Grounded cross play and cross-platform compatibility

Grounded cross play
(Image credit: Obsidian)

Grounded cross play provides a means for friends to go exploring the backyard together cross-platform, whether they're using an Xbox console or a PC to access the oversized world. Microsoft is a keen proponent of cross-platform compatibility in games, so it's no wonder the feature is high on players' wishlists, and some will be asking if Grounded on PS4 or PS5 is going to happen so they can get involved too. If you want to connect with friends no matter what systems they're using, there here's everything you need to know about Grounded cross play and cross-platform support.

Grounded cross play lets you connect Xbox and PC platforms

Grounded cross play

(Image credit: Obsidian)
Grounded tips

Grounded player count

(Image credit: Obsidian)

If you need to get your friends up to speed then these Grounded tips and tricks should help them master the backyard faster!

The good news is that Grounded cross play is fully supported across Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC, so you can connect with your friends no matter what platform they're all using. Those playing on Xbox consoles and through the Microsoft Store on PC can just follow the standard Grounded multiplayer process by selecting the option from the main menu, then as long as your Xbox Live accounts are linked as friends you'll see their hosted world available to join.

To access Grounded cross play on the Steam version of the game there is an additional step to take, as you'll need to use the Xbox companion app to connect with your friends instead, due to it not being directly connected to the Xbox Live Network. However you join other people cross-platform, make sure the host has shared their world properly so you can all continue to access it (if that's what you want to happen), otherwise everyone else in your Grounded player count will be kicked when the host leaves and you'll lose your progress.

You can't play Grounded on PS4 or PS5

Grounded cross play

(Image credit: Obsidian)

Grounded has been a console exclusive to Xbox since it first launched in early access back in July 2020, which isn't a surprise given it's being developed by Obsidian Entertainment who were acquired by Microsoft in 2018, and published by Xbox Game Studios. For those first party developer reasons, Grounded on PS4 or PS5 isn't going to happen, so if you want to play it then you'll need to do so on an Xbox console or PC.

Iain Wilson
Guides Editor

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has over 750 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.

Read more
How to enable cross-platform Fortnite matches
How to enable cross-platform Fortnite matches on all formats
Elden Ring Nightreign screenshot which displays three unique character builds engaged in combat against a hellish creature
Is Elden Ring Nightreign crossplay?
Palworld
Palworld is finally getting crossplay across PC, Xbox and PS5 this month as Pocketpair teases "some little surprises" to come to the survival game
Jeff the Land Shark as he appears in Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals devs are working on cross-progression but "a lot of platform-specific rules" are getting in the way
Payday 3 crossplay and cross platform with friends
How to play Payday 3 crossplay with friends on other consoles
Monster Hunter Wilds
How to play Monster Hunter Wilds crossplay
Latest in Survival
Palworld
Palworld is finally getting crossplay across PC, Xbox and PS5 this month as Pocketpair teases "some little surprises" to come to the survival game
Palworld
As Palworld studio's publishing branch teases new reveals, its head is "nervous" that "people will just expect more" games like its survival hit
Atomfall
Atomfall devs don't mind Fallout comparisons "because it's got that post-apocalyptic quarantine zone atmosphere," just like Bethesda's RPGs do
A woman in a underwater machine waving during the cinematic teaser for Subnautica 2.
Subnautica 2: Everything we know about the new underwater survival game
A misty, forested mountainside in Prologue: Go Wayback!
PUBG creator's wilderness survival game actually draws inspiration from an unexpected place - a whole raft of zombie games like DayZ, Project Zomboid, and Left 4 Dead
Terraria art showing a short-haired blond man sitting atop a grassy field in metal armor, colorful slimes on either side of him
Terraria is forever: look no further than its go-to mod tool, which just hit an all-time Steam peak ahead of surely, for real, definitely final update 1.4.5
Latest in Guides
Fortnite Gold Veins
Fortnite Gold Veins: How to mine them for Bars
WWE 2K25
WWE 2K25 locker codes guide to free MyFaction cards
Fortnite Outlaw Keycard
Fortnite Outlaw Keycard: How to unlock it and what does it do
Umaga is a key player in The Bloodline Showcase
How to unlock all wrestlers in WWE 2K25
A shop in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies
How to start a small business in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies
FC 25
FC 25 FUT Birthday guide and full cards list