On September 23, Diablo 2 Resurrected will be released, the major remaster of the popular ARPG. For the first time, the classic will also be available on PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. Many fans are now asking: Can I play crossplay with friends on other platforms?
Will Diablo 2 Resurrected have Crossplay? The short answer is: No. At least not at launch. The developers have decided not to make this feature accessible at the beginning.
The chances that crossplay will come later are low. However, it is not completely ruled out and there is also an alternative. In an interview, the head Rod Fergusson revealed: ‘Crossplay is something we will continue to consider’ (via Eurogamer.net).
What is Crossplay anyway? Crossplay allows you to play with friends on different platforms. If you are playing on PC, you can form a group with people who play on PlayStation or Switch through crossplay.
Diablo 2 Resurrected is coming to other platforms than PC for the first time, namely PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. In our hub, you will find everything you need to know about Diablo 2 Resurrected.
Co-op yes, Crossplay no – for now
What the developers say: Co-op is an important aspect of Diablo 2 and many fans prefer to play in groups. However, the fact that the remaster will not get crossplay is mainly due to the fact that the versions differ too much.
Specifically, it is about the controls, as the controller controls are completely different and in some ways better. Game Producer Matthew Cederquist says: ‘Crossplay was a cool idea, but it just didn’t fit the game as it has different UIs, control schemes, and things like that’ (via IGN.com).
The controls are not the only point that differs. PC players have a significant feature that is missing on consoles: the lobby.
Even the group size is different on the various platforms. While PC, PlayStation, and Xbox allow up to 8 players in co-op, the Switch version only allows 4 players. Bringing together the versions under these circumstances looks rather complicated.
Is there an alternative? Instead of a real crossplay, Diablo 2 Resurrected offers cross-progression. This means that if you play Resurrected on multiple platforms, you can transfer your progress.
This way you can play alone on PC and simply transfer the progress to PlayStation, where your friends are waiting. The remaster will probably not come closer to crossplay for the time being.
Nevertheless, it is not out of the question, as the development team has already made some changes to Diablo 2:
