Top Cross-Platform Games Available on Xbox Game Pass (January 2025)

In recent years, the concept of crossplay has shifted from being an exception to becoming increasingly common in the gaming world. Cross-platform games have gained traction, as they help cultivate vibrant gaming communities. By bridging the gap between different gaming platforms, these titles not only enhance player engagement but also prolong the longevity and relevance of the games themselves.

For those who are not yet familiar with the subscription service, Xbox Game Pass offers an extensive and varied collection of games that cater to a wide range of genres and preferences. Despite being often overlooked, Microsoft’s service encompasses several crossplay titles. This realization naturally leads to a significant inquiry: what are the top crossplay games available on Game Pass?

Update (January 10, 2025) by Mark Sammut: As we embark on this new year, Game Pass has yet to add any blockbuster titles. However, upcoming releases are on the horizon, and subscribers may soon find themselves with new crossplay opportunities. In the meantime, players should be aware of an interesting scenario involving Genshin Impact, which, while technically not a standard addition, is accessible through Game Pass.

Notably, Halo Infinite and The Master Chief Collection both support crossplay for multiplayer modes, although their respective implementations have faced some critiques. Nevertheless, these titles merit recognition among the best options.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

PvP Multiplayer and PvE Co-op Both Support Crossplay

This year’s installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, has been well-received amidst a cycle of annual releases. Although Activision’s franchises typically achieve commercial success due to their widespread recognition, the previous title, Modern Warfare 3, faced significant backlash, particularly regarding its campaign and Zombies mode, which did not resonate well with fans.

Significantly, Black Ops 6 made its debut on Game Pass, presenting a unique opportunity to entice returnees who had become disenchanted with the franchise. To captivate both new and old players, the game features a robust single-player campaign reminiscent of the series’ earlier glory.

However, the multiplayer component, including both PvP and Zombies, ultimately defines Black Ops 6’s legacy. Crossplay is widely supported, allowing gamers across different platforms to unite. This is particularly noteworthy for the Zombies mode, which adopts a familiar gameplay style. Overall, Black Ops 6 is heralded as one of the strongest entries in recent years, effectively reintroducing players to the beloved franchise.

Moving Out 2

A Party Without Restrictions

Moving can be a daunting task, unarguably one of life’s most stressful activities. However, the game Moving Out transforms this tedious chore into a hilarious party experience. The original game allowed players to tackle absurd moving scenarios with physics-based gameplay, proving that even mundane activities could be entertaining with the right mindset.

Building on the framework of its predecessor, Moving Out 2 enhances the experience with even more outrageous missions, including multiverse adventures. At its core, the game operates as a puzzle-centric challenge, urging players to discover optimal paths to safeguard their valuables throughout the chaotic moves. While solo play is an option, the game truly shines in multiplayer, where communication and teamwork come into play. Cross-platform compatibility further facilitates seamless group play, making it simple to organize gaming sessions with friends.

Riders Republic

An Open-World Extreme Sports Epic

Ubisoft’s reputation for crafting expansive, open-world titles is well recognized, and Riders Republic fits this mold well. Merging various real-life terrains into a stunningly large map, players participate in a variety of extreme sports ranging from skiing and snowboarding to biking and wingsuit flying. Each discipline has its own controls and challenges, fostering a diverse gameplay environment.

While solo play is possible, Riders Republic is inherently a social experience, accommodating up to 64 players in a single server. The crossplay feature significantly contributes to maintaining an active online community, which enhances the overall enjoyment and longevity of the game.

Diablo 4

An Action RPG That Is Far Better When Played With Friends

After a promising launch, Diablo 4 experienced a tumultuous post-release journey. While it boasts a satisfying single-player experience, the game’s focus on grinding for loot and endgame content has sparked some criticism among players. However, it remains a significant title within the franchise.

What elevates Diablo 4 is its co-op experience, enhanced by comprehensive crossplay capabilities. While issues such as the absence of global chat during launch hindered the multiplayer experience, the collaboration among different character classes allows for dynamic gameplay. Furthermore, Blizzard has continually improved the game through free updates, making the experience more polished and engaging since its initial release.

MLB The Show 24

Baseball Sim With a Strong Online Component

Established as the leading baseball simulation franchise, MLB The Show 24 expertly balances realism with accessibility. While it may not be the most groundbreaking iteration, it still captivates players with its engaging mechanics, high production standards, and extensive game modes that promise hours of entertainment.

