
PC Steam Account
Steam
- Full Battlefield 6 experience on PC
- Multiplayer and single-player campaigns
- Cross-platform play with PC users
$13.05
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Battlefield 6 unleashes all-out warfare with massive next-gen destruction, adaptive battlefields that reshape in real time, cutting-edge weapons and vehicles, cross-platform battles, evolving live events, and unmatched scale for the most explosive multiplayer experience yet.

Steam
$13.05

Steam
$35.78


The Battlefield 6 launch is just the beginning. If you want permanent perks, ongoing surprises, and to feel like you’re part of the inner circle of gamers, that’s what KING’s Pass is all about.
| Standard Edition | Phantom Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Game | ✔ | ✔ |
| Phantom Squad Skins (4 soldiers) | ✘ | ✔ |
| Battle Pass + 25 Tier Skips | ✘ | ✔ |
| Extra Weapons, Skins & Bonuses | ✘ | ✔ |
















Inspired by a US unit theme, each skin unlocks a unique soldier look.

Grants a Battle Pass token, 25 tier skips, and an instant unlock bundle.

Includes both the Shrouded and Drop Shadow Weapon Packages.















Region free|Other
From
$22.21

Why stop here? Grab a Mystery Key and see what epic game awaits inside.



























From cleanup to VPN - tools every gamer should have.





PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
October 10, 2025.
Base game, exclusive skins, weapon packs, vehicle skin, and Season 1 content access.
Yes, an EA account is required.
Yes, you can play with friends across PC and consoles.
Windows 10, Intel i5-8400 / Ryzen 5 2600, 16 GB RAM, RTX 2060 / RX 5600 XT, 60 GB storage.
Windows 11, Intel i7-10700 / Ryzen 7 3700X, 16 GB RAM, RTX 3060 Ti / RX 6700 XT, 90 GB storage.
Yes, new maps, modes, and cosmetics will be added regularly.

This guide compares Steam and the Epic Games Store for PC players buying game keys: library, free games, features, refunds, key activation and Epic Rewards. Steam is better for most key buyers thanks to its bigger library, Workshop mods and user reviews. The Epic Games Store is better for weekly free games and 5% cash back.Key TakeawaysSteam and the Epic Games Store both refund games within 14 days of purchase with under 2 hours of playtime.Valve does not refund Steam keys bought outside Steam; the seller's refund policy applies.Epic Rewards pays 5% back on Epic Games Store purchases made through Epic's payment system; the 20% boost ended January 8, 2026.Steam has the larger library, Steam Workshop and written reviews, while Epic gives away free games every week.Steam vs Epic Games at a Glance (October 2026)FeatureSteamEpic Games StoreLibrary sizeLargest PC store; about 20,000 new games in 2025 alone (SteamDB-based trackers)Smaller, curated catalogFree gamesFree-to-play titles and occasional promotionsFree games every weekMod hubSteam Workshop (in games that integrate it)No Workshop equivalentUser reviewsWritten recommend / not recommend reviews from players with playtime5-point ratings from random players with 2+ hours, plus pollsCloud savesSteam Cloud (per game)Cloud saves (per game, filterable)Refund windowWithin 14 days of purchase, under 2 hours playedWithin 14 days of purchase, under 2 hours of runtime (PC/Mac)Keys bought elsewhereNot refundable through SteamRefund depends on the sellerKey activationGames > Activate a Product on SteamLauncher: your name > Redeem Code, or the web redeem pageCash backNone5% in Epic Rewards via Epic's payment system (20% for Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys)Steam vs Epic Games: The Short AnswerSteam is Valve's PC game store and launcher, and the Epic Games Store is the PC game store and launcher run by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite. Steam is the better store for most PC players buying game keys, while the Epic Games Store is the better place to collect free games and earn cash back. Steam has the larger library, written user reviews, Steam Workshop mods and a mature community. Epic gives away free games every week and pays 5% back in Epic Rewards on purchases made through its own payment system, which Steam does not match.Steam and the Epic Games Store use almost the same refund rule: 14 days from purchase and under 2 hours of playtime. For key buyers, the bigger difference is what activating a key on each store means. A Steam key bought from another seller cannot be refunded through Steam, and an Epic code redeemed from another seller earns no Epic Rewards, because the rewards are tied to purchases paid through Epic. The store where a key is activated decides which library the game lives in, along with its mods and social features.Which Is Better, Epic Games or Steam? Library and Free GamesSteam has the biggest PC game library by a wide margin. Trackers based on SteamDB data counted roughly 19,000 to 21,500 new Steam releases in 2025 alone, depending on the tracker and the date of the count. That volume covers almost every indie game, older catalog title and niche genre. The Epic Games Store carries a smaller, more curated catalog, plus some timed exclusives and Epic's own games such as Fortnite.The Epic Games Store wins on free games. Epic gives away at least one free game every week, and players keep each game in their library permanently after claiming it during the giveaway window. Over the years this has built large Epic libraries for players who never paid for anything. Steam offers free-to-play titles, free weekends and occasional free promotions, but it has no weekly giveaway program.Features Compared: Workshop, Reviews, Cloud Saves and AchievementsSteam has more built-in community features than the Epic Games Store. Steam Workshop is a hub for community-made content such as mods, maps and items, available in games whose developers integrate it. Steam user reviews are written recommend or not recommend reviews, and according to Steamworks documentation only players with recorded playtime can post them. Steam shows both a recent score covering the past 30 days and a lifetime score.The Epic Games Store uses ratings instead of written reviews. According to Epic Games Support, the store asks random players who have played a game for more than two hours to rate it on a five-point scale, and it can also show short polls after play sessions. Epic supports cloud saves and achievements on a per-game basis, and the Epic library has a Cloud Saves filter. Epic has no Workshop-style mod hub, so modding depends on each game.FeatureSteamEpic Games StoreModsSteam Workshop in supported gamesNo central mod hubReviewsWritten reviews, recent and lifetime score5-point ratings and pollsCloud savesSteam Cloud in supported gamesCloud saves in supported gamesAchievementsYesYes, with a Platinum stageWeekly free gamesNoYesCash backNo5% in Epic RewardsRefund Policies: Steam vs Epic Games StoreSteam refunds almost any purchase made on Steam if the request comes within 14 days of purchase and with less than two hours of playtime, per Valve's official Steam Refunds page. DLC follows the same 14-day window, and preorders can be refunded at any time before release. Valve is explicit about keys: "Valve cannot provide refunds for purchases made outside of Steam," and it names CD keys from third parties as an example.The Epic Games Store refund policy covers PC and Mac products marked refundable or self-refundable within 14 days of purchase, or 14 days after release for pre-purchases, with less than 2 hours of runtime. According to Epic Games Support, eligible games show a Request Refund button on the account's Transactions page, and returning the money can take up to 30 days depending on the payment method. Virtual currency and consumables are not refundable, and mobile purchases have a 2-hour window.RuleSteamEpic Games StoreTime limit14 days from purchase14 days from purchase (PC/Mac)Playtime limitUnder 2 hoursUnder 2 hours of runtimePreordersAny time before release14 days after release for pre-purchasesHow to requestSteam Support refund requestTransactions page or Player SupportKeys from other sellersNot refundable through SteamHandled by the sellerHow to Activate a Game Key on Steam and Epic GamesSteam key activation and Epic code redemption both take under a minute, and both are permanent. A key works only once, so signing in to the correct account before activating matters on both stores. Steam keys are activated in the Steam client or on Steam's product registration page in a browser. Epic codes are redeemed in the Epic Games Launcher or on Epic's redeem page, and Epic Games Support notes that the dashes in a code are optional.Steam: open the Steam client and sign in to the account that should own the game.Steam: click Games in the top menu, then Activate a Product on Steam.Steam: accept the Steam Subscriber Agreement, paste the key and confirm. The game appears in your library.Epic: open the Epic Games Launcher and sign in, or go to the redeem page on epicgames.com.Epic: click your display name in the top-right corner and choose Redeem Code.Epic: paste the code and click Redeem. The game appears in your Library, ready to install.Epic Rewards: How Much Cash Back Do You Get in 2026?Epic Rewards is the Epic Games Store's cash-back program. According to Epic Games Support, purchases in the Epic Games Store made with Epic's payment system earn 5% back in Epic Rewards, and purchases in Fortnite, Rocket League and Fall Guys always earn 20% back. The 20% Epic Rewards Mega Boost for all store purchases ran until January 8, 2026, and Epic has not announced its return.Epic Rewards balances can be spent on later purchases in the Epic Games Store. Because rewards are tied to Epic's payment system, a code bought from another seller and redeemed on Epic does not earn Epic Rewards. Steam has no cash-back program on game purchases. For key buyers, a lower price from a key seller can still beat 5% back on a full-price Epic purchase.Which Store Should You Buy Keys For?Choosing between a Steam key and an Epic key comes down to where your library, friends and mods already live. Pick Steam for games with active Workshop mods, written reviews you can read before buying, and friends who play on Steam. Pick Epic when a game is an Epic exclusive, when you already keep your library there, or when Epic's weekly free games and Epic Rewards matter more to you than community features.Before buying any PC key, check the store label on the product page, because a Steam key cannot be activated on Epic and an Epic code cannot be activated on Steam. Also check region locks, since some keys only activate in certain regions. Marketplaces such as Kinguin sell both Steam and Epic Games keys, so the platform choice is yours. Keep in mind that a key bought outside the official store follows that seller's refund rules, not Valve's or Epic's.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhich is better, Epic Games or Steam?Steam is better for most PC players because of its larger library, Steam Workshop mods, written user reviews and community features. The Epic Games Store is better for collecting weekly free games and earning 5% back in Epic Rewards on purchases made through Epic.What is the $5 rule on Steam?According to Steam Support, a new Steam account stays limited until it has spent at least $5.00 USD in the Steam store. Limited accounts cannot send friend invites, use the Community Market or trade items. Gifts received from friends and free games do not count toward the $5.Is Epic Games bigger than Steam?No. Steam has a far larger game library, with roughly 20,000 new releases in 2025 alone according to SteamDB-based trackers. The Epic Games Store has a smaller, curated catalog and some timed exclusives.Can I activate a Steam key on Epic Games?No. A Steam key activates only on Steam, and an Epic Games code activates only on the Epic Games Store. Check the platform label before buying a key, because each key works once and binds the game to the account that redeems it.Do Epic Rewards apply to keys from other sellers?No. Epic Games Support ties Epic Rewards to Epic Games Store purchases made with Epic's payment system. A code bought from another seller and redeemed on Epic adds the game to your library but does not earn the 5% Epic Rewards.SourcesSteam: RefundsEpic Games Store Refund PolicyEpic Games Support: How to refund an Epic Games Store purchaseEpic Games Support: Will 20% rewards return to the Epic Games Store for all purchases?Epic Games Support: How do I redeem a product code?Steam Support: Activating a Product on SteamSteamworks Documentation: User ReviewsSteam Support: Limited User Accounts
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This guide compares Mac and PC for gaming in October 2026: game library, anti-cheat, Windows compatibility tools, price and upgrades. For most players a Windows PC is the better gaming machine, because it runs nearly every PC game, including kernel-level anti-cheat titles like Valorant. A Mac suits players who mainly need a work laptop and play native Mac games.Key TakeawaysWindows runs on about 95% of Steam users' machines and macOS on 1.92%, per the September 2026 Steam Hardware Survey.Apple silicon Macs cannot run Boot Camp, so Windows-only games need native ports, CrossOver or Game Porting Toolkit workarounds.Games with kernel-level anti-cheat, such as Valorant, have no Mac version and generally do not run on a Mac.A gaming PC can be upgraded part by part, while a Mac's memory and storage are fixed at purchase.Mac vs PC for Gaming at a Glance (October 2026)CategoryMac vs PCmacOS share of Steam users (Sept 2026 survey)1.92% (Windows about 95%)MacBook Air M5 starting price$1,099 (13-inch), $1,299 (15-inch), since March 2026MacBook Pro M5 Pro starting price$2,199 (14-inch); M5 Max up to a 40-core GPUNewest Apple chipM6, in the Mac mini, shipping since September 22, 2026Game Porting ToolkitVersion 4 beta, announced at WWDC 2026 (June)CrossOver for MacVersion 26.x, paidBoot Camp on Apple siliconNot availableCyberpunk 2077 on MacNative since July 17, 2025; needs 16GB+ unified memoryValorant on MacNo Mac versionMac vs PC for Gaming: The Short AnswerMac vs PC for gaming has a clear answer in 2026: a Windows PC wins on game choice, multiplayer support and upgrades. Windows ran on about 95% of the machines in the September 2026 Steam Hardware Survey, while macOS sat at 1.92%, according to GamingOnLinux and Phoronix. Developers build for the platform most players use, so most new PC games launch on Windows first, and many never get a Mac version at all.Gaming on a Mac means playing either native macOS games or Windows games through translation tools such as Game Porting Toolkit or CrossOver. A Mac is still a workable gaming machine for some players, within those limits. Apple silicon chips have strong integrated graphics for their power draw, and a growing list of big games now run natively on macOS. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, for example, arrived on Apple silicon Macs on July 17, 2025, according to CD PROJEKT RED. The Mac works best as a machine you buy for work, study or creative apps, with gaming as a bonus rather than the main reason.Is a MacBook Better Than Windows for Gaming?A MacBook is not better than a Windows laptop for gaming if the goal is to play the widest range of games. Windows laptops run the full PC catalog on Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, EA app and Ubisoft Connect, and they support the anti-cheat systems used by most competitive shooters. A MacBook only runs games that have a macOS version or that work through a compatibility layer, and that second group is unpredictable.Anti-cheat is the biggest dividing line between Mac and PC. According to Epic, Easy Anti-Cheat has supported native macOS games since 2021, so a developer who ships a full Mac version can protect it. Kernel-level systems are a different story. Riot does not offer a Mac version of Valorant, and according to player guides its Vanguard anti-cheat does not run on Apple silicon Macs or in virtual machines. Other multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat usually stay off the Mac too.What a Mac can do that a PC cannot is mostly outside gaming. macOS integrates tightly with iPhone and iPad, and Apple silicon laptops are known for long battery life and quiet operation. For gaming specifically, the Mac advantage is narrow: some Apple Arcade and App Store games are built for Apple devices first, and native ports like Cyberpunk 2077 use Apple's Metal graphics API.Is a Mac Powerful Enough for Gaming in 2026?Current Macs are powerful enough to run demanding native games, but raw power is not the main limit. In March 2026 Apple released the MacBook Air with M5, starting at $1,099 for the 13-inch model and $1,299 for the 15-inch, per Engadget and Tom's Guide. The MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at $2,199, and the M5 Max reaches up to a 40-core GPU, according to AppleInsider and The Register.Apple's desktop Macs also got new chips in 2026. Apple announced a Mac mini with the M6 chip, its first 2-nanometer chip, alongside an M5 Pro Mac mini and a new Mac Studio on August 25, 2026, with shipping from September 22, according to Deccan Herald and retailer listings such as B&H. The M6 Mac mini has a 12-core CPU and a 12-core GPU, which puts it in the same class as the base MacBook chips rather than the Pro and Max models.Memory matters more than chip name for Mac gaming. CD PROJEKT RED lists 16GB or more of unified memory as the requirement for Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac. Because Mac memory is shared between the CPU and GPU and cannot be added later, buyers who plan to play newer games should pick at least 16GB at purchase.Can a Mac Be Used as a Gaming PC? Game Porting Toolkit, CrossOver and WindowsA Mac can be used as a gaming PC only in part, because Apple silicon Macs cannot install Windows through Boot Camp. Boot Camp works on Intel-based Macs only. On Apple silicon, Windows runs solely as the ARM version inside virtualization software, which adds another layer between the game and the hardware. Games that need kernel-level anti-cheat or specific drivers usually fail in virtualized Windows on a Mac.Game Porting Toolkit is Apple's developer tool for testing Windows games on Mac. The toolkit translates DirectX 11 and 12 graphics calls to Apple's Metal API so studios can check how a game would perform before writing a full port. Apple announced Game Porting Toolkit 4 at WWDC 2026, adding Metal 4 support and AI-assisted porting skills, according to Apple's session page and AppleInsider. The toolkit is still a beta built for developers, not a one-click way for players to run any Windows game.CrossOver is the paid consumer option. CodeWeavers sells CrossOver as a Windows compatibility app for macOS, with version 26.x current in 2026, per Macworld. CrossOver can run some single-player Windows games, but reviewers at MacHow2 list incompatible anti-cheat as its main weakness. Check the CodeWeavers compatibility database for each game before buying a Mac with CrossOver in mind.Mac vs PC for Gaming: Side-by-Side ComparisonMac and PC differ for gaming in seven areas as of October 2026: game library, anti-cheat support, running Windows games, compatibility tools, upgradability, price/performance and current hardware. Every row of the Mac vs PC gaming comparison is based on the sources named in this guide, and the hardware row lists only Mac models that Apple has officially announced and released by October 2026.CategoryWindows PCMac (Apple silicon)Game libraryNearly every PC release on all major storesNative Mac ports only, plus games that work via compatibility layersAnti-cheat supportSupports kernel-level systems such as Riot's Vanguard (Valorant)Easy Anti-Cheat for native Mac games; no Valorant; many anti-cheat games fail in CrossOverRunning Windows gamesNativeNo Boot Camp; CrossOver (paid) or virtualized Windows on ARMGame Porting Toolkit / CrossOverNot neededGame Porting Toolkit 4 (GPTK 4) beta is a developer tool; CrossOver 26.x is the consumer optionUpgradabilityGPU, RAM, storage and CPU can be replacedMemory and storage fixed at purchasePrice/performance for gamingSpend goes mostly into the GPU, which can be upgraded laterHigher entry price; memory upgrades cost extra at checkoutCurrent hardware (Oct 2026)Wide choice of desktops and laptops from many brandsMacBook Air M5 from $1,099; MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or M5 Max; Mac mini M6Which Should You Choose? A Quick ChecklistThe right choice between Mac and PC depends on which games you play and what else the computer has to do. Checking your own most-played games for macOS support is the fastest way to decide. If a single must-play title fails on Mac, the PC is the safer buy, because there is no reliable fix for anti-cheat or missing ports on macOS.PC gamers who already own a game library can keep it and add new titles through any store, so switching to a Mac usually means leaving part of that library behind. Buying keys for the PC version on Kinguin works for Steam, Epic and other launchers, while Mac players should confirm that each game lists macOS support before buying.List the five games you play most and check each store page for macOS support.Check whether any of them uses kernel-level anti-cheat; if yes, choose a Windows PC.For Windows-only single-player games, look them up in the CodeWeavers compatibility database.If you choose a Mac, buy at least 16GB of unified memory, since it cannot be upgraded later.If you want to upgrade parts over the years, choose a desktop PC.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat can a Mac do that a PC cannot?A Mac connects tightly with iPhone and iPad, runs macOS-only apps, and Apple silicon laptops offer long battery life with quiet operation. For gaming, a Mac has no meaningful advantage over a PC apart from some Apple-first titles on the App Store and Apple Arcade.Is a MacBook better than Windows for gaming?No. A Windows laptop runs almost every PC game and supports kernel-level anti-cheat. A MacBook runs native Mac ports and some Windows games through CrossOver, but competitive titles like Valorant have no Mac version.Is a Mac powerful enough for gaming?Yes, for native games. Apple silicon chips such as the M5 Pro and M5 Max run demanding ports like Cyberpunk 2077, which needs 16GB or more of unified memory. The limit is game availability, not raw performance.Can a Mac be used as a gaming PC?Only partly. Apple silicon Macs cannot use Boot Camp, so Windows games need a native port, CrossOver or virtualized Windows on ARM. Many multiplayer games with anti-cheat will not run in those setups.Can I upgrade a Mac's graphics later?No. Apple silicon Macs combine the CPU and GPU on one chip, and memory and storage are fixed at purchase. A desktop PC lets you swap the graphics card, RAM and storage separately.SourcesGamingOnLinux: Steam Survey for September 2026Apple Developer: Game Porting ToolkitApple WWDC 2026 session 357 (Game Porting Toolkit 4)AppleInsider: Game Porting Toolkit 4CD PROJEKT RED: Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition available on MacAppleInsider: MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 MaxEngadget: MacBook Air M5 starts at $1,099
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This guide compares the PS5 and Xbox Series X in October 2026: prices, power, exclusives, subscriptions and GTA 6. For most buyers, the PS5 is the better pick: it costs $649.99 versus $799.99 for the Series X, and more Xbox games now reach PS5. The Xbox suits Game Pass Ultimate fans and Gears of War players.Key TakeawaysIn the US, the PS5 costs $649.99 and the Xbox Series X costs $799.99 after price increases in April and August 2026.Game Pass Ultimate costs $22.99 a month and includes new Xbox first-party games at launch, except new Call of Duty games.Halo: Campaign Evolved launched on PS5 in July 2026, while Gears of War: E-Day stays an Xbox console exclusive.GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026 on both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.PS5 vs Xbox Series X at a Glance (October 2026)ItemPS5 / XboxPS5 (disc) / Xbox Series X (disc), US price$649.99 / $799.99PS5 Digital / Xbox Series X Digital, US price$599.99 / $749.99Cheapest modelXbox Series S 512GB, $499.99Premium modelPS5 Pro, $899.99Latest price changePS5: April 2, 2026 / Xbox: August 1, 2026Top subscription tier, monthlyPS Plus Premium $19.99 / Game Pass Ultimate $22.99Day-one first-party games in the subscriptionNo (PS Plus) / Yes, except new Call of Duty (Game Pass Ultimate)GTA 6 (November 19, 2026)Yes / Yes (Series X and Series S)Big console exclusives in late 2026PlayStation first-party / Gears of War: E-DayPS5 vs Xbox Series X: The Short Answer for 2026The PS5 (PlayStation 5) is Sony's current home console, and the Xbox Series X is Microsoft's most powerful current Xbox, sold alongside the cheaper Xbox Series S. The PS5 vs Xbox Series X question has a clearer answer in 2026 than it did at launch. The PS5 is $150 cheaper than the Series X in every matching model, it gets most big multiplatform games, and it now also gets several Xbox-published games. For a player who wants one console and the widest game library, the PS5 is the safer choice.The Xbox Series X still wins for one type of player: someone who wants a subscription to do the heavy lifting. Game Pass Ultimate adds new Xbox first-party games on launch day, which PS Plus does not do for PlayStation first-party games. Xbox fans who want Gears of War: E-Day or the upcoming Clockwork Revolution also need an Xbox or a PC, because Microsoft says both games stay off PlayStation.PS5 and Xbox Prices in October 2026: Every ModelPS5 prices went up on April 2, 2026. According to the PlayStation Blog, the US prices are now $649.99 for the PS5 with a disc drive, $599.99 for the PS5 Digital Edition and $899.99 for the PS5 Pro. Sony pointed to global economic pressure as the reason, and reporting tied the change to rising memory and chip costs.Xbox Series X|S prices went up on August 1, 2026. Per Pure Xbox and other outlets covering the announcement, the Series X with a disc drive now costs $799.99 and the Series X Digital $749.99. Microsoft blamed higher memory and storage prices and also discontinued the 2TB Series X. The Xbox Series S remains the cheapest current console from either brand at $499.99.Console (US, October 2026)PriceXbox Series S 512GB$499.99PS5 Digital Edition$599.99Xbox Series S 1TB$599.99PS5 (disc drive)$649.99Xbox Series X Digital$749.99Xbox Series X (disc drive)$799.99PS5 Pro$899.99Is PS5 or Xbox Series X More Powerful?The standard PS5 and the Xbox Series X are close in power. Both consoles run current games at similar resolutions and frame rates, and most players will not notice a meaningful difference in multiplatform games. Neither console has a clear lead across the whole library, so power alone should not decide the PS5 vs Xbox Series X choice between the two standard models.The PS5 Pro is Sony's high-end model. Coverage of its specs describes a stronger GPU, better ray tracing and an AI upscaler called PSSR, which help in games that ship with PS5 Pro enhancements. At $899.99, the PS5 Pro costs more than the Xbox Series X. The Xbox Series S sits at the other end of the range as the budget model, trading power for its $499.99 price.Exclusives in 2026: Xbox Games on PS5 and What Stays on XboxXbox exclusives are much rarer in 2026 than at the start of this generation. Microsoft has released many of its games on PS5, and Halo: Campaign Evolved launched on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on July 28, 2026, according to the PlayStation Store listing. That makes it the first mainline Halo campaign on a Sony console. Forza Horizon 6 is also officially coming to PS5, though recent reports suggest the PS5 version may slip into 2027.Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are the Xbox games that stay off PlayStation. Gears of War: E-Day launched on October 6, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and Clockwork Revolution is planned for 2027. Xbox has said both are console exclusives and not timed exclusives, so no PS5 version is planned. Both games are on or coming to PC. PlayStation first-party games still require a PS5, because Sony keeps them on its own console.PS Plus vs Game Pass: Subscription Tiers and PricesGame Pass Ultimate is the top tier of Microsoft's Xbox subscription, and PS Plus Premium is the top tier of Sony's PlayStation Plus. Game Pass got cheaper in 2026: according to Xbox Wire, Game Pass Ultimate dropped from $29.99 to $22.99 a month on April 21, 2026, and PC Game Pass dropped from $16.49 to $13.99. In return, future Call of Duty games no longer join Ultimate or PC Game Pass at launch; Xbox says they arrive about a year later. Other new Xbox first-party games still launch on Ultimate on day one.PlayStation Plus prices went up in 2026. Push Square and other outlets reported that from May 20, 2026, US monthly prices for new subscribers rose to $10.99 for Essential, $16.99 for Extra and $19.99 for Premium. The 12-month plans were reported as unchanged, which makes yearly billing the better deal. Sony executives have said new PlayStation first-party games are not added to PS Plus on launch day.Tier (US, monthly)PriceWhat it addsPS Plus Essential$10.99Online multiplayer, monthly gamesPS Plus Extra$16.99Essential plus a catalog of PS4 and PS5 gamesPS Plus Premium$19.99Extra plus classic gamesGame Pass Essential$9.99Online multiplayer, 50+ gamesGame Pass Premium$14.99200+ games, Xbox first-party within about a yearGame Pass Ultimate$22.99Full catalog, day-one Xbox first-party (not new Call of Duty), cloudGTA 6 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|SGTA 6 is coming to both consoles on the same day. Rockstar Games has set the release for November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Take-Two confirmed that date again in May 2026. No PC version has been announced, so a console is the only way to play GTA 6 at launch.GTA 6 is not a reason to pick one brand over the other. Rockstar has not announced any console-exclusive content, and it has not shared resolution or frame-rate targets for each console. Buyers on a tight budget should know that the Xbox Series S is on the official platform list, but performance details for the cheaper console have not been published before launch.Which Console Should You Buy? Pick by Player TypeFriend groups matter as much as hardware in the PS5 vs Xbox Series X decision. Some big multiplayer games have no crossplay at all: GTA Online, for example, keeps PlayStation and Xbox players in separate sessions, according to Rockstar Support. In games like that, buying the same console as your friends is the only way to play together, whatever the price difference.The right console in the PS5 vs Xbox Series X choice depends mostly on which games you play and where your friends are. Crossplay helps in some multiplayer games, but many popular titles still keep PlayStation and Xbox players apart, so joining the same platform as your group still matters. Matching a console to your player type is the quickest way to decide.Lowest price for current games: Xbox Series S at $499.99.Best value with a disc drive: PS5 at $649.99.Most powerful console: PS5 Pro at $899.99.Most new games for a monthly fee: Xbox Series X or Series S with Game Pass Ultimate at $22.99.PlayStation first-party games: PS5.Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution: Xbox Series X|S or PC.GTA 6 only: either console works, so pick the one your friends use.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs PS5 actually better than Xbox Series X?The PS5 is the better console for most buyers in 2026. It costs $150 less than the matching Series X model and gets most multiplatform games plus several Xbox-published ones. The Series X is the better pick for Game Pass Ultimate fans and Gears of War players.What can the Xbox Series X do that the PS5 can't?The Xbox Series X runs Game Pass Ultimate, which adds new Xbox first-party games on launch day, except new Call of Duty games. It also plays Xbox console exclusives such as Gears of War: E-Day, which Xbox says will not come to PS5.Is it worth getting an Xbox Series X if you have a PS5?An Xbox Series X is usually not worth adding if you already own a PS5. Many Xbox games now launch on PS5 too, and the Series X costs $799.99. A second console makes sense only for Xbox exclusives like Gears of War: E-Day or heavy Game Pass use, and a PC covers both.Are Xbox games coming to PS5?Many Xbox games are coming to PS5. Halo: Campaign Evolved launched on PS5 in July 2026, and Forza Horizon 6 is officially coming to PS5. Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are the exceptions: Xbox says they stay off PlayStation.Will GTA 6 be on Xbox Series S?GTA 6 will be on Xbox Series S. Rockstar lists Xbox Series X|S as a GTA 6 platform, so the Series S is included. GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no PC version announced.SourcesPlayStation Blog: New price changes for PS5, PS5 Pro and PlayStation Portal (March 27, 2026)Xbox Wire: Xbox Game Pass update (April 21, 2026)Pure Xbox: New prices for Xbox Series X|S consoles as of August 2026Push Square: PS Plus price increases hit Extra and Premium tiers (May 2026)PlayStation.com: Halo: Campaign EvolvedKitGuru: Gears of War: E-Day set for October launch as Xbox and PC exclusive
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This guide covers the 11 best tower defense games to play in 2026. Tower defense games are strategy games in which players build towers or traps to stop waves of enemies from reaching a base. The best overall pick is Bloons TD 6, followed by Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD and Plants vs. Zombies.Key TakeawaysBloons TD 6 from Ninja Kiwi is the most widely recommended tower defense game across Google's AI Overview, Eneba and PCGamesN.Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD (2024) is the strongest traditional fantasy tower defense pick, and Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis TD reached Steam in September 2026.Legion TD 2, Orcs Must Die! 3, Dungeon Defenders and Sanctum 2 are the best options for multiplayer or co-op.Mindustry and The Riftbreaker mix tower defense with factory automation and base building.Best Tower Defense Games at a Glance (October 2026)PickGameBest overallBloons TD 6Best classic fantasy TDKingdom Rush 5: Alliance TDBest for beginnersPlants vs. ZombiesBest competitive multiplayerLegion TD 2Best action + trapsOrcs Must Die! 3Best co-op with RPG lootDungeon DefendersBest FPS hybridSanctum 2Best factory + defenseMindustryBest base-building hybridThe RiftbreakerWhat Makes a Good Tower Defense Game?A good tower defense game gives every tower a clear job and makes placement matter. Enemies arrive in waves along a path, and the player wins by building, upgrading and combining defenses so nothing reaches the base. The best tower defense games add a twist on top of that loop, such as heroes, traps, a first-person view, factory automation or online opponents, without burying the core strategy.The 11 tower defense games on this list were picked from what Google's AI Overview, current top-ranking lists (Eneba, updated October 2026, and PCGamesN, updated January 2026) and Steam store listings agree on. Each game appears in at least two of those sources and is available on PC. Release dates, developers and PC platforms come from the official Steam store pages, checked on October 14, 2026.1. Bloons TD 6Bloons TD 6 is a 3D tower defense game from Ninja Kiwi in which monkey towers pop waves of balloons, called Bloons, across hand-built maps. According to its Steam store page, the game has 25 Monkey Towers with three upgrade paths each, 17 heroes, and 4-player co-op on every map and mode.Bloons TD 6 appears on every major current list, including Google's AI Overview, Eneba and PCGamesN, because it keeps getting content years after launch. Ninja Kiwi says it releases several updates every year, with Boss Events, Odysseys and the Contested Territory mode, and it has added Rogue Legends, a paid roguelike expansion. For players who want one tower defense game that lasts hundreds of hours, Bloons TD 6 is the safest pick.FactDetailsReleased2018 (PC: December 17, 2018)DeveloperNinja KiwiPlatformsPC, Mac, iOS, Android, Xbox One, PS4KinguinCompare Bloons TD 6 offers2. Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TDKingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD is the fifth main entry in Ironhide Game Studio's fantasy tower defense series, released on July 25, 2024 according to its Steam page. The campaign forces an unlikely alliance between the warriors of Linirea and the Dark Army, the series' former villains, so players combine towers and heroes from both sides against a new threat.Kingdom Rush 5 earns its place because the series is widely treated as the reference point for traditional tower defense: clear tower roles, tight level design and bosses that test every upgrade. Google's AI Overview names the Kingdom Rush series among the top picks. Ironhide followed it with Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis TD, released on Steam in September 2026, which goes back to the early days of the kingdom.FactDetailsReleased2024DeveloperIronhide Game StudioPlatformsPC, Mac, iOS, Android3. Plants vs. ZombiesPlants vs. Zombies is PopCap Games' lane-based tower defense game from 2009, in which a garden of sunflowers, peashooters and wall-nuts holds back a zombie invasion. Players collect sun to plant defenders on a grid, and each new zombie type forces a change in setup. The Game of the Year Edition on Steam has five modes: Adventure, Mini-Games, Puzzle, Survival and Zen Garden.Plants vs. Zombies is still the best starting point for new players. The rules are taught one plant at a time, levels are short, and the humor keeps it light, yet later stages demand real planning. PCGamesN ranks it first on its PC list, and Google's AI Overview calls it an approachable classic, which matches its reputation as the genre's gateway game.FactDetailsReleased2009DeveloperPopCap GamesPlatformsPC, MacKinguinCompare Plants vs. Zombies offers4. Legion TD 2Legion TD 2 is a multiplayer tower defense game from AutoAttack Games. Waves of enemies attack every player at once, and each player builds defenses to survive, sends mercenaries to break through opponents' defenses and scales an economy for the late game. According to its Steam page, it supports 2v2 and 4v4 matchmaking plus a single-player and co-op campaign.Legion TD 2 is the pick for players who want competition instead of a campaign. Each match hands players a random roll of six fighters, so every game plays out differently and rewards adaptation over memorized builds. Eneba, PCGamesN and Google's AI Overview all include Legion TD 2, and it has been on Steam in full release since October 1, 2021.FactDetailsReleased2021DeveloperAutoAttack GamesPlatformsPC, Mac5. Orcs Must Die! 3Orcs Must Die! 3 is Robot Entertainment's action tower defense game in which players run around the level in third person, place traps and fight hordes of orcs directly with weapons. The game first launched on Stadia in July 2020 and reached PC, PS4 and Xbox on July 23, 2021.Orcs Must Die! 3 fits players who find classic tower defense too passive. Trap combos reward planning, but the hero still swings weapons and casts spells in real time, so each wave feels like an action game. The game supports solo play or 2-player co-op, and War Scenarios with mountable War Machines add the largest orc armies in the series. Both Eneba and PCGamesN keep it on their lists.FactDetailsReleased2020 (Stadia), 2021 (PC and consoles)DeveloperRobot EntertainmentPlatformsPC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S6. Dungeon DefendersDungeon Defenders is a 2011 tower defense action RPG from Chromatic Games in which up to four players each pick a hero class and defend the land of Etheria. Heroes summon their own defenses, then join the combat directly when waves arrive. Players level up characters, forge equipment, gather loot and collect pets.Dungeon Defenders is the best fit for groups who want tower defense with a progression loop. The Steam store page lists 4-player online and local splitscreen co-op, and each class has its own skill tree and set of towers, so the team splits building duties. Eneba and PCGamesN both list Dungeon Defenders, and later entries, Dungeon Defenders II and Dungeon Defenders: Awakened, are also on Steam.FactDetailsReleased2011DeveloperChromatic GamesPlatformsPC7. Defense Grid: The AwakeningDefense Grid: The Awakening is Hidden Path Entertainment's 2008 sci-fi tower defense game in which an alien horde invades and players stop it by building fortification towers around their base. According to its Steam page, the game has 20 levels, 10 tower types with three levels each and 15 enemy types, with about 8 hours in the main story.Defense Grid: The Awakening remains a favorite for strategy fans because each level can be solved in many different ways, with rewards for more efficient defenses. Towers have trade-offs such as line of sight, so placement matters more than raw firepower. Challenge modes add new starting conditions. PCGamesN ranks Defense Grid second on its PC list, and Eneba also includes it, more than 17 years after release.FactDetailsReleased2008DeveloperHidden Path EntertainmentPlatformsPC8. Sanctum 2Sanctum 2 is Coffee Stain Studios' 2013 sequel to what its Steam page calls the world's first tower defense and FPS hybrid. Players build mazes of blocks and towers before each wave, then switch to a first-person view and shoot enemies while the towers fire. Four character classes protect oxygen cores on an alien planet.Sanctum 2 suits players who want to be inside the battle instead of above it. The mix of planning and shooting works especially well in co-op, and the Steam page says up to four players can team up on the campaign. Players also pick their own loadout of towers, weapons and perks. Both Eneba and PCGamesN feature Sanctum 2, and it runs on Windows, Mac and Linux on Steam.FactDetailsReleased2013DeveloperCoffee Stain StudiosPlatformsPC, Mac, Linux9. MindustryMindustry is an open-ended factory game with tower defense and RTS elements, made by Anuke and released on Steam on September 26, 2019. Players mine resources, build conveyor belts and production chains, and feed ammunition into turrets that defend the core against waves of enemy units. Turrets also need coolant and power, and shields and regeneration projectors support the defense.Mindustry stands out for players who enjoy automation as much as defense. A weak supply line means a weak defense, so the factory and the turrets have to grow together. The Steam store page lists online co-op, PvP and cross-platform multiplayer, and Eneba includes Mindustry on its list of the best tower defense games.FactDetailsReleased2019 (Steam)DeveloperAnukePlatformsPC, Mac, Linux10. The RiftbreakerThe Riftbreaker is a base-building survival game with action RPG elements from EXOR Studios, released on October 14, 2021. Players control a scientist in a Mecha-Suit on the alien planet Galatea 37, gather resources, build a base with walls and turrets, and fight off large creature attacks. The Steam store page lists online and LAN co-op for up to four players.The Riftbreaker works as tower defense because each base has to survive waves that grow bigger over time, so turret placement and wall layout decide whether it holds. Between attacks, the mech explores and fights directly. Eneba lists The Riftbreaker among the best tower defense games, and Steam users tag it as tower defense and base building.FactDetailsReleased2021DeveloperEXOR StudiosPlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S11. Kingdom RushKingdom Rush is the original 2011 game from Ironhide Game Studio that started the series, first released as a browser game and later on iOS, Android and PC. Players defend the kingdom of Linirea from orcs, trolls and wizards with towers, spells and heroes. Players rain fire on enemies, summon reinforcements and command troops, and the Steam version includes 13 heroes.Kingdom Rush still belongs on any list of the best tower defense games because the formula holds up: distinct tower roles, enemy variety and clear upgrade choices. Eneba and Google's AI Overview both include the series. The original reached Steam in January 2014 and also appears on Nintendo Switch and Xbox, which makes it the easiest entry to find on most platforms.FactDetailsReleased2011 (Steam: 2014)DeveloperIronhide Game StudioPlatformsPC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, XboxFAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the best tower defense game?Bloons TD 6 is the most widely recommended tower defense game in 2026. It appears at or near the top of Google's AI Overview, Eneba and PCGamesN, and Ninja Kiwi still adds content, including the Rogue Legends roguelike expansion.What is the best tower defense game on PC?Bloons TD 6 and Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD are the strongest classic picks on PC. Players who want something different can try Orcs Must Die! 3 for traps and action or Legion TD 2 for competitive multiplayer.Which tower defense games have co-op?Bloons TD 6, Orcs Must Die! 3, Dungeon Defenders, Sanctum 2, Mindustry and The Riftbreaker all list online co-op on their Steam store pages. Legion TD 2 offers both online co-op and PvP.Is there a new Kingdom Rush game in 2026?Yes. Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis TD from Ironhide Game Studio was released on Steam in September 2026. Its Steam page describes it as a return to the early days of the kingdom, with new twists.Are there tower defense games on PS5 and Xbox?Yes. Orcs Must Die! 3 and The Riftbreaker are available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Bloons TD 6 is on PS4 and Xbox One, and the original Kingdom Rush is on Xbox.SourcesSteam: Bloons TD 6 (Ninja Kiwi)Steam: Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD (Ironhide Game Studio)Steam: Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis TDSteam: Legion TD 2 (AutoAttack Games)Steam: Orcs Must Die! 3 (Robot Entertainment)Steam: Mindustry (Anuke)
