Remember when you couldn’t play with your friends just because they had a different console? Yeah, that was a bummer. Thankfully, those days are mostly over. In 2025, playing together no matter what device you own is becoming the norm. This guide is all about those awesome free cross platform games pc xbox players can jump into. We’ve rounded up some of the best options out there so you and your pals can stop worrying about hardware and just start gaming.
Key Takeaways
- Crossplay is a big deal in 2025, letting friends play together on different systems like PC and Xbox.
- Free cross platform games pc xbox mean you can team up without spending extra cash.
- These games break down barriers, making it easier to connect with a wider group of friends.
- Having a larger player base across platforms means shorter wait times for matches.
- Many popular titles now support crossplay, offering diverse gaming experiences for everyone.
1. Fortnite
Alright, let’s talk about Fortnite. It’s been around for a while now, and honestly, it’s still a massive deal. If you haven’t jumped into a match yet, you’re missing out on a game that really set the standard for what cross-platform play could be. It’s basically a giant playground where you can team up with pretty much anyone, no matter what device they’re using.
So, what is it? At its core, it’s a battle royale. You drop onto an island with 99 other people, find weapons and resources, build structures to defend yourself or get the high ground, and try to be the last one standing. But it’s so much more than just shooting. The building mechanic adds a whole other layer of strategy that you just don’t see in other games like it. You can whip up walls, ramps, and forts in seconds, which is pretty wild when you think about it.
What’s really cool is how Epic Games keeps things fresh. They’re constantly dropping new seasons, events, and collaborations. One week you might be fighting alongside Marvel characters, and the next, you’re jamming out to a virtual concert. It feels like a living, breathing world that’s always changing.
Here’s a quick rundown of why it’s still a top pick:
- Massive Player Base: Millions play daily, so finding a match is never an issue.
- Constant Updates: New content, modes, and events keep the game from getting stale.
- Creative Freedom: Beyond the main battle royale, there’s a whole creative mode where you can build your own games and experiences.
- Zero Build Mode: If building isn’t your thing, they added a mode that strips that mechanic away, focusing purely on shooting.
And the cross-play? It’s pretty much flawless. You can play with friends on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and even mobile devices. It really makes it easy to just hop in and play with whoever you want, whenever you want. It’s a big reason why Fortnite still leads the pack for so many people.
2. Apex Legends
Alright, let’s talk about Apex Legends. This game has been around for a bit, but it still holds its own in the free-to-play battle royale scene. It’s set in the Titanfall universe, which gives it a cool backstory, but you don’t really need to know all that to jump in and have fun. Basically, you drop onto a map with a squad of three, and you’re trying to be the last team standing out of 60 players.
What makes Apex different is its "Legends." Think of them like characters, each with their own special abilities. You’ve got offensive types, defensive types, support characters – you name it. Picking the right combo for your squad is a big part of the strategy. The ping system is also a game-changer; it lets you communicate with your teammates without even needing to use your mic, which is super handy.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:
- Fast-Paced Action: Matches are quick and intense. You’re always moving, always looking for the next fight or better gear.
- Unique Characters: The Legends add a layer of depth. Learning their abilities and how to counter them is key.
- Teamwork Focused: While you can do well solo, this game really shines when you play with friends and coordinate your abilities.
- Constant Updates: Respawn Entertainment keeps things fresh with new Legends, weapons, and map changes pretty regularly.
It’s available on pretty much everything – PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and even Switch. So, if you’ve got friends on different consoles, you can all jump in together. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a battle royale that feels a bit more tactical and character-driven than some of the others out there.
3. Minecraft
Okay, let’s talk about Minecraft. It’s been around forever, right? But honestly, it still holds up. This game is basically a digital LEGO set on steroids, where you can build pretty much anything you can imagine. You drop into a world made of blocks, and then it’s up to you. Want to build a cozy little cabin? Go for it. Fancy constructing a massive, sprawling castle with intricate redstone contraptions? You can totally do that too.
