If you’ve been part of the gaming world for the past few years, then it’s impossible to be unaware of just how ubiquitous Minecraft has become. Whether you are new to the blocky world or have been around a bit longer, one of your first questions might be: is Minecraft cross-platform? Can I play and team up with friends across different platforms? This guide goes into a clear and simple explanation of everything you need to know about the game’s crossplay support.
Is Minecraft Cross Platform or Crossplay?
Yes, Minecraft supports cross-platform multiplayer. So, it doesn’t matter if your friend is on a Nintendo Switch and you’re on a PlayStation, or they’re on Xbox and you’re on PC – you can play together in Minecraft for some blocky fun.
The bottom line is, cross-platform multiplayer will allow you to host and join forces with players on other platforms. But before you start calling for a meeting and planning your next massive build-off, there are rules to how this utopia operates. Minecraft crossplay, while revolutionary, isn’t a chaotic free-for-all.
Version alignment is the first thing for its cross-platform. You should make sure that you and your friends are playing the same Minecraft version. If you are not synced up then you can’t join the same lobby.
Minecraft Versions
There are two different versions of Minecraft: Java and Bedrock:
- The original Minecraft, accessible to Windows PC players as well as macOS and Linux, is the Java Edition.
- Bedrock Edition, on the other hand, was developed to take Minecraft on all major platforms. It’s available on almost all platforms including Android or iOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Successful cross-platform play depends on a firm knowledge of what game edition you and your friends are playing. Being on different versions is like being in two dimensions – there is no crossplay possible between Minecraft Java and Bedrock. Just keep that in mind before your next big Minecraft multiplayer howl.
Limitations in Minecraft Crossplay Support
Cross-platform is not available on the majority of older platforms such as Xbox 360, PS3, PS Vita, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS. Due to these platforms being well past their lifecycle peaks, they do not have the necessary updates and features needed for crossplay support. If you’re still rocking one of these devices, it’s probably time to upgrade if you want in on the cross-platform goodness.
Since its debut, Minecraft has been released on many platforms. The game is available on the following systems and you can cross-play on them:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
- iPad OS
- Xbox 360
- Raspberry Pi
- Windows Phone
- PlayStation 3
- Fire OS
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- PlayStation Vita
- Wii U
- Apple TV
- tvOS
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo 3DS
If you experience any issues with compatibility, there is always the option to play online by joining a third-party server. Knowing about these limitations is key to circumstances like this, and they help you learn what to expect from Minecraft.
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