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This guide covers the 10 best multiplayer extraction shooters to play in October 2026. An extraction shooter is a game where players loot a map and must escape alive to keep their gear. ARC Raiders is the best overall pick, Escape from Tarkov is the most hardcore, and Arena Breakout: Infinite and Delta Force are the best free options.Key TakeawaysARC Raiders, released October 30, 2025 on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, is the most approachable PvPvE extraction shooter right now.Escape from Tarkov reached version 1.0 and launched on Steam on November 15, 2025, and it is still PC-only.Bungie's Marathon launched on March 5, 2026 with crossplay and cross-save across PC, PlayStation and Xbox.Gray Zone Warfare, The Forever Winter and Incursion Red River are PvE-first or PvE-only options for players who want to avoid PvP.Best Extraction Shooters at a Glance (October 2026)PickGameBest overallARC RaidersMost hardcoreEscape from TarkovBest free-to-play on PCArena Breakout: InfiniteBest free-to-play on consoleDelta ForceBest for crossplay squadsMarathonBest PvPvE bounty huntHunt: Showdown 1896Best PvE-first open worldGray Zone WarfareBest fantasy extractionDark and DarkerBest PvE co-opThe Forever WinterWhat Makes a Good Multiplayer Extraction Shooter?A multiplayer extraction shooter is a shooter where players drop into a map, collect loot and must reach an extraction point to keep it. Players who die before extracting lose the gear they brought in and everything they found. Wikipedia describes the genre as the gameplay style "most notably seen in Escape from Tarkov," and most games in this list follow that loop of deploy, loot, survive and extract.The best multiplayer extraction shooters balance risk and reward, give a reason to return to the map, and keep matches tense without making every death feel wasted. The games below each appear in at least two of these places: Google's AI Overview, top-ranking extraction shooter lists such as Eneba's October 2026 hub, and Steam's Extraction Shooter tag. Release dates, developers and platforms come from Steam store data and official or reference pages, checked in October 2026.1. ARC RaidersARC Raiders is a third-person PvPvE extraction shooter from Embark Studios, released on October 30, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Players scavenge for loot and fight hostile ARC machines while other squads compete for the same resources. Embark dropped an earlier free-to-play plan, and the game launched at $40, per Wikipedia and Steam.ARC Raiders works as the best overall pick because it makes the genre approachable without removing the tension. Solo players and squads can both queue, the machines give fights that are not only player versus player, and Steam lists cross-platform multiplayer, so PC and console friends can group up. Eneba ranks ARC Raiders first in its October 2026 list, and lootandgrind uses it as the reference game for the genre.FactDetailsReleased2025DeveloperEmbark StudiosPlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SKinguinCompare ARC Raiders offers2. Escape from TarkovEscape from Tarkov is the hardcore first-person extraction shooter from Battlestate Games that defined the genre. After years in beta, Escape from Tarkov reached version 1.0 on November 15, 2025, the same day it launched on Steam, according to its Steam page and Wikipedia. The game runs on Windows only, and no console version has been released.Escape from Tarkov suits players who want deep, slow-paced simulation and long-term progression across raids. Tarkov is a paid game with no free-to-play or microtransaction elements, sold in several editions, and Battlestate also offers a separate PvE mode, so players can learn maps against AI before facing other players. The learning curve is steep, which is exactly why fans of the genre keep coming back.FactDetailsReleased2025 (1.0; beta since 2017)DeveloperBattlestate GamesPlatformsPCKinguinCompare Escape from Tarkov offers3. Arena Breakout: InfiniteArena Breakout: Infinite is a free-to-play tactical extraction shooter for PC from Morefun Studios, part of Tencent Games. Arena Breakout: Infinite entered early access on August 13, 2024, per Wikipedia, and Steam now lists a September 15, 2025 release date. The PC game builds on the Arena Breakout mobile shooter that launched globally in 2023.Arena Breakout: Infinite is the most common recommendation for players who want a Tarkov-style experience without paying up front. Eneba and lootandgrind both list Arena Breakout: Infinite as a free alternative with realistic, tactical raids. The game uses in-game purchases, so check the store before spending money on currency or gear.FactDetailsReleased2024 (early access), 2025 (Steam)DeveloperMorefun Studios (Tencent Games)PlatformsPCPriceFree-to-play4. MarathonMarathon is Bungie's sci-fi PvPvE extraction shooter, released on March 5, 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Players control Runners with distinct abilities, loot the map and fight both AI enemies and rival crews. Bungie set the standard edition at $39.99 rather than free-to-play, according to launch coverage from VGC and TechRadar.Marathon fits squads split across platforms, because Bungie supports full crossplay and cross-save between PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Marathon leans on Bungie's shooter experience from Destiny and Halo, and its sci-fi style stands out from the military look of most of the genre. Bungie said gameplay updates through 2026 would be free, including new maps and seasonal events, so the game keeps changing after launch.FactDetailsReleased2026DeveloperBungiePlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S5. Hunt: Showdown 1896Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a PvPvE bounty-hunting shooter from Crytek set in the American frontier of the 1890s. Hunt: Showdown entered early access on Steam in February 2018 and fully released on PC on August 27, 2019. Crytek relaunched the game as Hunt: Showdown 1896 on August 15, 2024 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and removed the PS4 and Xbox One versions, per Wikipedia.Hunt: Showdown 1896 plays slower than most shooters: teams hunt monsters for a bounty, then must carry it off the map while rival hunters close in. Hunt mixes PvP with AI enemies, and a hunter lost in a match is lost for good, which gives each round the same high stakes as any extraction shooter.FactDetailsReleased2019 (relaunched as 1896 in 2024)DeveloperCrytekPlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SKinguinCompare Hunt: Showdown 1896 offers6. Delta ForceDelta Force is a free-to-play military shooter from Team Jade, published by TiMi Studio Group, with an extraction mode called Hazard Operations. Delta Force launched on PC on January 20, 2025 after an open beta that started in December 2024, then reached PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on August 19, 2025, according to Wikipedia. Steam lists cross-platform multiplayer.Delta Force is the easiest free entry point for console players, since Arena Breakout: Infinite and Escape from Tarkov are PC-only. Hazard Operations follows the familiar loop of entering a zone with a loadout, looting and extracting before time runs out or a rival team takes the gear. Microtransactions in Delta Force are mostly cosmetic, so spending money is optional.FactDetailsReleased2025DeveloperTeam Jade (TiMi Studio Group)PlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, iOS, AndroidPriceFree-to-play7. Gray Zone WarfareGray Zone Warfare is a tactical first-person shooter from MADFINGER Games, set on a quarantined island in Southeast Asia torn apart by faction warfare. Gray Zone Warfare entered early access on Steam on April 30, 2024, runs on PC only, and remains in early access, with the studio still adding content before a full release.Gray Zone Warfare stands out because the Steam page calls it a "PvE-first open-world tactical shooter." Players take contracts from vendors, explore a large persistent map and extract with their gear, and the game also lists online PvP for those who want it. Gray Zone Warfare suits players who like military realism and slower, more methodical raids than arena-style shooters.FactDetailsReleased2024 (early access)DeveloperMADFINGER GamesPlatformsPCKinguinCompare Gray Zone Warfare offers8. Dark and DarkerDark and Darker is a first-person fantasy extraction game from South Korean studio IRONMACE, set in a dark medieval world of dungeons, monsters and traps. Dark and Darker entered early access in August 2023, arrived on Steam on June 7, 2024, and added free-to-play accounts in June 2024, with an optional paid upgrade for more features, per Wikipedia.Dark and Darker swaps guns for swords, bows and spells, but the loop is the same: enter the dungeon with a chosen class, loot, fight monsters and other parties, then escape alive to keep the gear. The game offers ten character classes, so team builds matter as much as reflexes. Dark and Darker is the best pick for players who want extraction tension in a fantasy setting.FactDetailsReleased2023 (early access), 2024 (Steam)DeveloperIRONMACEPlatformsPCKinguinCompare Dark and Darker offers9. The Forever WinterThe Forever Winter is a PvE co-op extraction shooter from Fun Dog Studios, set in a grim, endless war between AI-controlled factions. The Forever Winter entered early access on Steam on September 24, 2024 for PC, and lootandgrind notes that it is still in early access in 2026.The Forever Winter rewards careful scavenging over head-on fights. Squads team up against AI factions only, so there is no risk of losing gear to other players. The Forever Winter is one of the strongest answers to players asking for a co-op extraction shooter with no PvP.FactDetailsReleased2024 (early access)DeveloperFun Dog StudiosPlatformsPCModePvE co-op10. Incursion Red RiverIncursion Red River is a PvE tactical extraction shooter from German studio Games Of Tomorrow, available in early access on Steam since April 10, 2024. Incursion Red River supports single-player and online co-op, and lootandgrind notes that the game can also be played offline, which is rare in the genre.Incursion Red River suits players who like Tarkov-style loadouts and raids but prefer AI enemies over other players. Squads take missions, loot the map and extract against computer-controlled forces, which makes the game a practical training ground for the genre. Incursion Red River is a smaller indie project, so expect early access rough edges alongside regular updates.FactDetailsReleased2024 (early access)DeveloperGames Of Tomorrow GmbHPlatformsPCModePvE, solo or co-opWhich Extraction Shooter Should You Play?The right multiplayer extraction shooter depends on three things: platform, budget and how much PvP pressure a player wants. Escape from Tarkov, Arena Breakout: Infinite, Gray Zone Warfare and Dark and Darker are PC-only, while ARC Raiders, Marathon, Hunt: Showdown 1896 and Delta Force also run on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. For the paid games, buy the version that matches the platform your squad plays on, for example through Kinguin.Extraction shooters without PvP are a growing niche, and the table below sorts the list by play style so players can match a game to their group.Play styleGamesPvPvE, PC + consoleARC Raiders, Marathon, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Delta ForceHardcore PvPvE, PC onlyEscape from Tarkov, Arena Breakout: InfiniteFree-to-playArena Breakout: Infinite, Delta Force, Dark and DarkerPvE-first or PvE onlyGray Zone Warfare, The Forever Winter, Incursion Red RiverFantasy settingDark and DarkerFAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the best extraction shooter right now?ARC Raiders is the best overall extraction shooter in October 2026. It mixes PvP with AI machine enemies, supports solo and squad play, and runs on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Escape from Tarkov remains the deepest choice for hardcore PC players.What are some good co-op extraction shooter games?Good co-op extraction shooters include ARC Raiders, Marathon and Hunt: Showdown 1896 for squads that want PvP, plus The Forever Winter, Incursion Red River and Gray Zone Warfare for groups that prefer fighting AI enemies together.Is there an extraction shooter with no PvP?Yes. The Forever Winter and Incursion Red River are PvE extraction shooters where squads fight only AI enemies. Gray Zone Warfare is PvE-first, and Escape from Tarkov offers a separate PvE mode for players who want to learn maps without other players.Is there a single player extraction shooter?Incursion Red River supports single-player and can be played offline. Witchfire and Escape from Duckov, both listed in Eneba's extraction shooter guide, are also single-player games built around raid-style runs, but they are not multiplayer shooters.Are there free extraction shooters?Yes. Arena Breakout: Infinite is free-to-play on PC, Delta Force is free on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and mobile, and Dark and Darker has offered free accounts since June 2024, with an optional paid upgrade.SourcesSteam: ARC RaidersSteam: Escape from TarkovSteam: MarathonSteam: Hunt: Showdown 1896Steam: Gray Zone WarfareSteam: Extraction Shooter tagWikipedia: Extraction shooter
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This guide covers 11 games like Red Dead Redemption 2, picked from Google's AI Overview, top-ranking lists and Steam tags. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the closest overall match for story and open world, Red Dead Redemption is the direct predecessor, and Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, Weird West and Hunt: Showdown 1896 keep the Wild West setting.Key TakeawaysThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the most-cited RDR2 alternative, named by Google's AI Overview and GamesRadar.Red Dead Redemption, the 2010 predecessor, has been available on PC through Steam since October 29, 2024.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (2025) is the newest and most realism-focused pick among the 11 games like RDR2 in this guide.Every one of the 11 games like RDR2 in this guide is playable on PC, and most are also on PlayStation or Xbox.Games Like Red Dead Redemption 2 at a Glance (October 2026)PickGameBest overallThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntBest for the RDR storyRed Dead RedemptionBest Rockstar alternativeGrand Theft Auto VBest for honor and horseback travelGhost of TsushimaBest for realismKingdom Come: Deliverance IIBest western RPG moodFallout: New VegasBest western shooterCall of Juarez: GunslingerBest for Red Dead Online fansHunt: Showdown 1896What Makes a Game Like Red Dead Redemption 2?A game like Red Dead Redemption 2 combines a large open world with a slow, character-driven story. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a 2018 action-adventure game from Rockstar Games that follows Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the Van der Linde gang, as the Wild West declines around him. The best alternatives share at least one of its core strengths: frontier atmosphere, horseback travel, hunting, or moral choices that change how the story feels.The 11 games like Red Dead Redemption 2 in this guide were picked from sources that rank RDR2 alternatives: Google's AI Overview for the keyword, top search results such as GamesRadar, GameSpot and Everything Edinburgh, and Steam tags such as Western, Open World and Story Rich. Each game appears in at least two of those sources. Release years, developers and platforms come from Steam store pages and Wikipedia. Every game is playable on PC.The 11 games like RDR2 fall into three groups. Story-driven open worlds such as The Witcher 3 and Ghost of Tsushima match RDR2's scale. Westerns such as Call of Juarez: Gunslinger and Weird West match its setting. Hunt: Showdown 1896 is the option for players who mainly enjoy Red Dead Online. Each game's fact table lists its release year, developer and platforms, with a Kinguin price link where a listing exists.GameBest forReleasedThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntBest overall2015Red Dead RedemptionThe RDR story (direct follow-up)2010Grand Theft Auto VRockstar alternative2013Ghost of TsushimaHonor and horseback travel2020Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIRealism2025Fallout: New VegasWestern RPG mood2010Days GoneOutlaw story with a motorcycle instead of a horse2019Horizon Zero DawnHunting and tracking2017Call of Juarez: GunslingerWestern shooter2013Weird WestWestern with dark fantasy2022Hunt: Showdown 1896Red Dead Online fans20191. The Witcher 3: Wild HuntThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a 2015 action role-playing game from CD Projekt Red, played in an open world from a third-person perspective. The game is the third entry in the Witcher series and is based on the fantasy novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. The world mixes villages, cities and wilderness, and much of its reputation comes from side quests that carry as much weight as the main plot.The Witcher 3 is the pick that Google's AI Overview and GamesRadar both name among the closest matches to Red Dead Redemption 2. The two games share the same strengths: a large world that feels lived in, characters with real moral weight, and long rides on horseback between jobs. The setting is dark fantasy rather than the American frontier, but players who loved the slow, story-first pace of RDR2 tend to land here first.FactDetailsReleased2015DeveloperCD Projekt RedPlatformsPC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2KinguinCompare The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers2. Red Dead RedemptionRed Dead Redemption is the 2010 action-adventure game from Rockstar that came before Red Dead Redemption 2 in release order and after it in the story. The game is set in 1911, during the decline of the American frontier, and follows John Marston, a former outlaw forced by the government to hunt down members of his old gang. According to its Steam page, the PC version launched on October 29, 2024.Red Dead Redemption is the natural next step for anyone who finished RDR2, because it picks up the story of John Marston and the fallout of the Van der Linde gang. Google's AI Overview lists it alongside GTA V as a Rockstar game with the same signature open-world design. The PC release means the original no longer requires a console, which was the main barrier for PC players for over a decade.FactDetailsReleased2010DeveloperRockstar San Diego (PC port: Rockstar Games with Double Eleven)PlatformsPS3, Xbox 360, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, Xbox Series X|S, iOS, AndroidKinguinCompare Red Dead Redemption offers3. Grand Theft Auto VGrand Theft Auto V is a 2013 action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. The story takes place in the fictional state of San Andreas, based on Southern California, and follows three protagonists, Michael, Franklin and Trevor, as they plan heists under pressure from a corrupt government agency. On PC, Steam lists two editions today: Legacy and Enhanced.Grand Theft Auto V appears on the GamesRadar list and in Google's AI Overview because it comes from the same studio and shares much of RDR2's DNA: a dense open world, cinematic missions and plenty of dark humor. The pace is faster and the setting is modern, so cars replace horses. GTA V suits RDR2 fans who enjoyed the robberies and gang storyline more than the hunting and camp life.FactDetailsReleased2013DeveloperRockstar NorthPlatformsPC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|SKinguinCompare Grand Theft Auto V offersGet Red Dead Redemption 2 on Kinguin4. Ghost of TsushimaGhost of Tsushima is a 2020 action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Players control Jin Sakai, a samurai defending Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan. The PC version, Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, arrived on Steam on May 16, 2024. The open world can be explored on foot or on horseback.Ghost of Tsushima fits RDR2 fans because both games tell a story about a fighter torn between a code of honor and survival. Jin must choose between fighting honorably and using dishonorable methods to repel the Mongols, which echoes Arthur Morgan's struggle with his own past. Google's AI Overview highlights the horseback travel and sweeping open world, and the game also appears on retailer lists of RDR2 alternatives.FactDetailsReleased2020 (PC: 2024)DeveloperSucker Punch Productions (PC port: Nixxes Software)PlatformsPS4, PS5, PCKinguinCompare Ghost of Tsushima offers5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIKingdom Come: Deliverance II is a 2025 action role-playing game developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Deep Silver. The game launched on February 4, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and it is the sequel to Kingdom Come: Deliverance from 2018. Per Wikipedia, the game sold more than 6 million copies by June 2026, and a Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for 2027.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the most realism-focused of the 11 games like RDR2 in this guide, set in medieval Bohemia with no magic or monsters. Google's AI Overview describes the series as gritty and grounded with deep immersion, and GameSpot lists it as the choice for players who value realism. The game plays in first person and combat takes practice, but fans of RDR2's slow, detailed world often enjoy that challenge.FactDetailsReleased2025DeveloperWarhorse StudiosPlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SKinguinCompare Kingdom Come: Deliverance II offers6. Fallout: New VegasFallout: New Vegas is a 2010 action role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is set in the Mojave Desert, 204 years after a nuclear war, and the player controls a courier who survives an assassination attempt and gets pulled into a conflict between factions fighting for control of the region. The open world can be explored freely.Fallout: New Vegas earns its place because the Mojave setting gives it a post-apocalyptic western mood, with desert towns, outlaws and revolvers. GamesRadar ranks it among the best games like RDR2, and Google's AI Overview points to its player freedom, faction choices and character-driven side quests. The game is older and looks dated next to RDR2, but its writing and choices still hold up.FactDetailsReleased2010DeveloperObsidian EntertainmentPlatformsPC, PS3, Xbox 3607. Days GoneDays Gone is a 2019 action-adventure game developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is set in post-apocalyptic Oregon, two years after a pandemic turned part of humanity into zombie-like creatures. Players control Deacon St. John, a former outlaw biker searching for his wife Sarah, who may still be alive. According to Steam, the PC version came out on May 17, 2021.Days Gone swaps the horse for a motorcycle, but the structure feels familiar to RDR2 players: an outlaw with a past, camps to visit, and a large wilderness to cross between missions. GameSpot notes the game shares more with Red Dead Redemption 2 than many players expect, and other RDR2 lists include it for the same reason. Players who enjoyed traveling through RDR2's forests and mountains will find a similar rhythm here.FactDetailsReleased2019 (PC: 2021)DeveloperBend StudioPlatformsPS4, PS5, PCKinguinCompare Days Gone offers8. Horizon Zero DawnHorizon Zero Dawn is a 2017 action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic United States where robotic machines dominate the land and humans live in tribes. Players control Aloy, a young huntress searching for answers about her past. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered launched on Steam on October 31, 2024.Horizon Zero Dawn appeals to the hunter side of RDR2. Aloy tracks and takes down machines with ranged weapons, a spear and stealth, and the open world rewards careful preparation before each fight. The story is science fiction rather than a western, but the wide landscapes and the focus on hunting put it on several lists of RDR2 alternatives. The Remastered edition is the current version to buy on PC.FactDetailsReleased2017 (Remastered: 2024)DeveloperGuerrilla GamesPlatformsPS4, PS5, PCKinguinCompare Horizon Zero Dawn offers9. Call of Juarez: GunslingerCall of Juarez: Gunslinger is a 2013 Western-themed first-person shooter developed by Techland. The game launched in May 2013 for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and a Nintendo Switch port followed in December 2019. Gunslinger is the fourth game in the Call of Juarez series, but the story stands alone, so no earlier games are needed to follow it.Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is for RDR2 fans who want more of the Wild West and less of the slow pace. GamesRadar includes it in its list of games like RDR2, and Steam tags it as a Western. The game is a linear shooter, not an open world, so it focuses on gunfights and a story that moves from one shootout to the next. It is short and fast, which makes it a good break between longer games.FactDetailsReleased2013DeveloperTechlandPlatformsPC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch10. Weird WestWeird West is an action role-playing game developed by WolfEye Studios and published by Devolver Digital. The game was released for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on March 31, 2022, and a Definitive Edition followed on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on May 8, 2023. On Steam, the game is now sold as Weird West: Definitive Edition.Weird West mixes the American frontier with dark fantasy and supernatural horror, according to its Steam tags. GamesRadar lists it among the best games like RDR2, and Steam tags it as a Western and lists Choices Matter among its tags. The view is isometric rather than third-person, which feels very different from Rockstar's cinematic camera, but the choices and consequences in each story will feel familiar to RDR2 players.FactDetailsReleased2022DeveloperWolfEye StudiosPlatformsPC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S11. Hunt: Showdown 1896Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a first-person extraction shooter developed and published by Crytek. The game entered early access on Steam in February 2018 and fully launched on PC on August 27, 2019, with console versions following. Players take the role of bounty hunters who track and kill monsters to claim their bounties, then try to reach an extraction point while other players hunt them.Hunt: Showdown 1896 fits RDR2 players who spend most of their time in Red Dead Online. The 1890s frontier setting and bounty hunting give it a strong frontier feel, and GamesRadar ranks it among the best games like RDR2. Matches are tense and punishing, so Hunt is a multiplayer pick rather than a story game. Steam tags it as a Western.FactDetailsReleased2019DeveloperCrytekPlatformsPC, PlayStation, XboxFAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhich type of game is Red Dead Redemption 2?Red Dead Redemption 2 is a 2018 action-adventure game developed and published by Rockstar Games. The game is set in a fictional version of the United States in 1899 and is played from first- and third-person perspectives in an open world.What game is most similar to Red Dead Redemption 2?The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the game most often named as the closest match, including by Google's AI Overview and GamesRadar. For the same setting and characters, Red Dead Redemption from 2010 is the direct follow-up to RDR2's story.Is Red Dead Redemption 1 on PC?Yes. According to its Steam store page, Red Dead Redemption launched on PC on October 29, 2024. The original 2010 release was available only on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.What are the best western games like RDR2?Red Dead Redemption, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, Weird West and Hunt: Showdown 1896 all use a Wild West setting. Fallout: New Vegas is a post-apocalyptic game, but its Mojave Desert setting gives it a strong western mood.Which games like RDR2 let you ride horses?The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Ghost of Tsushima, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Red Dead Redemption all feature horseback travel across an open world. Days Gone uses a motorcycle instead of a horse.SourcesSteam: Red Dead Redemption 2Steam: Red Dead Redemption (PC)Steam: The Witcher 3: Wild HuntSteam: Kingdom Come: Deliverance IISteam: Ghost of Tsushima Director's CutGamesRadar: Games like Red Dead Redemption 2
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This guide covers the 12 best battle royale games to play in 2026, from shooters to party and puzzle games. A battle royale is a last-player-standing match on a shrinking map. Fortnite is the best overall pick, Apex Legends the most competitive, Call of Duty: Warzone and PUBG: Battlegrounds the top military shooters, and Fall Guys the best non-violent option.Key TakeawaysFortnite is the most-played battle royale in 2026, according to the Escapist, and runs on PC, consoles and mobile.Apex Legends, Warzone, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Battlefield REDSEC and Naraka: Bladepoint are all free to play on Steam.Battlefield REDSEC, released on October 28, 2025, is the newest major battle royale among the 12 in this guide.Fall Guys, Super Animal Royale, Totally Accurate Battlegrounds and Tetris 99 are lighter options for casual players and families.Best Battle Royale Games at a Glance (October 2026)PickGameBest overallFortniteMost competitiveApex LegendsBest military shooterCall of Duty: WarzoneMost realisticPUBG: BattlegroundsBest destructionBattlefield REDSECBest melee combatNaraka: BladepointBest party gameFall GuysBest cartoon pickSuper Animal RoyaleBest on Nintendo SwitchTetris 99What Makes a Good Battle Royale Game in 2026A battle royale game is an online multiplayer game in which many players start with little or no gear, scavenge for weapons and fight until one player or team is left, while a shrinking safe zone pushes everyone together. According to Wikipedia, the genre takes its name from the 2000 Japanese film Battle Royale and grew out of mods for DayZ and Arma 3 by Brendan Greene, who later led PUBG.The 12 battle royale games in this guide were chosen because each appears in at least two sources: Google's AI Overview, recent 2026 rankings from the Escapist, FandomWire and Eneba, or Steam's store tags. Release years, developers and platforms come from Steam store pages, official sites and Wikipedia. Most of these 12 battle royale games are free to play and available on PC, with Tetris 99 as the Nintendo Switch exception.GameBest forReleasedFortniteBest overall2017Apex LegendsCompetitive team play2019Call of Duty: WarzoneMilitary shooter2020PUBG: BattlegroundsRealism2017Battlefield REDSECDestruction2025Naraka: BladepointMelee combat2021Fall GuysParty game without guns2020Super Animal RoyaleCartoon 2D action2021Blood StrikeQuick matches on mobile or lower-end PCs2023 (mobile), 2025 (Steam)Farlight 84Apex-style abilities on mobile2023Totally Accurate BattlegroundsSlapstick physics fun2018Tetris 99Puzzle battle royale on Nintendo Switch20191. FortniteFortnite is Epic Games' free-to-play battle royale, launched in September 2017 according to Wikipedia. Players drop onto an island, loot weapons and fight to be the last one standing while a storm shrinks the map. Fortnite runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile, and the Escapist calls it the most-played battle royale in 2026.Fortnite fits almost every type of player because it offers two ways to fight. Build mode lets players raise walls and ramps in seconds, while Zero Build removes building and plays like a standard shooter. Constant seasons, live events and crossover skins keep the map changing, though FandomWire notes that returning players may need time to relearn the game after long breaks.FactDetailsReleased2017DeveloperEpic GamesPlatformsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, mobileKinguinCompare Fortnite offers2. Apex LegendsApex Legends is a free-to-play hero shooter and battle royale from Respawn Entertainment, released in February 2019. According to Wikipedia, Apex Legends passed 50 million player accounts within its first month. Squads pick Legends, characters with their own abilities, and fight across large maps with sliding, climbing and fast gunplay.Apex Legends is the pick for players who want team tactics and a high skill ceiling. The Escapist ranks Apex Legends as the most competitive battle royale, and FandomWire places it first in its September 2026 ranking for movement and gunplay. New players should expect a steep learning curve, and FandomWire also lists cheating and matchmaking complaints.FactDetailsReleased2019DeveloperRespawn Entertainment (published by Electronic Arts)PlatformsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchKinguinCompare Apex Legends offers3. Call of Duty: WarzoneCall of Duty: Warzone is Activision's free-to-play battle royale, first released in March 2020 according to Wikipedia, which also reports more than 50 million players in its first month. The current version of Warzone launched on Steam on November 16, 2022, and is built by several Call of Duty studios, including Infinity Ward and Raven Software.Call of Duty: Warzone suits players who like modern military shooters and Call of Duty gunplay. The Gulag gives eliminated players a one-on-one duel for a second chance, and Buy Stations let squads purchase loadouts and revives, as FandomWire describes. The Escapist highlights the Verdansk map and the smaller Rebirth Island, and Resurgence modes on Steam offer shorter matches with respawns.FactDetailsReleased2020DeveloperActivision (Infinity Ward, Raven Software and other Call of Duty studios)PlatformsPC, PlayStation, Xbox4. PUBG: BattlegroundsPUBG: Battlegrounds is the game that, in its own Steam description, "started the Battle Royale craze." PUBG entered early access in March 2017 and set a Steam record of over 1.3 million concurrent players that September, according to Wikipedia. PUBG: Battlegrounds is now free to play, and a separate PUBG Mobile version runs on phones.PUBG: Battlegrounds is the most realistic of the 12 battle royale games in this guide. Ballistics, vehicles and slow, careful positioning matter more than flashy abilities, and the Escapist calls PUBG the most hardcore battle royale. FandomWire notes that PUBG has changed less than its rivals over the years, which is a plus for players who want the classic loot-and-survive formula.FactDetailsReleased2017DeveloperPUBG Studios (published by Krafton)PlatformsPC, PlayStation, XboxKinguinCompare PUBG: Battlegrounds offers5. Battlefield REDSECBattlefield REDSEC is a free-to-play battle royale built on Battlefield 6, released on October 28, 2025, according to its Steam page. Squads drop into Fort Lyndon, a fictional military facility in Southern California. REDSEC also includes Rapid Royale, a variant with fewer players and faster circles, plus a Gauntlet mode mentioned by the Escapist.Battlefield REDSEC stands out for destruction: players can blow holes in walls and bring buildings down, which changes how fights play out. Battlefield's class system also gives squads clear roles. The Escapist still calls REDSEC unproven, and FandomWire lists player complaints about audio cues, hit registration and performance, so expect some rough edges.FactDetailsReleased2025DeveloperBattlefield Studios (published by Electronic Arts)PlatformsPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S6. Naraka: BladepointNaraka: Bladepoint is a free-to-play battle royale from 24 Entertainment, released on Steam on August 11, 2021. Combat in Naraka centers on swords, spears and martial arts, with grappling hooks and parkour for moving across mountains and rooftops. The game's Steam page says more than 40 million players have joined.Naraka: Bladepoint is the best choice for players tired of gun-only battle royales. Fights depend on combos, parries and counters, so reading an opponent matters as much as aim. FandomWire ranks Naraka third in its 2026 list but warns about a steep learning curve, so new players should plan to spend time in training modes first.FactDetailsReleased2021Developer24 Entertainment (published by NetEase Games)PlatformsPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox7. Fall GuysFall Guys is a free party battle royale from Mediatonic, first released in August 2020 and now published by Epic Games. Instead of shooting, players race through obstacle courses and minigames, and each round eliminates part of the lobby until one winner takes the crown. Fall Guys supports crossplay, cross-platform parties and cross-progression through an Epic Games account.Fall Guys works well for families, younger players and anyone who wants a battle royale without guns. Matches are short and chaotic thanks to wobbly physics. Fall Guys Creative lets players build and share their own rounds, which keeps the content pool fresh, although FandomWire notes that some rounds can feel repetitive after many hours.FactDetailsReleased2020DeveloperMediatonic (published by Epic Games)PlatformsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchKinguinCompare Fall Guys offers8. Super Animal RoyaleSuper Animal Royale is a free-to-play, top-down 2D battle royale from Pixile for up to 64 players, according to both its Steam page and official site. Players control animals armed with guns across an abandoned safari park, solo or in squads of up to four. The official site lists PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox, with cross-platform play.Super Animal Royale is a good fit for players who want a lighter, cartoon take on the genre. The 2D view makes matches easy to read, and the free Super Animal World expansion adds fishing, hamsterball races and story quests between fights. The official site reports more than 13 million players so far.FactDetailsReleased2021DeveloperPixilePlatformsPC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch9. Blood StrikeBlood Strike is a free-to-play shooter from NetEase Games that started on mobile and came to Steam on March 13, 2025. Blood Strike offers Battle Royale alongside Squad Fight and Hot Zone modes. Players pick Strikers, characters with active and passive abilities such as drones and shield walls, and customize their weapon loadouts.Blood Strike is aimed at players who want quick matches on a phone or a lower-end PC. Google's AI Overview describes Blood Strike as mobile-first and built for fast rounds, and FandomWire mentions frequent crossover events and limited-time modes. FandomWire also notes that the gunplay is less refined than in bigger shooters, so expect a more casual feel.FactDetailsReleased2023 (mobile); 2025 (Steam)DeveloperNetEase GamesPlatformsPC, mobile10. Farlight 84Farlight 84 is a free-to-play hero shooter battle royale from Farlight Games, released on Steam on September 21, 2023. According to its Steam page, Farlight 84 drops 60 players into squads of three, with heroes, pet Buddies, wall-running, ziplines and vehicles. Some modes also give players unlimited respawns, which keeps the pace high.Farlight 84 suits players who like Apex-style abilities but want a game that runs well on mobile. Jetpacks and vehicles make movement a big part of every fight. FandomWire recommends Farlight 84 mainly for mobile players, noting a small PC community and that changes to the movement system upset some long-time fans.FactDetailsReleased2023DeveloperFarlight GamesPlatformsPC, mobile11. Totally Accurate BattlegroundsTotally Accurate Battlegrounds, or TABG, is a free physics-based battle royale from Landfall, released on Steam on June 5, 2018. According to the Steam page, matches hold up to 60 players in solo, duo or squad modes, with more than 90 weapons, including inflatable hammers and balloon crossbows.Totally Accurate Battlegrounds is the battle royale for players who care more about laughs than rankings. Wobbly ragdoll physics turn every fight into slapstick, and the small map keeps matches short. TABG is a PC-only game and free on Steam, which makes it an easy download for a group of friends.FactDetailsReleased2018DeveloperLandfallPlatformsPC12. Tetris 99Tetris 99 is a battle royale version of Tetris for Nintendo Switch, released in 2019, in which 99 players compete at the same time, according to Wikipedia. Clearing lines sends garbage blocks to opponents, and the last player whose stack has not overflowed wins. Tetris 99 requires an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, as FandomWire notes.Tetris 99 proves that battle royale is a format, not just a shooter genre. Tetris 99 has no guns, loot or maps, only puzzle skill and smart targeting of other players. Tetris 99 is a Nintendo Switch exclusive, so it is the right pick for Switch owners who want a short, competitive match without a shooter's learning curve.FactDetailsReleased2019DeveloperArika (published by Nintendo)PlatformsNintendo SwitchFAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the top 10 battle royale games?Based on 2026 rankings and Google results, the top battle royale games are Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Battlefield REDSEC, Naraka: Bladepoint, Fall Guys, Super Animal Royale, Blood Strike and Farlight 84. This guide's 12 picks also include Totally Accurate Battlegrounds and Tetris 99.Which is the no. 1 battle royale game?Fortnite is the no. 1 battle royale game in 2026 by popularity. The Escapist calls Fortnite the most-played battle royale, and it runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. For competitive play, many rankings put Apex Legends first.What are some good battle royale games?Good battle royale games depend on taste. Apex Legends and Warzone suit shooter fans, PUBG: Battlegrounds suits realism fans, and Naraka: Bladepoint offers melee combat. Fall Guys, Super Animal Royale and Tetris 99 are good picks for casual players and kids.What's the most popular battle royale game?Fortnite is the most popular battle royale game, according to the Escapist's 2026 ranking and Google's AI Overview. On mobile, PUBG Mobile is also a major title. Player counts differ between sources, so treat any single number with caution.Are battle royale games free to play?Most major battle royale games are free to play. Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Battlefield REDSEC, Naraka: Bladepoint and Fall Guys cost nothing to download and earn money from cosmetics and battle passes. Tetris 99 needs a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.SourcesWikipedia: Battle royale gameSteam: PUBG: BattlegroundsSteam: Apex LegendsSteam: Call of Duty: WarzoneSteam: Battlefield REDSECSteam: Naraka: BladepointSuper Animal Royale official siteThe Escapist: Best Battle Royale Games (Feb 2026)
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This guide covers Fortnite crossplay on every platform in 2026. Crossplay means players on different devices can party up and play in the same matches. Fortnite is fully crossplay: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, iPhone, iPad and Android all share matches. Only PlayStation and Xbox players can turn crossplay off.Key TakeawaysFortnite crossplay works across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2, Switch and mobile, and it is on by default.Epic Games says crossplay cannot be disabled on Nintendo Switch, PC or mobile; PlayStation and Xbox players can switch it off.Items and progress follow one Epic Games account to every platform, but V-Bucks bought on Nintendo Switch stay on Switch.Turning crossplay off means longer queues, and Epic warns some modes may then only work in Solo.Fortnite Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)Platform or featureStatusPC (Windows)Crossplay on, cannot be turned offPS5 and PS4Crossplay on by default, can be turned off in Fortnite settingsXbox Series X|S and Xbox OneCrossplay on by default, controlled by the Xbox cross-network play settingNintendo Switch 2 and SwitchCrossplay on, no off switchiPhone, iPad and AndroidCrossplay on, cannot be turned offMacNo up-to-date native version; play through cloud gamingItems and progressShared across platforms via one Epic Games accountPurchased V-BucksShared, except V-Bucks bought on Nintendo SwitchIs Fortnite Crossplay? Every Platform in 2026Fortnite is one of the few big multiplayer games with full crossplay on every platform it supports. A PS5 player can squad up with a friend on Xbox Series X, a teammate on Nintendo Switch 2 and another on an Android phone, all in the same Battle Royale match. Crossplay is switched on by default, so on most devices there is nothing to enable. Players only need to sign in with an Epic Games account and add each other as friends.Fortnite mobile availability changed in 2026. Fortnite returned to Google Play worldwide on March 19, 2026, as reported by Engadget and MobileSyrup, and to Apple's App Store in every country except Australia in May 2026, according to PocketGamer.biz. Mobile players on iPhone, iPad and Android join the same crossplay pool as console and PC players, and cloud gaming players sign in with the same Epic account.Mac is the one gap in Fortnite crossplay. Community guides report that the native Mac version has not been updated since 2020, so it cannot join current matches. Mac players can still reach the current version through cloud gaming services such as GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming, which play with everyone else.PlatformCrossplayCan you turn it off?PC (Windows)YesNoPS5 and PS4YesYes, in Fortnite settingsXbox Series X|S and Xbox OneYesYes, in Xbox privacy settingsNintendo Switch 2 and SwitchYesNoiPhone, iPad and AndroidYesNoMac (native)No current versionNot applicableCan PC Fortnite Play With PS5, PS4 and Xbox?Yes, PC Fortnite players can play with friends on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Fortnite does not split PC and console into separate games, so a Windows player can invite a PlayStation friend straight into a party. The only condition on the console side is that crossplay is still on. If a PlayStation player has set Allow Cross Platform Play to No, that player cannot join a party with anyone on PC.PS4 and PS5 Fortnite players also play together, and so do Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players. Fortnite treats older and newer consoles as one player base, so cross-generation play needs no extra setting. The same applies to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, according to Epic, which says Fortnite content and progress transfer to Switch 2 when a player signs in with the same Nintendo and Epic Games accounts.How to Turn Fortnite Crossplay On or OffFortnite crossplay can only be turned off on PlayStation and Xbox. According to Epic Games Help, it is currently not possible to disable crossplay on Nintendo Switch, PC or mobile. Community guides report that Switch 2 has no toggle either. On PlayStation, the switch lives inside Fortnite. Epic lists these steps:PlayStation: in the Fortnite lobby, open the Menu and select the gear icon.PlayStation: choose Settings, then the Account and Privacy tab.PlayStation: scroll to Gameplay Privacy and find Allow Cross Platform Play.PlayStation: set it to Yes to turn crossplay on or No to turn it off.Xbox: press the Xbox button and go to Profile & system, then Settings, Account, Privacy & online safety, Xbox privacy.Xbox: choose View details & customize, then Communication & multiplayer.Xbox: set "You can join cross-network play" to Allow (crossplay on) or Block (crossplay off), then restart Fortnite.Epic Games Account Linking: How Fortnite Crossplay WorksFortnite crossplay and cross-progression both run through one Epic Games account. PC and mobile players sign in to Epic directly. On PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo consoles, Fortnite connects the console account to an Epic Games account. Friends on other platforms add each other by Epic display name, not by PSN Online ID or Xbox Gamertag, so asking a friend for the exact Epic name saves time.Epic Games account linking has one trap: progress on two accounts cannot be combined. Epic Games Help says that if different progress shows on different platforms, a player has to pick which platform's progress to keep and sync that one. For Nintendo, Nintendo Support adds that only one Nintendo Account can be linked to a given Epic account, and a different Nintendo Account cannot be linked to it later, even after unlinking. The safest habit is to link every console to the main Epic account before playing on it.Fortnite Cross-Progression: What Carries Over and What Doesn'tFortnite has full cross-progression for items and progress. According to Epic Games Help, any items purchased with V-Bucks are available on all platforms where a player uses the same Epic Games account. An Outfit bought on PS5 is already in the Locker on Switch 2, PC or iPhone. Pass progress and account level follow the account the same way, so switching devices does not reset anything.Fortnite V-Bucks are the exception to cross-progression. Epic Games Help says most platforms use the Fortnite Shared Wallet, but V-Bucks purchased on Nintendo Switch are not shared with other platforms, and V-Bucks bought elsewhere show as 0 on Switch. V-Bucks earned through Fortnite Passes, Quest Packs or Save the World are shared everywhere. Players who split time between Switch and another console should buy V-Bucks for the platform where they plan to spend them, for example a V-Bucks card for that platform from a store like Kinguin.What you haveShared across platforms?Outfits, Emotes and other Locker itemsYesPass progress and account levelYesV-Bucks earned from Passes, Quest Packs, Save the WorldYesV-Bucks bought on PC, PlayStation, Xbox or AndroidYes, except on Nintendo SwitchV-Bucks bought on Nintendo SwitchNo, Switch onlyInput-Based Matchmaking: Controller vs Keyboard and MouseFortnite input-based matchmaking groups players by the device they use to play, not only by platform. Epic announced the system in 2018 so that controller players face controller players and keyboard-and-mouse players face keyboard-and-mouse players. Reports from that rollout, including TechRadar and MP1st, say console players who use a keyboard and mouse are placed in the PC matchmaking pool.Fortnite party rules for mixed inputs are reported by players and community guides rather than spelled out in current Epic documentation. According to those reports, if anyone in a party uses a keyboard and mouse, the whole party is matched against keyboard-and-mouse players, and partying with a PC player places the group in the PC pool regardless of input. Epic has not published an updated rulebook, so treat these details as how players describe it working in 2026.Why Is Fortnite Not Letting Me Play Cross-Platform?Fortnite crossplay problems almost always come from a setting or an account, not from the game blocking a platform. Epic says crossplay significantly lowers queue times and warns that if crossplay is disabled, some game modes may only work in Solo. When a friend on another platform cannot join, work through this checklist:Check that every PlayStation player has Allow Cross Platform Play set to Yes.Check that every Xbox player has "You can join cross-network play" set to Allow; on a child account a parent changes this in Xbox Family Settings.Search for the friend's Epic display name, not their console name.Confirm each player is signed in to the Epic account that holds their progress.Ask parents to check Fortnite Parental Controls, which can require a PIN for friend requests on younger players' accounts.Restart Fortnite after changing any setting.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PC Fortnite play with PS5?Yes. PC and PS5 players share Fortnite parties and matches through crossplay. The PS5 player needs Allow Cross Platform Play set to Yes in Fortnite's Account and Privacy settings, and both players add each other by Epic display name.Can PC and PS4 play Fortnite together?Yes. Fortnite crossplay covers PS4 as well as PS5, so PC and PS4 players can party up. Crossplay must be on for the PlayStation player, which is the default setting in Fortnite.Can Fortnite do cross-platform?Yes. Fortnite runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, iPhone, iPad and Android, and all of them play together. Items and progress follow one Epic Games account, but V-Bucks bought on Switch stay on Switch.Why is Fortnite not letting me play cross-platform?Usually a setting is off. PlayStation players need Allow Cross Platform Play on Yes, and Xbox players need cross-network play allowed in Xbox privacy settings. Also check that you searched the friend's Epic display name and that Parental Controls are not blocking requests.Can you turn off crossplay in Fortnite on Switch 2?No. Epic Games says crossplay cannot be disabled on Nintendo Switch, PC or mobile, and players report the same on Switch 2. Only PlayStation and Xbox players can play in console-only lobbies.SourcesEpic Games Help: How do I turn Fortnite crossplay On or Off from my console?Epic Games Help: Why don't all of my V-Bucks transfer across platforms?Epic Games Help: Nintendo Switch 1 / Nintendo Switch 2 progress transferEpic Games Help: How do I get my Nintendo progress to sync with all my other devices?Fortnite FAQ (official)Xbox Support: How do multiplayer games and communication work for cross-network play?Nintendo Support: How to link/unlink an Epic account from your Nintendo Account