What’s really cool for us playing on different systems is how well Minecraft handles cross-play. As long as you’re using the Bedrock Edition, it doesn’t matter if you’re on an Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, PC, or even your phone – you can all jump into the same world together. It’s pretty wild to think about how many people can be playing in one shared space. It really makes it easy to connect with friends no matter what device they have.
Beyond just building, there’s a whole survival aspect. You’ve got to gather resources, craft tools, and fend off those creepy monsters that come out at night. It can get pretty intense, but that’s part of the fun. Plus, the game gets updated constantly, so there’s always something new to discover or a new way to play. It’s one of those games that just keeps on giving, and you can sink hundreds of hours into it without even realizing it.
4. Call of Duty
Alright, let’s talk Call of Duty. This franchise has been around forever, and it’s still going strong, especially with its cross-platform capabilities. Whether you’re on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, you can usually jump into the action with your friends. It’s pretty cool that they’ve managed to keep that going across so many different titles and platforms.
Right now, the big draws are definitely the latest main installment, like Black Ops 6, and the ever-popular Warzone. Black Ops 6, for instance, really brought back that classic CoD feel with its tight gunplay and a campaign that actually felt connected. Plus, the new ‘Omnimovement’ mechanics let you dive and slide all over the place, which adds a whole new layer of style to the firefights. It’s got that satisfying feel that makes you want to keep playing.
Then there’s Warzone. It’s basically a whole separate game now, and it’s a massive battle royale. The maps are huge, and the gunplay feels really solid. They’ve added stuff like contracts to give you little objectives during a match, which breaks things up nicely. It’s a good way to get that CoD experience without committing to a full multiplayer match, and it’s free-to-play, which is always a plus.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:
- Black Ops 6: Features a gripping campaign, fast-paced multiplayer, and an engaging Zombies mode. The new movement system is a game-changer for combat.
- Warzone: A free-to-play battle royale with large maps, responsive shooting, and unique in-game objectives.
- Cross-Platform Play: Connect with friends across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox for most titles.
It’s pretty wild how they keep updating these games. You can jump into a match and feel like you’re playing something brand new, even if the core game has been out for a while. If you’re looking for a shooter that you can easily play with anyone, Call of Duty is still a top contender.
5. Rocket League
Okay, so imagine soccer. Now, imagine that soccer game is played with rocket-powered cars. That’s pretty much Rocket League in a nutshell, and honestly, it’s way more fun than it sounds. It’s one of those games that’s super easy to just jump into and start playing, but man, getting good at it takes some serious practice. You can play with friends no matter what system they’re on, which is a huge plus.
Matches are pretty quick, usually around five minutes, so it’s perfect for when you just want to squeeze in a few games. You can go head-to-head in a 1v1 or get a whole crew together for a 4v4. It really shines when you’re coordinating with your team, trying to block goals and score, though sometimes it just turns into pure, chaotic fun. There’s even a ranked system, so you can see yourself climb the ladder as you get better.
Here’s a quick look at what makes it tick:
- Vehicular Soccer Action: It’s exactly what it sounds like – cars playing soccer.
- Cross-Platform Play: Team up with or compete against friends on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
- Quick Matches: Perfect for short bursts of gaming.
- Deep Skill Ceiling: Easy to learn, incredibly hard to master.
- Customization: Deck out your ride with tons of cosmetic items.
6. Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2 is still a go-to for team-based shooter fans, and it’s completely free to jump into. It’s a 5v5 hero shooter where you pick a character with unique abilities and work with your team to capture objectives or push payloads. The game really shines when you have a coordinated team, but even with random players, it can be a blast.
The core gameplay loop is incredibly satisfying, focusing on fast-paced team fights and strategic use of ultimate abilities. Matches are usually pretty quick, often lasting around 8-12 minutes, which is perfect for fitting in a few rounds when you don’t have a ton of time.
What makes it great for this guide is its cross-platform play. You can team up with friends whether they’re on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox. Plus, your account progress carries over between platforms, so you don’t have to worry about starting from scratch if you switch systems.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:
- Hero Roles: Tanks, Damage (DPS), and Support. Each role has a distinct job on the team.
- Game Modes: You’ll find modes like Control (King of the Hill), Escort (Payload), Hybrid (Payload and Capture Point), and Push.