Players seeking single-player experiences can immerse themselves in modes like Road to the Show, Franchise, or Storylines, each of which offers unique gameplay elements. Moreover, the game promotes cross-progression between platforms, a crucial feature for modern sports titles. With robust online modes such as Diamond Dynasty, players can engage in competitive play, adding to the game’s replayability.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

While Modern Warfare 3 may not currently dominate the headlines, it’s essential to remember its position within the gaming landscape. Despite its polarizing single-player campaign, the multiplayer aspects deliver a familiar experience for long-time players. It features a classic Call of Duty setup that can still provide hours of entertainment.

In addition to its PvP dynamics, Modern Warfare 3 introduces a large-scale Zombies mode that expands on the concept of previous installments, crafting a unique gameplay experience that retains its fun factor.

Mortal Kombat 11

A Great Fighting Game That Is Still Relatively Popular Despite MK1’s Existence

Mortal Kombat 11 stands out as a key title in the fighting game arena, not just for its mechanics but also for its crossplay capabilities. Being available on both Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus Extra allows players to engage in thrilling matches across platforms. However, it’s important to note that players must have compatible hardware, as crossplay is limited to same-generation consoles.

Despite the initial backlash related to its monetization strategies, Mortal Kombat 11 features methodical gameplay that encourages strategic combat. While the arrival of Mortal Kombat 1 has slightly overshadowed it, MK11 still enjoys a dedicated player base, keeping its multiplayer matches lively and engaging.

Sea of Thieves

The Ultimate Swashbuckling Co-Op (Or PvP) Fun

Sea of Thieves has made a remarkable comeback since its rocky start in 2018, demonstrating its resilience and ability to adapt. Celebrating its fifth anniversary in March 2023, the game has gathered a passionate community that revels in its sprawling, oceanic adventures. The title is designed as a co-op experience, inviting players to form crews and embark on piratical quests together.

As a constantly connected multiplayer environment, Sea of Thieves thrives on its crossplay feature, which allows players from different platforms to join forces or face off against one another. For Xbox players who prefer to avoid crossplay, there is an option to disable this feature if desired. However, it’s worth noting that controller users may find themselves at a disadvantage during PvP encounters against mouse and keyboard players.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2

Fun & Accessible Fighting Game For Kids & Adults Alike

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl aims to carve its niche within the platform fighting genre, often eclipsed by the iconic Super Smash Bros. series. The original title struggled to establish itself, but its sequel has made significant improvements, delivering a more cohesive gameplay experience. Featuring a delightful lineup of characters from beloved Nickelodeon shows, the game offers various modes, including a single-player campaign with roguelike elements that serves as an excellent introduction for new players.

While the campaign is engaging, the true value lies in its multiplayer options, allowing up to four players to engage in chaotic battles. The unique mechanics and playful aesthetics make it enjoyable for players of all ages, as it breathes new life into the competitive gaming landscape.

Dead By Daylight

A Frequently Updated Asymmetrical Horror Game With A Dedicated Fanbase

Dead by Daylight has demonstrated remarkable staying power and continues to expand with regular updates, introducing popular horror icons into its realm. The asymmetrical multiplayer game, pitting four survivors against a single killer, creates an engaging and often intense environment.

With cross-platform capabilities introduced in 2020, Dead by Daylight further extends its appeal, ensuring matches are accessible to a larger player base. Each character, whether survivor or killer, possesses unique skills, enhancing the diversity of gameplay and providing ample opportunities for new strategies.

Grounded

A Sandbox Survival Game Designed To Be Played With Friends

Initially entering early access, Grounded fully launched in 2022, transporting players to a backyard setting from a miniature perspective. This survival game is both intriguing and perilous, prompting players to navigate threats and resource management as they seek to thrive in their new, small-scale existence.

While Grounded can be enjoyable solo, the game’s design shines through in co-op play, allowing up to four players to collaborate in their survival journey.

Party Animals

Silly Party Fun

Party Animals, at first glance, may resemble Gang Beasts, yet it offers a refreshing take on the party game genre. With diverse modes set across various maps, players engage in competitive challenges that blend survival with humor.

Characterized by its quirky physics, Party Animals is user-friendly, providing an enjoyable experience that appeals to both casual gamers and seasoned players alike. The game reinvigorates the multiplayer landscape and is ideal for those seeking a lighthearted alternative.

Among Us

Survive Or Kill

Among Us remains one of the leading multiplayer experiences in the gaming ecosystem, primarily due to its engaging gameplay and crossplay functionality. Players take on the roles of Crewmates and Impostors aboard a stranded spaceship, creating entertaining and intense matches.

As Crewmates strive to accomplish tasks, the Impostors work to sabotage and eliminate them without arising suspicion. The mix of strategy and humor has solidified Among Us’s position as a beloved title among players.

Chivalry 2

Large-Scale Medieval Warfare

Chivalry 2 immerses players in chaotic medieval combat, featuring epic skirmishes with up to 64 players in large-scale battles. The game’s mechanics demand a blend of strategy and brute force, leading to exhilarating encounters filled with action.