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This guide covers Dead Island 2 crossplay, cross-gen play and co-op as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms share one session. Dead Island 2 has no crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox and PC. Only Steam and Epic Games Store players can play together, and consoles support cross-gen co-op within one brand, up to 3 players.Key TakeawaysDead Island 2 has no crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox and PC, according to Deep Silver's Technical FAQs.Steam and Epic Games Store players can play together on PC, a feature that arrived with the Steam release on April 22, 2024.PS4 and PS5 players can play together, and so can Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players.Online co-op supports up to 3 players and unlocks during the "Call the Cavalry" mission.Dead Island 2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPlayStation + XboxNo crossplayPC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplaySteam + Epic Games Store (PC)Yes, PC crossplay since the Steam launch on April 22, 2024PS4 + PS5Yes, cross-gen play supportedXbox One + Xbox Series X|SYes, cross-gen play supportedCo-op player countUp to 3 players, online story co-opWhen co-op unlocksAt Emma's mansion during the "Call the Cavalry" missionCross-save between platformsNot announcedConsole crossplay announcedNoIs Dead Island 2 Crossplay? The Short AnswerDead Island 2 is not crossplay between consoles and PC. Deep Silver's Technical FAQs answer the question directly: "No, Dead Island 2 will not support cross-play." PlayStation players can only join PlayStation players, Xbox players can only join Xbox players, and PC players cannot join either console family. As of October 2026, the publisher has not announced any change to that rule.Dead Island 2 does have two narrower kinds of shared play. On PC, Steam and Epic Games Store players can join each other, which PLAION describes as cross-play functionality for PC versions only. On consoles, cross-gen play is supported, so a PS4 owner can play with a PS5 owner, and an Xbox One owner can play with an Xbox Series X|S owner.Dead Island 2 co-op is online only and supports up to 3 players in the story campaign, according to Deep Silver. The co-op feature unlocks early in the story, and every player keeps their own progress. Details on hosting, unlocking and progression are covered in the co-op section below.Can You Crossplay Dead Island 2 on Xbox and PS5?Xbox and PS5 players cannot play Dead Island 2 together. The game has no crossplay between console brands, so a PS5 owner and an Xbox Series X|S owner cannot share a session, and the same applies to PS4 with Xbox One. A PLAION developer confirmed on the Steam forums in February 2024 that cross-console functionality was not available, and Deep Silver's FAQ still says the game does not support cross-play.PC and Xbox console players cannot play Dead Island 2 together either. The PC version's crossplay only connects Steam and Epic Games Store players, so a friend on an Xbox Series X|S cannot join a lobby hosted on a PC, and a PC player cannot join an Xbox session. PlayStation and PC are separated in the same way, with no setting or menu option that connects them.Dead Island 2 has no announced cross-save between platforms either. Progress on PlayStation stays on PlayStation, progress on Xbox stays on Xbox, and PC saves stay on PC. A mixed group that wants to play together needs one platform family, which in practice means at least one player switching to the platform the rest of the group uses.Steam and Epic Games: How PC Crossplay WorksDead Island 2 launched on PC as an Epic Games Store exclusive on April 21, 2023, and came to Steam on April 22, 2024, according to the Steam announcement covered by GamingOnLinux. PLAION's Steam FAQ states that the game has "cross-play functionality for PC versions only, so it is possible for friends to play together on Steam and Epic Games."Steam players do not need the Epic Games Launcher to play Dead Island 2. The game does use Epic Online Services for its online features, according to PLAION Support. To invite friends who own the game on Epic, a Steam player has to link an Epic Games account, because PLAION's FAQ says the link is needed to sync friends lists. Random matchmaking can mix Steam and Epic players without that link, according to the same FAQ.PC crossplay in Dead Island 2 is a setting players can turn on or off in the game options, according to PLAION's Steam FAQ. Steam and Epic players who cannot see each other should check that crossplay is enabled on both sides and that the Epic account link is in place before trying anything else.Launch Dead Island 2 on Steam and link your Epic Games account when prompted, or from the game's account options.Check that crossplay is enabled in the game settings on both PCs.Add your Epic friend so they appear in your synced friends list.Reach the "Call the Cavalry" mission so co-op is unlocked, then send the invite.Get Dead Island 2 on KinguinCross-Gen Play: PS4 With PS5, Xbox One With Xbox Series X|SDead Island 2 supports cross-gen play inside each console family. Deep Silver's Technical FAQs confirm: "Yes, Dead Island 2 will support cross-gen." A PS4 owner can join a PS5 owner, and an Xbox One owner can join an Xbox Series X|S owner. Cross-gen play never crosses brands, so a PS4 owner still cannot join an Xbox Series X|S session.Hosting on older consoles had limits at launch. Deep Silver's co-op guide said base PS4, Xbox One and Xbox One S consoles could join co-op games but would not be able to host at launch, while PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC could host. Mixed-generation groups were advised to let a current-gen or PC player start the session.Later patches changed the hosting picture. Dead Island 2 Patch Notes #2 listed fixes that enable players on Gen 8 consoles to host co-op games, and players report that sessions hosted on a Gen 8 console are capped at 2 players instead of 3. For a full group of three, the safest choice is still to have a PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC player host.How Dead Island 2 Co-op Works: Player Count, Unlock and ProgressDead Island 2 co-op supports up to 3 players in the full story campaign. Deep Silver explains the limit by saying that "capping at 3 players kept the combat challenging with just the right amount of zombies." Co-op is optional, and the whole campaign can be played solo. Sessions are peer-to-peer, so one player hosts and the other two join the host's game.Dead Island 2 co-op unlocks once you reach Emma's mansion during the "Call the Cavalry" mission, which Deep Silver puts at roughly 20 to 30 minutes into the game. Before that point, the co-op option is not available. A group starting fresh should each play the opening alone, then meet up once every player has reached the mansion.Progress in Dead Island 2 co-op is saved per player, whether you host or join. According to Deep Silver, a player cannot jump ahead in the story, so someone on mission three cannot join a friend who is on mission six. The friend who is further ahead can join the other player's game to help and keeps their own story progress.Co-op ruleDead Island 2Max players3Co-op typeOnline, peer-to-peer, host-basedUnlocksEmma's mansion, "Call the Cavalry" missionProgressSaved per player, host or clientJoining a friend further aheadNot possibleSolo playAlways availableWill Dead Island 2 Ever Be Crossplay?Deep Silver and Dambuster Studios have not announced plans to add console crossplay to Dead Island 2. As of October 2026, Deep Silver's Technical FAQs still state that the game does not support cross-play, and the only crossplay added after launch is the Steam and Epic connection on PC that arrived with the Steam release in April 2024.The publisher has not explained why console crossplay is missing, so any reason found online is a guess. Players hoping for PlayStation, Xbox and PC players in one lobby should plan around the current rules rather than wait for an update: same platform family, any console generation, and on PC either Steam or Epic.How to Play Dead Island 2 With Friends: ChecklistA Dead Island 2 group of up to three players needs a shared platform family before anything else. The checklist below covers the steps that matter, from platform choice to who should host. Following the steps before buying or reinstalling avoids the most common problem, which is a friend on a platform that can never join your session.Buying Dead Island 2 to join friends works best when the copy matches the group's platform. If you buy it on Kinguin, pick the version for the platform your friends play on, whether that is PlayStation, Xbox or PC, where Steam and Epic copies can play together.Agree on one platform family: PlayStation, Xbox or PC.On consoles, any generation works: PS4 and PS5 together, or Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S together.On PC, Steam and Epic copies both work; Steam players should link an Epic account to invite Epic friends.Let a PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC player host when the group has three people.Each player reaches Emma's mansion in "Call the Cavalry" to unlock co-op.The player furthest behind in the story hosts, so everyone can join.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWill Dead Island 2 ever be crossplay?No console crossplay has been announced. As of October 2026, Deep Silver's FAQ still says Dead Island 2 does not support cross-play. The only crossplay added after launch connects Steam and Epic Games Store players on PC, which arrived with the Steam release in April 2024.Can you crossplay Dead Island 2 on Xbox and PS5?No. Xbox and PS5 players cannot play Dead Island 2 together, on any console generation. Cross-gen play only works inside one brand: PS4 with PS5, or Xbox One with Xbox Series X|S. To play with a friend on the other brand, one of you needs to switch platforms.How do you play Dead Island 2 crossplay on PC?Steam and Epic players can join each other. Turn on crossplay in the game settings, and Steam players should link an Epic Games account to sync friends lists and invite Epic friends. Co-op becomes available after reaching Emma's mansion in the "Call the Cavalry" mission.Can PC and Xbox play Dead Island 2 together?No. Dead Island 2 has no crossplay between PC and Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. PLAION says crossplay applies to PC versions only, meaning Steam and Epic Games Store players. Xbox console players can only join other Xbox players.How many players can play Dead Island 2 co-op?Up to 3 players can play Dead Island 2 co-op online, according to Deep Silver. Sessions are host-based, and each player keeps their own story progress and items after leaving a session.SourcesDeep Silver: Dead Island 2 Technical FAQsDeep Silver: Everything you need to know about co-opPLAION on Steam Community: Dead Island 2 Steam FAQPLAION Support: Epic Online Services FAQ ClarificationGamingOnLinux: Dead Island 2 hits Steam in April
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This guide covers Risk of Rain 2 crossplay on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms or stores share one lobby. Risk of Rain 2 is only partly cross-platform: Steam and Epic Games Store players can play together after opting in, but PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch cannot join each other.Key TakeawaysSteam and Epic Games Store players can play Risk of Rain 2 together, but only when everyone has the crossplay option turned on.PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch players cannot share a Risk of Rain 2 lobby with each other.According to 2K Support, PS4 with PS5 and Xbox One with Xbox Series X|S play stops working with the next console update.Hallowed Concepts, released October 8, 2026, is playable on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, not on older consoles.Risk of Rain 2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)PlatformsCan they play together?Steam + Epic Games Store (PC)Yes, opt-in crossplay; both players must enable itPC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplayPlayStation + XboxNo crossplayPS4 + PS5 / Xbox One + Xbox Series X|SYes for now; 2K says it ends with the next console updateNintendo Switch + any other platformNo crossplayNew content on PS4, Xbox One, SwitchNone after January 29, 2026, per 2KOnline co-opUp to 4 players (you plus three friends)Split-screen couch co-opPS5 and Xbox Series X|S only (added August 27, 2024)Latest DLCHallowed Concepts, out October 8, 2026 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)Is Risk of Rain 2 Cross-Platform? The Short AnswerRisk of Rain 2 is cross-platform only on PC, and only between two stores. Since the game launched on the Epic Games Store in November 2024, 2K Support confirms that Epic Games Store has crossplay with Steam. Steam players must opt in first, so a Steam copy and an Epic copy can share a run of up to four players once both sides switch the option on.Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay between PC and consoles, and none between PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. Each console family keeps its own player base. Inside a console family, the picture is changing in 2026: PS4 and PS5 players can still play together for now, and so can Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, but 2K has announced that this cross-generation play will end.How to Enable Crossplay in Risk of Rain 2 on Steam and EpicRisk of Rain 2 crossplay on PC is opt-in, and 2K Support stresses one rule above the rest: players who have opted in and players who have not cannot play together. If a Steam friend cannot join your lobby, one of you is on the other setting. Changing the setting requires a game restart, and it can be switched off again at any time from the same settings menu.Risk of Rain 2 account linking matters for mixed Steam and Epic groups: Steam players who want to invite Epic friends directly should link the two accounts in the Options menu. According to 2K Support, a linked Steam account can invite and receive invites from Epic users as well as from crossplay-enabled Steam users. The steps below follow the official 2K guide.Launch Risk of Rain 2 on Steam and open multiplayer. The first time, a notification offers to enable crossplay.Enable crossplay from that notification, or later in the game settings.Restart the game so the change takes effect.To invite Epic friends, choose the account-linking option in the Options menu and sign in to your Epic account in the browser window (create one if needed).Join Epic players with a Lobby ID from a public lobby, through the Epic Games Store overlay, or by inviting them from the in-game lobby.Is Risk of Rain 2 Crossplay Between Xbox, PlayStation and PC?Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay between Xbox and PC, and none between PlayStation and PC. That applies to both PC stores, Steam and Epic Games Store. The official 2K crossplay guide describes Steam and Epic only, and no update since then has added console players to PC lobbies, according to the Risk of Rain 2 Wiki and the crossplay tracker iscrossplay.com.PlayStation and Xbox players also cannot play Risk of Rain 2 together on any console generation. A PS5 owner and an Xbox Series X|S owner need the same platform to share a run. Progress does not appear to carry across platforms either; according to iscrossplay.com, Risk of Rain 2 saves and unlocks stay tied to each platform, so switching to a friend's platform usually means starting the unlock list again.Get Risk of Rain 2 on KinguinPS4 and PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S: Cross-Gen Play in 2026Risk of Rain 2 cross-generation play is on its way out. In a support article first posted on January 28, 2026, 2K announced that it will no longer release future Risk of Rain 2 content on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch, and that updates will focus on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The same article says PS4 players will lose the ability to play with PS5 players, and Xbox One players with Xbox Series X|S players.The timing of the Risk of Rain 2 cross-gen cutoff depends on a console patch. According to 2K Support, the change goes into effect with the next update for PlayStation and Xbox, and the article, last updated October 8, 2026, still says cross-gen play remains possible for now. Mixed PS4 and PS5 groups that suddenly cannot connect should assume that update has arrived on their platform.Upgrading keeps a Risk of Rain 2 group together. Per 2K Support, PS4 and Xbox One owners who move to a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S still receive the newer version of the game, including any DLC they bought, at no extra cost. 2K also notes that bundles with DLC released after January 29, 2026 may still show up on older consoles, but that content needs a newer console to play.Does Risk of Rain 2 Have Crossplay on Switch?Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay on Nintendo Switch. Switch players can only play online with other Switch players, and they cannot join PC, PlayStation or Xbox lobbies. The Switch version also sits in the same group as PS4 and Xbox One in the 2K announcement, which means no new Risk of Rain 2 content will be released for it after January 29, 2026.Switch owners who want the newest Risk of Rain 2 expansions need a different platform. Hallowed Concepts, the fourth DLC, launched on PC on October 8, 2026, and 2K Support says DLC released after January 29, 2026 requires a newer-generation console. For Switch players with friends on Steam or Epic, the PC version is the only way to join crossplay lobbies.Risk of Rain 2 Co-op: Online, Split-Screen and DLCRisk of Rain 2 co-op supports up to four players online. The Steam store page describes it as playing solo or with up to three friends in online co-op. On PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, Gearbox also added couch co-op split-screen when those versions launched on August 27, 2024, alongside the Seekers of the Storm expansion, as reported by Gematsu. Split-screen is not available on PS4, Xbox One or Switch.Risk of Rain 2 expansions released after January 29, 2026 require a PC, PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, according to 2K Support, so Hallowed Concepts is not playable on PS4, Xbox One or Switch. The table below lists the recent expansions with their release dates, based on Gematsu's launch report and the official Steam announcements, and shows which of them older consoles can still run.ExpansionReleaseNeeds PC, PS5 or Xbox Series X|S?Seekers of the StormAugust 27, 2024NoAlloyed CollectiveNovember 18, 2025No (released before the cutoff)Hallowed ConceptsOctober 8, 2026YesHow to Play Risk of Rain 2 With Friends: ChecklistRisk of Rain 2 groups have the fewest problems when everyone checks the same few settings before a session. The list below covers the platform, version and crossplay rules from the sections above in the order they usually cause trouble. When buying a copy for a new member of the group, pick the version for the platform your friends already use, for example the Steam key on Kinguin for a PC group. A copy for the wrong platform cannot join any of the group's lobbies, since Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay outside PC.Put everyone in the same platform family: PC (Steam or Epic), PlayStation, Xbox or Switch.On PC, have every player turn crossplay on, or every player turn it off, then restart the game.Link Steam and Epic accounts in Options if Steam players need to invite Epic friends.On PlayStation and Xbox, move the group to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S before cross-gen play ends; the upgrade is free per 2K.On PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, use split-screen for a second player on the same console.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Risk of Rain 2 crossplay between Xbox and PC?No. Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay between Xbox and PC. The only crossplay is on PC, between Steam and Epic Games Store, and it requires every player to enable the crossplay option and restart the game.How to enable crossplay on Risk of Rain 2?On Steam, open multiplayer and accept the crossplay prompt, or turn it on in settings, then restart. To invite Epic friends, link your Steam and Epic accounts in the Options menu. Players with crossplay off cannot join players with it on.Can PS5 and PC play Risk of Rain 2 together?No. PS5 and PC players cannot share a Risk of Rain 2 lobby. A PS5 player can only play with PlayStation players, and PS4 players will be cut off from PS5 lobbies with the next console update, according to 2K Support.Does Risk of Rain 2 have crossplay on Switch?No. The Switch version of Risk of Rain 2 only plays online with other Switch players. 2K also confirmed that the Switch, PS4 and Xbox One versions get no new content after January 29, 2026.Can PS4 and PS5 play Risk of Rain 2 together?For now, yes. According to 2K Support, PS4 and PS5 players lose cross-gen play with the next PlayStation update. PS4 owners who upgrade to a PS5 get the PS5 version and their DLC at no extra cost.Sources2K Support: Risk of Rain 2: Crossplay and You, An Epic Tale2K Support: The Future of Risk of Rain 2 on Gen 8 ConsolesSteam: Risk of Rain 2 store pageSteam News: Hallowed Concepts is Available Now! (October 8, 2026)Gematsu: Risk of Rain 2 coming to PS5, Xbox Series on August 27 alongside Seekers of the StormRisk of Rain 2 Wiki (wiki.gg)
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This guide covers Rocket League crossplay on every platform, ranked, the crossplay toggle, cross-progression with an Epic Games Account and the game's Steam status. Yes, Rocket League is fully crossplay in 2026: PC (Epic Games Store and Steam), PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch players can play together in all online modes, including ranked.Key TakeawaysRocket League has full crossplay between PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch in all online match types, including Competitive.Crossplay is on by default and can only be turned off completely in Settings, Gameplay; a single platform cannot be excluded.Cross-progression works through an Epic Games Account, with a Primary Platform setting your rank, Rocket Pass progress and XP Level.Rocket League has been unlisted on Steam since the free-to-play launch on September 23, 2020, though existing Steam owners can still play.Rocket League Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC + PlayStation + Xbox + SwitchYes, full crossplay in all online match typesPC stores coveredEpic Games Store and SteamRanked (Competitive) crossplayYesCrossplay defaultOn; toggle in Settings > GameplayBlock one specific platformNo, crossplay is all or nothingCross-progressionYes, via an Epic Games Account and a Primary PlatformPurchased Credits shared across platformsNo, they stay on the platform of purchaseBuy on Steam in 2026No, unlisted since free-to-play launch (Sept 23, 2020)Mac and Linux online playNo, disabled since March 2020Is Rocket League Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Yes, Rocket League is fully crossplay in 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same matches and parties. According to Epic Games Help, players on Epic Games Store, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and Steam can matchmake with or against each other in all online match types. A PC player can queue with a friend on PS5, and a Switch player can end up in the same lobby as someone on Xbox.Rocket League crossplay is switched on by default, so most players never touch a setting. Psyonix brought full cross-platform matchmaking to the game on January 14, 2019, when PlayStation joined the program that already connected PC, Xbox and Switch. Since the free-to-play launch on September 23, 2020, according to Epic Games, an Epic Games Account also links your progress across platforms, which is a separate feature covered further down.Which Platforms Can Play Rocket League Together?Rocket League crossplay covers every platform where the game is available today: PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. The table below lists who can share online matches with whom, based on Epic Games Help and Psyonix announcements. Mac, Linux and the mobile spin-off are listed too, because they are the exceptions players most often ask about.Rocket League on PC comes from two stores, and both connect to consoles. New PC players download the free version from the Epic Games Store, while players who bought the game on Steam before the 2020 free-to-play switch still play there. Epic Games Help lists both Epic Games Store and Steam among the platforms that matchmake together, so the store a PC friend uses does not affect whether you can play together.PlatformPlays withPC (Epic Games Store)PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, SteamPC (Steam, existing owners)PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Epic Games StorePlayStation (PS4, PS5)PC, Xbox, SwitchXbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)PC, PlayStation, SwitchNintendo SwitchPC, PlayStation, XboxMac and LinuxNo online play since March 2020Mobile (Rocket League Sideswipe)Separate game, no crossplayCan PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch Players Party Up?Rocket League players on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch can party up, not just meet in random lobbies. Cross-platform parties and a new friends list arrived with the Friends Update on February 19, 2019, per the official v1.58 patch notes. Every player has a RocketID, and the RocketID tab of the friends list shows online friends on other platforms. Add a friend by their RocketID, invite them to your party, and queue together like you would with someone on the same console.Rocket League also supports Private Matches across platforms, according to Epic Games Help. Private Matches suit custom games, 1v1 practice with a friend, or scrims between friend groups. One player creates the match from the Play menu and the others join it, whatever platform each of them is on. Private Matches were the way to play with cross-platform friends before parties arrived, and they still work today.Rocket League chat works differently across platforms. Per Epic's Cross-Platform FAQ, Party Chat lets you text friends on all platforms, while typed messages during a match are visible only to players on your own platform. Quick Chat is seen by everyone. Epic Games Help also says voice chat can be used with friends on all platforms; it is turned on under Settings, Chat, View Voice Chat Settings.Get Rocket League on KinguinIs Rocket League Ranked Crossplay?Yes, Rocket League ranked is crossplay. Competitive playlists use the same cross-platform matchmaking as Casual and Extra Modes. Psyonix confirmed in January 2019 that players on all platforms can matchmake in Casual, Competitive and Extra Modes, and Epic Games Help today says crossplay applies to all online match types. A Diamond player on Switch can therefore face a Diamond player on PC or Xbox.Rocket League ranks also travel with you between platforms if you link them. Per Psyonix's 2020 cross-progression guide, your Primary Platform sets the Competitive Rank you use everywhere, along with your Rocket Pass progress and XP Level. Players who climbed on PC and later play on console keep the same rank, as long as both accounts are linked to one Epic Games Account and PC is the Primary Platform.How to Turn Crossplay On or Off in Rocket LeagueRocket League lets you turn crossplay on or off in the game's Gameplay settings. According to Epic Games Help, Cross-Platform Play is enabled by default, so most players only need these steps to switch it back on after turning it off, or to confirm it is active before inviting friends from other platforms. The steps are the same on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch:Rocket League crossplay can only be turned off completely. Epic's Cross-Platform FAQ says it is not possible to exclude one specific platform, so there is no option to block PC players while keeping console players, or the other way around. The same FAQ warns that matches may take longer to find with crossplay disabled.Launch Rocket League.Select Settings from the Main Menu.Open the Gameplay tab.Check the Cross-Platform Play box to turn crossplay on, or uncheck it to turn it off.Cross-Progression and Your Epic Games AccountCross-progression means one profile follows you across platforms. In Rocket League it runs through an Epic Games Account. Psyonix explains that you sign in to Epic, link your PlayStation Network, Xbox, Nintendo Switch Online or Steam accounts, and pick a Primary Platform. That platform is the source of your Competitive Rank, Rocket Pass progress and XP Level, so choose the one where you have the highest rank and the most progress.Rocket League also shares inventory between linked platforms, with exceptions. Per Epic Games Help, items stay in their account of origin but can be used on any linked platform, as long as the accounts stay linked. Epic also states that accounts on the same platform cannot be merged. According to Psyonix's 2020 guide, you can unlink a platform and pick a new Primary Platform later, but that platform cannot then be linked to a different Epic Games Account.Rocket League Credits are the main exception to shared inventory. Per Epic Games Help, purchased Credits balances are not shared, and Credits included in item bundles are only available on the platform where the bundle was bought. Purchased Credits stay on the platform where they were bought, so if you buy Rocket League Credits, for example on Kinguin, pick the version for the platform you play on.Shared across linked platformsNot sharedFree drops (Common and Event items)Purchased Credits balances, including Credits from item bundlesSeason Rewards, Titles and Rocket Pass itemsPlatform-exclusive items (Sweet Tooth, Hogsticker, Armadillo, Mario and Luigi NSR, Samus' Gunship)Item Shop purchases, Blueprints and Premium DLCBatman/DC Superheroes on-disc DLC (Ultimate Edition)Esports Shop items, Fan Rewards, RLCS attendee items-Is Rocket League Still on Steam?No, Rocket League can no longer be bought or downloaded fresh on Steam. The Steam store page still exists but says the game is unlisted on the Steam store at the request of the publisher and will not appear in search. The change came with the free-to-play launch on September 23, 2020, when the game moved to the Epic Games Store for new PC players, according to Epic and press coverage from Gematsu.Rocket League owners who bought the game on Steam before the switch were not cut off. Psyonix said at the time that existing Steam players would keep access and receive updates, and Steam is still listed by Epic Games Help as a crossplay platform. Steam players who want cross-progression need to link their Steam account to an Epic Games Account. New PC players get the free version from the Epic Games Store.Mac, Linux and Rocket League Sideswipe: What Crossplay Does Not CoverRocket League crossplay has a few gaps worth knowing before you plan a session. Psyonix ended support for Mac and Linux in 2020, and the final patch in March 2020 disabled online features on both. Local matches and splitscreen still work there, but Mac and Linux players cannot join online crossplay. Psyonix pointed affected Steam owners to running the game on Windows instead.Rocket League Sideswipe, the mobile spin-off, is a separate game. Epic's Cross-Platform FAQ says there is no cross-progression between Rocket League and Rocket League Sideswipe, and items cannot be transferred between them. Progress, ranks and inventory from the main game do not appear in Sideswipe, so mobile and console or PC friends cannot play the same matches either.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PC and Xbox crossplay Rocket League?Yes. PC players on the Epic Games Store or Steam can play Rocket League with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players in casual, ranked and extra modes. Crossplay is on by default, and you can party up with an Xbox friend through their RocketID.Can PS4 and Xbox One play Rocket League together?Yes. PS4 and Xbox One players can matchmake and party up in Rocket League, and the same goes for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Per Psyonix, full crossplay between PlayStation and the other platforms has been live since January 2019.Is Rocket League crossplay between PC and Switch?Yes. Nintendo Switch players can play Rocket League with PC players on the Epic Games Store and Steam, as well as with PlayStation and Xbox players. Ranks and most items carry over if the Switch account is linked to the same Epic Games Account.Can PlayStation and Xbox players play Rocket League together?Yes. Rocket League connects PlayStation and Xbox players in random matchmaking, parties and Private Matches. Text chat in parties works across platforms, while typed messages during a match are visible only to players on your own platform, according to Epic's FAQ.Do I need an Epic Games Account to play Rocket League crossplay?An Epic Games Account is what links Rocket League progress across platforms. Cross-progression, shared inventory and carrying your Competitive Rank between platforms all depend on linking each platform account to one Epic Games Account and choosing a Primary Platform.SourcesEpic Games Help: How do I play Rocket League with a friend on a different platform?Epic Games Help: Rocket League Cross-Platform FAQEpic Games Help: Which Rocket League items can be shared across linked accounts?Rocket League: Full Cross-Platform Play Now Live (Jan 14, 2019)Rocket League: Cross-Platform Progression with Free to Play, A Closer Look (Aug 11, 2020)Epic Games Store: Rocket League is free to play starting September 23Steam: Rocket League store page (unlisted)
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This guide covers ARK crossplay as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms share one server. ARK: Survival Evolved is only partly cross-platform: Xbox plays with the Microsoft Store PC version, Steam plays with Epic on dedicated servers, and PlayStation is separate. ARK: Survival Ascended has crossplay across PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5.Key TakeawaysARK: Survival Evolved on Xbox and the Microsoft Store PC version play together through Xbox Play Anywhere.Steam and Epic Games Store players can share an ARK: Survival Evolved server only if it runs the -crossplay launch option and no mods.ARK: Survival Evolved on PlayStation has no crossplay with PC or Xbox, and its official servers closed at the end of September 2023.ARK: Survival Ascended supports crossplay across PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5, but it cannot connect to ARK: Survival Evolved.ARK Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerXbox + Windows PC (Microsoft Store), ARK: Survival EvolvedYes, crossplay via Xbox Play AnywhereSteam + Epic Games Store, ARK: Survival EvolvedYes, on dedicated servers started with -crossplay and no modsSteam or Epic + Xbox, ARK: Survival EvolvedNoPlayStation + PC or Xbox, ARK: Survival EvolvedNoARK: Survival Evolved official serversShut down at the end of September 2023ARK: Survival Ascended platformsPC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S, PS5 with crossplayPC + console on official ASA PvPDisabled since late 2023; community guides report it is still off in 2026Survival Evolved + Survival Ascended togetherNo, separate gamesIs ARK Cross-Platform? The Short Answer for 2026ARK: Survival Evolved is cross-platform only in a few specific pairs. Xbox players can play with PC players who own the Microsoft Store version, and Steam players can play with Epic Games Store players on the right kind of server. PlayStation players are on their own: the PS4 version of ARK: Survival Evolved does not connect to PC or Xbox. There is no single setting that puts every platform on one server.ARK: Survival Ascended, the Unreal Engine 5 remake from Studio Wildcard, is a different story. ARK: Survival Ascended supports crossplay between PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5, so a mixed group has far more options there. The two games are separate products with separate servers, though. A player in ARK: Survival Evolved cannot join a friend in ARK: Survival Ascended, and characters do not carry over between them.ARK: Survival Evolved also lost its official servers. According to MMOs.com and other outlets covering the announcement, Studio Wildcard shut down the official ARK: Survival Evolved network at the end of September 2023, with a final save snapshot on September 29 at 5 p.m. PDT. Players can still play on unofficial servers, private servers and in single-player, and that is where all ARK: Survival Evolved crossplay happens today.Can ARK Crossplay With Xbox and PC?ARK: Survival Evolved crossplay between Xbox and PC works only with the Microsoft Store version on Windows. Studio Wildcard made the game an Xbox Play Anywhere title, as reported by TweakTown and OnMSFT, so the Windows Store copy and the Xbox copy can join the same servers. Owning one digital copy through the Microsoft Store also gives access on both Xbox and Windows, with progress tied to the Microsoft account.Steam and Epic Games Store copies of ARK: Survival Evolved cannot play with Xbox. The PC versions sold on Steam and Epic are built for a different network and never show Xbox servers, and Xbox players cannot see theirs. A PC player who wants to play with Xbox friends needs the Microsoft Store version on Windows, not a second Steam account or a mod. No supported workaround exists for joining an Xbox server from Steam.ARK: Survival Ascended handles Xbox and PC differently. In ARK: Survival Ascended, the Steam version on PC is part of the same crossplay pool as Xbox Series X|S and PS5. A PC player on Steam can join console players on unofficial servers that allow PC connections. The official PvP restrictions on PC players are covered in the ARK: Survival Ascended section below.Can Steam and Epic Games Players Play ARK: Survival Evolved Together?Steam and Epic Games Store players can play ARK: Survival Evolved together, but only on a dedicated server set up for it. According to server host guides from Nodecraft and Host Havoc, the server owner has to add the -crossplay launch option to the server's startup parameters. Without that option, a dedicated server accepts only Steam players. A separate option, -epiconly, makes a server that accepts Epic Games Store players only.Mods are the main catch for Steam and Epic crossplay in ARK: Survival Evolved. The Epic version has no access to Steam Workshop mods, so a server running mods only accepts Steam connections, as Nodecraft's guide explains. A Steam and Epic group therefore has to play on a vanilla server. Steam players who want their favorite mods need to keep a separate modded server or play without the Epic friends.Non-dedicated sessions are more limited for Steam and Epic groups. Server hosts consistently point to dedicated servers as the supported way to mix the two stores. The simplest path is a rented server from a host that offers a crossplay toggle, or a self-hosted dedicated server with the launch options below.Rent or start an ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server.Add -crossplay to the server's launch options (or -epiconly for an Epic-only server).Remove all Steam Workshop mods from the server.Restart the server and share its name or IP with Steam and Epic friends.Get ARK: Survival Evolved on KinguinIs ARK Cross-Platform Between PS4 and Xbox?ARK: Survival Evolved has no crossplay between PS4 and Xbox. The PlayStation version runs on its own network and cannot connect to Xbox servers, Microsoft Store servers, Steam servers or Epic servers. That rule covers every PlayStation and Xbox combination: PS4 with Xbox One, and PS5 owners running the PS4 version with Xbox Series X|S owners. Studio Wildcard has not announced any plan to change it.ARK: Survival Evolved on PlayStation also has no crossplay with PC. A PS4 player and a Steam player cannot share a server, and progress does not move between them. A group split between PlayStation and PC has two realistic choices: someone buys the version their friends play, or the whole group moves to ARK: Survival Ascended, where PS5 and PC share servers.PS5 owners have one extra route in ARK: Survival Evolved. ARK: Survival Evolved is a PS4 game, and players report running it on PS5 through backward compatibility to play with PS4 friends on the same PlayStation servers. Community sources do not fully agree on this point, so test with a friend before planning a group around it.ARK: Survival Ascended Crossplay in 2026ARK: Survival Ascended was built with crossplay from the start. Studio Wildcard confirmed crossplay between PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5 when it announced the console release, as reported by GameSpot. Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players share official servers, and unofficial server owners can choose which platforms may connect. That makes ARK: Survival Ascended the version to pick for a group that mixes PlayStation, Xbox and PC.PC players face one limit in ARK: Survival Ascended. In late 2023, Studio Wildcard blocked PC players from official crossplay PvP servers because of cheating and said it was working on stronger anti-cheat with BattlEye and Microsoft, as reported by eXputer and MMOs.com. Community and server host guides updated in May and September 2026 report that PC-to-console play on official PvP is still off. No official Studio Wildcard statement confirming the current status was found.Unofficial ARK: Survival Ascended servers are the most flexible option for mixed groups. Server host guides say admins can allow any combination of PC, Xbox and PlayStation players. Players report that official PvE servers are mostly open to PC and console together, but Studio Wildcard has changed server rules before, so check the platform settings of a specific server before inviting friends.PlayersARK: Survival EvolvedARK: Survival AscendedXbox + Windows PCYes (Microsoft Store version only)Yes (Steam version on PC)PlayStation + XboxNoYes (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S)PlayStation + PCNoYes, except official PvP (reported still blocked)Evolved + AscendedNoNoHow to Play ARK With Friends on Different Platforms: ChecklistMixed ARK groups should settle two questions before anyone buys a copy: which game and which platform. ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended never share servers, so the whole group needs the same game. After that, the platform pairs from the table above decide whether everyone can join the same server. The checklist below covers the common cases.Buying ARK: Survival Evolved for a group works best when the copy matches the friends' platform and store. On Kinguin, pick the ARK: Survival Evolved version for the platform your group already plays on, such as Steam for a Steam and Epic server, or the Microsoft Store edition to join Xbox friends.Agree on one game: ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended.In ARK: Survival Evolved, pair Xbox with the Microsoft Store PC version, and Steam with Epic.For Steam and Epic, use a dedicated server with -crossplay and no mods.PlayStation players in ARK: Survival Evolved can only play with other PlayStation players.In ARK: Survival Ascended, PC players should join unofficial or PvE servers to play with console friends.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan ARK crossplay with Xbox and PC?Yes, with limits. In ARK: Survival Evolved, Xbox plays only with the Microsoft Store version on Windows, not Steam or Epic. In ARK: Survival Ascended, Steam players can join Xbox players, but community guides report that PC players are still blocked from official PvP servers with consoles.Is ARK cross-platform between PS4 and Xbox?No. ARK: Survival Evolved on PS4 has no crossplay with Xbox, PC or any other platform. Players who want PlayStation and Xbox on the same server need ARK: Survival Ascended, which supports crossplay between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.Is ARK crossplay between PC and PS4?No. The PS4 version of ARK: Survival Evolved cannot connect to Steam, Epic or Microsoft Store servers. PC and PlayStation can play together only in ARK: Survival Ascended, on PS5, and mainly on unofficial or PvE servers.Can ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended play together?No. ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended are separate games with separate servers. Players cannot join each other across the two games, so a group has to agree on one of them before playing.Are ARK: Survival Evolved official servers still online?No. Studio Wildcard shut down the official ARK: Survival Evolved servers at the end of September 2023. The game still works on unofficial servers, private servers and in single-player, and players were given access to their official server saves.SourcesTweakTown: ARK: Survival Evolved cross-play enabled between Xbox and PCOnMSFT: ARK: Survival Evolved gets Xbox Play Anywhere supportNodecraft: Allowing crossplay with the Epic Games version of ARK: Survival EvolvedMMOs.com: ARK: Survival Evolved confirms official server closuresGameSpot: Ark: Survival Ascended console release date revealed, cross-play confirmedeXputer: Ark: Survival Ascended devs disable PC crossplay due to cheaters