- Hero Swapping: Mid-match, you can switch heroes to counter the enemy team or adapt to changing situations. This adds a lot of tactical depth.
- Seasonal Content: Blizzard regularly adds new heroes, maps, and balance changes through seasons, keeping the meta fresh.
7. Sea of Thieves
Ever dreamed of being a pirate, sailing the high seas with your buddies? Well, Sea of Thieves lets you do just that. It’s a game where you and your crew can hop on a ship, hunt for treasure, fight other players, or even go after some giant sea monsters. It came out in 2018, and it’s still going strong, especially because you can play with friends no matter what system they’re on – PC, Xbox, you name it.
The real magic of Sea of Thieves is the shared adventure it creates. One minute you might be peacefully sailing, looking for a buried chest, and the next you’re in a full-blown naval battle, cannons blazing. It’s this unpredictability that keeps things interesting. You’ll find yourself laughing, maybe yelling a bit, especially when things go sideways.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:
- Sailing the Seas: Take the helm of your own pirate ship, manage the sails, steer, and keep an eye out for trouble.
- Treasure Hunting: Follow maps, solve riddles, and dig up chests filled with loot.
- Pirate Combat: Engage in ship-to-ship battles with cannons or get up close and personal with swords and pistols.
- Mysterious Encounters: Face off against skeleton crews, giant krakens, or other mythical sea beasts.
- Tall Tales: These are like story quests that take you on longer, more involved adventures across the game’s world.
It’s a game built for playing with others, and the fact that everyone can join in, regardless of their platform, really makes it a standout title for cross-platform fun.
8. Among Us
Alright, let’s talk about Among Us. This game took the world by storm, and honestly, it’s still a blast to play with a group of friends, even now. It’s basically a digital version of those classic party games where you try to figure out who the imposter is. You and your crewmates are on a spaceship (or a base, or whatever the map is) trying to get tasks done. Meanwhile, a few of you are secretly impostors, trying to mess things up and, well, eliminate the crewmates without getting caught. The real fun comes from the social deduction part – trying to convince everyone you’re innocent while subtly accusing others.
It’s super accessible, which is probably why it got so popular. You can play it on pretty much anything: your phone (Android or iOS), your PC, or even your Nintendo Switch. And the best part? All these platforms can play together. So, if your buddy has it on their phone and you’ve got it on your PC, you can still join the same game. That’s a pretty big deal for keeping the player base active and making sure you can always find a game.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it tick:
- Crewmates: Your main goal is to complete all your assigned tasks around the map before the impostors get you. You also need to pay attention to who’s acting suspicious and call emergency meetings to vote people out.
- Impostors: Your job is to sabotage the ship and pick off crewmates one by one. Try to blend in, fake tasks, and create chaos. If you can eliminate enough crewmates or cause a critical sabotage that isn’t fixed in time, you win.
- Meetings: When someone finds a body or calls an emergency meeting, everyone gets together to discuss what happened. This is where the accusations fly, the lies are told, and the voting happens. It’s usually pretty chaotic and hilarious.
While it’s great that it’s on so many platforms, sometimes you might notice a few little quirks. PC players have the advantage of a mouse and keyboard for quick movements, while mobile players are stuck with touch controls, which can be a bit trickier. Occasionally, updates might not line up perfectly across all systems, leading to minor connection hiccups, but for the most part, it’s a smooth experience. It’s a fantastic, low-stakes way to hang out with friends and get a few laughs in.
9. Monster Hunter Wilds
Alright, let’s talk about Monster Hunter Wilds. This game is a pretty big deal for the series, taking everything they’ve learned and putting it into a massive, open world. You can just ride out, find a monster, fight it, and then keep going without getting stuck in menus. It feels way more fluid than before, which is great because, let’s be honest, some of the older games could be a bit of a grind to get into.
One of the coolest things they added is the ability to bring two weapons and switch between them on the fly. This really opens up how you can fight. I found myself trying out weapons I never would have bothered with before, just because I could swap to them when I needed them. The main story is pretty focused, mostly just a series of awesome monster fights, which is exactly what you want in a Monster Hunter game, right?