Catering to its diverse player base, Chivalry 2’s crossplay feature is essential for sustaining a vibrant community. It ensures that players on various platforms can join forces or face off, enhancing the experience across the board.

Deathloop

Fun Twist On PvP

Deathloop, while perhaps experiencing a reduced stature since its 2021 launch, still offers an engaging PvP experience that sets it apart from the competition. Players assume the roles of Colt and Julianna in a time-loop setting, where Colt must eliminate targets while avoiding Julianna, whose role can be filled by either AI or another player, adding unpredictability to each encounter.

This creative blend of single-player exploration and multiplayer strategy, along with the inclusion of crossplay capabilities, keeps the gaming experience fresh and exciting, allowing players to enjoy unique matches.

Remnant: From The Ashes

A Third-Person Shooter Soulslike That Is All About 3-Player Co-Op

Available on Xbox Game Pass, both Remnant: From The Ashes and its sequel offer varying multiplayer experiences. However, players seeking crossplay between PC and Xbox should opt for the first title, which continues to hold its ground as a compelling cooperative shooter.

Set in a dystopian world overrun by corruption, players set off on dynamically generated missions, ensuring that each playthrough differs significantly. Designed primarily for three-player co-op, the game empowers players to select archetypes with customizable abilities across their play sessions, maintaining the frenetic and challenging atmosphere characteristic of Souls-likes.

Space Engineers

Space Engineers, added to Game Pass in 2021, allows for extensive crossplay between Xbox and PC users. This ambitious sandbox game places players in a universe brimming with building and crafting possibilities, inviting them to mine and construct to their heart’s content.

Although newcomers may initially find the game overwhelming, the learning curves gradually become rewarding as players discover the depth and variety of the crafting systems. Once players get acclimated, they can take advantage of the engaging community to enhance their gameplay through multiplayer sessions.

For Honor

Epic Warfare Between Epic Classes

For Honor has defied expectations since its launch in 2017, carving out a niche for itself within the multiplayer gaming community. Centered around intense battles between warriors from various factions, the game presents a compelling mix of tactical combat and strategic teamwork.

Equipped with a steep learning curve, For Honor demands skill and strategy, particularly for newcomers. Thankfully, its tutorial mode and AI-driven matches help ease new players into the mechanics of combat, making the experience enjoyable while they learn the ropes. Crossplay capabilities further contribute to its vibrant player community, allowing players to engage across platforms.

Deep Rock Galactic

A Co-Op Extraction Shooter Done To Near Perfection

Deep Rock Galactic brings laughter and camaraderie to a cooperative experience that revolves around mining and action-packed battles against alien foes. Its gameplay loop is crafted around thriving in a rich environment while upgrading and strengthening each player’s chosen class.

With crossplay support, Deep Rock Galactic ensures that friends from different platforms can still band together, enhancing its standing among the best cross-platform games on Game Pass. This thoughtful design promotes replayability, compelling players to tackle the game’s numerous challenges in unison.

Overwatch 2

Xbox Game Pass Subscribers Get A Few Bonuses

Overwatch 2 is an exception in this list, as it operates on a free-to-play model, which initially raises questions about its inclusion in Game Pass. However, linking a Battle.net account allows Xbox players to receive exclusive rewards, enhancing the overall experience.

As Blizzard’s popular hero shooter attempts to navigate the turbulent waters of post-launch feedback, its commitment to exciting gameplay remains intact. The game fosters healthy competition while continually seeking ways to engage its player base with new content.

Valuing

Another Freebie On Game Pass

Finally, Valorant made its anticipated console debut in August 2024 after a long wait, attracting attention as a free-to-play tactical shooter. Despite not requiring Game Pass for access, subscribers can enjoy exclusive benefits, making it a worthwhile addition for many players.

The competitive FPS thrives on strategic teamwork and precise execution, and with cross-platform capabilities, players across consoles can engage in thrilling matches together, ensuring continuity and community growth within the game.

Special Mention: Genshin Impact

A Free-To-Play Game With A Few Game Pass Benefits

As a special mention, Genshin Impact continues to capture the admiration of countless players around the globe. This free-to-play title allows access without a subscription to Game Pass, yet it offers exclusive perks for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers through a limited-time benefit package that can enhance certain gameplay aspects.

Lauded for its intriguing world and rich story content, Genshin Impact also allows for multiplayer gameplay after players progress through the story. Joining forces with friends or exploring its vast landscapes creates an additional level of enjoyment in this beloved title.

As Genshin Impact finds its place within the Xbox ecosystem, it promises to add more value to subscriptions while appealing to both new and existing players.

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