Is Fallout 76 Cross-Platform?
The Complete Guide to Cross-Platform Play in the Wasteland (2025)
Fallout 76 has come a long way since its harsh, expedited release in 2018. What started as a pitiful, glitchy experience has progressed into a wonderful, stable open-world multiplayer RPG with regular updates, consistent content, and a veritable sense of community.
But if you’re new (or returning), one of the most noteworthy questions you’re likely asking is: “Can I play with friends on other platforms?”
In other words, is Fallout 76 cross-platform?
It’s a sensible question. We live in a world where crossplay is, for all intents and purposes, standard, especially for live service games. But Bethesda’s approach has been… complicated.
So let’s break it down: what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to expect if you’re trying to group up with your friends across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
⚙️ Is Fallout 76 Cross-Platform in 2025?
Let’s get straight to it:
As of 2025, Fallout 76 still does not support crossplay between Xbox, PlayStation, and PC players. If you’re on PC, you can’t team up with your companion on PS5. If you’re on Xbox Series X, you’re excluded from playing with Steam players. Each platform is still stuck in its own environment.
That might sound outdated—and it kind of is—but Bethesda hasn’t budged on this, despite fan requests, industry trends, and Microsoft directly owning both Bethesda and Xbox. Full crossplay remains off the table.
🤔 But Wait, Is There Any Cross-Platform Support?
Here’s where it gets a bit more nuanced.
While Fallout 76 doesn’t have conventional crossplay, it does offer a few limited cross-platform features, depending on where you’re playing:
Xbox + Windows PC (Game Pass or Microsoft Store)
If you’re playing through Xbox or the Microsoft Store on PC, there are shared environments. You can play together, and your progress will carry over between those two platforms.
This is called cross-progression and crossplay within the Microsoft environment. It’s not full crossplay, but it works if your group is split between Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.
Steam PC + Xbox or PlayStation?
Nope. Steam players are restricted from joining others. The same goes for Epic Games Store (if you grabbed it there once upon a time). If your PC version isn’t from Microsoft’s ecosystem, you’re locked out.
PlayStation + Anybody Else?
Unfortunately, PlayStation players are isolated. No crossplay, no cross-progression, no shared accounts. You’re in the PlayStation bubble, and that’s it.
đź“Š Can You Transfer Progress Between Platforms?
Short answer: No cross-progression or account syncing between PlayStation, Steam, and Xbox. Your characters, stash, cosmetics, and progress are tied to the platform where you created them.
The only exception? If you’re switching between Xbox and PC within the Xbox/Microsoft ecosystem, your progress can carry over.
âť“ Why Isn’t Fallout 76 Cross-Platform?
Excellent question. Especially now that Fallout 76 is stable, has regular updates, and is part of Xbox Game Pass, you’d think crossplay would be a no-brainer.
There are several possible reasons why it still hasn’t happened:
Technical Obstacles
Fallout 76’s server structure may not be easily compatible with full crossplay. Bethesda built it on a modified Fallout 4 engine, not exactly cutting-edge for modern multiplayer integration.
Platform Limitations
Sony has historically been resistant to crossplay. There may also be business or policy barriers, especially with cross-progression.
Security and Cheating Concerns
PC players have more access to mods and cheats. Bethesda may want to avoid console players being exposed to unfair advantages.
Low Development Priority
With Fallout 76 now in a stable state, crossplay might not be a priority for Bethesda, especially with development resources shifting toward Starfield 5 and The Elder Scrolls VI.
đź”® Will Fallout 76 Ever Get Full Crossplay?
There’s no official word from Bethesda right now. But here’s what we can infer based on current trends:
Pro: Microsoft Ownership
Microsoft now owns Bethesda, and Microsoft has been very pro-crossplay with other titles like Minecraft and Call of Duty.
Pro: Game Pass Strategy
The rise of Game Pass on multiple platforms may push Bethesda to unify player bases for better matchmaking and community health.
Con: Aging Game
We’re also five years into the game’s life, and implementing full crossplay isn’t easy, especially with an aging engine and legacy systems.
🎮 What to Do in the Meantime?
If you’re trying to play with friends who are on different platforms, you’ve got a few options—not perfect, but worth considering:
Stay on the Same Platform
Easiest solution. If your crew’s on Xbox, play on Xbox. If they’re on PlayStation, join them there. If you want flexibility between Xbox and PC, make sure you’re using the Microsoft version of the game.
Buy a Second Copy
Not ideal, but some players have purchased the game on multiple platforms just to play with specific friend groups. It makes sense if you’re fully invested.
Use Microsoft Ecosystem
If you’re playing on both Xbox and PC (Game Pass), your progress can sync up, so you can switch between them seamlessly—just don’t expect that with PlayStation or Steam.
đź“ť Where Crossplay Stands in Fallout 76
Here’s the footnote:
Only partial crossplay exists between Xbox and Microsoft Store PC users. There’s no cross-progression between platforms like Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox.
You’ll need to coordinate with friends to play on the same system, or start from scratch on a different one.
It’s not ideal, especially in 2025, when most major multiplayer titles have embraced crossplay, but for now, it’s the reality.