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This guide covers Ready or Not crossplay on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as of October 2026. Yes, Ready or Not is crossplay: Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can share co-op lobbies. Crossplay means players on different platforms join the same game. Mods stay PC-only, and progress does not carry between platforms.Key TakeawaysReady or Not supports crossplay between Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to VOID Interactive.Crossplay is switched on in Main Menu > Settings > Gameplay and cannot be changed mid-game.Console players cannot join a PC host who is running mods, even with crossplay enabled.Ready or Not has no cross-progression, so each platform keeps its own progress.Ready or Not Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerCrossplay platformsSteam, Epic Games Store, PS5, Xbox Series X|SPC + PS5 / Xbox Series X|SYes, if both players enable crossplayPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesWhere to turn it onMain Menu > Settings > Gameplay (not mid-game)Epic account requiredNo, linking only adds cross-platform friends and the overlayOnline co-opUp to 5 playersModsPC only; a modded PC host blocks console playersCross-progressionNoConsole releaseJuly 15, 2025 (PC full release: December 13, 2023)Is Ready or Not Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Ready or Not is crossplay in 2026. According to VOID Interactive, the developer, players on Steam, the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 can play together. Crossplay arrived with the console launch on July 15, 2025, when the game came to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The PC version had already left Early Access and reached its full release on December 13, 2023, per the Steam store page.Ready or Not crossplay covers the co-op mode, which supports up to five players on all platforms, according to the Steam and PlayStation store listings. Crossplay is a setting, not a guarantee: each player needs it enabled, and the host's setting decides who can join a public lobby. On PS5, online play also requires a PlayStation Plus membership, per the PlayStation store listing.Ready or Not crossplay has two limits worth knowing before a mixed group buys in. Mods are a PC-only feature that can keep console players out of a lobby, and the game has no cross-progression, so unlocks and progress stay on the platform where they were earned. Both limits are covered in their own sections below, together with the lobby rules that decide who can join whom.Can PC Players Play With PS5 Players in Ready or Not?PC players can play Ready or Not with PS5 players. VOID Interactive lists Steam, Epic Games Store and PlayStation 5 among the platforms that share crossplay lobbies, so a Steam or Epic player can host a PS5 friend, and a PS5 player can host a PC friend. The same applies to Xbox Series X|S: PC and Xbox players can play together as long as both have crossplay turned on.A PC and console session in Ready or Not depends on settings on both sides. Every player in the group needs crossplay enabled, and the PC host needs to run the game without mods (see the mods section below). When a PS5 or Xbox friend cannot find or join a PC lobby, checking the crossplay toggle on each platform is the first and fastest step before looking at anything else.Ready or Not on PC is the same game whether it was bought on Steam or the Epic Games Store, and both storefronts are part of the crossplay pool. Store choice does not split the player base, so a Steam player and an Epic player can team up with each other and with console players without any extra steps beyond enabling crossplay.Can Xbox and PS5 Play Ready or Not Together?Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players can play Ready or Not together. VOID Interactive includes both consoles in the same crossplay pool as PC, so there is no separate PlayStation-only or Xbox-only rule. A PS5 player can invite an Xbox friend into a co-op lobby, and the other way around, once both have crossplay switched on.Ready or Not on console is available only on the current generation. The game launched on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on July 15, 2025, and there is no PS4 or Xbox One version. A friend still on a last-generation console cannot join a crossplay lobby and would need a PS5, an Xbox Series X|S or a PC copy to play.VOID Interactive notes that some Xbox and PS5 players may see the crossplay option greyed out. The developer links this to platform restrictions such as parental controls. Players in that situation need to change the console's privacy or family settings before the in-game crossplay toggle becomes available. Once the console allows cross-network play, the toggle in Ready or Not's Gameplay settings works the same way it does on PC.Get Ready or Not on KinguinHow to Turn On Crossplay in Ready or NotReady or Not crossplay is changed in the main menu, not during a mission. According to VOID Interactive, the toggle sits in the Gameplay settings, and the game also shows a one-time popup asking about crossplay the first time a player tries multiplayer. PureXbox reports that the setting started out disabled on Xbox at launch, so console players should check it before inviting friends.Ready or Not shows a short message at the bottom of the screen once crossplay is active: "crossplay is enabled, you may encounter cross-network players," according to PureXbox. Seeing that message before creating a lobby is a quick way to confirm the setting is saved. VOID Interactive's setup steps for every platform are listed below in order.Open Ready or Not and stay on the main menu (the setting cannot be changed mid-game).Go to Settings and open the Gameplay tab.Scroll to the bottom and set Cross-Play to enabled.Optional: use the Account Linking button under Multiplayer Options to link an Epic account for cross-platform friends.Create or join a lobby; invited players with crossplay off are prompted to turn it on.Co-op Lobbies and Epic Account LinkingReady or Not lobbies follow simple crossplay rules, according to VOID Interactive. Public lobbies use the host's crossplay setting, and only players with crossplay enabled can join a host who has it enabled. Friends-only lobbies let the host choose crossplay and difficulty when creating the lobby, and that choice does not change the global setting. Invited players who have crossplay off are asked to turn it on before joining.An Epic account is not required for Ready or Not crossplay, VOID Interactive confirms. Linking one is optional on Steam, Xbox and PS5, and automatic on the Epic Games Store. A linked account unlocks the Epic friends list, adding friends across platforms and the Epic overlay. Without linking, players can still play with friends on other platforms but cannot add or track them through Epic.The Epic overlay in Ready or Not opens with Shift+F3 on PC, the View button on Xbox and the Touchpad on PlayStation, per VOID Interactive. Unlinking an Epic account is done through Epic's Account Portal, and the developer warns it triggers a 12-month cooldown before the same Epic account can be linked to a different platform account, so link the right account the first time.Mods on PC vs Console: Why Modded Lobbies Block CrossplayReady or Not mods are a PC-only feature. VOID Interactive states that mods are allowed on PC but not on consoles, and Insider Gaming reported before the console launch that the PS5 and Xbox versions would not support mods. As of October 2026, VOID Interactive has not announced mod support for PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.A modded Ready or Not lobby on PC is closed to console players. According to VOID Interactive, if a PC host uses mods, console players cannot join, even with crossplay enabled. A PC player who wants to host friends on PS5 or Xbox needs to disable mods first, while PC-only groups can keep using mods and still play with each other.Ready or Not groups with mixed platforms usually pick one of two setups: an unmodded lobby that everyone can join, or a modded PC-only lobby. Neither is wrong, but the choice should be made before the session starts, because an active mod on the PC host is enough to keep console friends out of the game.Lobby typePC playersPS5 / Xbox playersUnmodded, crossplay onCan joinCan joinPC host with modsCan joinCannot joinCrossplay offSame platform onlySame platform onlyCross-Progression, DLC and What Carries OverCrossplay and cross-progression are different features. Crossplay lets players on different platforms share a lobby, while cross-progression would let one save follow a player across platforms. Ready or Not has crossplay but not cross-progression: the Steam FAQ quoted by Insider Gaming says the game will not offer cross-progression, so moving from PC to PS5 or Xbox means starting over. VOID Interactive has not announced cross-progression since the console launch.Ready or Not DLC releases on all platforms at the same time. The Boiling Point expansion, which adds three new maps, launched on March 12, 2026, on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to TheSixthAxis and Gameswelt. Earlier expansions Home Invasion and Dark Waters are also listed on the Steam store page.Ready or Not is easiest to plan around when the group agrees on platforms before buying. Pick the platform where your progress should live, because it will not transfer later. If you still need a copy, Kinguin offers Ready or Not for different platforms, so make sure you pick the version that matches the system you plan to play on.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PC players play with PS5 players in Ready or Not?Yes. Ready or Not supports crossplay between PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) and PS5, according to VOID Interactive. Both players need crossplay enabled in the Gameplay settings, and the PC host must not be running mods, because console players cannot join modded lobbies.Is there crossplay between PC and Xbox in Ready or Not?Yes. PC and Xbox Series X|S players can play Ready or Not together. VOID Interactive includes Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox Series X|S in the same crossplay pool. Turn crossplay on in the main menu's Gameplay settings before creating or joining a lobby.Can Xbox and PS5 play Ready or Not together?Yes. Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players share crossplay lobbies in Ready or Not. If the crossplay option is greyed out, VOID Interactive points to platform restrictions such as parental controls, which need to be changed in the console's settings.Does Ready or Not have cross-progression?No. Ready or Not does not offer cross-progression, according to the Steam FAQ quoted by Insider Gaming, and VOID Interactive has not announced it since. Progress and unlocks stay on the platform where they were earned, so switching platforms means starting over.Do you need an Epic account for Ready or Not crossplay?No. VOID Interactive says an Epic account is not required for crossplay. Linking one is optional outside the Epic Games Store and adds the Epic friends list, cross-platform friend adding and the overlay. Unlinking later triggers a 12-month cooldown.SourcesVOID Interactive: How Cross-play in Ready or Not worksSteam: Ready or Not store pagePlayStation: Ready or NotPureXbox: How to turn on crossplay in Ready or NotInsider Gaming: Ready or Not crossplayTheSixthAxis: Boiling Point DLC out now
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This guide covers crossplay, cross-generation play and progress transfers in Red Dead Redemption 2. Crossplay means players on different platforms sharing one game session. RDR2 has no crossplay in 2026: PC, PlayStation and Xbox players cannot play together, and none is announced. PS4 and PS5 players can play together, as can Xbox One and Series X|S players.Key TakeawaysRed Dead Online has no crossplay between PC, PlayStation and Xbox, and none has been announced.PS4 and PS5 players share sessions, and so do Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, because current consoles run the last-gen version through backward compatibility.Red Dead Online progress carries over from PS4 to PS5 or Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S on the same account, but not between PC and console or between console brands.Rockstar ended major Red Dead Online updates in 2022, yet the game is still online with monthly bonus events in 2026.RDR2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplayPlayStation + XboxNo crossplayPS4 + PS5Yes, PS5 runs the PS4 version via backward compatibilityXbox One + Xbox Series X|SYes, Series X|S runs the Xbox One version via backward compatibilityMove Red Dead Online progress PS4 to PS5 / Xbox One to Series X|SYes, carries over on the same PSN or Xbox accountMove progress between PC and console, or PlayStation and XboxNoNative PS5 / Xbox Series X|S versionNot announced by Rockstar (rumors only)Red Dead Online major updatesEnded in 2022; monthly bonus events still runCrossplay announcedNoIs RDR2 Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Red Dead Redemption 2 is not crossplay in 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms, such as PC and PlayStation, can join the same online session. Red Dead Online, the multiplayer mode of RDR2, keeps PC, PlayStation and Xbox players in separate player pools. Rockstar has not announced any plan to add crossplay, and no update since launch in 2018 has changed that rule.Red Dead Online does allow cross-generation play inside one console family. A PS4 player can ride with a PS5 player, and an Xbox One player can ride with an Xbox Series X|S player. The reason is simple: there is no native PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version of RDR2, so newer consoles run the PS4 or Xbox One version through backward compatibility and land in the same lobbies.Red Dead Redemption 2 also has no cross-progression. Cross-progression means one shared character that follows you between platforms. A Red Dead Online character stays on the platform family where it was created, apart from the move from an older console to its successor on the same account, which is covered in the cross-generation section below.Can PC and PS4 Play RDR2 Together?PC and PS4 players cannot play Red Dead Redemption 2 together. Red Dead Online on PC runs in its own player pool, separate from every PlayStation and Xbox console. The same applies to PS5 and Xbox, so a PC player has no way to join a friend on any console, and there is no setting, invite system or workaround that connects the two.PC players who bought Red Dead Redemption 2 in different stores are in a better position. The game is sold on Steam, Epic Games Store and Rockstar Games Launcher, and every PC copy runs through Rockstar's own launcher and Social Club account. Players report that friends on different PC stores can play Red Dead Online together, although Rockstar does not publish a dedicated support page on this for RDR2.Mixed PC and console groups have only practical options. One side needs a copy on the other side's platform, and the player switching starts a new Red Dead Online character there. Before buying, check which platform most of the group plays on and pick up Red Dead Redemption 2 for that platform, for example on Kinguin, rather than guessing.Can PS4 and Xbox Play Red Dead Online Together?PlayStation and Xbox players cannot play Red Dead Online together. A PS4 or PS5 player cannot join a posse with an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S player, on any console generation. Each console brand has its own Red Dead Online player base, and Rockstar has never offered cross-network play between them.Rockstar has not explained publicly why Red Dead Redemption 2 has no crossplay. Many theories circulate online, but none come from Rockstar, so treat them as guesses. The studio's other online game, GTA Online, also has no crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox and PC, so the two Rockstar games follow the same pattern.Crossplay is also unlikely to arrive late in Red Dead Online's life. Rockstar stopped major content updates in 2022, and adding crossplay would be a large technical change for a game in maintenance mode. That is an inference from the update history, not an official statement, but there is no sign of crossplay in any Rockstar announcement so far.Get Red Dead Redemption 2 on KinguinCross-Generation: PS4 to PS5 and Xbox One to Xbox Series X|SRed Dead Redemption 2 runs on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility, as Rockstar confirmed in November 2020 ahead of the new consoles' launch. Owners of the PS4 or Xbox One version can install and play the same copy on the newer console. Because PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players run the last-gen version, they share Red Dead Online sessions with PS4 and Xbox One players on the same brand.Red Dead Online progress moves with you to the new console. According to Rockstar's November 2020 announcement, progress and accomplishments in Red Dead Online carry over to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as long as you use the same PlayStation Network or Xbox account. No migration menu or one-time transfer is needed, because the game and save are the same version.A native PS5 and Xbox Series X|S version of Red Dead Redemption 2 has not been announced. Insiders have reported for over a year that an enhanced version exists, but Rockstar has confirmed nothing, including any release date or price. Until an official announcement, the backward-compatible version is the only way to play RDR2 on current consoles. The Red Dead Redemption release from December 2, 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2 is the original 2010 game, not RDR2.Can You Transfer Red Dead Online Progress Between Platforms?Red Dead Online progress cannot be transferred between PC and console, or between PlayStation and Xbox. Rockstar does not offer a character migration tool for Red Dead Online like the one GTA Online has. Gold Bars, RDO$, rank, roles and items stay on the platform family where you earned them, so switching platforms means starting over.Rockstar made one exception, and it is closed. When Google shut down Stadia, Rockstar offered Stadia players a one-time transfer of Red Dead Online progress to PC, PS4 or Xbox One in 2022, according to coverage by 80.lv and Sportskeeda. Only recently active Stadia players qualified, and the transfer went through Rockstar Support. No similar transfer has been offered for other platforms.The table below sums up what moves and what stays when you change hardware.MoveRed Dead Online progressPS4 to PS5 (same PSN account)Carries overXbox One to Xbox Series X|S (same Xbox account)Carries overPlayStation to Xbox, or Xbox to PlayStationNo transferConsole to PC, or PC to consoleNo transferStadia to PC, PS4 or Xbox OneOne-time offer in 2022, now closedIs Red Dead Online Still Getting Updates in 2026?Red Dead Online is still online in 2026, but it no longer gets major content updates. In July 2022, Rockstar said it had moved more development resources to the next Grand Theft Auto and that major themed updates for Red Dead Online would stop, as reported by VGC and Engadget. Rockstar said it would keep adding Telegram Missions, seasonal events and smaller improvements.Red Dead Online received its latest reported new content on July 1, 2025, when Rockstar released Strange Tales of the West Vol. 1, a set of four new Telegram Missions with returning RDR2 character Theodore Levin. Since then, the game has run monthly bonus events. The October 2026 Halloween event offers four times the rewards on Strange Tales of the West missions and triple rewards on All Hallows' Call to Arms until November 2, per Worthplaying and Massively OP.Red Dead Online players should not expect new roles or modes. The October 2026 coverage notes that the Halloween event adds bonuses rather than new content. For crossplay, the situation is the same: nothing in Rockstar's 2026 event announcements mentions cross-platform play or new transfer options.How to Play Red Dead Online With Friends: ChecklistRed Dead Online groups that plan ahead avoid buying the wrong version. Run through these steps before anyone purchases a copy.Agree on one platform family: PC, PlayStation or Xbox. Players on different families cannot meet in Red Dead Online.On PlayStation, PS4 and PS5 owners can play together using the same PS4 version of RDR2.On Xbox, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S owners can play together using the same Xbox One version.If you are moving to a newer console of the same brand, sign in with the same PSN or Xbox account so your Red Dead Online progress carries over.If you are switching brands or moving between PC and console, plan to start a new Red Dead Online character.Invite friends through the in-game posse menu or your platform's friend list once everyone is online.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PC and PS4 play RDR2 together?No. PC and PS4 players cannot play Red Dead Redemption 2 or Red Dead Online together. PC has its own player pool, separate from PlayStation and Xbox, and Rockstar has not announced crossplay or any workaround for mixed PC and console groups.Can PS4 and Xbox play Red Dead Online together?No. PlayStation and Xbox players cannot share Red Dead Online sessions on any console generation. PS4 and PS5 players can play together, and Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players can play together, but the two brands stay separate.Why does RDR2 not have crossplay?Rockstar has not given a public reason. Theories online are guesses. Rockstar's GTA Online also lacks crossplay between consoles and PC, and Red Dead Online stopped getting major updates in 2022, so a large change like crossplay looks unlikely.Is there a PS5 version of Red Dead Redemption 2?Not officially. RDR2 runs on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility. Insiders report an enhanced version, but Rockstar has not announced one, so there is no confirmed release date or price as of October 2026.Is Red Dead Online shutting down?No shutdown has been announced. Major updates ended in 2022, but Rockstar still runs monthly bonus events, including an October 2026 Halloween event with extra rewards that lasts until November 2.SourcesGTABase: GTA V & RDR2 backward compatibility on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S (Nov 6, 2020, reporting Rockstar)VGC: Rockstar says major Red Dead Online updates will stop as it focuses on GTA 6 (2022)Engadget: Rockstar slows Red Dead Online updates to focus on GTA 6 (2022)TheSixthAxis: Red Dead Online Strange Tales of the West announced and out now (Jul 1, 2025)Worthplaying: Red Dead Online Halloween update (Oct 6, 2026)Massively OP: Red Dead Online celebrates Halloween (Oct 8, 2026)80.lv: Red Dead Online progress can be transferred from Stadia (2022)
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This guide covers Sea of Thieves crossplay on PC, Xbox and PS5 as of October 2026. Yes, Sea of Thieves is crossplay: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players share servers by default. Crossplay means players on different platforms can play together. Console players can opt out, and every player needs a Microsoft account.Key TakeawaysSea of Thieves crossplay connects PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox app), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PS5, and it is on by default.PS5 players can turn crossplay off in Matchmaking Settings, and Xbox console players can opt out through Xbox privacy settings.A Microsoft account is required on every platform, including PS5, and it carries progress between platforms.There is no PS4 version, and PS5 multiplayer requires PlayStation Plus.Sea of Thieves Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)Platform or featureStatusPC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox app) + XboxYes, crossplayPS5 + Xbox + PCYes, crossplay since PS5 launch on April 30, 2024PS4No PS4 versionCrossplay defaultOn by defaultOpt out on PS5Yes, in Matchmaking Settings (PSN players only)Opt out on Xbox consoleYes, through Xbox privacy settings (affects all games)Opt out on PCNo opt-out, according to player guidesMicrosoft accountRequired on every platform, including PS5Cross-progressionYes, progress syncs through the linked Microsoft accountPS5 multiplayer subscriptionPlayStation Plus required (solo Safer Seas excluded)Is Sea of Thieves Crossplay? The Short AnswerYes, Sea of Thieves is crossplay. Crossplay means players on different platforms can share the same servers and crews. In Sea of Thieves, players on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 sail together, and crossplay is switched on by default. A crew can mix a Steam player, an Xbox Series X player and a PS5 player without any extra setup beyond friend invites.Sea of Thieves on PS5 joined the shared player pool when the PlayStation version launched on April 30, 2024, according to Push Square and PlayStation's own FAQ for the game. Before that date, crossplay covered only Xbox consoles and PC. There is no PS4 version of Sea of Thieves, so PS4 owners cannot play the game at all, with or without crossplay.Sea of Thieves crossplay is optional on consoles. PS5 and Xbox players can limit who they get matched with, while PC players stay in the shared pool, according to player guides. Every player, on every platform, needs a Microsoft account, and that account is also what carries progress between platforms. The sections below cover each of these rules once, with the steps to change them.Is Sea of Thieves Crossplay With PlayStation?Sea of Thieves is crossplay with PlayStation 5. PlayStation's FAQ for the game confirms that PS5 players share servers with Xbox and PC players by default, and that friends on different platforms can join the same crew once each player has signed in with a Microsoft account. Linking a Microsoft account enables cross-platform friend invites, crew voice chat and proximity chat, according to Push Square's coverage of the launch.Sea of Thieves on PS5 is a separate purchase. PlayStation's FAQ states that PS5 players must buy the Standard, Deluxe or Premium Edition from the PlayStation Store, even if they already own the game on Xbox, because Xbox Play Anywhere works only through Xbox and the Microsoft Store. Online multiplayer on PS5 requires a PlayStation Plus subscription, while solo play in Safer Seas does not. PS5 players do not need Xbox Game Pass.Is Sea of Thieves Crossplay PC and Xbox?Sea of Thieves is crossplay between PC and Xbox, and it has been since the game's original launch. PC players on Steam, the Microsoft Store and the Xbox app with PC Game Pass all join the same servers as Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players. The store you bought from on PC does not change who you can sail with, so a Steam player can crew up with a Game Pass player on Xbox.Xbox Play Anywhere covers Sea of Thieves bought through Xbox or the Microsoft Store, according to PlayStation's FAQ, so one digital purchase there works on both Xbox and Windows. Steam is a separate storefront and is not part of that program. Whichever PC store you use, progress follows your Microsoft account rather than the store, so switching between Xbox and PC keeps the same pirate.PlatformPlays withCan opt out of crossplay?PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox app)Xbox, PS5, other PC playersNo, according to player guidesXbox One / Xbox Series X|SPC, PS5, other Xbox playersYes, via Xbox privacy settingsPlayStation 5PC, Xbox, other PS5 playersYes, in Matchmaking SettingsPlayStation 4No version availableNot applicableGet Sea of Thieves on KinguinHow to Turn Off Crossplay in Sea of ThievesSea of Thieves lets console players opt out of crossplay, but the method depends on the console. On PS5, PlayStation's FAQ says players can disable crossplay from Matchmaking Settings and then matchmake only with other PlayStation Network players. On Xbox, guides from Windows Central and Sportskeeda describe the opt-out as a console-wide Xbox privacy setting rather than an in-game toggle, so it affects every game on that Xbox profile.Sea of Thieves also offers a softer option for console players who mainly want to avoid mouse and keyboard opponents. PlayStation's FAQ says console players can limit matchmaking to other controller users, which keeps PS5 and Xbox controller players together. According to player guides, this preference lowers the chance of meeting keyboard and mouse players but does not fully remove it. PC players cannot turn crossplay off, according to the same guides.PS5: open Sea of Thieves settings, go to Matchmaking Settings and turn crossplay off to match only with PlayStation Network players.Xbox console: open Settings, then Account, then Privacy & online safety, then Xbox privacy, and under Communications & multiplayer block playing with people outside of Xbox Live.Any console: use the in-game matchmaking preference to prefer other controller players instead of a full opt-out.Check the change by starting a new session; turning crossplay off on Xbox also affects other games on that profile.Why Sea of Thieves Needs a Microsoft AccountSea of Thieves requires a Microsoft account on every platform, including PS5. The PlayStation Store listing states that "Microsoft account registration, acceptance of Microsoft Services Agreement and Privacy Statement required to play," as reported by Push Square and Pure Xbox in February 2024. PS5 players are asked to sign in or create a Microsoft account the first time they launch the game.The Microsoft account requirement is what makes Sea of Thieves crossplay work for groups of friends. According to Push Square, linking a PlayStation account to a Microsoft account enables cross-platform friend invites, crew voice chat and proximity chat with Xbox and PC players. Steam players also sign in with a Microsoft account, which ties their pirate to the same profile system that Xbox and PS5 players use.Cross-Progression: Does Your Pirate Carry Over?Sea of Thieves supports cross-progression through the Microsoft account. Cross-progression means your progress follows your account between platforms instead of staying on one device. PlayStation's FAQ explains that once a PlayStation account is linked to a Microsoft account, any existing pirate becomes playable on PS5, and progress then synchronises across every platform linked to that account.Sea of Thieves cross-progression covers commendations, cosmetics, Twitch Drops, gold, doubloons and ancient coins, according to PlayStation's FAQ. Coverage of the PS5 launch notes one exception: some Microsoft-exclusive items obtained through platform-exclusive offers may not carry over to PlayStation. Players should link the Microsoft account they already use on Xbox or PC, because progress follows the account, not the console.How to Play Sea of Thieves With Friends on Other PlatformsSea of Thieves makes mixed-platform crews simple once every player has the game on a supported platform and a Microsoft account. The checklist below covers the usual setup for a crew that mixes PC, Xbox and PS5. When buying a key, pick the version for your platform; Kinguin lists Sea of Thieves editions for different platforms, and a Steam key will not activate on PS5 or Xbox.Make sure everyone has Sea of Thieves on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S or PS5 (there is no PS4 version).Sign in to the same Microsoft account you plan to keep using, so progress syncs.PS5 players: keep PlayStation Plus active for online multiplayer.Keep crossplay switched on for anyone who needs to join players on another platform.Add friends through the in-game friend list and send crew invites.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Sea of Thieves crossplay PC and Xbox?Yes. Sea of Thieves has supported crossplay between PC and Xbox since launch. PC players on Steam, the Microsoft Store or the Xbox app share servers with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, and progress follows the Microsoft account.Can PS4 and PC play Sea of Thieves together?No. Sea of Thieves has no PS4 version, so PS4 owners cannot play it with PC players or anyone else. The PlayStation version runs only on PS5, which shares crossplay servers with PC and Xbox.Can Xbox and PC play together?Yes, in Sea of Thieves Xbox and PC players play together by default. Xbox console players can opt out through Xbox privacy settings, which affects all games on that profile. PC players cannot opt out, according to player guides.Is Sea of Thieves crossplay with PlayStation?Yes. Since the PS5 launch on April 30, 2024, PS5 players share servers with PC and Xbox players. PS5 players need a Microsoft account and PlayStation Plus for multiplayer, and they can turn crossplay off in Matchmaking Settings.Do I need to buy Sea of Thieves again for PS5?Yes. PlayStation's FAQ says PS5 players must buy the game from the PlayStation Store even if they own it on Xbox. Progress carries over once the PlayStation account is linked to the same Microsoft account.SourcesPlayStation PS5 FAQ for Sea of Thieves (via Insider Gaming)Push Square: Microsoft account required on PS5 (PS Store listing)Rare: Sea of Thieves supportWindows Central: Is Sea of Thieves cross-play?GamesRadar: Sea of Thieves crossplay
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This guide covers Palworld crossplay on every platform in 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms can share the same world. Yes, Palworld is crossplay: since version 0.5.0 in March 2025, Steam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and Mac players can play together, and the July 2026 1.0 release kept it. There is no Switch version.Key TakeawaysPalworld added crossplay in version 0.5.0 on March 19, 2025, linking Steam, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and Mac.Palworld 1.0 launched on July 10, 2026 and still supports crossplay on all of its platforms.Dedicated servers allow Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac players by default, and console players join through the community server list.Palworld has crossplay but no official cross-save, so a world or character does not follow you to another platform.Palworld Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerIs Palworld crossplay?Yes, since v0.5.0 (March 19, 2025)Crossplay platformsSteam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, MacNintendo Switch / Switch 2No version, no crossplayFull release (1.0)July 10, 2026, out of Early AccessCo-op world sizeUp to 4 playersDedicated server sizeUp to 32 players (per hosting guides)Dedicated server crossplayOn by default for Steam, Xbox, PS5, MacHow Xbox and PS5 join serversCommunity server list, not direct IPOfficial cross-save between platformsNoIs Palworld Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Palworld is crossplay in 2026. Pocketpair added cross-platform play in version 0.5.0, released on March 19, 2025, and according to the patch notes reported by Pure Xbox it is supported across Xbox Series X|S, Steam, PlayStation 5 and Mac. Before that update, multiplayer was split by store, so Steam players and Xbox players lived in separate worlds. The same 0.5.0 update also added dedicated server support for Mac.Palworld crossplay carried over into the full release. Version 1.0 launched on July 10, 2026, ending Early Access, and Green Man Gaming reports that 1.0 supports cross-platform play across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Players who started in Early Access did not need to switch versions to keep playing with friends on other systems.Palworld crossplay has one clear gap: Nintendo. There is no Palworld version for Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, so Switch owners cannot join any session. Pocketpair has said it is interested in Switch 2 but has not announced a port. The supported list is therefore Steam, Microsoft Store PC (including PC Game Pass), Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and Mac.Can PS5 and PC Play Palworld Together?PS5 and PC players can play Palworld together. PlayStation 5 was part of the March 2025 crossplay update, and the official Palworld server documentation lists the PS5 version among the platforms allowed on dedicated servers by default. A PS5 player and a Steam player can share the same world, catch Pals together and build a base without anyone buying a second copy.Xbox and Steam players can also play Palworld together, which was not possible at launch in 2024. The official documentation groups the Xbox Series X|S version and the Windows PC version from the Microsoft Store as one platform, so PC Game Pass players connect the same way Xbox console players do. Mac players join that pool as well, which makes Palworld one of the few survival games where all major PC stores and both current consoles mix freely.Palworld groups on different platforms can choose between two ways of playing together: a co-op world hosted by one player, or a dedicated server that runs on its own. Both modes support crossplay, but they differ in group size and in whether the world stays online when the host logs off. The table below compares them.ModePlayersCrossplayCo-op world hosted by a playerUp to 4 (per hosting guides)YesDedicated or community serverUp to 32 (per hosting guides)Yes, on by defaultNintendo Switch / Switch 2Not availableNoPalworld Crossplay on Dedicated and Community ServersPalworld dedicated servers are crossplay by default. According to the official Palworld server docs, the CrossplayPlatforms setting defaults to Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac, so a fresh server accepts players from all four without extra setup. A server owner who wants to limit access can remove platforms from that list in the server configuration file. A dedicated server keeps the world online even when the host is not playing.Palworld console players join servers differently from PC players. The official documentation notes that Xbox and PS5 players need a community server, meaning a dedicated server registered in the in-game server list. Console players cannot type a direct IP address, while Steam and Mac players can connect by IP and port. A cross-platform group should give the server a clear, searchable name so console friends can find it in the list.Palworld dedicated servers also hold more players than a hosted co-op world. Hosting guides such as Zap-Hosting and XGamingServer put the server cap at 32 players, controlled by the ServerPlayerMaxNum setting, while a regular co-op world is limited to four. For groups larger than four, or for friends who play at different times, a dedicated server is the practical choice.Get Palworld on KinguinPalworld 1.0: What Changed for MultiplayerPalworld 1.0 arrived on July 10, 2026 and moved the game out of Early Access on PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), Mac, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to Green Man Gaming. Early Access owners received the 1.0 update at no extra cost. Pocketpair confirmed feature parity across versions, which means new content is meant to reach every supported platform rather than landing on one store first.Palworld 1.0 did not change the basic crossplay rules. The same platforms that were linked in version 0.5.0 still play together, and dedicated servers still accept all four platform groups by default. Crossplay depends on everyone running the same game version, so after a big patch it helps to update the game and, for server owners, the server software before inviting friends back.Can You Transfer Palworld Saves Between Platforms?Palworld does not offer official cross-save or cross-progression. Crossplay lets players on different platforms share a session, but a character or world created on one platform does not follow the player to another. A Steam save stays on Steam, and a PS5 save stays on PS5. Moving to a new platform usually means starting fresh or joining a friend's world.Palworld does include one official way to move Pals: the Global Palbox, added in version 0.5.0, stores Pal data and transfers Pals between worlds. Players report that moving a full world from PC Game Pass to Steam is possible only with unofficial community tools such as XGP-Save-Extractor, as covered by Windows Central and PCGamesN. That workaround runs on a Windows PC, works one way, and may break after patches, so back up saves first.Palworld groups that want one shared world across devices can use a dedicated server instead of a save transfer. The world lives on the server rather than on any player's console or PC, so every player keeps the same base and Pals no matter which supported platform they log in from.How to Play Palworld With Friends on Different PlatformsPalworld crossplay needs a few things in place before a mixed group can meet in the same world. The checklist below covers the usual setup for Steam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox, PS5 and Mac players. Anyone still buying the game should pick the version for the platform they actually play on; Kinguin lists Palworld keys for the supported stores.Make sure every player owns Palworld on a supported platform: Steam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 or Mac.Update the game to the latest version on every device, since crossplay requires matching versions.For up to four players, have one player host a co-op world and invite the others.For bigger groups or an always-on world, set up a dedicated server and keep the default CrossplayPlatforms list.Register the server as a community server with a clear name so Xbox and PS5 players can find it in the in-game list.Have Steam and Mac players connect by IP and port or through the same community server list.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PS5 and PC play Palworld together?Yes. PS5 has been part of Palworld crossplay since version 0.5.0 in March 2025, and PS5 players can share worlds with Steam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox Series X|S and Mac players. On dedicated servers, PS5 players join through the in-game community server list.Is Palworld crossplay between Xbox and Steam?Yes. Xbox Series X|S and Steam players can play Palworld together since the March 2025 crossplay update. The official docs treat Xbox and Microsoft Store PC, including PC Game Pass, as one platform, so Game Pass players connect the same way.Is Palworld on Nintendo Switch?No. Palworld has no Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 version as of October 2026, so Switch players cannot join crossplay sessions. Pocketpair has expressed interest in Switch 2 but has not announced a port.Can you transfer Palworld saves from Xbox to Steam?Not officially. Palworld has no cross-save. Players report that unofficial tools such as XGP-Save-Extractor can move a PC Game Pass save to Steam on a Windows PC, but only one way and with a risk of breaking after patches.How many players can play Palworld together?A hosted co-op world supports up to four players. According to hosting guides, a dedicated server supports up to 32 players, set with ServerPlayerMaxNum. Both modes support crossplay between Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac.SourcesPalworld Official Docs: About ServersPalworld Official Docs: Server ConfigurationPure Xbox: Palworld v0.5.0 crossplay patch notes (March 19, 2025)Windows Central: Palworld crossplay update launch windowGreen Man Gaming: Palworld 1.0 release date and featuresWindows Central: Moving a Palworld Xbox save to Steam