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it stand out:
- Seamless Open World: Explore vast areas without constant loading screens. It really makes the world feel alive.
- Dual Weapon System: Switch between two different weapons during combat, adding a new layer of strategy.
- Dynamic Environments: The world changes, and monsters even fight each other, making every hunt feel unique.
- Cross-Platform Play: Team up with friends on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, no matter what they’re playing on.
Monster Hunter Wilds really feels like the series hitting its stride, offering a huge, connected world and making it easier than ever to jump in with friends for some epic hunts. It’s available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, so grab your gear and get ready.
10. Marvel Rivals
Alright, let’s talk about Marvel Rivals. If you’re a fan of superhero action and team-based shooters, this one’s definitely worth checking out. It’s a free-to-play game where you get to pick from a huge roster of Marvel characters, like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Black Panther, and duke it out in fast-paced 6v6 matches. The real magic happens when you start combining hero abilities for some seriously cool team-up moves. Imagine Iron Man blasting away while Groot shields the team – it’s pretty wild.
What’s cool is that it’s built with cross-play in mind from the get-go, so you can team up with friends no matter if they’re on PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X/S. The matches themselves are usually pretty quick, around 10-15 minutes, which is perfect for jumping in for a few rounds. The game features a few different modes, mostly focusing on objectives like pushing a payload or capturing points, all set on vibrant maps that often have destructible elements, adding another layer to the chaos.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- Hero Variety: With a large cast of heroes, each with unique skills, you can find a playstyle that suits you, whether you prefer ranged attacks or getting up close and personal.
- Team-Up Abilities: Discover powerful combos by coordinating with your teammates. This adds a strategic depth beyond just shooting.
- Destructible Environments: Maps aren’t just backdrops; you can often break parts of them to create new lines of sight or flank enemies.
- Cross-Platform Play: Jump into games with friends across different consoles and PC without any hassle.
While it’s still relatively new and has some rough edges, like any game, the developers are actively updating it with new heroes and content. It feels like a solid contender in the hero shooter genre, and since it’s free, there’s really no reason not to give Marvel Rivals a shot if you’re looking for some super-powered fun.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it – a bunch of awesome games that let you play with pretty much anyone, no matter what they’re using. It’s pretty cool how far gaming has come, right? No more being stuck playing alone just because your buddy has a different console. These titles prove that playing together is way more fun, and thankfully, it’s easier than ever. Whether you’re looking for a big team-up or just a quick match with a friend, there’s definitely something here for you. Go ahead, pick a game, and start playing – your friends are waiting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is crossplay?
Crossplay is like a magic key that lets you play games with your friends no matter what gaming system they have. So, if you’re on an Xbox and your buddy is on a PlayStation or PC, you can still team up and play together in the same game. It breaks down the walls between different consoles and computers.
Why is crossplay so important now?
It’s super important because it means you don’t have to worry about buying the same game on different systems just to play with your friends. It keeps gaming communities bigger and more connected, making it easier to find matches and keep games alive for longer. Plus, it’s just more fun when everyone can play together!
Are all these games free?
Most of the games on this list are free-to-play, meaning you can download and start playing them without buying the game itself. However, some games might have optional purchases for things like cool outfits or extra game content, but you don’t need to spend money to enjoy the core game and play with friends.
Can I play with friends on my phone if I’m on a console?
Absolutely! Many of these games support crossplay across consoles, PCs, and even mobile devices. So, whether your friends are gaming on a fancy PC, a home console, or just their smartphone, you can likely join forces and conquer the game together.
What’s the difference between crossplay and cross-progression?
Crossplay lets you play *with* friends on different systems. Cross-progression, on the other hand, means your game progress – like your unlocked items, levels, or skins – carries over if you switch between different platforms. Some games offer both, letting you play with anyone and keep your progress no matter where you play.
Will these games still be good in 2025?
These games are consistently updated with new content, features, and improvements, which is why they’re still top choices for 2025. Developers keep them fresh with new seasons, maps, and events, ensuring there’s always something new to explore and enjoy with your friends.
