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Yes. Age of Empires IV supports cross-platform multiplayer between PC and consoles, including players on Microsoft Store, Xbox, Steam, and PlayStation. PlayStation players must link a Microsoft/Xbox account to play with people on other platforms; on every platform, cross-network and input settings can affect whether friends can join the same match.
Which platforms can play together?
Age of Empires Support says players using the Microsoft Store, Xbox, and Steam versions can create and join multiplayer matches across platforms. Its console FAQ also confirms crossplay between consoles and PC, covering PlayStation as well as Xbox. The cross-network support guide and console FAQ describe the available options.
Crossplay is about joining multiplayer games across platforms. It does not mean every account feature or in-progress game carries over between devices; campaign progression and achievements have separate platform-specific rules.
Cross-network and input settings by platform
Cross-network play controls whether you can match with players on other platforms. Cross-input settings control which input devices are allowed in a custom match. They are separate: a lobby can permit crossplay while still filtering players by input method.
| Platform | Cross-network setting | Input options and restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store (PC) | On by default. | Custom matches default to All inputs; keyboard-and-mouse-only is available. |
| Xbox | Off by default; enable it to play across platforms. | Defaults to controller-only. Controller-only matching disables cross-network play; All Inputs or keyboard-and-mouse-only are alternatives. |
| PlayStation | Available after linking a Microsoft/Xbox account; on by default once crossplay is enabled. | Cross-input is off by default. All Inputs, controller-only, and keyboard-and-mouse-only are available. |
| Steam (PC) | Always on and cannot be adjusted. | Custom matches default to All inputs; keyboard-and-mouse-only is available. |
These defaults and options are stated in the official cross-network guide, published January 6, 2026.
Does PlayStation require an Xbox account?
Not for ordinary PlayStation play. You need to link a Microsoft/Xbox account if you want to enable crossplay. Age of Empires Support describes the link as a one-time association: if you later relink, it can only be to the original Microsoft account. Choose the account carefully before linking. The cross-network guide explains the setting, and the account support guidance covers linking.
Rank #2
- Start out playing as the British and begin with a solid economy, or lead the French into an easy alliance with Native Americans - 8 total civilizations to choose from
- Work with Native Americans to your tactical advantage, for the first time ever
- Develop your own Home City, and customize it make it wealthier and more powerful as you take over Europe
- Explore the New World and create colonies while seeking out new resources and making alliances with the Native Americans
- Recover buried treasure from the Caribbean, hunt bison on the Great Plains, compete for trade routes and fortify the coast of New England
Steam players do not need to sign in with an Xbox account to play. Account linking is therefore a PlayStation crossplay requirement, not a general requirement for multiplayer.
What to check if you cannot join a friend’s lobby
If a friend’s lobby does not appear, work through these checks for everyone in the group. The official multiplayer troubleshooting guide recommends them.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Enable cross-network play. Check that every player who needs crossplay has allowed it. On Xbox, it is off by default; Xbox controller-only matching also prevents cross-network play.
- Update the game. Confirm everyone is running the latest available build so the group is not split across versions.
- Check the network firewall. A local or campus firewall may block the game’s connection.
- Synchronize the PC clock. Incorrect system time can interfere with multiplayer connections.
- Review account and online privacy settings. Microsoft Store players should check account and multiplayer privacy settings. Steam players should ensure their account is public and online.
Does crossplay also share progress?
No—not all progress behaves the same way across platforms. The console FAQ says campaign progression and achievements remain linked to the same Xbox account across PC and Xbox, but mid-mission campaign and skirmish games do not follow between devices. Progression and achievements do not transfer to PS5 from PC. Those limits concern progression, not the ability to play a multiplayer match together. Age of Empires Support’s console FAQ details the distinctions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are there console player-count limits?
The console FAQ states that Xbox Series X|S supports matches of up to eight players. Xbox One devices support four-player matches on small map sizes. These hardware-specific limits are separate from whether crossplay is enabled. See the console FAQ for its platform details.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- EPIC GALACTIC WARFARE: Command the Galactic Empire or Rebel Alliance in a strategic board game for 2-4 players, featuring over 150 detailed miniatures.
- DYNAMIC GAMEPLAY: Secretly plot turns and reveal plans in a thrilling narrative, with every move bringing you closer to galactic domination or freedom.
- ICONIC CHARACTERS & MISSIONS: Utilize heroes like Leia Organa and villains like Darth Vader for secret missions that shape the galaxy's fate.
- IMMERSIVE STRATEGY: Control 32 notable Star Wars systems with two expansive game boards. Lead troops, manage starships, and rally systems to your cause.
- CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE: Relive the classic trilogy's most heroic moments. Send Luke Skywalker to Dagobah or trap Han Solo in carbonite!
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