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This guide covers Phasmophobia crossplay on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and VR as of October 2026. Yes, Phasmophobia is crossplay: up to four players on Steam, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S can hunt together in one lobby. Crossplay means players on different platforms share the same online session. Progress does not carry over between platforms.Key TakeawaysPhasmophobia has crossplay between PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, available since the console early access launch on October 29, 2024.VR and non-VR players can join the same lobby, with up to four players per game.Kinetic Games has not announced cross-progression, so levels and unlocks stay on the platform where you earned them.According to Kinetic Games, the Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives together with Phasmophobia 1.0 in the second half of 2027.Phasmophobia Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC (Steam) + PS5 + Xbox Series X|SYes, crossplayVR (PC VR, PS VR2) + non-VR playersYes, in the same lobbyCrossplay on consoles sinceOctober 29, 2024 (console early access launch)Crossplay settingOptional, can be switched on or offMax players per lobby4Cross-progressionNot announced; progress stays on each platformPS4 / Xbox OneNo version availableNintendo Switch 2Coming with 1.0 in the second half of 2027; crossplay not detailedGame statusEarly Access (v0.19.1.0, October 2026)Is Phasmophobia Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Yes, Phasmophobia is crossplay in 2026. Players on PC through Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2 and Xbox Series X|S can join the same lobby and investigate together. Kinetic Games describes the game on its official page as co-op for up to four players, cross-platform. A mixed group of friends does not need to own the game on the same system to play together, as long as every player is on one of the supported platforms.Phasmophobia crossplay has been live since October 29, 2024, when the game launched in early access on PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, as reported by Gematsu and TrueAchievements at launch. Before that date, Phasmophobia was a PC-only game on Steam. The console versions launched with crossplay from day one, so console and PC players shared the same online sessions from the start.Phasmophobia crossplay is optional. When Kinetic Games announced the console versions, the studio said that all platforms will feature optional crossplay, which means each player can switch it on or off in the game settings. Players who prefer to match only with people on their own platform can turn it off, while groups with friends on different systems should keep it on.Is Phasmophobia Crossplay With PC and Xbox?Phasmophobia is crossplay with PC and Xbox, and with PlayStation too. A Steam player can host a lobby that friends on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 join, and a console player can host for PC friends in the same way. There is no restriction between console brands either, so PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can investigate together, which is not a given in many other co-op games.Phasmophobia platform support is simple to check in one place. The table below shows which platform combinations can play together as of October 2026, based on Kinetic Games, the Steam store page and coverage of the console launch. Older consoles and the upcoming Switch 2 version are listed separately, because neither is part of crossplay today.Platform combinationCrossplay in October 2026PC (Steam) + PS5YesPC (Steam) + Xbox Series X|SYesPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesPS VR2 + PC, PS5 or XboxYesPC VR + flat-screen PC or consoleYesPS4 or Xbox OneNo version availableNintendo Switch 2Not released yet; crossplay not detailedCan VR and Non-VR Players Play Phasmophobia Together?VR and non-VR players can play Phasmophobia together in the same lobby. The Steam store page says the game supports all players together and lets you play with friends using any combination of input types. In practice, one friend can wear a PC VR headset while another uses a mouse and keyboard and a third uses a controller, all in the same investigation.PlayStation VR2 owners are part of the same crossplay pool. Phasmophobia launched on PS VR2 on October 29, 2024, alongside the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, and PS VR2 players can join flat-screen PS5, Xbox and PC players. On PC, VR support is part of the regular Steam version, so a Steam player can switch between VR and a monitor without buying a second copy.Get Phasmophobia on KinguinHow to Join Friends in Phasmophobia Across PlatformsJoining friends in Phasmophobia across platforms works through a room code rather than a shared friends list. One player hosts a private room, the game shows a code, and the other players type that code to join. Menu names differ slightly between versions and community guides, so the steps below use the general flow rather than exact button labels.Phasmophobia players who cannot find a friend's room should first check two things, according to community guides. Every player needs crossplay switched on, since a player with crossplay off will not connect to a lobby with another platform. Every player should also pick the same server region as the host. Guides disagree on whether a region mismatch blocks joining or only adds lag, so matching regions is the safe choice.Every player opens the game settings and makes sure crossplay is switched on.Everyone selects the same server region as the host.The host opens the multiplayer menu and creates a private room.The host shares the room code shown on screen with the group.Friends choose the option to join a private room and enter the code.Once up to four players are in the lobby, the host picks a contract and starts the investigation.Does Phasmophobia Have Cross-Progression?Phasmophobia does not have cross-progression as of October 2026. Cross-progression means one save, with your level, money and unlocked equipment, follows you across platforms. Kinetic Games has not announced the feature in its patch notes or roadmap posts, and community guides report that progress stays on the platform where you earned it. A level reached on Steam does not appear on a PS5 or Xbox copy.Crossplay and cross-progression in Phasmophobia are separate features. Crossplay lets a Steam player and a PS5 player share a lobby, while each of them keeps their own save on their own platform. Players who plan to move from PC to console, or from Xbox to PlayStation, should expect to start progression again on the new platform, since no official transfer tool has been announced.Phasmophobia on PS4, Xbox One and Switch 2Phasmophobia is not available on PS4 or Xbox One. The console version launched only on PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, and Kinetic Games has not announced versions for older consoles. Players with friends on last-generation hardware cannot join them, because there is no PS4 or Xbox One copy to play on. The only route is moving to a current-generation console or PC.Phasmophobia is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, but not in 2026. Kinetic Games announced the Switch 2 version at The Game Awards in December 2025. In its June 24, 2026 post, Phasmophobia 2026 and Beyond, the studio said 1.0 moves to the second half of 2027 and that the Switch 2 version will arrive at the same time. Kinetic Games has not yet detailed whether Switch 2 players will join crossplay lobbies.Phasmophobia is still in early access in October 2026, with version 0.19.1.0 released on October 6, 2026, per Kinetic Games' patch notes. Crossplay already works across PC, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S during early access, so groups do not need to wait for 1.0. If you still need a copy, Kinguin lists Phasmophobia, and buying the version for the platform you play on is all that matters for crossplay.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Phasmophobia crossplay with PC and Xbox?Yes. Phasmophobia players on PC through Steam and on Xbox Series X|S can join the same lobby, and PS5 and PS VR2 players can join too. Crossplay is optional, so every player in the group should check that it is switched on in the game settings.Can PC and PS5 players play Phasmophobia together?Yes. PC players on Steam and PS5 players can play Phasmophobia together, including PS VR2 users. The host creates a private room, shares the room code, and friends on other platforms enter it to join. Matching server regions helps avoid connection problems.Can PS5 and PC crossplay?In Phasmophobia, yes. PS5 and PC crossplay has worked since the console early access launch on October 29, 2024. Crossplay support varies by game, so for other titles check the publisher's own support pages before buying a copy on a different platform than your friends.Is Phasmophobia cross-platform?Yes. Phasmophobia is cross-platform across PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, with up to four players per lobby. Cross-progression is a different matter: Kinetic Games has not announced it, so levels and unlocks stay on each platform.Is Phasmophobia on PS4 or Xbox One?No. Phasmophobia is available on PC, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S only. Kinetic Games has not announced PS4 or Xbox One versions. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is planned for the second half of 2027, alongside the 1.0 release.SourcesKinetic Games: Phasmophobia (official game page)Kinetic Games: Phasmophobia 2026 and Beyond (June 24, 2026)Kinetic Games: Phasmophobia v0.19.1.0 Patch Notes (October 6, 2026)Steam: Phasmophobia store pageGematsu: Phasmophobia Early Access for PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series launches October 29
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This guide covers Helldivers 2 crossplay on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same match. Yes, Helldivers 2 has full crossplay: PC, PS5 and Xbox players can squad up together. Progress, however, stays on each platform, because the game has no cross-progression.Key TakeawaysHelldivers 2 supports crossplay between PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and crossplay can be turned off in the game.Helldivers 2 launched on Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, with crossplay from day one, according to Xbox Wire.Cross-platform friends are added with a friend code from the Social tab.Helldivers 2 has no cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy, and Arrowhead Support says there are no plans to add cross-progression at this time.Helldivers 2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC + PS5 + Xbox Series X|S crossplayYes, all three platforms play togetherXbox Series X|S releaseAugust 26, 2025 ($39.99 base game)Original release (PS5 and PC)February 8, 2024Crossplay toggleOn by default, can be turned offCross-progression / cross-saveNo, and no plans at this time per Arrowhead SupportCross-buyNoSquad sizeUp to 4 playersHow to add cross-platform friendsFriend code in the Social tabPS Plus needed for onlineOn PS5 only; not on SteamPSN account on SteamGame prompts linking on first launchIs Helldivers 2 Crossplay? The Short AnswerYes, Helldivers 2 is crossplay on every platform it is sold on. Arrowhead Support states that Helldivers 2 features cross-play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, so a squad of up to four players can mix Steam, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S accounts in the same mission. Friends on different platforms can host or join each other's ships, as long as crossplay is enabled for everyone.Helldivers 2 crossplay covers matchmaking and missions, not your account. Each platform keeps its own progression, Warbonds, Super Credits and unlocks, so playing on a second platform means starting from scratch there. The rest of this guide explains which platforms play together, how to add friends from another platform, the PlayStation Network question on PC, and what to check when crossplay does not work.Which Platforms Can Play Helldivers 2 Together?Helldivers 2 crossplay connects three platforms: PC through Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game first launched on February 8, 2024, on PS5 and Steam, according to the Arrowhead FAQ, and crossplay between those two was part of the game from launch. Xbox joined in 2025, which made the player base shared across all three platforms. On Xbox, the game is available on the Series X|S consoles.Helldivers 2 has crossplay switched on by default, and the Arrowhead FAQ confirms that players can disable it. Turning crossplay off limits matchmaking to your own platform, which can mean fewer available squads at higher difficulties. For a mixed group of friends, crossplay needs to stay on for every player in the squad.Platform pairCan play together?PC (Steam) + PS5YesPC (Steam) + Xbox Series X|SYesPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesAny platform with crossplay turned offOnly with the same platformHelldivers 2 on Xbox: Release and CrossplayHelldivers 2 came to Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, according to Xbox Wire and the Xbox Store listing. The base game is listed at $39.99 on Xbox, and pre-orders offered a Standard Edition and a Super Citizen Edition. The Xbox Wire announcement promised cross play on all platforms from launch.Helldivers 2 on Xbox uses the same live galaxy and the same missions as the PC and PS5 versions, so Xbox players join the existing community instead of a separate one. Official Xbox Wire posts and the Xbox Store page do not mention a PlayStation Network account for the Xbox version. Xbox players who already own the game on another platform still need to start a new account, because purchases and progress do not carry over.Get Helldivers 2 on KinguinHow to Add Cross-Platform Friends With a Friend CodeHelldivers 2 adds friends from other platforms through friend codes, not through Steam, PSN or Xbox friend lists. According to Arrowhead Support, the Social tab shows your friends list, players you recently played with, pending invitations and blocked players. From there you can search for a player by friend code or generate your own code to share. Guides describe the code as eight digits long.Helldivers 2 also lets you send a request from the recent players list, which is handy after a good random match. Arrowhead Support says the Social tab opens from the Pause menu while you are on a ship, or with Tab on PC and X on PS5; Xbox players can reach it through the Pause menu.Make sure crossplay is turned on for both players.Board your ship and open the Social tab from the Pause menu.Player one generates a friend code and shares it.Player two enters the code in the friend code search and sends a request.Player one accepts the request under pending invitations.Invite the new friend to your ship from the friends list.Do You Need a PSN Account to Play Helldivers 2?Helldivers 2 on Steam asks PC players to link a PlayStation Network account. According to Arrowhead Support, the game prompts you to link Steam to PSN on first launch and shows a QR code and a log-in link. The Steam store page also lists PlayStation Network as a required third-party account that supports linking to Steam. Creating a PSN account is free.Helldivers 2 became the center of a PSN controversy in May 2024, when PlayStation planned to make linking mandatory and then said the update will not be moving forward after a wave of negative Steam reviews, as reported by several outlets at the time. Players report that the prompt still appears, so plan for linking on PC. Official Xbox pages mention no PSN account for the Xbox version.Helldivers 2 online play on PS5 requires PS Plus, while Steam players do not pay for PS Plus to play online, according to the Arrowhead FAQ. Linking Steam and PSN does not unlock anything across platforms either. Arrowhead Support states that linking does not copy game data between the PS5 and PC copies of the game.Does Helldivers 2 Have Cross-Progression?Helldivers 2 does not have cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy as of October 2026. Arrowhead Support, in an article updated on October 13, 2026, says progression, DLC and limited-time items such as pre-order armor stay on the account and platform where you earned or bought them. Player Support cannot merge accounts or move items between accounts, and it grants no exceptions.Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has been clear about the future too: its support page says "We have no plans to implement cross-progression at this time." In November 2025, CEO Shams Jorjani said the studio would love to add it but that it was far from the priority. Players moving from PS5 to PC or Xbox, or the other way around, should expect to rebuild Warbonds and unlocks from zero.Helldivers 2 Crossplay Not Working: Quick ChecksHelldivers 2 crossplay problems usually come down to settings or friend requests rather than the platforms themselves. Earlier patch notes listed issues with cross-platform friend invites not showing up, so a request that seems lost is worth sending again before assuming something is broken. The checklist below covers the common fixes, in the order most players try them.Check that crossplay is enabled for every player in the squad.Confirm everyone is on the latest game update.On PC, finish linking your PSN account if the game asks for it.Resend the friend request using a freshly generated friend code.Restart the game, then try the invite again from the friends list.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Helldivers 2 going to be cross-platform?Helldivers 2 already is cross-platform. PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can play together, and Xbox joined with crossplay when the game launched there on August 26, 2025. Crossplay is on by default and can be turned off.Can Xbox and PS5 play Helldivers 2 together?Yes. Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players can share a squad of up to four in Helldivers 2. Both players need crossplay switched on and must add each other with a friend code from the in-game Social tab.Does Helldivers 2 have cross-progression?No. Helldivers 2 has no cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy, so items and progress stay on each platform. Arrowhead Support says the studio has no plans to implement cross-progression at this time.Do you need a PSN account to play Helldivers 2 on PC?Helldivers 2 on Steam prompts PC players to link a free PSN account on first launch, per Arrowhead Support, and the Steam page lists PSN as a third-party account. PlayStation dropped a mandatory linking plan in May 2024.How do you add friends cross-platform in Helldivers 2?Open the Social tab from the Pause menu on your ship, generate a friend code and share it. Your friend searches for that code, sends a request, and you accept it under pending invitations.SourcesArrowhead Support: Does Helldivers 2 have cross-progression?Arrowhead Support: How do I link my Steam account to a PlayStation Network account?Arrowhead Support: How do I send/accept a friend request?Arrowhead Support: Helldivers 2 FAQXbox Wire: Helldivers 2 is Coming to Xbox on August 26Xbox Wire: Helldivers 2 Out on Xbox TodaySteam: Helldivers 2 store page
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This guide covers which GTA 5 and GTA Online platforms can play together in 2026. No, GTA 5 is not crossplay: PC, PlayStation and Xbox players cannot share sessions, and Rockstar has not announced plans to change that. The only cross-platform play happens between PC launchers, and only when everyone runs the same PC edition.Key TakeawaysGTA 5 and GTA Online have no crossplay between PC, PlayStation and Xbox, and no crossplay has been announced as of October 2026.GTA 5 players on PC can play together across all PC launchers if everyone runs the same edition, Enhanced or Legacy.Since June 18, 2026, Rockstar offers a free upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version for PS4 owners and digital Xbox One owners.A GTA Online character can be migrated once from PS4 or Xbox One to current-gen consoles, but never between console and PC.GTA 5 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)PlatformsCan they play together?PC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplayPlayStation + XboxNo crossplay, on any console generationPS4 + PS5 / Xbox One + Xbox Series X|SSeparate GTA Online sessions on the current-gen versionSteam + Epic + Rockstar Launcher + Xbox app (PC)Yes, if everyone is on the same edition (Enhanced or Legacy)PC Enhanced + PC LegacyNo, separate GTA Online instancesMove character PS4/Xbox One to PS5/Xbox Series X|SYes, one time per profileMove character between console and PCNo, in either directionFree upgrade PS4 to PS5 / Xbox One digital to Xbox Series X|SYes, since June 18, 2026 (not physical Xbox One discs)Crossplay announcedNoWhat Do Crossplay and Cross-Progression Mean in GTA 5?Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same online session. Cross-progression means one save follows a player across platforms and stays in sync. GTA 5 and GTA Online support neither in that modern sense. Rockstar instead offers a one-time character migration: a profile is copied to a new platform once, and from then on the old and new versions develop separately.GTA Online splits players into three platform families: PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Players only meet others inside their own family, and console players also need to be on the same generation of the game. On PC, the store does not matter, but the edition does. The sections below explain each rule, starting with the console brands and ending with a setup checklist for mixed friend groups.Can Xbox and PlayStation Play GTA 5 Together?Xbox and PlayStation players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online together on any console generation. The rule covers PS4 with Xbox One, PS5 with Xbox Series X|S, and every mixed pairing in between. Rockstar Support describes cross-network play as something that applies only to PC platforms, and no equivalent exists between the two console brands. No menu setting connects the two player bases.Rockstar has not given a reason for the missing PlayStation and Xbox crossplay, so explanations found on forums are guesses rather than Rockstar policy. A mixed console group has one practical option: one player switches to the other brand. A GTA Online character from PS4 or Xbox One can follow that player once to the other brand's current-gen console, with the money rules covered in the character migration section.Can PC Play GTA 5 With PS4, PS5 or Xbox?PC players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online with anyone on PS4, PS5, Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. According to Rockstar Support (article last updated June 17, 2025), "Cross-network play only applies to gameplay between PC platforms (Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, Epic Games Launcher, Xbox app on PC, etc.). Players on PC cannot play with players on console." The rule applies to both PC editions and every console generation.Rockstar offers no supported workaround for a PC player who wants to join a console lobby, and GTA Online progress cannot move between console and PC in either direction. A PC player whose friends are on PS5 has three realistic choices: buy the PS5 version and start a new character, move the group to PC, or play with a different crew on PC.Can PS4 and PS5 (or Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S) Play GTA Online Together?PS4 and PS5 players, and Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, usually cannot meet in GTA Online. According to community guides and player reports, the current-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X|S version runs separate sessions from the PS4 and Xbox One version. Players also report that a PS5 owner can run the PS4 version through backward compatibility to join PS4 friends, though Rockstar has not documented this.The free GTA V upgrade is the simplest fix for mixed-generation groups. According to Rockstar Newswire (June 17, 2026) and Rockstar Support, since June 18, 2026 anyone who owns GTA V on PS4, disc or digital, or the digital Xbox One version can get the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version at no cost. A PS4 disc must be in the PS5. Physical Xbox One discs are excluded, and Rockstar has given no end date.GTA Online is still live on PS4 and Xbox One in October 2026, and Rockstar has not announced a shutdown. The Kortz Center Heist reached PS4 and Xbox One in July 2026, but the Rockstar patch notes list more recent updates for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC only. Groups that want the newest content should move to the current-gen version.Do Steam, Epic and Rockstar Launcher Players Play GTA 5 Together on PC?GTA 5 players on PC can play together regardless of the store they bought from. Steam, Epic Games Store, Rockstar Games Launcher and Xbox app on PC copies all share GTA Online sessions, so a friend with an Epic copy can join a Steam player. The edition is the part that matters. Since March 4, 2025, GTA V on PC comes in two editions, Enhanced and Legacy.GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy run as separate GTA Online instances. According to Rockstar Newswire (February 20 and March 4, 2025), players who remain on Legacy cannot play in sessions with players on Enhanced, even when both bought the game in the same store. PC owners get both editions, so a PC friend who cannot find a session should first check which edition each player launched.Get GTA V on KinguinCan You Move a GTA Online Character Between Platforms?GTA Online characters can move from PS4 or Xbox One to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S once per profile, started from the Landing Page or Pause Menu. According to Rockstar Support's migration page (updated February 24, 2026), the move can cross brands, such as Xbox One to PS5. Unspent GTA$ bought through Shark Cards does not transfer across brands, while earned GTA$ does, so players should spend Shark Card money first.Rockstar Support lists two blocked routes: no migration between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and no migration between console and PC in either direction. On PC, moving from Legacy to Enhanced is a manual, one-time migration rather than an automatic one. After that move, the Legacy progress is kept but no longer syncs with the Enhanced character, so the two profiles drift apart.Will GTA 5 or GTA 6 Get Crossplay?Rockstar has not announced any plan to add crossplay to GTA 5 or GTA Online, either between PC and consoles or between PlayStation and Xbox. A search of Rockstar Newswire and Rockstar Support in October 2026 found no such announcement. Until that changes, GTA Online groups should plan around the current rules: same platform family, same console generation and, on PC, the same edition.GTA 6 releases on November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, according to Rockstar Newswire (June 24, 2026), and no PC version has been announced. Rockstar describes GTA 6 as "a single player experience". Rockstar has said nothing official about GTA 6 Online or crossplay, so claims that GTA 6 will support crossplay are unconfirmed.How Do You Set Up GTA Online With Friends on Different Platforms?GTA Online groups avoid most matchmaking problems by checking platform, generation and edition before anyone buys or reinstalls the game. The steps below summarize the rules from the earlier sections in the order a mixed group should check them.Pick one platform family for the whole group: PC, PlayStation or Xbox.On consoles, move everyone to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version; PS4 and digital Xbox One owners can use the free upgrade.On PC, ignore the store and agree on one edition, Enhanced or Legacy.Before switching console brands, spend any Shark Card GTA$ and migrate the character once.Accept that a move between console and PC means starting a new character.Buy the GTA V version that matches your group's platform and edition, for example on Kinguin.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan Xbox and PS play GTA together?Xbox and PlayStation players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online together on any generation, and Rockstar has not announced plans to add it. One player has to switch brands; a PS4 or Xbox One character can be migrated once to the other brand's current-gen console.Can PS4 GTA 5 play with PC?PS4 players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online with PC players. Rockstar Support states that players on PC cannot play with players on console, and that rule also covers PS5 and Xbox. GTA Online characters cannot be moved between PS4 and PC either.Can I play GTA 5 Online on PC and PS5 together?GTA Online has no crossplay between PC and PS5. Rockstar limits cross-network play to PC launchers, so a PC player and a PS5 player need to be on the same platform. Progress cannot move between PC and PS5, so the switching player starts a new character.Will GTA 6 have crossplay?Rockstar has not announced crossplay for GTA 6. GTA 6 launches November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Rockstar calls it a single player experience. Nothing official exists yet about GTA 6 Online, so crossplay claims remain unconfirmed.Can Steam and Epic Games players play GTA Online together?Steam and Epic Games Store players can play GTA Online together when both run the same PC edition. GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy are separate online instances, so a Steam player on Enhanced cannot join an Epic player on Legacy.SourcesRockstar Support: Unable to join GTA Online sessions with Xbox app on PC (cross-network play, updated June 17, 2025)Rockstar Support: Free GTA V upgrade to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S (updated June 18, 2026)
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Some evenings are simply made for staying in. Your favorite blanket is waiting on the couch, there's something warm in your favorite mug, and you've already decided that absolutely nothing is getting you out of your comfy clothes tonight. All that's missing is a good game. And perhaps a little surprise from us 🤎This autumn, Kinguin and Razer have teamed up for a special Cozy Gaming Giveaway, bringing together our love for relaxing games, cute gaming setups, and those wonderfully lazy evenings when the only thing on your schedule is enjoying yourself.We're celebrating Kinguin's Cozy Sale with a chance to win some seriously lovely gaming gear, including a Nintendo Switch 2, Razer headphones, and an adorable Pokémon-themed collection. A little something for your cozy gaming cornerWe believe your gaming setup should feel like your own little happy place. Maybe yours is full of fairy lights, plushies, and pastel accessories. Maybe it's a simple desk with a comfy chair and a very important cup of coffee. Whatever your perfect gaming corner looks like, we've got a few things that might make it even lovelier.Together with Razer, we're giving away three prize packages made for gaming days, quiet evenings, and everything in between.🧸 1st Place: The ultimate gaming eveningOur grand prize winner will receive:Razer Barracuda X Chroma White – wireless gaming headphones for getting lost in your favorite worlds.Nintendo Switch 2 – a whole new collection of gaming adventures waiting to happen.Just imagine putting on your headphones, getting comfortable under your blanket, and spending the evening exploring a new game. No plans, no rush, just a little time for yourself.🌸 2nd Place: A Pokémon dream setupIf your ideal gaming setup involves pink accessories and ridiculously cute Pokémon, this prize might have your name written all over it.Our second-place winner will receive the Pokémon Razer Collab Pikachu & Eevee Collection Gaming Gear, a matching set featuring a headset, keyboard, mouse, and mouse mat. Yes, Pikachu and Eevee. Yes, it's pink. And yes, we're a little obsessed too.🎀 3rd Place: Kitty ears, obviouslyOur third-place winner will receive the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro, a pink gaming headset with adorable kitty ears.Because sometimes you want great gaming audio, and sometimes you also want to look like the cutest person in the Discord call.Cozy games, autumn evenings, and a little extra loveOf course, a cozy gaming setup deserves some equally lovely games. That's why our Kinguin Cozy Sale is here to make your autumn gaming plans even sweeter, with selected cozy games discounted by up to 86%.Fancy spending the evening running a little bakery? Taking care of your farm? Decorating your dream home? Or simply disappearing into a beautiful game world for a few hours?We've gathered games for all kinds of peaceful evenings, and there's even an extra treat waiting for you: use code COZY8 for an additional discount on eligible offers. You bring the blanket and snacks. We'll help with the games.Ready to make this autumn a little sweeter? 🍯Our Kinguin x Razer Cozy Gaming Giveaway is all about celebrating the little things that make gaming feel special. Your favorite game after a long day, a cute new accessory on your desk, or a weekend when you finally have time to play something you've been looking forward to.And who knows? Maybe your next gaming evening will come with a brand-new Razer setup. Enter the Kinguin x Razer Cozy Gaming Giveaway through our official contest page, follow the participation instructions, and check the terms and conditions for eligibility and deadlines. .kg-cozy-mini-v4 { transition:box-shadow .2s ease !important; } .kg-cozy-mini-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 22px rgba(80,45,30,.12) !important; } .kg-cozy-mini-v4:focus-visible { outline:3px solid #f26621 !important; outline-offset:3px !important; } Good luck, little autumn gamers. We're rooting for you! 🧸🤎
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Twenty-two years later, we’re going back to where it all began. World of Warcraft: Forever is now live, opening the doors to a new version of original Azeroth built for players who remember their first trip to Stormwind just as much as those who have absolutely no idea why everyone keeps shouting “FOR THE HORDE.”Both are welcome. Forever is an unusual chapter for World of Warcraft. It isn't simply another expansion added to the end of the existing game, nor is it Classic with prettier lighting. Blizzard describes it as a new permanent home alongside Modern and Classic WoW: an Azeroth rooted in the game's original era that can continue growing in its own direction through new stories, zones, dungeons and updates.For longtime players, that means familiar roads can lead somewhere genuinely new. For everyone who has spent the last 20 years looking at WoW from the outside and thinking, surely it is far too late to start now, Forever might be one of the easiest opportunities to finally find out what all the fuss is about. So, before you choose a faction, lose several hours creating your character and develop an unhealthy relationship with the Auction House, here's what you need to know.What exactly is World of Warcraft: Forever?Let's start with the newcomers. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG, which is a very efficient way of saying that thousands of people share an enormous online fantasy world and spend their time questing, exploring, fighting monsters, running dungeons, collecting gear, learning professions, fighting each other and standing in capital cities showing off mounts that took an unreasonable amount of time to obtain.The world is Azeroth, and it has been the home of WoW since 2004. Over more than two decades, that world has changed enormously through expansions. Modern World of Warcraft has continued moving forward, while WoW Classic allowed players to revisit older versions of the game.Forever takes a different path. It goes back to the spirit and geography of original Azeroth, but instead of preserving that world exactly as it was, Blizzard is expanding it. There are familiar places alongside new and enlarged zones, more than 1,000 new quests, new dungeons, new secrets and stories that build outward from WoW's first age. The level 1–60 journey matters again, and the plan is for this version of Azeroth to continue evolving through future content rather than eventually progressing through the same expansions WoW has already had.That distinction is probably the easiest way to understand Forever. Classic asks what it was like to play old WoW again. Forever asks what old WoW could have become if Azeroth had taken another road. If you have never played World of Warcraft before, you don't need 22 years of homework to start here.If you have played World of Warcraft for 22 years, you have probably already stopped reading this section and started arguing about class balance somewhere. Welcome home.What is actually new in WoW: Forever? Quite a lot. The biggest addition you will notice immediately is Skyborne, the new playable elven race from Zephras Isle. The race splits along faction lines: Windshaper Skyborne join the Horde and can become Shamans, while High Order Skyborne join the Alliance and can become Mages. Forever also opens new race-and-class combinations including Forsaken Paladins, Dwarf Shamans, Orc Mages, Troll Warlocks, Human Hunters and Gnome Priests.The familiar classes themselves have also been reworked, with updated abilities and specializations designed to keep their original identities while giving players new options. Then there is the world. Azeroth has received environmental and lighting upgrades, but the important changes go deeper than presentation. Blizzard has filled the 1–60 journey with new stories, locations, secrets and dungeons, giving veterans reasons to wander away from the routes they could probably still navigate with their eyes closed.Professions are much more involved too, with more than 600 new recipes, new crafted bonuses and profession objects that can be placed at campsites. The new Camping system lets players build temporary camps in the world where adventurers can rest, repair, access profession tools and contribute useful objects and buffs before continuing their journey.And if you're already thinking about leveling your third alt before your first character has reached max level, Forever has something specifically for you. The new Legacy System adds account-wide progression through challenges involving classes, professions, PvP, exploration, dungeons and raids. Completing them earns Legacy Points that can unlock perks and cosmetic rewards across your account. It rewards experimenting with different parts of Azeroth without requiring you to abandon your main character to benefit from it.In other words, Forever gives you plenty of reasons to take the long way around. Veteran WoW players will understand exactly how dangerous that sentence is.Horde or Alliance? Yes, you still have to chooseSome traditions survive everything. The Alliance brings together races including Humans, Dwarves, Night Elves and Gnomes, while the Horde includes Orcs, Trolls, Tauren and Forsaken. Forever expands those possibilities further with the Skyborne, whose two branches join opposing factions.For a brand-new player, the practical answer is simple: choose whichever side has the race, fantasy and friends you actually want to play with. The emotionally correct answer is considerably more complicated and has caused arguments since 2004. #wowHordeState, #wowAllianceState { opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; } #wowDefaultState { opacity: 1; } #wowHordeTarget:target ~ #wowDefaultState, #wowAllianceTarget:target ~ #wowDefaultState { opacity: 0; } #wowHordeTarget:target ~ #wowHordeState { opacity: 1; } #wowAllianceTarget:target ~ #wowAllianceState { opacity: 1; } .wowCard { transition: opacity .25s ease, filter .25s ease; } .wowVoteText { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 1px; } .wowLink:hover .wowCard { filter: brightness(1.18); } .wowLink:hover .wowVoteText { text-decoration: underline; } CHOOSE YOUR ALLEGIANCE Pick your side H HORDE Strength. Honor. Zug zug. VOTE HORDE → A ALLIANCE Glory. Duty. VOTE ALLIANCE → THE BATTLE SO FAR 52% HORDE / 48% ALLIANCE 52% HORDE ALLIANCE 48% Choose your faction above. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED 53% HORDE / 47% ALLIANCE 53% HORDE ALLIANCE 47% Lok'tar Ogar. Your allegiance has been sworn. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED 51% HORDE / 49% ALLIANCE 51% HORDE ALLIANCE 49% For the Alliance. Your allegiance has been sworn. Which version of WoW: Forever should you get?This is where things can get confusing for a new player, so let's make it simple. You do not need to buy a separate base game to access World of Warcraft: Forever. Access is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time. Blizzard also offers optional Forever upgrade packs that add things such as access to the Skyborne race and its starting experience, mounts, cosmetics, pets and other extras.The Skyborne Heroic Pack is the first upgrade tier and is mainly for players who want access to Skyborne and Zephras Isle alongside its cosmetics and extras.The Skyborne Epic Pack includes the Heroic content plus additional collectibles and 30 days of Game Time.Then there is the limited-time Warcraft Forever Collection, which goes further by bundling the Epic content with Warcraft III: Reforged and the new Forsaken Kingdom campaign, making it the obvious enthusiast option for someone who wants the broader Warcraft package. And this is where it is worth checking the price before buying. .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6 { transition: transform .22s ease, box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6:hover { transform:translateY(-4px) !important; box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-cover-v6 { transition:transform .30s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6:hover .wow-cover-v6 { transform:scale(1.035) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-offer-v6 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-offer-v6:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-view-all-v6 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-view-all-v6:hover { border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } View all → Loading products... Marketplace prices can change. Check the product page for current price, region, delivery method and activation requirements.Because Kinguin is a marketplace, multiple sellers can offer the same product and competing offers can mean a lower price than buying at standard retail. That is why we would not tell you to memorize one number from this article. Check the current offers when you are ready to enter Azeroth.Is Kinguin safe for buying World of Warcraft: Forever?If you are new to Kinguin, this is a fair question. Kinguin has operated as a digital marketplace since 2013 and serves millions of customers globally. It currently holds a 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot from more than 123,000 reviews, while payment security measures include a dedicated Fraud Prevention and Response team operating 24/7. Payment details are also not shared with third-party marketplace sellers.As with any marketplace purchase, however, you should still read the listing before paying.Check whether you are buying a key or Altergift, make sure the region matches your Battle.net account, read the activation instructions and look at the seller information. Some Forever listings on Kinguin use Battle.net gifting rather than a standard CD key, so the delivery process can differ between products. Thirty seconds spent reading the product page is considerably faster than opening a support ticket because you bought the wrong region. .kg-trust-clean-v2 { transition:box-shadow .25s ease !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.08) !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-item { transition:transform .2s ease !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-item:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-check { animation:kgCleanPulse 2.8s ease-in-out infinite; } @keyframes kgCleanPulse { 0%,100% { transform:scale(1); } 50% { transform:scale(1.06); } } New to WoW? Here is what you're actually going to do in AzerothThis is the part that trailers sometimes make unnecessarily complicated. You create a character by choosing your faction, race and class, then enter Azeroth at level one. From there, you explore. You meet characters who give you quests. You fight enemies and grow stronger. You discover towns and cities, learn professions, find better equipment and gradually venture into more dangerous parts of the world.Eventually, you can enter dungeons with other players, where a small group works together against tougher enemies and bosses. At higher levels, raids bring larger groups together for some of WoW's biggest challenges. If fighting other players sounds more interesting, PvP is waiting. If none of that sounds interesting, WoW has spent more than two decades proving that people will happily log in and spend an entire evening fishing.There is no single correct way to play World of Warcraft. Some players chase the hardest bosses in the game. Some live for PvP. Some collect mounts. Some make gold through professions. Some level twelve different characters because apparently one identity wasn't enough. And some person reading this will spend four hours jumping around Stormwind while talking to their guild. That counts too.You are going to need gold. Probably more than you think.Ah, WoW Gold. You will meet each other very quickly. Gold is the everyday currency of Azeroth, and it touches an enormous amount of what you do. It can be used for trading with other players, buying gear and consumables, picking up crafting materials and paying for other useful things throughout your adventure. Kinguin already has dedicated World of Warcraft: Forever Gold marketplace listings across EU and US servers, with offers separated by faction and realm type.You can absolutely earn gold by playing. Questing, professions, trading and selling things you find are part of the normal WoW experience. You can also discover that the thing you desperately want costs considerably more gold than you currently possess. This is another long-standing WoW tradition. For players who would rather spend their limited gaming time questing, running dungeons or preparing for raids instead of farming currency, Kinguin's in-game marketplace provides another option for getting the gold they need. .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1 { transition: transform .20s ease, box-shadow .20s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1:hover { transform:translateY(-4px) !important; box-shadow:0 12px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.20) !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cover-v1 { transition:transform .28s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1:hover .kg-gold-cover-v1 { transform:scale(1.04) !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-arrow-v1 { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-arrow-v1:hover { transform:scale(1.06) !important; background:#f26621 !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cta-v1 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cta-v1:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 10px rgba(242,102,33,.22) !important; } .kg-gold-track-v1::-webkit-scrollbar { display:none !important; } Always select the correct region, faction and realm before purchasing. Delivery methods and times vary by seller.This module should not just be a product carousel. I would make the user choose EU/US → Horde/Alliance → realm type and only then display matching listings. It turns what would normally be a boring sales block into something that actually helps a WoW player avoid buying the wrong product.Gold isn't the only shortcutKinguin's Forever marketplace is structured around Currencies, Items and Boosting, which means the in-game section can grow beyond gold as more player-to-player offers appear after launch. That gives us a good rule for new players:Play the game first. Learn what you enjoy. Then decide where you actually want to save time.There is little point buying something simply because another player says you “need” it. WoW is enormous, and the things that matter to someone pushing endgame content may be completely irrelevant to someone who is happily exploring Azeroth, leveling professions and collecting pets. Your journey does not need to look like somebody else's. Even if their gear looks annoyingly good. .kg-wow-all-v2 { transition: transform .22s ease, box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; box-shadow:0 14px 30px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2 .kg-wow-all-cta-v2 { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2 .kg-wow-all-cta-v2:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(242,102,33,.24) !important; } MORE FROM AZEROTH More than gold awaits. Games, upgrades, currency, items and more — all things Warcraft in one place. SEE ALL WOW OFFERS → Returning veteran? Here's the short versionYou already know what Azeroth is. You know what it feels like when a dungeon run becomes an entire evening. You probably have strong feelings about at least one class redesign, one capital city and one expansion somebody else inexplicably loves.So here is what matters. Forever takes the original level 1–60 Azeroth and gives it somewhere new to go. It isn't simply repeating the expansion timeline. There are more than 1,000 new quests, new and expanded areas, new dungeons, revamped classes, expanded race/class combinations, Skyborne, deeper professions, Camping and account-wide Legacy progression. It is familiar enough that you will recognize home. It is different enough that you will need to explore it again.Azeroth is waiting. Again.World of Warcraft has spent more than two decades becoming enormous. Forever does something surprisingly refreshing with all that history: it gives players another beginning.New players get an Azeroth they can enter without feeling like they arrived twenty years late. Veterans get familiar continents filled with roads they haven't already walked a hundred times. Everyone starts again at level one and gets to find out what this version of the world becomes.If you're ready to go, check the current WoW: Forever editions and Game Time on Kinguin, compare the available marketplace offers and make sure you have the right region and activation method before buying. If you're already playing and your bags are full but your wallet isn't, WoW: Forever Gold and other in-game offers are waiting too.Then there is only one decision left. Horde or Alliance? Choose carefully, people have been arguing about this for 22 years. There is absolutely no reason to stop now.
