Fortnite: Battle Royale is the most popular game in the world right now. Since its launch in 2017, 100 million players have been battling out at Tilted Towers and more to be the last person standing in online combat. Its popularity is down to the ever evolving world, easy to play controls and the fact it is free to play on every available platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, Windows PC, iOS and Android. Another element of its success, is the ability to cross-play with players on all platforms.

What is Cross-play?

Cross-play, or cross-platform play, describes video games that contain an online gaming element that allows players using different hardware to play with each other simultaneously. It is usually applied to players gaming on a specific console who play alongside a player on a different console or a computer. Alongside Fortnite, popular games such as Minecraft, Rocket League and Gwent: The Witcher Card Game use cross-platform play, and it’s one of the biggest unique selling points of each title.

How Fortnite Cross-Platform Matchmaking Works

The matchmaking for Fortnite differs depending on which platform you play the game. Before Fortnite version 3.4, the game only matched you with players on the same platform by default, only matching you with players on different platforms if you placed yourself in a cross-platform party. After version 3.4, the party finder option includes all players you are friends with in your Epic Games account.

On PC, Fortnite will place you with players in a cross-platform party on consoles. However, if you want to play Solo mode, it will only place you on a map with other PC players.

Fortnite has a Squad Fill parties option which refers to players on whatever platform you are accessing the game from. However, Epic added a concession for those who don’t want to play with console or mobile players, with the fill option disabled during a cross-platform party on PC and Mac.

Epic Games Account

An Epic Games account is required to play Fortnite regardless of which platform you access the game on. However, it is the reason cross-platform play exists - having an account lets everybody play together. It also houses your Fortnite information, V-Bucks and unlockables, so you can use them on other platforms by logging into the account. Your play statistics will always remain platform-specific.

So, to play with your friends on different platforms, everybody needs to link their Epic account with their platform holder’s account. If you already have an Epic account, you can link your PlayStation or Xbox account to it via the official website. On Nintendo Switch, you’ll be asked to login when you start the game.

While linking your account is optional on consoles, it is required on PC. If you aren’t interested in syncing your progress or engaging in cross-platform play, then don’t link your account on other platforms.

It is through this Epic Games account that you add your friends so you can engage in cross-platform play. You can do this in three ways:

• The Epic Games Launcher or Fortnite on Mac and PC.
• With Fortnite on Mobile
• Through the Fortnite main menu on consoles.

Which Platforms Are Compatible for Fortnite Cross-Play?

Every consoles allows cross-play in general and cross-play between each platform. There are a couple of exceptions where the feature is in beta mode; between PS4 and Xbox One, and between PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

Sony for a long time argued against introducing cross-play between their console rivals. They only allowed cross-play between PC and Mobile. However, after much lobbying by gamers, PlayStation announced a cross-play beta during September 2018. It won’t be long before this feature is available to everybody.

Fortnite Cross-Play on Mac and PC

On Mac and PC, anyone on other platforms who is in a cross-platform party can appear in your match. While in cross-platform play, the Squad Fill option is disabled. This allows PC gamers to opt out of cross-platform play.

Fortnite Cross-Platform on PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch

To play with people on different platforms while on PS4, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch:

1. Link your Epic Games Account with your Playstation Network Account, Xbox Live Account or Nintendo Account.
2. Add your Epic friends/players you want to play with as a friend on the Epic account through the main menu of the game.
3. Ensure your privacy is set to Public or Friends.
4. Select Duos or Squads.
5. Players from other platforms can now join your party.

Now you know how to cross-play with people on your friends list, make sure you can purchase all the items you want in Fortnite. Get your V Bucks and all your other game gold with DigiZani today.