features: Some platform-specific features, such as the Xbox’s “Clubs” or PlayStation’s “Parties,” might not be compatible with crossplay.
Tips and Tricks for Crossplaying Apex Legends
To get the most out of crossplay in Apex Legends, follow these tips and tricks:
Communicate with Your Team
Communication is key in Apex Legends, especially when playing with teammates from different platforms. Make sure to coordinate strategies and communicate enemy positions to ensure a successful match.
Understand Platform Differences
Be aware of the differences between platforms, such as the controls and features mentioned earlier. This understanding will help you adapt to your teammates’ playstyles and work together more effectively.
Stay Flexible
Crossplay can lead to unexpected matchups and playstyles. Stay flexible and be prepared to adjust your strategy based on the team’s composition and playstyle.
Conclusion
Crossplay has opened up new opportunities for Apex Legends players, allowing them to team up with friends across different platforms and experience the game in a whole new way. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the full potential of crossplay in Apex Legends. Remember to stay flexible, communicate with your team, and understand the limitations of crossplay to ensure a fun and competitive gaming experience.
| Platform | Controller Support |
|---|---|
| PC | Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch controllers are supported |
| Xbox | Xbox controllers are supported |
| PlayStation | PlayStation controllers are supported |
| Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch controllers are supported |
Note: The table above highlights the controller support for each platform, ensuring that players know which controllers are compatible with their preferred platform.
What is crossplay in Apex Legends?
Crossplay in Apex Legends refers to the ability of players from different platforms to play together in the same match. This means that players on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch can squad up and take on other teams, regardless of the platform they’re playing on. Crossplay is enabled by default, so you don’t need to do anything special to enable it.
However, it’s worth noting that crossplay only works across certain platforms. For example, PC players can play with Xbox and Nintendo Switch players, but not with PlayStation players. This is because PlayStation has its own crossplay system that is separate from the one used by PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Do I need to create a new account to play with friends on a different platform?
No, you don’t need to create a new account to play with friends on a different platform. As long as you have an existing Apex Legends account, you can play with friends on other platforms using the same account. Simply log in to your account, invite your friends to a party, and you’ll be able to play together.
Make sure that your friends are also playing on a platform that is compatible with crossplay. If they’re playing on PlayStation, for example, you won’t be able to play together unless you’re also playing on PlayStation. But if they’re on PC, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, you can play together without any issues.
How do I invite friends to a party in Apex Legends?
To invite friends to a party in Apex Legends, you’ll need to follow these steps. First, open the game and navigate to the Friends tab. From there, select the friend you want to invite and click the “Invite to Party” button. If your friend is online, they’ll receive a notification and can join your party.
You can also invite friends using their Origin ID or Xbox Gamertag, depending on the platform they’re playing on. Simply enter their ID or Gamertag in the “Add Friend” field, and they’ll receive an invitation to join your party. Make sure that your friends have crossplay enabled and are playing on a compatible platform.
Can I play with friends who are on a lower level than me?
Yes, you can play with friends who are on a lower level than you. Apex Legends doesn’t restrict matchmaking based on level, so you can play with friends of any level. However, keep in mind that playing with lower-level friends may put you at a disadvantage, especially if you’re playing against teams with higher-level players.
It’s also worth noting that playing with lower-level friends may affect your matchmaking experience. Apex Legends uses a skill-based matchmaking system, which means that you’ll be matched against teams with similar skills and levels. If you’re playing with lower-level friends, you may be matched against easier opponents, which could affect the challenge and enjoyment of the game.
Will I get banned for playing with friends on a different platform?
No, you won’t get banned for playing with friends on a different platform. Crossplay is a legitimate feature in Apex Legends, and playing with friends on other platforms is allowed. As long as you’re not cheating or exploiting the game in any way, you don’t need to worry about getting banned.
However, it’s worth noting that Respawn Entertainment and EA do take cheating and exploitation seriously. If you’re caught cheating or exploiting the game, you could face penalties, including permanent bans.
Can I play with friends who are using a different input method?
Yes, you can play with friends who are using a different input method. Apex Legends allows for crossplay between players using different input methods, including controllers, keyboard and mouse, and touch controls. However, keep in mind that playing with friends who use a different input method may affect your gameplay experience.
For example, if you’re playing with friends who use controllers, you may notice that they have an advantage in certain situations, such as when aiming or moving quickly. On the other hand, if you’re playing with friends who use keyboard and mouse, you may notice that they have an advantage in terms of precision and accuracy.
Will crossplay affect my framerate or performance?
Crossplay in Apex Legends is designed to be performance-neutral, meaning that it shouldn’t affect your framerate or performance. The game uses a system called “input-based matchmaking,” which matches players based on their input method rather than their platform. This means that players using different input methods can play together without any performance issues.
However, it’s worth noting that crossplay can be affected by other factors, such as your internet connection and the performance of your hardware. If you’re experiencing framerate issues or performance problems, it’s likely due to one of these factors rather than crossplay itself.