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The games most like The Blood of Dawnwalker are Vampyr, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Vampyr is the closest vampire match, with a cursed protagonist, claw-based combat and feeding choices that change the world around you. The Witcher 3 shares its creative lineage and dark fantasy storytelling, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance II offers the directional melee combat and grounded medieval drama many Dawnwalker fans enjoy.Best Games Like The Blood of Dawnwalker at a GlanceVampyr — A 2018 vampire RPG where a doctor feeds on Londoners, the closest match to Coen's nightly hunger.Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines — Troika's cult vampire RPG with clan powers, sharp writing and choices that reshape every conversation.Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 — A 2025 sequel set among Seattle's vampires, offering supernatural powers but a mixed player reception.V Rising — A survival game where you rebuild a vampire's power, hunting at night and hiding from the sun.Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered — A remaster of two gothic action-adventures set in Nosgoth, rich in dark fantasy and brooding atmosphere.Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition — A gothic hack-and-slash about Gabriel Belmont fighting vampires and darker forces across a medieval Europe.The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition — A huge open-world RPG where the Dawnguard expansion lets you become a vampire lord.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — CD Projekt RED's dark fantasy RPG, directed by the man who now leads Rebel Wolves.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II — A first-person medieval RPG with directional swordplay and grounded storytelling in 15th-century Bohemia.Cyberpunk 2077 — CD Projekt RED's story-driven open-world RPG, built on the same studio tradition as Dawnwalker's team.Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian's turn-based fantasy RPG with deep choices and a vampire spawn among its companions.Mass Effect Legendary Edition — BioWare's remastered sci-fi trilogy, where choices and companions carry across three connected games.VampyrAction RPG · Vampire curse, feeding choices · for Players who want the closest vampire matchVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesImmersive vampire RPG · Vampire powers, dialogue-driven story · for Fans of classic RPG writingVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Action RPG · Vampire abilities, night-time city · for Vampire fans tolerant of rough edgesV RisingSurvival, base-building · Day-night danger, blood management · for Players who enjoy co-op and craftingLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 RemasteredAction-adventure, platformer · Gothic dark fantasy, soul feeding · for Fans of classic story-driven adventuresCastlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate EditionHack and slash · Gothic vampires, melee combat · for Players who prefer action over dialogueThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionOpen-world RPG · Optional vampire transformation, open world · for Explorers who like long-term character buildsThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntOpen-world action RPG · Same director, dark fantasy writing · for Anyone who wants the studio's rootsKingdom Come: Deliverance IIFirst-person medieval RPG · Directional melee, grounded storytelling · for Players who love realistic sword combatCyberpunk 2077Open-world action RPG · CD Projekt storytelling, mature themes · for Story fans open to sci-fiBaldur’s Gate 3Turn-based CRPG · Choices matter, vampire companion · for Players who value branching storiesMass Effect Legendary EditionSci-fi action RPG · Strong protagonist, consequential choices · for Fans of companion-driven trilogiesWhat Makes a Game Feel Like The Blood of Dawnwalker?A game feels like The Blood of Dawnwalker when it pulls on one of two threads. The first is the vampire fantasy: playing a cursed hero, using supernatural powers, managing a hunger for blood and walking through a gothic world after dark. The second is the craft Rebel Wolves inherited from The Witcher 3: a defined protagonist, morally gray writing, quests with consequences and weighty melee combat where the direction of each swing matters. Coen's split between human days and vampire nights, under a 30-day deadline, adds time pressure that makes every choice feel costly.Games Like The Blood of Dawnwalker for the Vampire FantasyThese picks are for players who finished Dawnwalker wanting more nights as a monster. Each one puts vampires at the center, whether you play as one, hunt them or slowly become one, and most lean into gothic atmosphere, blood-driven powers and uneasy moral choices.VampyrReleased2018DeveloperDONTNOD EntertainmentPublisherFocus EntertainmentMetacritic score72Steam scoreMostly PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, HorrorSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bits) Processor: Intel Core i3-2130 (3.4 GHz)/AMD FX-4100 (3.6 GHz) Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: 2 GB, GeForce GTX 1050 (Legacy GPU: GeForce GTX 660) / Radeon R7 370 Storage: 20 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bits) Processor: Intel Core i7-3930K (3.2 GHz)/AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (3.2 GHz) Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: 4 GB, GeForce GeForce GTX 970 / GTX 1060 / Radeon R9 390 Storage: 20 GB available space Vampyr is a 2018 action RPG by DONTNOD Entertainment, and many Dawnwalker players call it the closest vampire game to Rebel Wolves' debut. You play Jonathan Reid, a doctor turned into a vampire in 1918 London, torn between his oath to heal and his need to feed. There is also a fun link between the two games: Anthony Howell, who voiced Jonathan Reid, plays Pieter, Coen's father, in The Blood of Dawnwalker. Players often point to the shared claw-based combat and the weight of deciding who you feed on.The core loop mixes third-person melee with vampire abilities that you unlock by drinking blood. The catch is that the most powerful experience comes from feeding on named citizens, each with a backstory, relationships and secrets you uncover through conversation. Kill someone and their district can slide toward chaos, so every meal reshapes the city. Combat is simpler than in Dawnwalker and leans on dodging, stamina and blood powers, but the choice system around feeding gives it a moral tension that very few other vampire games match.Vampyr holds a Metacritic score of 72 and a Mostly Positive rating from Steam players, which reflects a game with clear rough edges and a loyal audience. Its combat can feel stiff and some areas repeat, yet the atmosphere of plague-ridden London and the feeding dilemmas still land well. If Coen's nightly struggle with his hunger was the part of Dawnwalker that stayed with you, Vampyr is the most natural next step, and its modest system requirements make it easy to run on most current PCs.Get Vampyr on KinguinVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesReleased2004DeveloperTroika GamesPublisherActivisionMetacritic score80Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, HorrorSystem requirementsMinimum: Required: 3D hardware accelerator card required - 100% DirectX® 9.0c-compatible 64MB video card and drivers 1.2 GHz Athlon™ or 1.2 GHz Pentium® III processor or higher 384MB of RAM (512MB of RAM recommended) Microsoft® Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP * 3.3 GB of uncompressed hard disk space for game files and saved games (plus 1.4 GB for Windows® swap file) 100% DirectX® 9.0-compatible 16-bit sound card and drivers 100% Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP-compatible mouse, keyboard, and drivers DirectX® 9.0c * Does not support Windows XP 64 Supported Chipsets for 98/ME/200/XP: All ATI® Radeon® Chipsets All NVIDIA® GeForce(tm) Chipsets Matrox® Parhelia(tm) Chipset Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is a cult classic RPG from Troika Games, originally released in 2004 and published by Activision. It shares Dawnwalker's interest in what it means to live as a vampire among humans, but tells that story through dialogue, factions and dark humor. You create a newly turned vampire in Los Angeles, choose a clan and get pulled into the politics of the night. It holds a Metacritic score of 80 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, a sign of how well it has endured.Your clan defines how you play. Some open up persuasion and social manipulation, others favor stealth, brute force or blood magic, and each changes how characters react to you. Quests can usually be solved in several ways, and the writing gives even small side characters a strong personality. The combat, a mix of first- and third-person melee and gunplay, is the weakest part of the package and has not aged well. Players who come for the role-playing usually forgive it, because the choices feel more meaningful than the fights.Bloodlines is from 2004, and it looks and plays like it. Expect dated visuals, clunky controls and some technical quirks, and many players add community patches for a smoother run. What still holds up is the atmosphere and the writing, which explain why the game is remembered as one of the best vampire RPGs ever made. If you want to see where the modern vampire RPG grew from, or simply want a story full of memorable characters, it is worth the patience in 2026.Get Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines on KinguinVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Released2025DeveloperThe Chinese RoomPublisherParadox InteractiveSteam scoreMixedCategoriesRPG, ActionSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) Processor: Intel Core i3-8350K | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) | AMD Radeon RX 480 (8GB) | Intel Arc A580 (8GB, Resizable BAR enabled) | AMD Radeon 780M | ROG Xbox Ally X DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 30 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 11 Processor: Intel Core i5-12600K | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8GB) | AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB) DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 30 GB available space Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is a 2025 action RPG developed by The Chinese Room and published by Paradox Interactive. It is the long-awaited sequel to the 2004 cult classic and, like Dawnwalker, puts you in control of a vampire with powers that make you far stronger than the people around you. The setting moves to Seattle, where you navigate the politics of the city's vampire society while trying to keep your nature hidden from humans. It is the most direct modern answer to anyone who wants more vampire nights.Compared with the original, this sequel leans more toward action. Supernatural abilities are central to combat and movement, and you can mix them with melee attacks to handle groups of enemies. Dialogue and faction choices are still part of the experience, though the focus has shifted from a sprawling role-playing sandbox to a more guided story. For Dawnwalker fans, the most familiar element is the feeling of using vampire powers in fights, closer to Coen's night-time abilities than to traditional RPG spellcasting.Bloodlines 2 holds a Mixed rating from Steam players, so it is fair to approach it with tempered expectations. It does not carry the same reputation as the original, and players are divided on how well it lives up to that legacy. Still, it is one of the few recent big-budget games built entirely around playing a vampire. If you have already finished Vampyr and the first Bloodlines and want a modern take on the same fantasy, it is worth trying with that caveat in mind.Get Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 on KinguinV RisingReleased2024DeveloperStunlock StudiosPublisherStunlock StudiosMetacritic score83Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, RPGSystem requirements Minimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: Windows 10 64 bit. Processor: Intel Core i5-6600, 3.3 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, 3.5 GHz. Memory: 12 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti (Maxwell or newer), 2 GB or AMD Radeon R7 360, 2 GB. DirectX: Version 11. Network: Broadband Internet connection. Storage: 19 GB available space. Additional Notes: Minimum System Requirements might change in the future. Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: Windows 10 64 bit. Processor: Intel Core i5-11600K, 3.9 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, 3.7 GHz. Memory: 12 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, 8 GB or AMD Radeon RX 590, 8 GB. DirectX: Version 11. Network: Broadband Internet connection. Storage: 19 GB available space. Additional Notes: Recommended System Requirements might change in the future. V Rising is a 2024 open-world survival game from Stunlock Studios, and it takes the vampire fantasy in a very different direction from Dawnwalker. You wake as a weakened vampire after a long slumber and gradually rebuild your strength, your castle and your following. What links the two games is the rhythm of day and night: sunlight is a real threat, so you plan your hunts and travels around it, much like Coen has to balance what he can do by day and by night.The gameplay is built around crafting, base-building and isometric action combat. You gather resources, construct and expand a castle, and hunt powerful bosses to absorb their blood and unlock new abilities. Blood quality matters, since feeding on different targets grants different bonuses, which gives the game its own version of blood management. You can play solo or online with friends in co-op, and dedicated PvP and PvE servers offer very different experiences depending on how competitive you want it to be.V Rising holds a Metacritic score of 83 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, making it one of the best-received vampire games of recent years. It suits players who enjoyed Dawnwalker's night-time powers and want to spend many more hours feeling like a predator, especially with friends. Just know that this is not a narrative RPG. There is little dialogue or story choice here, so treat it as a long-term sandbox rather than a follow-up to Coen's tale, best enjoyed in long sessions.Get V Rising on KinguinLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 RemasteredReleased2024DeveloperAspyr / Crystal DynamicsPublisherAspyrSteam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, Hack and SlashSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10+ Processor: Intel i3 / AMD FX-4100 Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce GT 620 1gb / Radeon HD 8670D Storage: 2 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system Processor: Intel i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2080 /Radeon RX 6750 Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is a 2024 collection from Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics that brings two classic gothic action-adventures back to modern hardware. You play Raziel, a former vampire lieutenant betrayed by his master Kain and reborn as a soul-devouring wraith in the decaying world of Nosgoth. For Dawnwalker fans, the connection is the dark fantasy tone and a hero caught between two states of existence, with a story built on betrayal, curses and family-like loyalties gone wrong.The gameplay combines third-person combat, platforming and environmental puzzles. Raziel can shift between the material and spectral realms, which changes the layout of the world and opens new paths. He feeds on the souls of defeated enemies to restore his health, a mechanic that echoes the role of blood in Dawnwalker. Combat is fairly simple by modern standards, and much of the challenge comes from exploring and solving puzzles rather than mastering complex sword techniques. Switching realms to reach new areas is the series' signature idea and still feels clever.The remaster holds a Very Positive rating from Steam players, who appreciate seeing both classic games return in updated form. The series is remembered above all for its voice acting and theatrical, almost Shakespearean dialogue, which still stands out today. It is a great choice for players who loved Dawnwalker's gothic atmosphere and want something shorter and more focused. Its light system requirements also make it easy to play on older PCs and handheld gaming PCs, so almost anyone can try it.Get Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered on KinguinCastlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate EditionReleased2013DeveloperMercurySteam / Climax StudiosPublisherKONAMISteam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, Story Rich, Hack and SlashSystem requirementsMinimum: OS *: Windows XP – Service Pack 3 Processor: 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Memory: 1 GB RAM Graphics: Direct X9 compatible video card 512Mb Ram DirectX®: 9.0 Hard Drive: 15 GB HD space Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection Additional: Keyboard or Xinput compatible Joypad for control Recommended: OS *: Windows 7 or higher Processor: Quad Core CPU Memory: 2 GB RAM Graphics: Direct X11 compatible video card with 1024Mb Ram DirectX®: 11 Hard Drive: 15 GB HD space Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection Additional: Keyboard or Xinput compatible Joypad for control Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition is a gothic hack-and-slash game developed by MercurySteam and Climax Studios and published by Konami, released on PC in 2013. You play Gabriel Belmont, a holy warrior fighting vampires, werewolves and other creatures across a dark medieval Europe. It connects to Dawnwalker through its gothic setting, its vampire-heavy bestiary and a personal story driven by grief and family, even if it is far more linear than Rebel Wolves' RPG. Its tone is serious and mournful rather than playful.Combat is the heart of the game. Gabriel's Combat Cross works like a chained whip, and you build combos, dodge and block while switching between light and shadow magic to heal or deal extra damage. Large boss fights, including climbing on enormous creatures, are among the highlights, while quick-time events appear in many cinematic moments. There is no open world and few story choices, so the experience focuses on fighting and exploring a sequence of handcrafted levels. Upgrading Gabriel's moves with experience keeps the combat evolving as you progress.The Ultimate Edition holds a Very Positive rating from Steam players and bundles the base game with its additional content. It suits players who loved the combat side of Dawnwalker and want a more action-focused take on fighting vampires, with less dialogue and more spectacle. The visuals show their age in places, but the art direction and gothic architecture still look striking. Its modest hardware requirements also mean it runs well on most systems, including lower-end laptops and handheld gaming PCs.Get Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition on KinguinThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionReleased2016DeveloperBethesda Game StudiosPublisherBethesda SoftworksMetacritic score84Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction Games, Adventure, RPG, Open WorldSystem requirementsOS *: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit Version), Processor: Intel i5-2400/AMD FX-8320, Memory: 8 GB RAM, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB /AMD R9 290 4GB, Storage: 12 GB available spaceThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is a remastered open-world RPG from Bethesda Game Studios. On the surface, it is a fantasy adventure about dragons, but it also offers one of the most popular ways to become a vampire in gaming. The Dawnguard expansion, included in this edition, adds a full vampire questline where you can side with an ancient vampire clan or with the hunters trying to stop it. That optional curse makes it a natural match for Dawnwalker fans.As a vampire, you gain new powers but must feed regularly, and sunlight weakens you while some townsfolk react with hostility. Dawnguard also adds the Vampire Lord transformation, which turns you into a winged creature with blood magic and the ability to drain enemies. Outside the vampire content, Skyrim offers a huge open world, freeform character progression and countless side quests. Combat is simpler than Dawnwalker's directional swordplay, but you can mix melee, magic and archery as you like and build a character that fits your style.Skyrim holds a Metacritic score of 84 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, and it remains one of the most played RPGs on PC. Its modding community is a major reason to play it in 2026, since mods can improve visuals, rework combat and add new quests, including more vampire content. It is the right pick for players who want to live as a vampire for dozens or hundreds of hours and enjoy shaping their own adventure without a fixed protagonist.Get The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on KinguinGames Like The Blood of Dawnwalker for the Story and CombatThese games skip the fangs but deliver what many players loved most about Dawnwalker: a strong lead character, writing with real consequences and combat that rewards skill. Several come from the same Polish RPG tradition that shaped Rebel Wolves, and one shares its directional swordplay.The Witcher 3: Wild HuntKinguin score4.5Released2015DeveloperCD Projekt REDPublisherCD Projekt REDMetacritic score91Steam scoreOverwhelmingly PositiveCategoriesAdventureStrategyRPGStory richSystem requirementsMin: Windows 7/10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-2500K, 6 GB RAM, GTX 660 / HD 7870, 35 GB HDD. Recommended: i7-3770, 8 GB RAM, GTX 770.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a 2015 open-world RPG from CD Projekt RED, and it is the clearest spiritual ancestor of The Blood of Dawnwalker. Rebel Wolves was founded by former CD Projekt developers, and its director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz directed The Witcher 3. You play Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter Ciri. The search for family, the morally gray choices and the dark fantasy setting all feel familiar to anyone coming from Dawnwalker. In many ways, it is the template Rebel Wolves set out to build on.Gameplay combines third-person sword combat, signs (simple magic), alchemy and investigation of monster contracts. Quests rarely have clean outcomes, and decisions made early can return hours later in unexpected ways. The Blood and Wine expansion is especially interesting for Dawnwalker fans, as it centers on higher vampires in the sunny duchy of Toussaint. Combat does not use directional swordplay like Dawnwalker, but preparation, oils and potions give fights a thoughtful rhythm, especially on higher difficulty levels where careless attacks get punished.The Witcher 3 holds a Metacritic score of 91 and an Overwhelmingly Positive rating from Steam players, which puts it among the most acclaimed RPGs ever made. Even years after release, its writing, characters and side quests remain a benchmark for the genre. For anyone who enjoyed Dawnwalker's storytelling, it is the obvious next step and shows where the team's approach to quests and characters comes from. With its expansions, it offers well over a hundred hours of play, and it runs on a wide range of PCs.Get The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on KinguinKingdom Come: Deliverance IIReleased2025DeveloperWarhorse StudiosPublisherDeep SilverMetacritic score89Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, Open WorldSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer) Processor: Intel Core i5-8400, AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB), AMD Radeon RX 580 Storage: 100 GB available space Additional Notes: SSD required Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer) Processor: Intel Core i7-13700K, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Memory: 32 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT Storage: 100 GB available space Additional Notes: SSD required Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a 2025 medieval RPG from Warhorse Studios, published by Deep Silver. It plays in first person rather than third, but it uses directional melee combat, which makes it one of the closest matches to the swordplay in The Blood of Dawnwalker. You follow Henry through 15th-century Bohemia in a grounded story without magic or monsters. Players often recommend it to Dawnwalker fans for its writing and characters as much as for its combat, even though it has no supernatural elements at all.Fights revolve around choosing the direction of your attacks, reading your opponent's guard and timing blocks and counters. It takes practice, and it rewards patience over button mashing. Around the combat sits a detailed simulation of medieval life, with skills that improve through use, hunger and fatigue, reputation with different groups and many ways to solve quests through dialogue, stealth or force. Choices affect how characters and towns treat you, and the main story is full of memorable personalities worth getting to know.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II holds a Metacritic score of 89 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. It is one of the strongest recent RPGs for players who want a grounded historical setting and a steep but satisfying combat system. Keep in mind that it is demanding on hardware, requiring an SSD and around 100 GB of storage. If directional swordplay was your favorite part of Dawnwalker, this is the game to play next, and the learning curve pays off within a few hours.Get Kingdom Come: Deliverance II on KinguinCyberpunk 2077Released2020DeveloperCD PROJEKT REDPublisherCD PROJEKT REDMetacritic score86Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAdventure, Strategy, RPG, Story richSystem requirementsRequires a 64-bit processor and operating system; OS: 64-bit Windows 10; Processor: Core i7-12700 or Ryzen 7 7800X3D; Memory: 16 GB RAM; Graphics: GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER or Radeon RX 5700 XT or Arc A770; DirectX: Version 12; Storage: 70 GB available space; Additional Notes: SSD required.Cyberpunk 2077 is a 2020 open-world action RPG from CD Projekt RED, the studio where many Rebel Wolves developers built their careers. It trades dark fantasy for a futuristic Night City, but the storytelling approach will feel familiar to Dawnwalker fans: a defined lead character, morally complex side quests and a main story driven by a ticking clock. You play V, a mercenary dealing with a life-threatening problem, much like Coen fighting against the 30-day deadline to save his family.Combat is mostly first-person, with firearms, melee weapons, cyberware implants and hacking that let you build very different playstyles. You can fight head-on, sneak through areas or disable enemies remotely. Quests often branch based on dialogue choices, and companions such as Johnny Silverhand play a central role in the story. The Phantom Liberty expansion adds a spy thriller storyline with its own branching outcomes, and it is well worth experiencing for its writing and characters and its tense, focused missions.Cyberpunk 2077 holds a Metacritic score of 86 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. The game had a troubled launch in 2020, but years of updates have turned it into one of CD Projekt RED's most respected works. It suits Dawnwalker fans who care more about writing and characters than about the vampire setting. Just note that it is demanding, with an SSD required and around 70 GB of storage space needed for the base game. A capable PC will get the most out of Night City.Get Cyberpunk 2077 on KinguinBaldur’s Gate 3Kinguin score4.5Released2023DeveloperLarian StudiosPublisherLarian StudiosMetacritic score92Steam scoreOverwhelmingly PositiveCategoriesAdventureStrategyRPGStory richSystem requirementsMin: Windows 10/11 64-bit, Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, GTX 660 / Radeon HD 7870; Recommended: i7, 16 GB RAM, GTX 1070Baldur’s Gate 3 is a 2023 fantasy RPG from Larian Studios, based on Dungeons & Dragons. It plays very differently from Dawnwalker, with turn-based combat instead of real-time swordplay, but it shares the focus on choices that matter and characters with real depth. One of its most popular companions, Astarion, is a vampire spawn, and his storyline explores hunger, control and freedom in a way that will feel familiar to anyone who spent nights as Coen. It is also a fine pick for anyone who enjoys a big party of companions.You create your own hero or play as one of the predefined origin characters, then travel with a party of companions whose reactions depend on your decisions. Combat is tactical and turn-based, using terrain, height, spells and items to outsmart enemies. Quests can be approached in many ways, from persuasion to stealth to open fighting, and the game remembers your choices across its three acts. It also supports co-op, so you can play the whole story with friends and compare the very different paths each of you took.Baldur’s Gate 3 is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs of recent years and set a new standard for choice-driven storytelling. For Dawnwalker fans, it is a strong pick if the moral decisions and character relationships were what kept you playing. The turn-based combat takes some getting used to if you prefer action, but it rewards planning and creativity. With its length and multiple origin characters, it also offers great replay value well into 2026, especially if you try a different origin or alignment on a second run.Get Baldur’s Gate 3 on KinguinMass Effect Legendary EditionReleased2021DeveloperBioWarePublisherElectronic ArtsMetacritic score87Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, AdventureSystem requirementsRequires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: 64-bit Windows 10. Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X. Memory: 16 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / RTX 200, Radeon Vega 56, 4 GB Video Memory. DirectX: Version 11. Storage: 120 GB available space.Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a 2021 remaster of BioWare's original sci-fi trilogy, published by Electronic Arts. It has no vampires and no swords, but it delivers what many Dawnwalker players value most: a strong protagonist, memorable companions and choices with lasting consequences. You play Commander Shepard, leading a crew across the galaxy to confront a threat to all life, and decisions made in the first game can shape events in the third. That long-term payoff is something few RPG series have matched since.Gameplay combines third-person cover shooting with abilities based on your chosen class, such as biotic powers or tech skills. You recruit and command a squad of companions, each with personal missions, relationships and moral dilemmas. Dialogue choices shape your reputation and how characters respond to you. The remaster updates the visuals and improves several gameplay elements of the first game, which makes the full trilogy easier to enjoy today than playing the original releases on modern hardware, without old technical hurdles.Mass Effect Legendary Edition holds a Metacritic score of 87 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. It suits Dawnwalker fans who enjoyed the storytelling and want a long, character-driven journey with choices that carry forward. Playing all three games back to back makes your decisions feel more personal, especially in the final chapter. It needs around 120 GB of storage, so check your free space before installing. Few RPG series reward patience with such a satisfying sense of continuity across all three games.Get Mass Effect Legendary Edition on KinguinFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat type of game is The Blood of Dawnwalker?The Blood of Dawnwalker is a dark fantasy action RPG developed by Rebel Wolves and published by Bandai Namco, released in September 2026. You play Coen, who is human by day and a vampire by night, and has 30 in-game days to save his family. It combines directional swordplay with vampire powers and blood management.What is the best vampire game like The Blood of Dawnwalker?Vampyr is the vampire game most players point to as the closest match. You play a doctor turned vampire in 1918 London, and many players note its claw combat and feeding choices feel similar. Anthony Howell, who voiced Vampyr's hero, also plays Coen's father in Dawnwalker. Bloodlines and V Rising are strong alternatives.Is there a game with combat like The Blood of Dawnwalker?Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the closest match for Dawnwalker's directional melee combat. It plays in first person, but you choose the direction of each attack and time blocks against your opponent's guard. For a story-driven alternative, The Witcher 3 offers third-person swordplay, though without directional attacks.Are there any sequels to The Blood of Dawnwalker?No sequel has been announced so far. The Blood of Dawnwalker is the first game from Rebel Wolves, a Polish studio founded by former CD Projekt developers, and it was released in September 2026. Until the studio shares more, games like Vampyr and The Witcher 3 are the best way to continue.Is The Blood of Dawnwalker similar to The Witcher 3?Yes, in several ways. Rebel Wolves was founded by former CD Projekt developers, and director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz directed The Witcher 3. Both are dark fantasy RPGs with a defined protagonist and morally complex choices. Dawnwalker adds directional swordplay, vampire powers at night and a 30-day deadline that puts time pressure on every decision.
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Autumn has a strange way of convincing us that we should learn how to make things. Maybe this will finally be the year we learn to sew. Maybe we should start making our own clothes. Perhaps we need a box full of beautiful fabric scraps, even though we have absolutely no plan for what happens after we buy them. One particularly ambitious Pinterest board later, we are apparently also restoring old furniture and opening an Etsy shop.We support the vision. We also know that starting a new hobby usually means buying supplies, finding somewhere to keep those supplies and eventually discovering that sewing in a straight line is a skill rather than a basic human instinct.Games make the first step much easier. There is a particular kind of comfort in games that let you make something slowly. You choose the fabric, move the pieces around until they fit, add a little detail because it makes you happy and eventually get to look at something that did not exist before you sat down.So, for our final autumn hobby, we are putting away the fishing rod and mushroom basket and getting crafty. There are dresses to sew, quilts to finish, stickers to design and old things that deserve another chance.Dressmaker lets you discover exactly how ambitious your sewing era really is If you have ever looked at a beautiful dress and thought that making one yourself cannot possibly be that difficult, Dressmaker is here to answer that question. Released in September 2026, Dressmaker is built around the actual process of making clothes rather than simply choosing a design and watching a progress bar fill up. You select fabrics, arrange pattern pieces, cut them out and sew the panels together before adding buttons, bows, appliqué, lace and other decorations. Even the way you position a pattern on the fabric matters, because what you cut is what eventually appears on the finished garment.There is something especially satisfying about how physical the whole process feels. You guide fabric through the sewing machine yourself and gradually watch separate pieces become an actual dress. If you care about doing things properly, there is plenty here to learn about grain, bias, measurements and using your fabric efficiently. If you mostly care about making something beautiful, there is also plenty of room to experiment with colors, materials and decorations.And because this is a video game, making a mistake does not mean staring at a crooked seam for twenty minutes before reluctantly reaching for the seam ripper. That alone might make this the superior form of sewing.The finished dresses can be made for commissions or created from your own ideas, which makes Dressmaker feel less like a fashion dress-up game and much more like having a little digital sewing room of your own. You begin with fabric and a pattern. A while later, there is a dress on the mannequin that exists because of all the tiny decisions you made along the way. We understand why people get into this hobby now. We are still slightly afraid of real sewing machines. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Quilts and Cats of Calico answers the important question: what if quilting had more cats? There are few things more naturally cozy than a handmade quilt. Apparently, one of them is a handmade quilt with a sleeping cat on top. Quilts and Cats of Calico turns quilting into a puzzle where you arrange patterned fabric scraps into a growing design. Matching colors and patterns helps you score, while creating the right combinations lets you sew buttons onto your quilt and attract cats, each of whom has their own very specific preferences about what constitutes an acceptable place for a nap.The actual sewing is abstracted into a board-game puzzle, so you will not be threading needles or guiding fabric through a machine here. Instead, the pleasure comes from taking a collection of pieces that do not seem particularly useful on their own and slowly finding a way to make them belong together.Sometimes you will place a patch because it is exactly what your carefully planned quilt needs. Sometimes you will place it because a cat likes that pattern. We know which design philosophy we respect more.The cats themselves wander around the board, nap on your work and can even be petted while you play. You can create your own cats too, customizing their appearance and giving them little outfits before allowing them to interfere with your quilting session. Anyone who has attempted a craft project in a house with a cat will recognize this as an unusually accurate simulation. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Patchwork turns the scrap basket into a very clever little puzzle If Quilts and Cats of Calico makes you want more patchwork but you would prefer your quilting session with slightly fewer feline supervisors, there is always Patchwork. This digital adaptation of Uwe Rosenberg's board game gives two players their own empty quilt and a shared selection of fabric pieces. Each patch has its own shape and cost, and choosing one also uses up time, so building a beautiful quilt becomes a surprisingly thoughtful exercise in deciding which pieces are worth taking and how to fit them together without leaving awkward gaps.It captures something very satisfying about real patchwork without asking you to actually sew anything. A strange little piece that seemed impossible to use five minutes ago might suddenly fit perfectly into the one annoying gap you have been staring at. Slowly, the empty board fills with different colors and patterns until you have something that looks like a quilt rather than a collection of questionable decisions.There is competition involved, so this one can become considerably less peaceful if you and your chosen quilting partner are both taking the button economy seriously. Apparently even sewing can have enemies. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... .kg-newsletter-v4 { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4:focus { outline:none !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(242,102,33,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-checkbox-v4 { accent-color:#f26621 !important; cursor:pointer !important; } Join our newsletter Deals, new releases and gaming picks worth opening another tab for. Enter a valid email address. I agree to receive marketing communication from Kinguin. Please tick the box to join. Nice. You’re on the list ✓ Something went wrong. Please try again. Assemble with Care is for everyone who cannot throw old things away Not everything we make needs to start from scratch. Sometimes the nicest thing you can do with your hands is take something broken and give it another chance.Assemble with Care follows Maria, an antique restorer who arrives in the town of Bellariva and begins repairing treasured possessions for the people who live there. You take objects apart, examine how their pieces work together and carefully rebuild them until an old camera, cassette player or another well-loved object can work again.There is a wonderfully tactile quality to these repairs. Screws need removing, parts need turning over and mechanisms need understanding before everything can go back where it belongs. The puzzles are gentle enough that the act of fixing something remains the focus, and the objects themselves carry memories for the people who bring them to you.That makes each repair feel a little more meaningful than simply getting a machine working again. Most of us have at least one thing we keep because it belonged to someone, reminds us of somewhere or has simply been around for so long that throwing it away feels wrong. Assemble with Care understands that objects can collect stories along with their scratches. Sometimes fixing an old thing is easier than replacing it. Sometimes it means more, too. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Sticky Business is your Etsy era without the trip to the post office Perhaps fabric is not your thing. Perhaps your true calling is owning an online sticker shop with an extremely specific aesthetic.Sticky Business lets you design your own stickers by combining different graphics, shapes and effects into whatever tiny creations your heart desires. You build collections, arrange sticker sheets and sell your designs through your own little online business. When an order arrives, you pack it yourself and can add extras to make the parcel feel special for the person opening it. It is that last part that makes the whole thing especially lovely.Your customers are not just order numbers appearing on a screen. As people return to your shop, you learn pieces of their stories through their orders. The stickers you design begin to feel like small things being sent to actual people rather than products disappearing into an imaginary delivery van. And because you control the designs, your shop can become as specific as you want it to be. You can make cute animals, witchy stickers, ridiculous faces or cover everything in sparkles because nobody can stop you.This is your small business. There is no brand manager. Go wild. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Tiny Bookshop is what happens when DIY becomes making a space feel like yours Tiny Bookshop stretches our definition of DIY a little, because you will not be sewing, cutting or repairing anything here. But anyone who has ever spent an entire weekend rearranging a room knows that making a space your own can scratch exactly the same creative itch.You run a tiny second-hand bookshop from a trailer and travel around the seaside town of Bookstonbury, setting up in different locations and getting to know the people who stop by. Alongside choosing which books to stock and recommending them to customers, you can fill your shop with objects you collect and decide what kind of place you want it to become.You can cover it in plants. You can lean into candles and make it feel a little mysterious. You can surround yourself with the kinds of things you would actually want nearby while spending a quiet afternoon selling books.Those decorations are not completely cosmetic either. Items can affect customers and introduce new mechanics, so making the shop feel like yours also changes how your little business works. There is no fabric involved and we cannot reasonably call rearranging a bookshop sewing. We tried. But Tiny Bookshop understands the same pleasure that runs through every game on this list: starting with something plain and slowly adding little pieces of yourself until it feels like yours. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Maybe this autumn we make somethingOur autumn hobby club started in the kitchen. Then we went fishing, disappeared into the woods looking for mushrooms and somehow ended up here, surrounded by fabric scraps, buttons, stickers and one cat that has decided to sleep directly on our unfinished quilt.That feels like a pretty good place to finish. There is something especially comforting about making things during the slower part of the year. You do not necessarily need the finished object to be perfect, useful or impressive enough to show anyone else. Sometimes choosing the fabric is fun. Sometimes arranging tiny stickers for twenty minutes is fun. Sometimes fixing an old cassette player or decorating a miniature bookshop is enough to make an evening feel nicely spent.And games let us enjoy that little spark of creativity without needing a craft room, a sewing machine or a drawer containing 47 different kinds of glue. Although, after playing Dressmaker, we cannot promise you will not start looking at sewing machines. If that happens, we accept no responsibility. Happy crafting 🧵 Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale →
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There is a point every autumn when perfectly normal people suddenly start looking at the forest floor with great interest. A little rain falls, the leaves turn orange and mushroom season begins. Someone in your family already knows the spot. Someone else refuses to tell anyone where the spot is. There are baskets involved. Boots come out. Every walk through the woods becomes a treasure hunt. Unfortunately, real mushroom picking comes with one fairly important rule: you really need to know what you’re picking. Video games are much more forgiving.In Among Trees, you can wander through a beautiful wilderness and gather mushrooms on your way home. Cozy Grove hides different varieties among its leaf piles. Potion Permit lets you forage for mushrooms and turn what you find into something useful, while Wytchwood takes the whole autumn-foraging fantasy and adds witchcraft, potions and ingredients with names like Hagshroom. And if picking mushrooms isn’t enough, we also found games where you can identify strange fungi, wear a mushroom hat or simply become a mushroom yourself. 🍄 Grab a basket. We’re going into the woods. Among Trees makes getting lost in the woods sound like a very good plan Most of us have been taught that wandering alone into the wilderness with no clear plan is generally a bad idea. Among Trees makes a surprisingly convincing counterargument. You begin with a small wooden cabin hidden deep in a colorful forest and gradually learn how to live around it. The wilderness provides much of what you need, which means leaving the safety of your little home to explore, gather resources and see what is growing beyond the next patch of trees. Mushrooms are among the things you can forage directly from the forest floor, alongside plants such as chicory and other useful materials.That simple act of heading outside to see what you can find gives Among Trees much of its autumn charm. A trip through the woods does not always need a grand destination. Sometimes you notice something useful growing nearby, take a small detour to collect it and eventually return to your cabin with a backpack full of things you did not necessarily leave home looking for.There is survival involved, so this is not a completely responsibility-free walk in the woods. You need food, you need resources and the wilderness deserves a little respect. But there are long stretches where simply exploring the forest becomes its own reward.And honestly, coming home to a tiny wooden cabin after spending the afternoon gathering mushrooms in the woods might be the most aggressively autumn activity a video game can offer. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Cozy Grove knows that the best mushrooms are hiding under the leaves Cozy Grove already has an excellent setup for anyone currently experiencing mushroom season brainrot: you are a Spirit Scout camping on a haunted island, surrounded by forests, friendly ghost bears and a seemingly endless supply of little things waiting to be discovered.Naturally, there are mushrooms. Several kinds, actually. While exploring the island and rummaging through leaf piles, you can find varieties including brown and red mushrooms, poison mushrooms, chanterelles and rarer trumpet mushrooms. Your finds can then be burned into roasted mushrooms and used in cooking, donated to your collection or occasionally handed over to hungry imps.It makes mushroom hunting part of the larger pleasure of checking in on the island each day. You never quite know what has appeared since your last visit, so there is always a reason to wander away from camp, poke around under some leaves and see what the forest has decided to give you.Finding a chanterelle hiding in a leaf pile scratches exactly the same tiny part of the brain as spotting one on an autumn walk. Except this one cannot poison you. We consider that an improvement. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... .kg-newsletter-v4 { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4:focus { outline:none !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(242,102,33,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-checkbox-v4 { accent-color:#f26621 !important; cursor:pointer !important; } Join our newsletter Deals, new releases and gaming picks worth opening another tab for. Enter a valid email address. I agree to receive marketing communication from Kinguin. Please tick the box to join. Nice. You’re on the list ✓ Something went wrong. Please try again. Potion Permit turns your mushroom basket into medicine Moving to Potion Permit means upgrading our basket to something slightly more professional. You arrive in the small town of Moonbury as a chemist, which means the plants, minerals and other ingredients growing outside town are not just pretty things to collect. They are the raw materials you need to diagnose illnesses, brew remedies and look after the people living there.Mushrooms are one of the ingredients you can forage in Meadow Range, where patches grow in several locations and can be harvested with your sickle. They are useful outside the potion-making side of your job too, appearing in dishes including mushroom soup and black truffle pasta.That makes heading out to gather ingredients feel especially satisfying because you usually know those things are coming home with you for a reason. What looks like a quiet afternoon spent searching through the countryside eventually becomes somebody's medicine, tonight's dinner or another little step towards becoming part of Moonbury.You also have a dog who follows you around. This is relevant because every autumn walk is improved by a dog. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Wytchwood is mushroom picking after you fully commit to the witch aesthetic If Potion Permit feels like responsible herbalism, Wytchwood is what happens when you stop pretending this is a normal hobby and become the strange witch living at the edge of the forest. Which, to be clear, we fully support.Wytchwood sends you through a beautifully illustrated fairytale world gathering an enormous variety of plants, creatures and considerably stranger ingredients for your spells and recipes. Among the first things you learn to collect are Hagshrooms, mushrooms growing right on the ground around your home and in the forest. You do not even need a special tool to gather them.They quickly become useful. Hagshrooms appear in recipes for things like Mending Poultice and Unveiling Powder, so spotting one during a walk through the forest is less about filling a collection and more about thinking ahead to whatever strange concoction you might need next.And that is where Wytchwood really nails the fantasy of autumn foraging. You are constantly looking at the world around you as a collection of useful little treasures. A mushroom is an ingredient. A herb might be important later. Something slightly suspicious growing near a tree is absolutely going in the bag.Real mushroom pickers may bring a field guide. You have a grimoire. Same hobby, different commitment level. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products...
