⏱ 6 min read  ·  ✅ Updated Jul 2026
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Yes, BL4 is cross platform. Borderlands 4 supports full cross-platform play across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, meaning you can drop into the same co-op session with friends no matter which system they own. Gearbox confirmed crossplay as a core feature at launch, continuing the studio’s commitment that began with Borderlands 3. If your only question is “can my PlayStation friend play with me on Xbox?”, the answer is a clear yes.

That said, there are important details worth understanding, from how to link your accounts to what carries over and what doesn’t. Below we cover exactly how BL4 cross platform works, how to enable it, and the common pitfalls. Jump to the setup steps, the what transfers section, the supported platforms, or the FAQ.

Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the Borderlands 4 — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.

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Is BL4 Cross Platform Across All Systems

Borderlands 4 offers crossplay between every platform it launched on. A PC player using Steam or the Epic Games Store can party up with players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles in the same four-player Vault Hunter squad. This full BL4 cross platform support removes the old barrier of everyone needing identical hardware, which is a huge win for friend groups spread across different ecosystems.

Crossplay applies to the cooperative campaign, the core loot-and-shoot loop that defines the series. Whether you’re grinding for legendary weapons, tackling story missions, or farming a raid boss, your mixed-platform group stays together throughout. This is the same philosophy Gearbox adopted for Borderlands 3, refined and expanded for the new entry.

If crossplay is what you’re after, the table below highlights standout cooperative titles, including Borderlands 4, that let friends team up across different systems.

Game Platform Genre Why It’s Great Rating
Borderlands 4 PC, PS5, Xbox Looter Shooter Full crossplay co-op with billions of guns across every platform 8.6/10
Borderlands 3 PC, Console Looter Shooter The crossplay predecessor that set the series’ co-op standard 8.5/10
Deep Rock Galactic PC, Console Co-op Shooter Seamless crossplay between four dwarves mining procedural caves 9.3/10
Helldivers 2 PC, PS5 Co-op Shooter Cross-platform chaos where teamwork beats the enemy and friendly fire 9.0/10
Risk of Rain 2 PC, Console Roguelike Shooter Crossplay item-stacking runs that spiral into glorious mayhem 8.9/10
Destiny 2 PC, Console Looter Shooter Robust crossplay across an ever-expanding shared-world shooter 8.4/10
Warframe PC, Console Action RPG Free-to-play crossplay ninja co-op with deep long-term progression 8.7/10
Payday 3 PC, Console Heist Shooter Cross-platform heists rewarding coordinated stealth and loud plans 7.9/10

How to Enable BL4 Cross Platform Play

Getting crossplay running is straightforward. Most players link a publisher account, typically a Shift account, to their platform. This account acts as the bridge that lets the game recognize your friends across systems. Once linked, you can invite players by their Shift username or in-game handle rather than being limited to your console’s native friends list.

The general steps are: create or sign in to your Shift account from the in-game menu, ensure crossplay is enabled in the settings, then add friends via their cross-platform username. From there, sending or accepting an invite works just like any co-op session. If a friend can’t see your invite, double-check that both of you have crossplay toggled on, since the BL4 cross platform option can sometimes default off.

What Carries Over in BL4 Cross Platform

Crossplay lets you play together, but it is not the same as cross-progression. Cross-progression means taking your character, level and loot from one platform to another, and that is a separate feature. When playing a BL4 cross platform session, your character progress saves to the platform you are actually playing on. Joining a friend’s game does not automatically move your save to their system.

If you want to switch platforms and keep your Vault Hunter, look specifically for cross-save or cloud-save support tied to your linked account. Always confirm the current state of cross-progression through official channels, as these features can be added or adjusted in post-launch updates. The key distinction to remember is that crossplay equals playing together, while cross-save equals moving your character.

Which Platforms Support BL4 Cross Platform

Borderlands 4 crossplay covers the current-generation lineup: PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Because the game targets modern hardware, older consoles are not part of the crossplay pool. A later Nintendo Switch 2 version, if released, would need its own confirmation regarding whether it joins the shared BL4 cross platform ecosystem.

Do You Need a Subscription for BL4 Crossplay

On consoles, online multiplayer generally requires the platform’s subscription service, such as PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core, to play with others online. This applies to crossplay sessions too. PC players do not need a console subscription. So while BL4 cross platform itself has no extra fee from Gearbox, console players should factor in their platform’s standard online membership to join co-op games with friends.

Troubleshooting BL4 Cross Platform Issues

If crossplay isn’t working, the usual culprits are simple. First, confirm both players have crossplay enabled in settings, as it can reset after updates. Second, make sure both accounts are properly linked to a Shift account, since that link is what surfaces cross-platform friends. Third, verify you’re both on the latest game version, because mismatched patches can block matchmaking. Restarting the game after toggling settings often resolves lingering BL4 cross platform connection hiccups.

Why BL4 Cross Platform Matters for the Community

Full crossplay keeps the player base unified rather than fragmented across separate platform pools. This means faster matchmaking, a livelier co-op scene, and the freedom to play with any friend regardless of their console choice. For a series built around cooperative looting and shooting, robust BL4 cross platform support is not just a convenience, it is central to keeping the experience social and healthy long after launch. If you run into trouble, revisit the setup steps and confirm which platforms are supported before troubleshooting further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BL4 cross platform between PC and consoles?

Yes. Borderlands 4 supports full crossplay between PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A player on Steam or the Epic Games Store can join the same co-op session as friends on either console. This unified crossplay covers the cooperative campaign, so mixed-platform squads can play through the entire game together without any hardware restrictions.

Does BL4 cross platform include cross-save?

Crossplay and cross-save are different features. Crossplay lets you play together across platforms, while cross-save moves your character and progress between systems. In a BL4 cross platform session, your progress saves to whichever platform you are physically playing on. If you want to transfer your Vault Hunter between systems, look specifically for cross-save support tied to your linked account.

How do I enable BL4 cross platform play?

Link a Shift account through the in-game menu, make sure crossplay is enabled in your settings, then add friends using their cross-platform username rather than your console friends list. Once linked, invites work like any co-op session. If a friend can’t see your invite, confirm both of you have the crossplay option toggled on, as it sometimes defaults off.

Do I need a subscription for BL4 crossplay?

Console players generally need their platform’s online subscription, such as PlayStation Plus or an Xbox online membership, to play multiplayer, and this applies to crossplay too. PC players do not require a console subscription. Gearbox does not charge an additional fee for crossplay itself, so the only cost is the standard online membership your console already requires.

Why isn’t BL4 cross platform working for me?

The most common causes are crossplay being disabled in settings, accounts not properly linked to a Shift account, or players running mismatched game versions. Confirm crossplay is toggled on for both players, verify both accounts are linked, and update to the latest patch. Restarting the game after adjusting these settings usually resolves most BL4 cross platform connection problems.

Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Borderlands 4.

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