How to Choose a Co-Op Game for Friends on Different Platforms

Start with everyone’s exact platform, console generation, and game version. Then confirm that the game supports cross-play across that specific mix—and that its co-op mode lets friends form a party or send invitations. A game appearing on several systems does not guarantee those players can join the same session, and cross-play does not necessarily carry progress between platforms.

Check compatibility before comparing games

Make a list of each player’s device, console generation, and storefront or edition. Then check the game’s official support page for that exact combination and the mode you plan to play. “Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC” is not enough: versions can be split into separate cross-play groups, or a platform can be excluded.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Lords of the Fallen Standard Edition - Xbox Series X	$14.96	Buy on Amazon

EA SPORTS FC illustrates the generation issue. EA groups PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S together for cross-play, while PS4 and Xbox One form a separate group; Switch and Switch 2 are excluded from cross-play. Check EA’s current EA SPORTS FC cross-play information for the relevant game and mode.

Confirm that friends can join each other

Cross-platform matchmaking and cross-platform friend parties are not interchangeable. A game may match players from different platforms into the same public game but restrict who can create a party, invite friends, or enter a private session. Look specifically for instructions about parties, friend lists, invitations, and private or custom matches.

#1 Best Overall

Lords of the Fallen Standard Edition - Xbox Series X

• Overhauled Character Creator – Create more lifelike characters with improved facial detail, body shapes, and visual fidelity
• Shared-Progression Cross-Play Cooperative Play – Both players now save all main story progress as long as they’re on the same “New Game” and have defeated a similar number of main bosses within one. Both players retains all loot, 100 percent vigor, and can revive each other in all online sessions.
• Free Friend’s Pass – Invite any friend to join your adventure in online co-op even if they don’t own the game. Friends keep loot and character progress, plus get full offline access to the tutorial and character creator
• Revamped Combat and Movement – V2.0 adds smoother animations, better weapon response, refined lock-on, improved evasions, and new grievous strike prompts

$14.96

Buy on Amazon

Examples of different friend-play rules

• Rocket League: Epic Games says players on Epic Games Store, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Steam can cross-play in all online match types. Cross-play is enabled by default, and players can invite friends from other platforms to private matches. See Rocket League’s cross-platform play support page.
• Kiln: Double Fine’s support page says matchmaking is cross-platform, but party formation is more restricted: PSN users can party only with PSN friends, while PC and Xbox versions use Xbox accounts and can party together. Check Kiln’s party and matchmaking details rather than relying on the broad matchmaking label.

Find out how the game handles friends and accounts

Some games use a publisher account or in-game username instead of—or alongside—the console’s friends list. Check whether everyone must create or link an account, search for one another by an in-game ID, change privacy settings, enable cross-play, or use a particular invitation flow. Also check whether voice chat is built in if the group needs it.

For example, EA’s Apex Legends FAQ describes finding friends by username and inviting them across supported platforms. It lists PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, EA App, and Steam for PC. Its matchmaking pools also matter: console players share a pool, PC players use a PC pool, and a mixed console-and-PC party is placed in PC matches. Blizzard’s Overwatch cross-play announcement says console players need to connect a Battle.net account. Because that announcement dates from 2021, verify current requirements and mode rules before choosing the game.

Separate cross-play from cross-progression

Cross-play means players on supported platforms can play together; it does not mean their saves, characters, unlocks, or purchases move between those platforms. If anyone expects to switch devices and keep the same progress, check the game’s cross-progression policy separately.

Amazon Games’ New World: Aeternum FAQ lists Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Steam PC players as able to share a server, but says characters remain locked to the platform where they were created. Blizzard’s Overwatch announcement likewise says progress and collection content do not carry between systems. These are game-specific rules, not a general guarantee about cross-play titles.

Compare the kind of co-op your group wants

Once compatibility and invitations check out, compare the experience itself. Decide whether your group wants a shared campaign, survival and building, action missions, sports, or casual party play. Then consider how the group actually plays together:

• How many people need to join, and does the game support that group size in the intended mode?
• Do sessions fit the group’s available time, or can players drop in and out?
• Does the difficulty suit the least-experienced player, and can it be adjusted?
• Does the game depend on voice communication, quick reactions, or coordinated roles?
• Are its accessibility options suitable for everyone who will play?

Check cost and online access requirements

Compare the game’s current price in each player’s region and storefront, along with any required online subscription. Do not assume one player’s purchase or subscription covers everyone: confirm the applicable platform and account terms before anyone buys the game.

For instance, the New World: Aeternum FAQ lists Game Pass Core for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation Plus for PS5. Requirements can vary by platform and change over time, so check the game’s current official FAQ and the console platform’s terms. The examples here do not establish current game prices.

A practical checklist before anyone buys

1. List the group’s setups. Record each device, console generation, and game storefront or edition.
2. Shortlist by play style. Pick games that offer the kind of co-op and session length your group wants.
3. Verify the exact platform mix. Use the official support page to check compatibility for every version in the group.
4. Verify the intended mode. Confirm that friends can party up or invite one another in the co-op mode you plan to play—not merely enter the same matchmaking pool.
5. Check setup steps. Look for required accounts, account linking, in-game friend IDs, privacy settings, cross-play toggles, and invitation instructions.
6. Check practical requirements. Confirm player count, online subscriptions, communication needs, accessibility options, and current regional price.
7. Share the setup information. Tell everyone what accounts or settings are needed before the group commits to a purchase.

Support details can change as games are updated. Recheck the official page for the exact game, platforms, and mode when you are ready to play; a list of supported systems is not a substitute for confirming that your friends can join each other.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

Lords of the Fallen Standard Edition - Xbox Series X

$14.96

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.