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There is a very specific kind of peace that comes with fishing in video games. You find a nice spot by the water, cast your line and wait. For a moment, there is nowhere you need to be and nothing particularly urgent happening. Maybe something bites. Maybe it doesn’t. Either way, you get to sit there for a little while.Real fishing unfortunately requires getting up early, checking the weather, finding actual fishing gear and accepting the possibility that you may spend several hours outside without catching anything.Video game fishing asks considerably less of you. And since autumn is exactly the time of year when staying somewhere warm while pretending to spend the afternoon by a lake sounds particularly appealing, we went looking for some of our favorite fishing games and fishing spots.Some give you nothing but a rod, a quiet lake and plenty of time. Others wrap fishing into stories about rebuilding communities, making friends or starting a new life somewhere far away. One of them may contain unspeakable horrors from the depths of the ocean, but we’ll deal with that when we get there.For now, grab your rod. We’re going fishing.Cast n Chill understands that sometimes fishing is the whole plan The name really does tell you everything you need to know. Cast n Chill is a game about finding a beautiful stretch of water, casting your line and seeing what bites. There are lakes, rivers and oceans to explore, different species to discover and better equipment to unlock as you sell your catches and gradually become a more capable angler. You can chase rare fish and legendary catches if you want a goal, but the game is equally happy to let you take things slowly.And taking things slowly feels particularly good here. There is no town demanding your attention and no farm waiting to be watered before you leave. The landscape, pixel art and simple rhythm of casting and reeling give fishing enough room to be the main event rather than a side activity squeezed between twenty other things on your to-do list.You can even bring your loyal little companion along for the trip, which immediately improves any fishing expedition by at least 70 percent. We checked the math.If the reason you clicked on an article about cozy fishing games was because you genuinely just want to fish, this is probably the purest version of that fantasy on our list. Cast n Chill up to 53% off Get Cast n Chill → Moonglow Bay gives you a reason to keep coming back to shore Moonglow Bay begins from a much more emotional place.You play as a rookie angler trying to fulfil the final wish of your partner while living in a struggling fishing town on the Canadian coast. What begins with you picking up a rod gradually becomes a story about getting to know this place, reconnecting with its community and helping Moonglow Bay find its feet again.Fishing is at the center of almost everything you do, and there is plenty of it. You can cast a line, set traps, use nets and even go ice fishing while working your way through more than 150 aquatic species. Your catches do not simply disappear into a sell box either. Fish can become meals or end up in the local aquarium, while your time on the water slowly feeds into the larger job of bringing life back to the town.That gives each trip a lovely sense of purpose. You can head out in your boat, spend some time on the water and return with something that matters back home.Moonglow Bay can get emotional, and its story begins with grief, so this isn't completely fluffy comfort food. But there is a lot of warmth in what comes afterwards. At its heart, this is a game about slowly putting things back together, one fishing trip at a time. Moonglow Bay up to 80% off Get Moonglow Bay → Luna’s Fishing Garden lets you fix an entire world with a fishing rod If your preferred fishing spot needs to be approximately 40 percent more magical, Luna’s Fishing Garden has you covered. You play as Cassie, who wakes up on a strange collection of islands after a storm and meets Luna, a mysterious fox spirit whose garden has been damaged. From there, fishing becomes part of restoring this little watery world.The whole thing is deliberately small and gentle. You catch fish, meet the spirits living around the islands, clean up the surrounding waters and plant new trees and flowers as the garden begins to recover. There is progression and plenty to collect, but very little pressure to turn any of it into work.That is important because Luna’s Fishing Garden understands something that cozy games occasionally forget: relaxation does not need to become another productivity challenge. You can work towards restoring everything perfectly. Or you can find a nice place and fish for a while. Luna will survive. Luna’s Fishing Garden up to 82% off Get Luna’s Fishing Garden → Disney Dreamlight Valley lets you go fishing with Goofy, which is difficult to argue withSometimes fishing is better when you can bring a friend. Disney Dreamlight Valley is much bigger than its fishing mechanic, of course. It is a life-sim and adventure game where you build your own version of Dreamlight Valley alongside a growing collection of Disney and Pixar characters. You can decorate your home, cook with Remy, garden with WALL-E and spend an afternoon fishing with Goofy. And fishing fits surprisingly naturally into that daily routine.Different parts of the Valley have their own waters and catches, so grabbing your rod gives you another reason to wander between its biomes. The fish you bring home can become ingredients for meals, help with quests or simply contribute to whatever little goal you have decided matters that day.But the nicest way to do it is probably to bring one of your villagers along. Fishing then becomes less about hunting down another resource and more like one of those tiny activities you do while spending time in the Valley. Pick someone you like, head towards the water and stay there until you decide you have had enough.If Goofy wants to come, obviously you let Goofy come. Those are the rules. Disney Dreamlight Valley up to 74% off Get Disney Dreamlight Valley → Stardew Valley can turn “one quick fishing trip” into an entire afternoon There are people who love fishing in Stardew Valley. There are also people who spent their first few hours wondering why a tiny pixel fish seemed personally determined to ruin their day. Both experiences are valid.Fishing is one of Stardew Valley’s five main skills, and it becomes much more satisfying once you start learning how it works. Different fish appear depending on the location, season, weather and time of day, which means a casual trip to the river can eventually turn into knowing exactly where you need to be when it starts raining on a Tuesday in fall. You can also craft bait, use bobbers and set crab pots while working towards catching everything the Valley has to offer. The nice part is that none of this needs to be your goal.Some days you can simply take your rod down to the beach, stand at the end of the pier and see what happens. When the sun starts going down, you walk home with whatever you managed to catch and tomorrow you can do something completely different. Or you can become completely obsessed with catching one particular fish. That is between you and the fish. Stardew Valley up to 86% off Get Stardew Valley → DREDGE is cozy fishing for people with a slightly concerning definition of cozy Okay. We need to talk about DREDGE. If your definition of a cozy fishing trip involves calm water, a warm sunset and perhaps a little picnic on the shore, DREDGE would like to know how you feel about cosmic horror.On paper, parts of it sound almost perfect for this list. You captain a small fishing trawler around a remote archipelago, head out to find different species, sell your catch when you return and use the money to improve your boat and equipment. There are more than 125 deep-sea creatures to discover, islands to explore and plenty of reasons to make one more trip before calling it a day. It is an incredibly satisfying loop. There is just one tiny problem. You probably want to be home before dark.DREDGE is officially an adventure-horror game, and the further you travel, the clearer it becomes that something is very wrong with these waters. Strange things start appearing in your nets. The islands have secrets. Your fisherman gets increasingly uneasy when he stays at sea too long, and the darkness is considerably less empty than you would like it to be.So no, DREDGE is not wholesome in the same way as Cast n Chill or Luna’s Fishing Garden. But there is something oddly comforting about its routine. Leaving the harbour in the morning, filling the boat, arranging your catch in the cargo hold and racing home as the sun begins to disappear can become its own little ritual.It is fishing for people who find inventory management relaxing but would also like the ocean to occasionally threaten their sanity. We’re not judging your comfort games. DREDGE up to 87% off Get DREDGE → Maybe we understand why every cozy game eventually adds a fishing rodFishing has become such a familiar part of cozy games that seeing a little pond without a fishing mechanic can almost feel suspicious. But after spending enough time with these games, it makes sense. Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale → Fishing gives you permission to stop. You cast a line and, for a few seconds, there is nothing else you can do except wait. You notice the water, the music and whatever is happening around your character. Even in games packed with quests, crops, friendships and things begging for your attention, standing beside a river can create a tiny break in the middle of everything else.Sometimes that break lasts thirty seconds. Sometimes you suddenly realise you have spent your entire in-game day standing on the same pier. And sometimes the sun goes down, an ancient horror crawls out of the ocean and you remember that you are playing DREDGE. Nobody said every fishing trip had to end peacefully 🎣
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This guide compares Steam and the Epic Games Store for PC players buying game keys: library, free games, features, refunds, key activation and Epic Rewards. Steam is better for most key buyers thanks to its bigger library, Workshop mods and user reviews. The Epic Games Store is better for weekly free games and 5% cash back.Key TakeawaysSteam and the Epic Games Store both refund games within 14 days of purchase with under 2 hours of playtime.Valve does not refund Steam keys bought outside Steam; the seller's refund policy applies.Epic Rewards pays 5% back on Epic Games Store purchases made through Epic's payment system; the 20% boost ended January 8, 2026.Steam has the larger library, Steam Workshop and written reviews, while Epic gives away free games every week.Steam vs Epic Games at a Glance (October 2026)FeatureSteamEpic Games StoreLibrary sizeLargest PC store; about 20,000 new games in 2025 alone (SteamDB-based trackers)Smaller, curated catalogFree gamesFree-to-play titles and occasional promotionsFree games every weekMod hubSteam Workshop (in games that integrate it)No Workshop equivalentUser reviewsWritten recommend / not recommend reviews from players with playtime5-point ratings from random players with 2+ hours, plus pollsCloud savesSteam Cloud (per game)Cloud saves (per game, filterable)Refund windowWithin 14 days of purchase, under 2 hours playedWithin 14 days of purchase, under 2 hours of runtime (PC/Mac)Keys bought elsewhereNot refundable through SteamRefund depends on the sellerKey activationGames > Activate a Product on SteamLauncher: your name > Redeem Code, or the web redeem pageCash backNone5% in Epic Rewards via Epic's payment system (20% for Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys)Steam vs Epic Games: The Short AnswerSteam is Valve's PC game store and launcher, and the Epic Games Store is the PC game store and launcher run by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite. Steam is the better store for most PC players buying game keys, while the Epic Games Store is the better place to collect free games and earn cash back. Steam has the larger library, written user reviews, Steam Workshop mods and a mature community. Epic gives away free games every week and pays 5% back in Epic Rewards on purchases made through its own payment system, which Steam does not match.Steam and the Epic Games Store use almost the same refund rule: 14 days from purchase and under 2 hours of playtime. For key buyers, the bigger difference is what activating a key on each store means. A Steam key bought from another seller cannot be refunded through Steam, and an Epic code redeemed from another seller earns no Epic Rewards, because the rewards are tied to purchases paid through Epic. The store where a key is activated decides which library the game lives in, along with its mods and social features.Which Is Better, Epic Games or Steam? Library and Free GamesSteam has the biggest PC game library by a wide margin. Trackers based on SteamDB data counted roughly 19,000 to 21,500 new Steam releases in 2025 alone, depending on the tracker and the date of the count. That volume covers almost every indie game, older catalog title and niche genre. The Epic Games Store carries a smaller, more curated catalog, plus some timed exclusives and Epic's own games such as Fortnite.The Epic Games Store wins on free games. Epic gives away at least one free game every week, and players keep each game in their library permanently after claiming it during the giveaway window. Over the years this has built large Epic libraries for players who never paid for anything. Steam offers free-to-play titles, free weekends and occasional free promotions, but it has no weekly giveaway program.Features Compared: Workshop, Reviews, Cloud Saves and AchievementsSteam has more built-in community features than the Epic Games Store. Steam Workshop is a hub for community-made content such as mods, maps and items, available in games whose developers integrate it. Steam user reviews are written recommend or not recommend reviews, and according to Steamworks documentation only players with recorded playtime can post them. Steam shows both a recent score covering the past 30 days and a lifetime score.The Epic Games Store uses ratings instead of written reviews. According to Epic Games Support, the store asks random players who have played a game for more than two hours to rate it on a five-point scale, and it can also show short polls after play sessions. Epic supports cloud saves and achievements on a per-game basis, and the Epic library has a Cloud Saves filter. Epic has no Workshop-style mod hub, so modding depends on each game.FeatureSteamEpic Games StoreModsSteam Workshop in supported gamesNo central mod hubReviewsWritten reviews, recent and lifetime score5-point ratings and pollsCloud savesSteam Cloud in supported gamesCloud saves in supported gamesAchievementsYesYes, with a Platinum stageWeekly free gamesNoYesCash backNo5% in Epic RewardsRefund Policies: Steam vs Epic Games StoreSteam refunds almost any purchase made on Steam if the request comes within 14 days of purchase and with less than two hours of playtime, per Valve's official Steam Refunds page. DLC follows the same 14-day window, and preorders can be refunded at any time before release. Valve is explicit about keys: "Valve cannot provide refunds for purchases made outside of Steam," and it names CD keys from third parties as an example.The Epic Games Store refund policy covers PC and Mac products marked refundable or self-refundable within 14 days of purchase, or 14 days after release for pre-purchases, with less than 2 hours of runtime. According to Epic Games Support, eligible games show a Request Refund button on the account's Transactions page, and returning the money can take up to 30 days depending on the payment method. Virtual currency and consumables are not refundable, and mobile purchases have a 2-hour window.RuleSteamEpic Games StoreTime limit14 days from purchase14 days from purchase (PC/Mac)Playtime limitUnder 2 hoursUnder 2 hours of runtimePreordersAny time before release14 days after release for pre-purchasesHow to requestSteam Support refund requestTransactions page or Player SupportKeys from other sellersNot refundable through SteamHandled by the sellerHow to Activate a Game Key on Steam and Epic GamesSteam key activation and Epic code redemption both take under a minute, and both are permanent. A key works only once, so signing in to the correct account before activating matters on both stores. Steam keys are activated in the Steam client or on Steam's product registration page in a browser. Epic codes are redeemed in the Epic Games Launcher or on Epic's redeem page, and Epic Games Support notes that the dashes in a code are optional.Steam: open the Steam client and sign in to the account that should own the game.Steam: click Games in the top menu, then Activate a Product on Steam.Steam: accept the Steam Subscriber Agreement, paste the key and confirm. The game appears in your library.Epic: open the Epic Games Launcher and sign in, or go to the redeem page on epicgames.com.Epic: click your display name in the top-right corner and choose Redeem Code.Epic: paste the code and click Redeem. The game appears in your Library, ready to install.Epic Rewards: How Much Cash Back Do You Get in 2026?Epic Rewards is the Epic Games Store's cash-back program. According to Epic Games Support, purchases in the Epic Games Store made with Epic's payment system earn 5% back in Epic Rewards, and purchases in Fortnite, Rocket League and Fall Guys always earn 20% back. The 20% Epic Rewards Mega Boost for all store purchases ran until January 8, 2026, and Epic has not announced its return.Epic Rewards balances can be spent on later purchases in the Epic Games Store. Because rewards are tied to Epic's payment system, a code bought from another seller and redeemed on Epic does not earn Epic Rewards. Steam has no cash-back program on game purchases. For key buyers, a lower price from a key seller can still beat 5% back on a full-price Epic purchase.Which Store Should You Buy Keys For?Choosing between a Steam key and an Epic key comes down to where your library, friends and mods already live. Pick Steam for games with active Workshop mods, written reviews you can read before buying, and friends who play on Steam. Pick Epic when a game is an Epic exclusive, when you already keep your library there, or when Epic's weekly free games and Epic Rewards matter more to you than community features.Before buying any PC key, check the store label on the product page, because a Steam key cannot be activated on Epic and an Epic code cannot be activated on Steam. Also check region locks, since some keys only activate in certain regions. Marketplaces such as Kinguin sell both Steam and Epic Games keys, so the platform choice is yours. Keep in mind that a key bought outside the official store follows that seller's refund rules, not Valve's or Epic's.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhich is better, Epic Games or Steam?Steam is better for most PC players because of its larger library, Steam Workshop mods, written user reviews and community features. The Epic Games Store is better for collecting weekly free games and earning 5% back in Epic Rewards on purchases made through Epic.What is the $5 rule on Steam?According to Steam Support, a new Steam account stays limited until it has spent at least $5.00 USD in the Steam store. Limited accounts cannot send friend invites, use the Community Market or trade items. Gifts received from friends and free games do not count toward the $5.Is Epic Games bigger than Steam?No. Steam has a far larger game library, with roughly 20,000 new releases in 2025 alone according to SteamDB-based trackers. The Epic Games Store has a smaller, curated catalog and some timed exclusives.Can I activate a Steam key on Epic Games?No. A Steam key activates only on Steam, and an Epic Games code activates only on the Epic Games Store. Check the platform label before buying a key, because each key works once and binds the game to the account that redeems it.Do Epic Rewards apply to keys from other sellers?No. Epic Games Support ties Epic Rewards to Epic Games Store purchases made with Epic's payment system. A code bought from another seller and redeemed on Epic adds the game to your library but does not earn the 5% Epic Rewards.SourcesSteam: RefundsEpic Games Store Refund PolicyEpic Games Support: How to refund an Epic Games Store purchaseEpic Games Support: Will 20% rewards return to the Epic Games Store for all purchases?Epic Games Support: How do I redeem a product code?Steam Support: Activating a Product on SteamSteamworks Documentation: User ReviewsSteam Support: Limited User Accounts
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This guide compares Mac and PC for gaming in October 2026: game library, anti-cheat, Windows compatibility tools, price and upgrades. For most players a Windows PC is the better gaming machine, because it runs nearly every PC game, including kernel-level anti-cheat titles like Valorant. A Mac suits players who mainly need a work laptop and play native Mac games.Key TakeawaysWindows runs on about 95% of Steam users' machines and macOS on 1.92%, per the September 2026 Steam Hardware Survey.Apple silicon Macs cannot run Boot Camp, so Windows-only games need native ports, CrossOver or Game Porting Toolkit workarounds.Games with kernel-level anti-cheat, such as Valorant, have no Mac version and generally do not run on a Mac.A gaming PC can be upgraded part by part, while a Mac's memory and storage are fixed at purchase.Mac vs PC for Gaming at a Glance (October 2026)CategoryMac vs PCmacOS share of Steam users (Sept 2026 survey)1.92% (Windows about 95%)MacBook Air M5 starting price$1,099 (13-inch), $1,299 (15-inch), since March 2026MacBook Pro M5 Pro starting price$2,199 (14-inch); M5 Max up to a 40-core GPUNewest Apple chipM6, in the Mac mini, shipping since September 22, 2026Game Porting ToolkitVersion 4 beta, announced at WWDC 2026 (June)CrossOver for MacVersion 26.x, paidBoot Camp on Apple siliconNot availableCyberpunk 2077 on MacNative since July 17, 2025; needs 16GB+ unified memoryValorant on MacNo Mac versionMac vs PC for Gaming: The Short AnswerMac vs PC for gaming has a clear answer in 2026: a Windows PC wins on game choice, multiplayer support and upgrades. Windows ran on about 95% of the machines in the September 2026 Steam Hardware Survey, while macOS sat at 1.92%, according to GamingOnLinux and Phoronix. Developers build for the platform most players use, so most new PC games launch on Windows first, and many never get a Mac version at all.Gaming on a Mac means playing either native macOS games or Windows games through translation tools such as Game Porting Toolkit or CrossOver. A Mac is still a workable gaming machine for some players, within those limits. Apple silicon chips have strong integrated graphics for their power draw, and a growing list of big games now run natively on macOS. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, for example, arrived on Apple silicon Macs on July 17, 2025, according to CD PROJEKT RED. The Mac works best as a machine you buy for work, study or creative apps, with gaming as a bonus rather than the main reason.Is a MacBook Better Than Windows for Gaming?A MacBook is not better than a Windows laptop for gaming if the goal is to play the widest range of games. Windows laptops run the full PC catalog on Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, EA app and Ubisoft Connect, and they support the anti-cheat systems used by most competitive shooters. A MacBook only runs games that have a macOS version or that work through a compatibility layer, and that second group is unpredictable.Anti-cheat is the biggest dividing line between Mac and PC. According to Epic, Easy Anti-Cheat has supported native macOS games since 2021, so a developer who ships a full Mac version can protect it. Kernel-level systems are a different story. Riot does not offer a Mac version of Valorant, and according to player guides its Vanguard anti-cheat does not run on Apple silicon Macs or in virtual machines. Other multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat usually stay off the Mac too.What a Mac can do that a PC cannot is mostly outside gaming. macOS integrates tightly with iPhone and iPad, and Apple silicon laptops are known for long battery life and quiet operation. For gaming specifically, the Mac advantage is narrow: some Apple Arcade and App Store games are built for Apple devices first, and native ports like Cyberpunk 2077 use Apple's Metal graphics API.Is a Mac Powerful Enough for Gaming in 2026?Current Macs are powerful enough to run demanding native games, but raw power is not the main limit. In March 2026 Apple released the MacBook Air with M5, starting at $1,099 for the 13-inch model and $1,299 for the 15-inch, per Engadget and Tom's Guide. The MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at $2,199, and the M5 Max reaches up to a 40-core GPU, according to AppleInsider and The Register.Apple's desktop Macs also got new chips in 2026. Apple announced a Mac mini with the M6 chip, its first 2-nanometer chip, alongside an M5 Pro Mac mini and a new Mac Studio on August 25, 2026, with shipping from September 22, according to Deccan Herald and retailer listings such as B&H. The M6 Mac mini has a 12-core CPU and a 12-core GPU, which puts it in the same class as the base MacBook chips rather than the Pro and Max models.Memory matters more than chip name for Mac gaming. CD PROJEKT RED lists 16GB or more of unified memory as the requirement for Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac. Because Mac memory is shared between the CPU and GPU and cannot be added later, buyers who plan to play newer games should pick at least 16GB at purchase.Can a Mac Be Used as a Gaming PC? Game Porting Toolkit, CrossOver and WindowsA Mac can be used as a gaming PC only in part, because Apple silicon Macs cannot install Windows through Boot Camp. Boot Camp works on Intel-based Macs only. On Apple silicon, Windows runs solely as the ARM version inside virtualization software, which adds another layer between the game and the hardware. Games that need kernel-level anti-cheat or specific drivers usually fail in virtualized Windows on a Mac.Game Porting Toolkit is Apple's developer tool for testing Windows games on Mac. The toolkit translates DirectX 11 and 12 graphics calls to Apple's Metal API so studios can check how a game would perform before writing a full port. Apple announced Game Porting Toolkit 4 at WWDC 2026, adding Metal 4 support and AI-assisted porting skills, according to Apple's session page and AppleInsider. The toolkit is still a beta built for developers, not a one-click way for players to run any Windows game.CrossOver is the paid consumer option. CodeWeavers sells CrossOver as a Windows compatibility app for macOS, with version 26.x current in 2026, per Macworld. CrossOver can run some single-player Windows games, but reviewers at MacHow2 list incompatible anti-cheat as its main weakness. Check the CodeWeavers compatibility database for each game before buying a Mac with CrossOver in mind.Mac vs PC for Gaming: Side-by-Side ComparisonMac and PC differ for gaming in seven areas as of October 2026: game library, anti-cheat support, running Windows games, compatibility tools, upgradability, price/performance and current hardware. Every row of the Mac vs PC gaming comparison is based on the sources named in this guide, and the hardware row lists only Mac models that Apple has officially announced and released by October 2026.CategoryWindows PCMac (Apple silicon)Game libraryNearly every PC release on all major storesNative Mac ports only, plus games that work via compatibility layersAnti-cheat supportSupports kernel-level systems such as Riot's Vanguard (Valorant)Easy Anti-Cheat for native Mac games; no Valorant; many anti-cheat games fail in CrossOverRunning Windows gamesNativeNo Boot Camp; CrossOver (paid) or virtualized Windows on ARMGame Porting Toolkit / CrossOverNot neededGame Porting Toolkit 4 (GPTK 4) beta is a developer tool; CrossOver 26.x is the consumer optionUpgradabilityGPU, RAM, storage and CPU can be replacedMemory and storage fixed at purchasePrice/performance for gamingSpend goes mostly into the GPU, which can be upgraded laterHigher entry price; memory upgrades cost extra at checkoutCurrent hardware (Oct 2026)Wide choice of desktops and laptops from many brandsMacBook Air M5 from $1,099; MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or M5 Max; Mac mini M6Which Should You Choose? A Quick ChecklistThe right choice between Mac and PC depends on which games you play and what else the computer has to do. Checking your own most-played games for macOS support is the fastest way to decide. If a single must-play title fails on Mac, the PC is the safer buy, because there is no reliable fix for anti-cheat or missing ports on macOS.PC gamers who already own a game library can keep it and add new titles through any store, so switching to a Mac usually means leaving part of that library behind. Buying keys for the PC version on Kinguin works for Steam, Epic and other launchers, while Mac players should confirm that each game lists macOS support before buying.List the five games you play most and check each store page for macOS support.Check whether any of them uses kernel-level anti-cheat; if yes, choose a Windows PC.For Windows-only single-player games, look them up in the CodeWeavers compatibility database.If you choose a Mac, buy at least 16GB of unified memory, since it cannot be upgraded later.If you want to upgrade parts over the years, choose a desktop PC.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat can a Mac do that a PC cannot?A Mac connects tightly with iPhone and iPad, runs macOS-only apps, and Apple silicon laptops offer long battery life with quiet operation. For gaming, a Mac has no meaningful advantage over a PC apart from some Apple-first titles on the App Store and Apple Arcade.Is a MacBook better than Windows for gaming?No. A Windows laptop runs almost every PC game and supports kernel-level anti-cheat. A MacBook runs native Mac ports and some Windows games through CrossOver, but competitive titles like Valorant have no Mac version.Is a Mac powerful enough for gaming?Yes, for native games. Apple silicon chips such as the M5 Pro and M5 Max run demanding ports like Cyberpunk 2077, which needs 16GB or more of unified memory. The limit is game availability, not raw performance.Can a Mac be used as a gaming PC?Only partly. Apple silicon Macs cannot use Boot Camp, so Windows games need a native port, CrossOver or virtualized Windows on ARM. Many multiplayer games with anti-cheat will not run in those setups.Can I upgrade a Mac's graphics later?No. Apple silicon Macs combine the CPU and GPU on one chip, and memory and storage are fixed at purchase. A desktop PC lets you swap the graphics card, RAM and storage separately.SourcesGamingOnLinux: Steam Survey for September 2026Apple Developer: Game Porting ToolkitApple WWDC 2026 session 357 (Game Porting Toolkit 4)AppleInsider: Game Porting Toolkit 4CD PROJEKT RED: Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition available on MacAppleInsider: MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 MaxEngadget: MacBook Air M5 starts at $1,099
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This guide compares the PS5 and Xbox Series X in October 2026: prices, power, exclusives, subscriptions and GTA 6. For most buyers, the PS5 is the better pick: it costs $649.99 versus $799.99 for the Series X, and more Xbox games now reach PS5. The Xbox suits Game Pass Ultimate fans and Gears of War players.Key TakeawaysIn the US, the PS5 costs $649.99 and the Xbox Series X costs $799.99 after price increases in April and August 2026.Game Pass Ultimate costs $22.99 a month and includes new Xbox first-party games at launch, except new Call of Duty games.Halo: Campaign Evolved launched on PS5 in July 2026, while Gears of War: E-Day stays an Xbox console exclusive.GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026 on both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.PS5 vs Xbox Series X at a Glance (October 2026)ItemPS5 / XboxPS5 (disc) / Xbox Series X (disc), US price$649.99 / $799.99PS5 Digital / Xbox Series X Digital, US price$599.99 / $749.99Cheapest modelXbox Series S 512GB, $499.99Premium modelPS5 Pro, $899.99Latest price changePS5: April 2, 2026 / Xbox: August 1, 2026Top subscription tier, monthlyPS Plus Premium $19.99 / Game Pass Ultimate $22.99Day-one first-party games in the subscriptionNo (PS Plus) / Yes, except new Call of Duty (Game Pass Ultimate)GTA 6 (November 19, 2026)Yes / Yes (Series X and Series S)Big console exclusives in late 2026PlayStation first-party / Gears of War: E-DayPS5 vs Xbox Series X: The Short Answer for 2026The PS5 (PlayStation 5) is Sony's current home console, and the Xbox Series X is Microsoft's most powerful current Xbox, sold alongside the cheaper Xbox Series S. The PS5 vs Xbox Series X question has a clearer answer in 2026 than it did at launch. The PS5 is $150 cheaper than the Series X in every matching model, it gets most big multiplatform games, and it now also gets several Xbox-published games. For a player who wants one console and the widest game library, the PS5 is the safer choice.The Xbox Series X still wins for one type of player: someone who wants a subscription to do the heavy lifting. Game Pass Ultimate adds new Xbox first-party games on launch day, which PS Plus does not do for PlayStation first-party games. Xbox fans who want Gears of War: E-Day or the upcoming Clockwork Revolution also need an Xbox or a PC, because Microsoft says both games stay off PlayStation.PS5 and Xbox Prices in October 2026: Every ModelPS5 prices went up on April 2, 2026. According to the PlayStation Blog, the US prices are now $649.99 for the PS5 with a disc drive, $599.99 for the PS5 Digital Edition and $899.99 for the PS5 Pro. Sony pointed to global economic pressure as the reason, and reporting tied the change to rising memory and chip costs.Xbox Series X|S prices went up on August 1, 2026. Per Pure Xbox and other outlets covering the announcement, the Series X with a disc drive now costs $799.99 and the Series X Digital $749.99. Microsoft blamed higher memory and storage prices and also discontinued the 2TB Series X. The Xbox Series S remains the cheapest current console from either brand at $499.99.Console (US, October 2026)PriceXbox Series S 512GB$499.99PS5 Digital Edition$599.99Xbox Series S 1TB$599.99PS5 (disc drive)$649.99Xbox Series X Digital$749.99Xbox Series X (disc drive)$799.99PS5 Pro$899.99Is PS5 or Xbox Series X More Powerful?The standard PS5 and the Xbox Series X are close in power. Both consoles run current games at similar resolutions and frame rates, and most players will not notice a meaningful difference in multiplatform games. Neither console has a clear lead across the whole library, so power alone should not decide the PS5 vs Xbox Series X choice between the two standard models.The PS5 Pro is Sony's high-end model. Coverage of its specs describes a stronger GPU, better ray tracing and an AI upscaler called PSSR, which help in games that ship with PS5 Pro enhancements. At $899.99, the PS5 Pro costs more than the Xbox Series X. The Xbox Series S sits at the other end of the range as the budget model, trading power for its $499.99 price.Exclusives in 2026: Xbox Games on PS5 and What Stays on XboxXbox exclusives are much rarer in 2026 than at the start of this generation. Microsoft has released many of its games on PS5, and Halo: Campaign Evolved launched on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on July 28, 2026, according to the PlayStation Store listing. That makes it the first mainline Halo campaign on a Sony console. Forza Horizon 6 is also officially coming to PS5, though recent reports suggest the PS5 version may slip into 2027.Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are the Xbox games that stay off PlayStation. Gears of War: E-Day launched on October 6, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and Clockwork Revolution is planned for 2027. Xbox has said both are console exclusives and not timed exclusives, so no PS5 version is planned. Both games are on or coming to PC. PlayStation first-party games still require a PS5, because Sony keeps them on its own console.PS Plus vs Game Pass: Subscription Tiers and PricesGame Pass Ultimate is the top tier of Microsoft's Xbox subscription, and PS Plus Premium is the top tier of Sony's PlayStation Plus. Game Pass got cheaper in 2026: according to Xbox Wire, Game Pass Ultimate dropped from $29.99 to $22.99 a month on April 21, 2026, and PC Game Pass dropped from $16.49 to $13.99. In return, future Call of Duty games no longer join Ultimate or PC Game Pass at launch; Xbox says they arrive about a year later. Other new Xbox first-party games still launch on Ultimate on day one.PlayStation Plus prices went up in 2026. Push Square and other outlets reported that from May 20, 2026, US monthly prices for new subscribers rose to $10.99 for Essential, $16.99 for Extra and $19.99 for Premium. The 12-month plans were reported as unchanged, which makes yearly billing the better deal. Sony executives have said new PlayStation first-party games are not added to PS Plus on launch day.Tier (US, monthly)PriceWhat it addsPS Plus Essential$10.99Online multiplayer, monthly gamesPS Plus Extra$16.99Essential plus a catalog of PS4 and PS5 gamesPS Plus Premium$19.99Extra plus classic gamesGame Pass Essential$9.99Online multiplayer, 50+ gamesGame Pass Premium$14.99200+ games, Xbox first-party within about a yearGame Pass Ultimate$22.99Full catalog, day-one Xbox first-party (not new Call of Duty), cloudGTA 6 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|SGTA 6 is coming to both consoles on the same day. Rockstar Games has set the release for November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Take-Two confirmed that date again in May 2026. No PC version has been announced, so a console is the only way to play GTA 6 at launch.GTA 6 is not a reason to pick one brand over the other. Rockstar has not announced any console-exclusive content, and it has not shared resolution or frame-rate targets for each console. Buyers on a tight budget should know that the Xbox Series S is on the official platform list, but performance details for the cheaper console have not been published before launch.Which Console Should You Buy? Pick by Player TypeFriend groups matter as much as hardware in the PS5 vs Xbox Series X decision. Some big multiplayer games have no crossplay at all: GTA Online, for example, keeps PlayStation and Xbox players in separate sessions, according to Rockstar Support. In games like that, buying the same console as your friends is the only way to play together, whatever the price difference.The right console in the PS5 vs Xbox Series X choice depends mostly on which games you play and where your friends are. Crossplay helps in some multiplayer games, but many popular titles still keep PlayStation and Xbox players apart, so joining the same platform as your group still matters. Matching a console to your player type is the quickest way to decide.Lowest price for current games: Xbox Series S at $499.99.Best value with a disc drive: PS5 at $649.99.Most powerful console: PS5 Pro at $899.99.Most new games for a monthly fee: Xbox Series X or Series S with Game Pass Ultimate at $22.99.PlayStation first-party games: PS5.Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution: Xbox Series X|S or PC.GTA 6 only: either console works, so pick the one your friends use.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs PS5 actually better than Xbox Series X?The PS5 is the better console for most buyers in 2026. It costs $150 less than the matching Series X model and gets most multiplatform games plus several Xbox-published ones. The Series X is the better pick for Game Pass Ultimate fans and Gears of War players.What can the Xbox Series X do that the PS5 can't?The Xbox Series X runs Game Pass Ultimate, which adds new Xbox first-party games on launch day, except new Call of Duty games. It also plays Xbox console exclusives such as Gears of War: E-Day, which Xbox says will not come to PS5.Is it worth getting an Xbox Series X if you have a PS5?An Xbox Series X is usually not worth adding if you already own a PS5. Many Xbox games now launch on PS5 too, and the Series X costs $799.99. A second console makes sense only for Xbox exclusives like Gears of War: E-Day or heavy Game Pass use, and a PC covers both.Are Xbox games coming to PS5?Many Xbox games are coming to PS5. Halo: Campaign Evolved launched on PS5 in July 2026, and Forza Horizon 6 is officially coming to PS5. Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are the exceptions: Xbox says they stay off PlayStation.Will GTA 6 be on Xbox Series S?GTA 6 will be on Xbox Series S. Rockstar lists Xbox Series X|S as a GTA 6 platform, so the Series S is included. GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no PC version announced.SourcesPlayStation Blog: New price changes for PS5, PS5 Pro and PlayStation Portal (March 27, 2026)Xbox Wire: Xbox Game Pass update (April 21, 2026)Pure Xbox: New prices for Xbox Series X|S consoles as of August 2026Push Square: PS Plus price increases hit Extra and Premium tiers (May 2026)PlayStation.com: Halo: Campaign EvolvedKitGuru: Gears of War: E-Day set for October launch as Xbox and PC exclusive
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This guide covers the 11 best tower defense games to play in 2026. Tower defense games are strategy games in which players build towers or traps to stop waves of enemies from reaching a base. The best overall pick is Bloons TD 6, followed by Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD and Plants vs. Zombies.Key TakeawaysBloons TD 6 from Ninja Kiwi is the most widely recommended tower defense game across Google's AI Overview, Eneba and PCGamesN.Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD (2024) is the strongest traditional fantasy tower defense pick, and Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis TD reached Steam in September 2026.Legion TD 2, Orcs Must Die! 3, Dungeon Defenders and Sanctum 2 are the best options for multiplayer or co-op.Mindustry and The Riftbreaker mix tower defense with factory automation and base building.Best Tower Defense Games at a Glance (October 2026)PickGameBest overallBloons TD 6Best classic fantasy TDKingdom Rush 5: Alliance TDBest for beginnersPlants vs. ZombiesBest competitive multiplayerLegion TD 2Best action + trapsOrcs Must Die! 3Best co-op with RPG lootDungeon DefendersBest FPS hybridSanctum 2Best factory + defenseMindustryBest base-building hybridThe RiftbreakerWhat Makes a Good Tower Defense Game?A good tower defense game gives every tower a clear job and makes placement matter. Enemies arrive in waves along a path, and the player wins by building, upgrading and combining defenses so nothing reaches the base. The best tower defense games add a twist on top of that loop, such as heroes, traps, a first-person view, factory automation or online opponents, without burying the core strategy.The 11 tower defense games on this list were picked from what Google's AI Overview, current top-ranking lists (Eneba, updated October 2026, and PCGamesN, updated January 2026) and Steam store listings agree on. Each game appears in at least two of those sources and is available on PC. Release dates, developers and PC platforms come from the official Steam store pages, checked on October 14, 2026.1. Bloons TD 6Bloons TD 6 is a 3D tower defense game from Ninja Kiwi in which monkey towers pop waves of balloons, called Bloons, across hand-built maps. According to its Steam store page, the game has 25 Monkey Towers with three upgrade paths each, 17 heroes, and 4-player co-op on every map and mode.Bloons TD 6 appears on every major current list, including Google's AI Overview, Eneba and PCGamesN, because it keeps getting content years after launch. Ninja Kiwi says it releases several updates every year, with Boss Events, Odysseys and the Contested Territory mode, and it has added Rogue Legends, a paid roguelike expansion. For players who want one tower defense game that lasts hundreds of hours, Bloons TD 6 is the safest pick.FactDetailsReleased2018 (PC: December 17, 2018)DeveloperNinja KiwiPlatformsPC, Mac, iOS, Android, Xbox One, PS4KinguinCompare Bloons TD 6 offers2. Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TDKingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD is the fifth main entry in Ironhide Game Studio's fantasy tower defense series, released on July 25, 2024 according to its Steam page. The campaign forces an unlikely alliance between the warriors of Linirea and the Dark Army, the series' former villains, so players combine towers and heroes from both sides against a new threat.Kingdom Rush 5 earns its place because the series is widely treated as the reference point for traditional tower defense: clear tower roles, tight level design and bosses that test every upgrade. Google's AI Overview names the Kingdom Rush series among the top picks. Ironhide followed it with Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis TD, released on Steam in September 2026, which goes back to the early days of the kingdom.FactDetailsReleased2024DeveloperIronhide Game StudioPlatformsPC, Mac, iOS, Android3. Plants vs. ZombiesPlants vs. Zombies is PopCap Games' lane-based tower defense game from 2009, in which a garden of sunflowers, peashooters and wall-nuts holds back a zombie invasion. Players collect sun to plant defenders on a grid, and each new zombie type forces a change in setup. The Game of the Year Edition on Steam has five modes: Adventure, Mini-Games, Puzzle, Survival and Zen Garden.Plants vs. Zombies is still the best starting point for new players. The rules are taught one plant at a time, levels are short, and the humor keeps it light, yet later stages demand real planning. PCGamesN ranks it first on its PC list, and Google's AI Overview calls it an approachable classic, which matches its reputation as the genre's gateway game.FactDetailsReleased2009DeveloperPopCap GamesPlatformsPC, MacKinguinCompare Plants vs. Zombies offers4. Legion TD 2Legion TD 2 is a multiplayer tower defense game from AutoAttack Games. Waves of enemies attack every player at once, and each player builds defenses to survive, sends mercenaries to break through opponents' defenses and scales an economy for the late game. According to its Steam page, it supports 2v2 and 4v4 matchmaking plus a single-player and co-op campaign.Legion TD 2 is the pick for players who want competition instead of a campaign. Each match hands players a random roll of six fighters, so every game plays out differently and rewards adaptation over memorized builds. Eneba, PCGamesN and Google's AI Overview all include Legion TD 2, and it has been on Steam in full release since October 1, 2021.FactDetailsReleased2021DeveloperAutoAttack GamesPlatformsPC, Mac5. Orcs Must Die! 3Orcs Must Die! 3 is Robot Entertainment's action tower defense game in which players run around the level in third person, place traps and fight hordes of orcs directly with weapons. The game first launched on Stadia in July 2020 and reached PC, PS4 and Xbox on July 23, 2021.Orcs Must Die! 3 fits players who find classic tower defense too passive. Trap combos reward planning, but the hero still swings weapons and casts spells in real time, so each wave feels like an action game. The game supports solo play or 2-player co-op, and War Scenarios with mountable War Machines add the largest orc armies in the series. Both Eneba and PCGamesN keep it on their lists.FactDetailsReleased2020 (Stadia), 2021 (PC and consoles)DeveloperRobot EntertainmentPlatformsPC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S6. Dungeon DefendersDungeon Defenders is a 2011 tower defense action RPG from Chromatic Games in which up to four players each pick a hero class and defend the land of Etheria. Heroes summon their own defenses, then join the combat directly when waves arrive. Players level up characters, forge equipment, gather loot and collect pets.Dungeon Defenders is the best fit for groups who want tower defense with a progression loop. The Steam store page lists 4-player online and local splitscreen co-op, and each class has its own skill tree and set of towers, so the team splits building duties. Eneba and PCGamesN both list Dungeon Defenders, and later entries, Dungeon Defenders II and Dungeon Defenders: Awakened, are also on Steam.FactDetailsReleased2011DeveloperChromatic GamesPlatformsPC7. Defense Grid: The AwakeningDefense Grid: The Awakening is Hidden Path Entertainment's 2008 sci-fi tower defense game in which an alien horde invades and players stop it by building fortification towers around their base. According to its Steam page, the game has 20 levels, 10 tower types with three levels each and 15 enemy types, with about 8 hours in the main story.Defense Grid: The Awakening remains a favorite for strategy fans because each level can be solved in many different ways, with rewards for more efficient defenses. Towers have trade-offs such as line of sight, so placement matters more than raw firepower. Challenge modes add new starting conditions. PCGamesN ranks Defense Grid second on its PC list, and Eneba also includes it, more than 17 years after release.FactDetailsReleased2008DeveloperHidden Path EntertainmentPlatformsPC8. Sanctum 2Sanctum 2 is Coffee Stain Studios' 2013 sequel to what its Steam page calls the world's first tower defense and FPS hybrid. Players build mazes of blocks and towers before each wave, then switch to a first-person view and shoot enemies while the towers fire. Four character classes protect oxygen cores on an alien planet.Sanctum 2 suits players who want to be inside the battle instead of above it. The mix of planning and shooting works especially well in co-op, and the Steam page says up to four players can team up on the campaign. Players also pick their own loadout of towers, weapons and perks. Both Eneba and PCGamesN feature Sanctum 2, and it runs on Windows, Mac and Linux on Steam.FactDetailsReleased2013DeveloperCoffee Stain StudiosPlatformsPC, Mac, Linux9. MindustryMindustry is an open-ended factory game with tower defense and RTS elements, made by Anuke and released on Steam on September 26, 2019. Players mine resources, build conveyor belts and production chains, and feed ammunition into turrets that defend the core against waves of enemy units. Turrets also need coolant and power, and shields and regeneration projectors support the defense.Mindustry stands out for players who enjoy automation as much as defense. A weak supply line means a weak defense, so the factory and the turrets have to grow together. The Steam store page lists online co-op, PvP and cross-platform multiplayer, and Eneba includes Mindustry on its list of the best tower defense games.FactDetailsReleased2019 (Steam)DeveloperAnukePlatformsPC, Mac, Linux10. The RiftbreakerThe Riftbreaker is a base-building survival game with action RPG elements from EXOR Studios, released on October 14, 2021. Players control a scientist in a Mecha-Suit on the alien planet Galatea 37, gather resources, build a base with walls and turrets, and fight off large creature attacks. The Steam store page lists online and LAN co-op for up to four players.The Riftbreaker works as tower defense because each base has to survive waves that grow bigger over time, so turret placement and wall layout decide whether it holds. Between attacks, the mech explores and fights directly. Eneba lists The Riftbreaker among the best tower defense games, and Steam users tag it as tower defense and base building.FactDetailsReleased2021DeveloperEXOR StudiosPlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S11. Kingdom RushKingdom Rush is the original 2011 game from Ironhide Game Studio that started the series, first released as a browser game and later on iOS, Android and PC. Players defend the kingdom of Linirea from orcs, trolls and wizards with towers, spells and heroes. Players rain fire on enemies, summon reinforcements and command troops, and the Steam version includes 13 heroes.Kingdom Rush still belongs on any list of the best tower defense games because the formula holds up: distinct tower roles, enemy variety and clear upgrade choices. Eneba and Google's AI Overview both include the series. The original reached Steam in January 2014 and also appears on Nintendo Switch and Xbox, which makes it the easiest entry to find on most platforms.FactDetailsReleased2011 (Steam: 2014)DeveloperIronhide Game StudioPlatformsPC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, XboxFAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the best tower defense game?Bloons TD 6 is the most widely recommended tower defense game in 2026. It appears at or near the top of Google's AI Overview, Eneba and PCGamesN, and Ninja Kiwi still adds content, including the Rogue Legends roguelike expansion.What is the best tower defense game on PC?Bloons TD 6 and Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD are the strongest classic picks on PC. Players who want something different can try Orcs Must Die! 3 for traps and action or Legion TD 2 for competitive multiplayer.Which tower defense games have co-op?Bloons TD 6, Orcs Must Die! 3, Dungeon Defenders, Sanctum 2, Mindustry and The Riftbreaker all list online co-op on their Steam store pages. Legion TD 2 offers both online co-op and PvP.Is there a new Kingdom Rush game in 2026?Yes. Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis TD from Ironhide Game Studio was released on Steam in September 2026. Its Steam page describes it as a return to the early days of the kingdom, with new twists.Are there tower defense games on PS5 and Xbox?Yes. Orcs Must Die! 3 and The Riftbreaker are available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Bloons TD 6 is on PS4 and Xbox One, and the original Kingdom Rush is on Xbox.SourcesSteam: Bloons TD 6 (Ninja Kiwi)Steam: Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD (Ironhide Game Studio)Steam: Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis TDSteam: Legion TD 2 (AutoAttack Games)Steam: Orcs Must Die! 3 (Robot Entertainment)Steam: Mindustry (Anuke)
