Is Astroneer Cross Platform

Ed Bradley

less than a minute read

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03-12-2024

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Astroneer, the space exploration and resource management game, offers a compelling experience enhanced by the possibility of playing with friends. A key question for potential players is whether the game supports cross-platform play. The answer, unfortunately, is nuanced.

Current Cross-Platform Status: A Partial Yes

While Astroneer isn't fully cross-platform in the sense that players on all platforms can seamlessly join each other, it does offer cross-platform play between specific platforms.

Currently, Xbox and PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, and Game Pass) players can play together. This means that if you're playing on an Xbox console, you can team up with friends using a Windows PC, regardless of their specific PC store.

However, other platforms, including PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, are not currently compatible for cross-platform play. Players on these consoles cannot join those on Xbox or PC.

Why the Limited Cross-Platform Support?

The reasons behind the limited cross-platform functionality are complex and often relate to technical challenges in integrating different online services and game engines. These challenges can include:

• Different Online Services: Each platform (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, etc.) uses its own online infrastructure. Connecting these disparate systems requires significant technical work and negotiation between platform holders.

• Game Engine Limitations: The game engine used in Astroneer may have inherent limitations that prevent seamless cross-platform compatibility. Modifications to the engine to support a wider range of platforms would necessitate substantial development time and resources.

• Platform Policies: Each platform holder has its own policies and requirements regarding cross-platform play. These policies may create hurdles in enabling cross-platform interactions.

Future Cross-Platform Possibilities

While there's no official announcement regarding expanded cross-platform support for Astroneer, the developers have shown a willingness to improve the game's multiplayer features. It's possible that future updates or patches could introduce cross-platform play with PlayStation and Nintendo Switch players. However, no promises or concrete timelines have been provided.

Keeping an eye on official announcements from the developers and the game's community forums is the best way to stay informed about potential future updates regarding cross-platform functionality.