Best Cross-Platform Games You Can Play with Anyone

Your friend plays on a phone, you play on a PC, and you still want to team up. Cross-platform play, often called crossplay, lets players on different devices join the same match. That means the device in your hands no longer decides who you can play with. This list covers the best cross-platform games you can play with anyone, including release dates, platforms, and costs.

Crossplay rules differ by game, and sometimes by region, so check the settings menu before you invite friends. Several of these games also need a free account, such as an Epic Games, EA, or Microsoft account. Prices and availability can change, so confirm everything on the official store page.

How should you choose? Start with the device each friend owns, since a phone and a console have different limits. Next, think about how much time your group has, because some games need long sessions while others need only a few minutes. Finally, check which games allow free play, so nobody has to pay before joining.

If your friends sit in the same room, the best local multiplayer games for game nights may be a better fit. For online teamwork, the best co-op games to play with friends online offer plenty of ideas. Meanwhile, if you are unsure which style you enjoy, read about battle royale vs MOBA vs FPS.

1. Fortnite

Few games bring so many device types into one match. Epic Games launched Fortnite in 2017, and its Battle Royale mode is free to play. Up to 100 players land on an island and fight until one remains. Since players can build walls and ramps, matches have a unique rhythm. However, a Zero Build mode removes building for people who prefer simple shooting. Mobile availability depends on your region, so check before you plan a squad. Beyond the main mode, creative maps let friends build their own games and challenges. Meanwhile, seasonal events add new items and stories every few months. Because of this, the game rarely feels the same two weeks in a row. Squads can also play in duos or trios.

Release Date	Platforms	Crossplay	Price
2017	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, mobile (varies)	Yes	Free to play

• Strength: Frequent updates keep the game fresh.
• Drawback: Building can feel hard for new players.
• Best for: Mixed-device friend groups.

2. Minecraft

Minecraft needs no introduction, yet its crossplay deserves a closer look. Mojang Studios released the full game on November 18, 2011. The Bedrock Edition connects players on PC, consoles, and phones. As a result, one friend can mine on a tablet while another builds on a console. Be careful, though, because the Java Edition on PC does not mix with Bedrock. A free Microsoft account is needed for online play. Survival mode asks players to gather resources, craft tools, and defend against monsters at night. Meanwhile, Creative mode removes danger so friends can focus on building huge projects. In fact, many groups spend weeks on a single castle or city. The pace stays relaxed, and nobody needs fast reflexes.

Release Date	Platforms	Crossplay	Price
November 18, 2011	PC, consoles, mobile	Yes (Bedrock Edition)	Paid, see store page

• Strength: Creative freedom suits almost every age group.
• Drawback: Java and Bedrock players cannot join the same world.
• Best for: Builders, kids, and relaxed group play.

3. Rocket League

Soccer with rocket cars works especially well when everyone can join. Psyonix released the game on July 7, 2015, and it added crossplay in 2019. Later, it became free to play in 2020. A crossplay party system lets friends on different platforms queue together. Matches are short, so a quick game fits almost any schedule. Skill gaps can feel big at first. Even so, practice makes the early losses much easier to forget. Besides the standard soccer mode, the game offers hoops and other twists on the basic idea. For instance, one mode puts a puck on the field instead of a ball. Also, seasonal events bring new cosmetic items, which lets friends show off their style. As a result, there is always something new to try.

Release Date	Platforms	Crossplay	Price
July 7, 2015	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch	Yes	Free to play

• Strength: Short matches suit busy players.
• Drawback: Skilled opponents can feel overwhelming at first.
• Best for: Competitive friends on different platforms.

4. Apex Legends

Speed defines this shooter. Respawn Entertainment developed it, and Electronic Arts released it on February 4, 2019. Players form squads of three, pick a character called a legend, and fight to be the last team standing. Each legend has special abilities, which adds a layer of teamwork. Crossplay arrived in 2021, so squads can now include friends on other systems. Also, the game is free to play. In contrast, the fast pace may feel rough for beginners. Every match starts with a drop onto the map, where squads grab weapons and armor. Meanwhile, the ring that closes in forces teams into fights. Because the game rewards smart movement, sliding and climbing matter as much as aim. Squads that talk about enemy positions usually win more often.

Release Date	Platforms	Crossplay	Price
February 4, 2019	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch	Yes	Free to play

• Strength: Character abilities create exciting team combinations.
• Drawback: The speed can overwhelm new players.
• Best for: Action fans who like squad battles.

5. Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact shows that crossplay is not only for shooters. HoYoverse released this open world action game on September 28, 2020. Players explore a large fantasy map and fight with elemental powers. Co-op supports up to four players, and phone and PC players can team up. In addition, PlayStation players can join the same worlds. Still, some story content cannot be played in co-op. The game is free, but it includes gacha rewards, which are random prizes bought with real money. Setting a spending limit with friends is a smart habit. Meanwhile, the game offers dungeons and boss fights that work better with a team. Because each character uses a different element, players can combine powers for stronger attacks. Even so, you can enjoy the main story without spending any money.

Release Date	Platforms	Crossplay	Price
September 28, 2020	PC, PlayStation, iOS, Android	Yes	Free to play

• Strength: Beautiful exploration works well on both phone and PC.
• Drawback: Random reward spending can add up quickly.
• Best for: Adventure fans who play on mixed devices.

Key Takeaways

• Best for large groups: Fortnite
• Best for creativity: Minecraft
• Best for quick matches: Rocket League
• Best for squad action: Apex Legends
• Best for adventure: Genshin Impact

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crossplay?
Crossplay lets players on different devices join the same game together.

Is Fortnite free?
Yes, the Battle Royale mode of Fortnite is free to play.

Can Minecraft Java and Bedrock players play together?
No, the Java Edition does not support crossplay with the Bedrock Edition.

Can phone and PC players join the same Genshin Impact world?
Yes, Genshin Impact supports co-op between mobile and PC players.

Which of these games are free?
Fortnite, Rocket League, Apex Legends, and Genshin Impact are free to play, while Minecraft is paid.

Conclusion

The best cross-platform games you can play with anyone remove the biggest barrier to gaming together. Fortnite and Apex Legends suit shooter fans, while Minecraft rewards creativity. Rocket League offers quick matches, and Genshin Impact brings adventure to phones and PCs alike. Pick one that fits your friends, share a few account details, and start playing.