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This guide covers the 10 best multiplayer extraction shooters to play in October 2026. An extraction shooter is a game where players loot a map and must escape alive to keep their gear. ARC Raiders is the best overall pick, Escape from Tarkov is the most hardcore, and Arena Breakout: Infinite and Delta Force are the best free options.Key TakeawaysARC Raiders, released October 30, 2025 on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, is the most approachable PvPvE extraction shooter right now.Escape from Tarkov reached version 1.0 and launched on Steam on November 15, 2025, and it is still PC-only.Bungie's Marathon launched on March 5, 2026 with crossplay and cross-save across PC, PlayStation and Xbox.Gray Zone Warfare, The Forever Winter and Incursion Red River are PvE-first or PvE-only options for players who want to avoid PvP.Best Extraction Shooters at a Glance (October 2026)PickGameBest overallARC RaidersMost hardcoreEscape from TarkovBest free-to-play on PCArena Breakout: InfiniteBest free-to-play on consoleDelta ForceBest for crossplay squadsMarathonBest PvPvE bounty huntHunt: Showdown 1896Best PvE-first open worldGray Zone WarfareBest fantasy extractionDark and DarkerBest PvE co-opThe Forever WinterWhat Makes a Good Multiplayer Extraction Shooter?A multiplayer extraction shooter is a shooter where players drop into a map, collect loot and must reach an extraction point to keep it. Players who die before extracting lose the gear they brought in and everything they found. Wikipedia describes the genre as the gameplay style "most notably seen in Escape from Tarkov," and most games in this list follow that loop of deploy, loot, survive and extract.The best multiplayer extraction shooters balance risk and reward, give a reason to return to the map, and keep matches tense without making every death feel wasted. The games below each appear in at least two of these places: Google's AI Overview, top-ranking extraction shooter lists such as Eneba's October 2026 hub, and Steam's Extraction Shooter tag. Release dates, developers and platforms come from Steam store data and official or reference pages, checked in October 2026.1. ARC RaidersARC Raiders is a third-person PvPvE extraction shooter from Embark Studios, released on October 30, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Players scavenge for loot and fight hostile ARC machines while other squads compete for the same resources. Embark dropped an earlier free-to-play plan, and the game launched at $40, per Wikipedia and Steam.ARC Raiders works as the best overall pick because it makes the genre approachable without removing the tension. Solo players and squads can both queue, the machines give fights that are not only player versus player, and Steam lists cross-platform multiplayer, so PC and console friends can group up. Eneba ranks ARC Raiders first in its October 2026 list, and lootandgrind uses it as the reference game for the genre.FactDetailsReleased2025DeveloperEmbark StudiosPlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SKinguinCompare ARC Raiders offers2. Escape from TarkovEscape from Tarkov is the hardcore first-person extraction shooter from Battlestate Games that defined the genre. After years in beta, Escape from Tarkov reached version 1.0 on November 15, 2025, the same day it launched on Steam, according to its Steam page and Wikipedia. The game runs on Windows only, and no console version has been released.Escape from Tarkov suits players who want deep, slow-paced simulation and long-term progression across raids. Tarkov is a paid game with no free-to-play or microtransaction elements, sold in several editions, and Battlestate also offers a separate PvE mode, so players can learn maps against AI before facing other players. The learning curve is steep, which is exactly why fans of the genre keep coming back.FactDetailsReleased2025 (1.0; beta since 2017)DeveloperBattlestate GamesPlatformsPCKinguinCompare Escape from Tarkov offers3. Arena Breakout: InfiniteArena Breakout: Infinite is a free-to-play tactical extraction shooter for PC from Morefun Studios, part of Tencent Games. Arena Breakout: Infinite entered early access on August 13, 2024, per Wikipedia, and Steam now lists a September 15, 2025 release date. The PC game builds on the Arena Breakout mobile shooter that launched globally in 2023.Arena Breakout: Infinite is the most common recommendation for players who want a Tarkov-style experience without paying up front. Eneba and lootandgrind both list Arena Breakout: Infinite as a free alternative with realistic, tactical raids. The game uses in-game purchases, so check the store before spending money on currency or gear.FactDetailsReleased2024 (early access), 2025 (Steam)DeveloperMorefun Studios (Tencent Games)PlatformsPCPriceFree-to-play4. MarathonMarathon is Bungie's sci-fi PvPvE extraction shooter, released on March 5, 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Players control Runners with distinct abilities, loot the map and fight both AI enemies and rival crews. Bungie set the standard edition at $39.99 rather than free-to-play, according to launch coverage from VGC and TechRadar.Marathon fits squads split across platforms, because Bungie supports full crossplay and cross-save between PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Marathon leans on Bungie's shooter experience from Destiny and Halo, and its sci-fi style stands out from the military look of most of the genre. Bungie said gameplay updates through 2026 would be free, including new maps and seasonal events, so the game keeps changing after launch.FactDetailsReleased2026DeveloperBungiePlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S5. Hunt: Showdown 1896Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a PvPvE bounty-hunting shooter from Crytek set in the American frontier of the 1890s. Hunt: Showdown entered early access on Steam in February 2018 and fully released on PC on August 27, 2019. Crytek relaunched the game as Hunt: Showdown 1896 on August 15, 2024 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and removed the PS4 and Xbox One versions, per Wikipedia.Hunt: Showdown 1896 plays slower than most shooters: teams hunt monsters for a bounty, then must carry it off the map while rival hunters close in. Hunt mixes PvP with AI enemies, and a hunter lost in a match is lost for good, which gives each round the same high stakes as any extraction shooter.FactDetailsReleased2019 (relaunched as 1896 in 2024)DeveloperCrytekPlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SKinguinCompare Hunt: Showdown 1896 offers6. Delta ForceDelta Force is a free-to-play military shooter from Team Jade, published by TiMi Studio Group, with an extraction mode called Hazard Operations. Delta Force launched on PC on January 20, 2025 after an open beta that started in December 2024, then reached PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on August 19, 2025, according to Wikipedia. Steam lists cross-platform multiplayer.Delta Force is the easiest free entry point for console players, since Arena Breakout: Infinite and Escape from Tarkov are PC-only. Hazard Operations follows the familiar loop of entering a zone with a loadout, looting and extracting before time runs out or a rival team takes the gear. Microtransactions in Delta Force are mostly cosmetic, so spending money is optional.FactDetailsReleased2025DeveloperTeam Jade (TiMi Studio Group)PlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, iOS, AndroidPriceFree-to-play7. Gray Zone WarfareGray Zone Warfare is a tactical first-person shooter from MADFINGER Games, set on a quarantined island in Southeast Asia torn apart by faction warfare. Gray Zone Warfare entered early access on Steam on April 30, 2024, runs on PC only, and remains in early access, with the studio still adding content before a full release.Gray Zone Warfare stands out because the Steam page calls it a "PvE-first open-world tactical shooter." Players take contracts from vendors, explore a large persistent map and extract with their gear, and the game also lists online PvP for those who want it. Gray Zone Warfare suits players who like military realism and slower, more methodical raids than arena-style shooters.FactDetailsReleased2024 (early access)DeveloperMADFINGER GamesPlatformsPCKinguinCompare Gray Zone Warfare offers8. Dark and DarkerDark and Darker is a first-person fantasy extraction game from South Korean studio IRONMACE, set in a dark medieval world of dungeons, monsters and traps. Dark and Darker entered early access in August 2023, arrived on Steam on June 7, 2024, and added free-to-play accounts in June 2024, with an optional paid upgrade for more features, per Wikipedia.Dark and Darker swaps guns for swords, bows and spells, but the loop is the same: enter the dungeon with a chosen class, loot, fight monsters and other parties, then escape alive to keep the gear. The game offers ten character classes, so team builds matter as much as reflexes. Dark and Darker is the best pick for players who want extraction tension in a fantasy setting.FactDetailsReleased2023 (early access), 2024 (Steam)DeveloperIRONMACEPlatformsPCKinguinCompare Dark and Darker offers9. The Forever WinterThe Forever Winter is a PvE co-op extraction shooter from Fun Dog Studios, set in a grim, endless war between AI-controlled factions. The Forever Winter entered early access on Steam on September 24, 2024 for PC, and lootandgrind notes that it is still in early access in 2026.The Forever Winter rewards careful scavenging over head-on fights. Squads team up against AI factions only, so there is no risk of losing gear to other players. The Forever Winter is one of the strongest answers to players asking for a co-op extraction shooter with no PvP.FactDetailsReleased2024 (early access)DeveloperFun Dog StudiosPlatformsPCModePvE co-op10. Incursion Red RiverIncursion Red River is a PvE tactical extraction shooter from German studio Games Of Tomorrow, available in early access on Steam since April 10, 2024. Incursion Red River supports single-player and online co-op, and lootandgrind notes that the game can also be played offline, which is rare in the genre.Incursion Red River suits players who like Tarkov-style loadouts and raids but prefer AI enemies over other players. Squads take missions, loot the map and extract against computer-controlled forces, which makes the game a practical training ground for the genre. Incursion Red River is a smaller indie project, so expect early access rough edges alongside regular updates.FactDetailsReleased2024 (early access)DeveloperGames Of Tomorrow GmbHPlatformsPCModePvE, solo or co-opWhich Extraction Shooter Should You Play?The right multiplayer extraction shooter depends on three things: platform, budget and how much PvP pressure a player wants. Escape from Tarkov, Arena Breakout: Infinite, Gray Zone Warfare and Dark and Darker are PC-only, while ARC Raiders, Marathon, Hunt: Showdown 1896 and Delta Force also run on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. For the paid games, buy the version that matches the platform your squad plays on, for example through Kinguin.Extraction shooters without PvP are a growing niche, and the table below sorts the list by play style so players can match a game to their group.Play styleGamesPvPvE, PC + consoleARC Raiders, Marathon, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Delta ForceHardcore PvPvE, PC onlyEscape from Tarkov, Arena Breakout: InfiniteFree-to-playArena Breakout: Infinite, Delta Force, Dark and DarkerPvE-first or PvE onlyGray Zone Warfare, The Forever Winter, Incursion Red RiverFantasy settingDark and DarkerFAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the best extraction shooter right now?ARC Raiders is the best overall extraction shooter in October 2026. It mixes PvP with AI machine enemies, supports solo and squad play, and runs on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Escape from Tarkov remains the deepest choice for hardcore PC players.What are some good co-op extraction shooter games?Good co-op extraction shooters include ARC Raiders, Marathon and Hunt: Showdown 1896 for squads that want PvP, plus The Forever Winter, Incursion Red River and Gray Zone Warfare for groups that prefer fighting AI enemies together.Is there an extraction shooter with no PvP?Yes. The Forever Winter and Incursion Red River are PvE extraction shooters where squads fight only AI enemies. Gray Zone Warfare is PvE-first, and Escape from Tarkov offers a separate PvE mode for players who want to learn maps without other players.Is there a single player extraction shooter?Incursion Red River supports single-player and can be played offline. Witchfire and Escape from Duckov, both listed in Eneba's extraction shooter guide, are also single-player games built around raid-style runs, but they are not multiplayer shooters.Are there free extraction shooters?Yes. Arena Breakout: Infinite is free-to-play on PC, Delta Force is free on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and mobile, and Dark and Darker has offered free accounts since June 2024, with an optional paid upgrade.SourcesSteam: ARC RaidersSteam: Escape from TarkovSteam: MarathonSteam: Hunt: Showdown 1896Steam: Gray Zone WarfareSteam: Extraction Shooter tagWikipedia: Extraction shooter
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This guide covers 11 games like Red Dead Redemption 2, picked from Google's AI Overview, top-ranking lists and Steam tags. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the closest overall match for story and open world, Red Dead Redemption is the direct predecessor, and Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, Weird West and Hunt: Showdown 1896 keep the Wild West setting.Key TakeawaysThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the most-cited RDR2 alternative, named by Google's AI Overview and GamesRadar.Red Dead Redemption, the 2010 predecessor, has been available on PC through Steam since October 29, 2024.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (2025) is the newest and most realism-focused pick among the 11 games like RDR2 in this guide.Every one of the 11 games like RDR2 in this guide is playable on PC, and most are also on PlayStation or Xbox.Games Like Red Dead Redemption 2 at a Glance (October 2026)PickGameBest overallThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntBest for the RDR storyRed Dead RedemptionBest Rockstar alternativeGrand Theft Auto VBest for honor and horseback travelGhost of TsushimaBest for realismKingdom Come: Deliverance IIBest western RPG moodFallout: New VegasBest western shooterCall of Juarez: GunslingerBest for Red Dead Online fansHunt: Showdown 1896What Makes a Game Like Red Dead Redemption 2?A game like Red Dead Redemption 2 combines a large open world with a slow, character-driven story. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a 2018 action-adventure game from Rockstar Games that follows Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the Van der Linde gang, as the Wild West declines around him. The best alternatives share at least one of its core strengths: frontier atmosphere, horseback travel, hunting, or moral choices that change how the story feels.The 11 games like Red Dead Redemption 2 in this guide were picked from sources that rank RDR2 alternatives: Google's AI Overview for the keyword, top search results such as GamesRadar, GameSpot and Everything Edinburgh, and Steam tags such as Western, Open World and Story Rich. Each game appears in at least two of those sources. Release years, developers and platforms come from Steam store pages and Wikipedia. Every game is playable on PC.The 11 games like RDR2 fall into three groups. Story-driven open worlds such as The Witcher 3 and Ghost of Tsushima match RDR2's scale. Westerns such as Call of Juarez: Gunslinger and Weird West match its setting. Hunt: Showdown 1896 is the option for players who mainly enjoy Red Dead Online. Each game's fact table lists its release year, developer and platforms, with a Kinguin price link where a listing exists.GameBest forReleasedThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntBest overall2015Red Dead RedemptionThe RDR story (direct follow-up)2010Grand Theft Auto VRockstar alternative2013Ghost of TsushimaHonor and horseback travel2020Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIRealism2025Fallout: New VegasWestern RPG mood2010Days GoneOutlaw story with a motorcycle instead of a horse2019Horizon Zero DawnHunting and tracking2017Call of Juarez: GunslingerWestern shooter2013Weird WestWestern with dark fantasy2022Hunt: Showdown 1896Red Dead Online fans20191. The Witcher 3: Wild HuntThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a 2015 action role-playing game from CD Projekt Red, played in an open world from a third-person perspective. The game is the third entry in the Witcher series and is based on the fantasy novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. The world mixes villages, cities and wilderness, and much of its reputation comes from side quests that carry as much weight as the main plot.The Witcher 3 is the pick that Google's AI Overview and GamesRadar both name among the closest matches to Red Dead Redemption 2. The two games share the same strengths: a large world that feels lived in, characters with real moral weight, and long rides on horseback between jobs. The setting is dark fantasy rather than the American frontier, but players who loved the slow, story-first pace of RDR2 tend to land here first.FactDetailsReleased2015DeveloperCD Projekt RedPlatformsPC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2KinguinCompare The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers2. Red Dead RedemptionRed Dead Redemption is the 2010 action-adventure game from Rockstar that came before Red Dead Redemption 2 in release order and after it in the story. The game is set in 1911, during the decline of the American frontier, and follows John Marston, a former outlaw forced by the government to hunt down members of his old gang. According to its Steam page, the PC version launched on October 29, 2024.Red Dead Redemption is the natural next step for anyone who finished RDR2, because it picks up the story of John Marston and the fallout of the Van der Linde gang. Google's AI Overview lists it alongside GTA V as a Rockstar game with the same signature open-world design. The PC release means the original no longer requires a console, which was the main barrier for PC players for over a decade.FactDetailsReleased2010DeveloperRockstar San Diego (PC port: Rockstar Games with Double Eleven)PlatformsPS3, Xbox 360, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, Xbox Series X|S, iOS, AndroidKinguinCompare Red Dead Redemption offers3. Grand Theft Auto VGrand Theft Auto V is a 2013 action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. The story takes place in the fictional state of San Andreas, based on Southern California, and follows three protagonists, Michael, Franklin and Trevor, as they plan heists under pressure from a corrupt government agency. On PC, Steam lists two editions today: Legacy and Enhanced.Grand Theft Auto V appears on the GamesRadar list and in Google's AI Overview because it comes from the same studio and shares much of RDR2's DNA: a dense open world, cinematic missions and plenty of dark humor. The pace is faster and the setting is modern, so cars replace horses. GTA V suits RDR2 fans who enjoyed the robberies and gang storyline more than the hunting and camp life.FactDetailsReleased2013DeveloperRockstar NorthPlatformsPC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|SKinguinCompare Grand Theft Auto V offersGet Red Dead Redemption 2 on Kinguin4. Ghost of TsushimaGhost of Tsushima is a 2020 action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Players control Jin Sakai, a samurai defending Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan. The PC version, Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, arrived on Steam on May 16, 2024. The open world can be explored on foot or on horseback.Ghost of Tsushima fits RDR2 fans because both games tell a story about a fighter torn between a code of honor and survival. Jin must choose between fighting honorably and using dishonorable methods to repel the Mongols, which echoes Arthur Morgan's struggle with his own past. Google's AI Overview highlights the horseback travel and sweeping open world, and the game also appears on retailer lists of RDR2 alternatives.FactDetailsReleased2020 (PC: 2024)DeveloperSucker Punch Productions (PC port: Nixxes Software)PlatformsPS4, PS5, PCKinguinCompare Ghost of Tsushima offers5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIKingdom Come: Deliverance II is a 2025 action role-playing game developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Deep Silver. The game launched on February 4, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and it is the sequel to Kingdom Come: Deliverance from 2018. Per Wikipedia, the game sold more than 6 million copies by June 2026, and a Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for 2027.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the most realism-focused of the 11 games like RDR2 in this guide, set in medieval Bohemia with no magic or monsters. Google's AI Overview describes the series as gritty and grounded with deep immersion, and GameSpot lists it as the choice for players who value realism. The game plays in first person and combat takes practice, but fans of RDR2's slow, detailed world often enjoy that challenge.FactDetailsReleased2025DeveloperWarhorse StudiosPlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SKinguinCompare Kingdom Come: Deliverance II offers6. Fallout: New VegasFallout: New Vegas is a 2010 action role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is set in the Mojave Desert, 204 years after a nuclear war, and the player controls a courier who survives an assassination attempt and gets pulled into a conflict between factions fighting for control of the region. The open world can be explored freely.Fallout: New Vegas earns its place because the Mojave setting gives it a post-apocalyptic western mood, with desert towns, outlaws and revolvers. GamesRadar ranks it among the best games like RDR2, and Google's AI Overview points to its player freedom, faction choices and character-driven side quests. The game is older and looks dated next to RDR2, but its writing and choices still hold up.FactDetailsReleased2010DeveloperObsidian EntertainmentPlatformsPC, PS3, Xbox 3607. Days GoneDays Gone is a 2019 action-adventure game developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is set in post-apocalyptic Oregon, two years after a pandemic turned part of humanity into zombie-like creatures. Players control Deacon St. John, a former outlaw biker searching for his wife Sarah, who may still be alive. According to Steam, the PC version came out on May 17, 2021.Days Gone swaps the horse for a motorcycle, but the structure feels familiar to RDR2 players: an outlaw with a past, camps to visit, and a large wilderness to cross between missions. GameSpot notes the game shares more with Red Dead Redemption 2 than many players expect, and other RDR2 lists include it for the same reason. Players who enjoyed traveling through RDR2's forests and mountains will find a similar rhythm here.FactDetailsReleased2019 (PC: 2021)DeveloperBend StudioPlatformsPS4, PS5, PCKinguinCompare Days Gone offers8. Horizon Zero DawnHorizon Zero Dawn is a 2017 action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic United States where robotic machines dominate the land and humans live in tribes. Players control Aloy, a young huntress searching for answers about her past. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered launched on Steam on October 31, 2024.Horizon Zero Dawn appeals to the hunter side of RDR2. Aloy tracks and takes down machines with ranged weapons, a spear and stealth, and the open world rewards careful preparation before each fight. The story is science fiction rather than a western, but the wide landscapes and the focus on hunting put it on several lists of RDR2 alternatives. The Remastered edition is the current version to buy on PC.FactDetailsReleased2017 (Remastered: 2024)DeveloperGuerrilla GamesPlatformsPS4, PS5, PCKinguinCompare Horizon Zero Dawn offers9. Call of Juarez: GunslingerCall of Juarez: Gunslinger is a 2013 Western-themed first-person shooter developed by Techland. The game launched in May 2013 for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and a Nintendo Switch port followed in December 2019. Gunslinger is the fourth game in the Call of Juarez series, but the story stands alone, so no earlier games are needed to follow it.Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is for RDR2 fans who want more of the Wild West and less of the slow pace. GamesRadar includes it in its list of games like RDR2, and Steam tags it as a Western. The game is a linear shooter, not an open world, so it focuses on gunfights and a story that moves from one shootout to the next. It is short and fast, which makes it a good break between longer games.FactDetailsReleased2013DeveloperTechlandPlatformsPC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch10. Weird WestWeird West is an action role-playing game developed by WolfEye Studios and published by Devolver Digital. The game was released for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on March 31, 2022, and a Definitive Edition followed on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on May 8, 2023. On Steam, the game is now sold as Weird West: Definitive Edition.Weird West mixes the American frontier with dark fantasy and supernatural horror, according to its Steam tags. GamesRadar lists it among the best games like RDR2, and Steam tags it as a Western and lists Choices Matter among its tags. The view is isometric rather than third-person, which feels very different from Rockstar's cinematic camera, but the choices and consequences in each story will feel familiar to RDR2 players.FactDetailsReleased2022DeveloperWolfEye StudiosPlatformsPC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S11. Hunt: Showdown 1896Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a first-person extraction shooter developed and published by Crytek. The game entered early access on Steam in February 2018 and fully launched on PC on August 27, 2019, with console versions following. Players take the role of bounty hunters who track and kill monsters to claim their bounties, then try to reach an extraction point while other players hunt them.Hunt: Showdown 1896 fits RDR2 players who spend most of their time in Red Dead Online. The 1890s frontier setting and bounty hunting give it a strong frontier feel, and GamesRadar ranks it among the best games like RDR2. Matches are tense and punishing, so Hunt is a multiplayer pick rather than a story game. Steam tags it as a Western.FactDetailsReleased2019DeveloperCrytekPlatformsPC, PlayStation, XboxFAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhich type of game is Red Dead Redemption 2?Red Dead Redemption 2 is a 2018 action-adventure game developed and published by Rockstar Games. The game is set in a fictional version of the United States in 1899 and is played from first- and third-person perspectives in an open world.What game is most similar to Red Dead Redemption 2?The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the game most often named as the closest match, including by Google's AI Overview and GamesRadar. For the same setting and characters, Red Dead Redemption from 2010 is the direct follow-up to RDR2's story.Is Red Dead Redemption 1 on PC?Yes. According to its Steam store page, Red Dead Redemption launched on PC on October 29, 2024. The original 2010 release was available only on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.What are the best western games like RDR2?Red Dead Redemption, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, Weird West and Hunt: Showdown 1896 all use a Wild West setting. Fallout: New Vegas is a post-apocalyptic game, but its Mojave Desert setting gives it a strong western mood.Which games like RDR2 let you ride horses?The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Ghost of Tsushima, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Red Dead Redemption all feature horseback travel across an open world. Days Gone uses a motorcycle instead of a horse.SourcesSteam: Red Dead Redemption 2Steam: Red Dead Redemption (PC)Steam: The Witcher 3: Wild HuntSteam: Kingdom Come: Deliverance IISteam: Ghost of Tsushima Director's CutGamesRadar: Games like Red Dead Redemption 2
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This guide covers the 12 best battle royale games to play in 2026, from shooters to party and puzzle games. A battle royale is a last-player-standing match on a shrinking map. Fortnite is the best overall pick, Apex Legends the most competitive, Call of Duty: Warzone and PUBG: Battlegrounds the top military shooters, and Fall Guys the best non-violent option.Key TakeawaysFortnite is the most-played battle royale in 2026, according to the Escapist, and runs on PC, consoles and mobile.Apex Legends, Warzone, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Battlefield REDSEC and Naraka: Bladepoint are all free to play on Steam.Battlefield REDSEC, released on October 28, 2025, is the newest major battle royale among the 12 in this guide.Fall Guys, Super Animal Royale, Totally Accurate Battlegrounds and Tetris 99 are lighter options for casual players and families.Best Battle Royale Games at a Glance (October 2026)PickGameBest overallFortniteMost competitiveApex LegendsBest military shooterCall of Duty: WarzoneMost realisticPUBG: BattlegroundsBest destructionBattlefield REDSECBest melee combatNaraka: BladepointBest party gameFall GuysBest cartoon pickSuper Animal RoyaleBest on Nintendo SwitchTetris 99What Makes a Good Battle Royale Game in 2026A battle royale game is an online multiplayer game in which many players start with little or no gear, scavenge for weapons and fight until one player or team is left, while a shrinking safe zone pushes everyone together. According to Wikipedia, the genre takes its name from the 2000 Japanese film Battle Royale and grew out of mods for DayZ and Arma 3 by Brendan Greene, who later led PUBG.The 12 battle royale games in this guide were chosen because each appears in at least two sources: Google's AI Overview, recent 2026 rankings from the Escapist, FandomWire and Eneba, or Steam's store tags. Release years, developers and platforms come from Steam store pages, official sites and Wikipedia. Most of these 12 battle royale games are free to play and available on PC, with Tetris 99 as the Nintendo Switch exception.GameBest forReleasedFortniteBest overall2017Apex LegendsCompetitive team play2019Call of Duty: WarzoneMilitary shooter2020PUBG: BattlegroundsRealism2017Battlefield REDSECDestruction2025Naraka: BladepointMelee combat2021Fall GuysParty game without guns2020Super Animal RoyaleCartoon 2D action2021Blood StrikeQuick matches on mobile or lower-end PCs2023 (mobile), 2025 (Steam)Farlight 84Apex-style abilities on mobile2023Totally Accurate BattlegroundsSlapstick physics fun2018Tetris 99Puzzle battle royale on Nintendo Switch20191. FortniteFortnite is Epic Games' free-to-play battle royale, launched in September 2017 according to Wikipedia. Players drop onto an island, loot weapons and fight to be the last one standing while a storm shrinks the map. Fortnite runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile, and the Escapist calls it the most-played battle royale in 2026.Fortnite fits almost every type of player because it offers two ways to fight. Build mode lets players raise walls and ramps in seconds, while Zero Build removes building and plays like a standard shooter. Constant seasons, live events and crossover skins keep the map changing, though FandomWire notes that returning players may need time to relearn the game after long breaks.FactDetailsReleased2017DeveloperEpic GamesPlatformsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, mobileKinguinCompare Fortnite offers2. Apex LegendsApex Legends is a free-to-play hero shooter and battle royale from Respawn Entertainment, released in February 2019. According to Wikipedia, Apex Legends passed 50 million player accounts within its first month. Squads pick Legends, characters with their own abilities, and fight across large maps with sliding, climbing and fast gunplay.Apex Legends is the pick for players who want team tactics and a high skill ceiling. The Escapist ranks Apex Legends as the most competitive battle royale, and FandomWire places it first in its September 2026 ranking for movement and gunplay. New players should expect a steep learning curve, and FandomWire also lists cheating and matchmaking complaints.FactDetailsReleased2019DeveloperRespawn Entertainment (published by Electronic Arts)PlatformsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchKinguinCompare Apex Legends offers3. Call of Duty: WarzoneCall of Duty: Warzone is Activision's free-to-play battle royale, first released in March 2020 according to Wikipedia, which also reports more than 50 million players in its first month. The current version of Warzone launched on Steam on November 16, 2022, and is built by several Call of Duty studios, including Infinity Ward and Raven Software.Call of Duty: Warzone suits players who like modern military shooters and Call of Duty gunplay. The Gulag gives eliminated players a one-on-one duel for a second chance, and Buy Stations let squads purchase loadouts and revives, as FandomWire describes. The Escapist highlights the Verdansk map and the smaller Rebirth Island, and Resurgence modes on Steam offer shorter matches with respawns.FactDetailsReleased2020DeveloperActivision (Infinity Ward, Raven Software and other Call of Duty studios)PlatformsPC, PlayStation, Xbox4. PUBG: BattlegroundsPUBG: Battlegrounds is the game that, in its own Steam description, "started the Battle Royale craze." PUBG entered early access in March 2017 and set a Steam record of over 1.3 million concurrent players that September, according to Wikipedia. PUBG: Battlegrounds is now free to play, and a separate PUBG Mobile version runs on phones.PUBG: Battlegrounds is the most realistic of the 12 battle royale games in this guide. Ballistics, vehicles and slow, careful positioning matter more than flashy abilities, and the Escapist calls PUBG the most hardcore battle royale. FandomWire notes that PUBG has changed less than its rivals over the years, which is a plus for players who want the classic loot-and-survive formula.FactDetailsReleased2017DeveloperPUBG Studios (published by Krafton)PlatformsPC, PlayStation, XboxKinguinCompare PUBG: Battlegrounds offers5. Battlefield REDSECBattlefield REDSEC is a free-to-play battle royale built on Battlefield 6, released on October 28, 2025, according to its Steam page. Squads drop into Fort Lyndon, a fictional military facility in Southern California. REDSEC also includes Rapid Royale, a variant with fewer players and faster circles, plus a Gauntlet mode mentioned by the Escapist.Battlefield REDSEC stands out for destruction: players can blow holes in walls and bring buildings down, which changes how fights play out. Battlefield's class system also gives squads clear roles. The Escapist still calls REDSEC unproven, and FandomWire lists player complaints about audio cues, hit registration and performance, so expect some rough edges.FactDetailsReleased2025DeveloperBattlefield Studios (published by Electronic Arts)PlatformsPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S6. Naraka: BladepointNaraka: Bladepoint is a free-to-play battle royale from 24 Entertainment, released on Steam on August 11, 2021. Combat in Naraka centers on swords, spears and martial arts, with grappling hooks and parkour for moving across mountains and rooftops. The game's Steam page says more than 40 million players have joined.Naraka: Bladepoint is the best choice for players tired of gun-only battle royales. Fights depend on combos, parries and counters, so reading an opponent matters as much as aim. FandomWire ranks Naraka third in its 2026 list but warns about a steep learning curve, so new players should plan to spend time in training modes first.FactDetailsReleased2021Developer24 Entertainment (published by NetEase Games)PlatformsPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox7. Fall GuysFall Guys is a free party battle royale from Mediatonic, first released in August 2020 and now published by Epic Games. Instead of shooting, players race through obstacle courses and minigames, and each round eliminates part of the lobby until one winner takes the crown. Fall Guys supports crossplay, cross-platform parties and cross-progression through an Epic Games account.Fall Guys works well for families, younger players and anyone who wants a battle royale without guns. Matches are short and chaotic thanks to wobbly physics. Fall Guys Creative lets players build and share their own rounds, which keeps the content pool fresh, although FandomWire notes that some rounds can feel repetitive after many hours.FactDetailsReleased2020DeveloperMediatonic (published by Epic Games)PlatformsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchKinguinCompare Fall Guys offers8. Super Animal RoyaleSuper Animal Royale is a free-to-play, top-down 2D battle royale from Pixile for up to 64 players, according to both its Steam page and official site. Players control animals armed with guns across an abandoned safari park, solo or in squads of up to four. The official site lists PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox, with cross-platform play.Super Animal Royale is a good fit for players who want a lighter, cartoon take on the genre. The 2D view makes matches easy to read, and the free Super Animal World expansion adds fishing, hamsterball races and story quests between fights. The official site reports more than 13 million players so far.FactDetailsReleased2021DeveloperPixilePlatformsPC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch9. Blood StrikeBlood Strike is a free-to-play shooter from NetEase Games that started on mobile and came to Steam on March 13, 2025. Blood Strike offers Battle Royale alongside Squad Fight and Hot Zone modes. Players pick Strikers, characters with active and passive abilities such as drones and shield walls, and customize their weapon loadouts.Blood Strike is aimed at players who want quick matches on a phone or a lower-end PC. Google's AI Overview describes Blood Strike as mobile-first and built for fast rounds, and FandomWire mentions frequent crossover events and limited-time modes. FandomWire also notes that the gunplay is less refined than in bigger shooters, so expect a more casual feel.FactDetailsReleased2023 (mobile); 2025 (Steam)DeveloperNetEase GamesPlatformsPC, mobile10. Farlight 84Farlight 84 is a free-to-play hero shooter battle royale from Farlight Games, released on Steam on September 21, 2023. According to its Steam page, Farlight 84 drops 60 players into squads of three, with heroes, pet Buddies, wall-running, ziplines and vehicles. Some modes also give players unlimited respawns, which keeps the pace high.Farlight 84 suits players who like Apex-style abilities but want a game that runs well on mobile. Jetpacks and vehicles make movement a big part of every fight. FandomWire recommends Farlight 84 mainly for mobile players, noting a small PC community and that changes to the movement system upset some long-time fans.FactDetailsReleased2023DeveloperFarlight GamesPlatformsPC, mobile11. Totally Accurate BattlegroundsTotally Accurate Battlegrounds, or TABG, is a free physics-based battle royale from Landfall, released on Steam on June 5, 2018. According to the Steam page, matches hold up to 60 players in solo, duo or squad modes, with more than 90 weapons, including inflatable hammers and balloon crossbows.Totally Accurate Battlegrounds is the battle royale for players who care more about laughs than rankings. Wobbly ragdoll physics turn every fight into slapstick, and the small map keeps matches short. TABG is a PC-only game and free on Steam, which makes it an easy download for a group of friends.FactDetailsReleased2018DeveloperLandfallPlatformsPC12. Tetris 99Tetris 99 is a battle royale version of Tetris for Nintendo Switch, released in 2019, in which 99 players compete at the same time, according to Wikipedia. Clearing lines sends garbage blocks to opponents, and the last player whose stack has not overflowed wins. Tetris 99 requires an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, as FandomWire notes.Tetris 99 proves that battle royale is a format, not just a shooter genre. Tetris 99 has no guns, loot or maps, only puzzle skill and smart targeting of other players. Tetris 99 is a Nintendo Switch exclusive, so it is the right pick for Switch owners who want a short, competitive match without a shooter's learning curve.FactDetailsReleased2019DeveloperArika (published by Nintendo)PlatformsNintendo SwitchFAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the top 10 battle royale games?Based on 2026 rankings and Google results, the top battle royale games are Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Battlefield REDSEC, Naraka: Bladepoint, Fall Guys, Super Animal Royale, Blood Strike and Farlight 84. This guide's 12 picks also include Totally Accurate Battlegrounds and Tetris 99.Which is the no. 1 battle royale game?Fortnite is the no. 1 battle royale game in 2026 by popularity. The Escapist calls Fortnite the most-played battle royale, and it runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. For competitive play, many rankings put Apex Legends first.What are some good battle royale games?Good battle royale games depend on taste. Apex Legends and Warzone suit shooter fans, PUBG: Battlegrounds suits realism fans, and Naraka: Bladepoint offers melee combat. Fall Guys, Super Animal Royale and Tetris 99 are good picks for casual players and kids.What's the most popular battle royale game?Fortnite is the most popular battle royale game, according to the Escapist's 2026 ranking and Google's AI Overview. On mobile, PUBG Mobile is also a major title. Player counts differ between sources, so treat any single number with caution.Are battle royale games free to play?Most major battle royale games are free to play. Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Battlefield REDSEC, Naraka: Bladepoint and Fall Guys cost nothing to download and earn money from cosmetics and battle passes. Tetris 99 needs a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.SourcesWikipedia: Battle royale gameSteam: PUBG: BattlegroundsSteam: Apex LegendsSteam: Call of Duty: WarzoneSteam: Battlefield REDSECSteam: Naraka: BladepointSuper Animal Royale official siteThe Escapist: Best Battle Royale Games (Feb 2026)
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This guide covers Fortnite crossplay on every platform in 2026. Crossplay means players on different devices can party up and play in the same matches. Fortnite is fully crossplay: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, iPhone, iPad and Android all share matches. Only PlayStation and Xbox players can turn crossplay off.Key TakeawaysFortnite crossplay works across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2, Switch and mobile, and it is on by default.Epic Games says crossplay cannot be disabled on Nintendo Switch, PC or mobile; PlayStation and Xbox players can switch it off.Items and progress follow one Epic Games account to every platform, but V-Bucks bought on Nintendo Switch stay on Switch.Turning crossplay off means longer queues, and Epic warns some modes may then only work in Solo.Fortnite Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)Platform or featureStatusPC (Windows)Crossplay on, cannot be turned offPS5 and PS4Crossplay on by default, can be turned off in Fortnite settingsXbox Series X|S and Xbox OneCrossplay on by default, controlled by the Xbox cross-network play settingNintendo Switch 2 and SwitchCrossplay on, no off switchiPhone, iPad and AndroidCrossplay on, cannot be turned offMacNo up-to-date native version; play through cloud gamingItems and progressShared across platforms via one Epic Games accountPurchased V-BucksShared, except V-Bucks bought on Nintendo SwitchIs Fortnite Crossplay? Every Platform in 2026Fortnite is one of the few big multiplayer games with full crossplay on every platform it supports. A PS5 player can squad up with a friend on Xbox Series X, a teammate on Nintendo Switch 2 and another on an Android phone, all in the same Battle Royale match. Crossplay is switched on by default, so on most devices there is nothing to enable. Players only need to sign in with an Epic Games account and add each other as friends.Fortnite mobile availability changed in 2026. Fortnite returned to Google Play worldwide on March 19, 2026, as reported by Engadget and MobileSyrup, and to Apple's App Store in every country except Australia in May 2026, according to PocketGamer.biz. Mobile players on iPhone, iPad and Android join the same crossplay pool as console and PC players, and cloud gaming players sign in with the same Epic account.Mac is the one gap in Fortnite crossplay. Community guides report that the native Mac version has not been updated since 2020, so it cannot join current matches. Mac players can still reach the current version through cloud gaming services such as GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming, which play with everyone else.PlatformCrossplayCan you turn it off?PC (Windows)YesNoPS5 and PS4YesYes, in Fortnite settingsXbox Series X|S and Xbox OneYesYes, in Xbox privacy settingsNintendo Switch 2 and SwitchYesNoiPhone, iPad and AndroidYesNoMac (native)No current versionNot applicableCan PC Fortnite Play With PS5, PS4 and Xbox?Yes, PC Fortnite players can play with friends on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Fortnite does not split PC and console into separate games, so a Windows player can invite a PlayStation friend straight into a party. The only condition on the console side is that crossplay is still on. If a PlayStation player has set Allow Cross Platform Play to No, that player cannot join a party with anyone on PC.PS4 and PS5 Fortnite players also play together, and so do Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players. Fortnite treats older and newer consoles as one player base, so cross-generation play needs no extra setting. The same applies to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, according to Epic, which says Fortnite content and progress transfer to Switch 2 when a player signs in with the same Nintendo and Epic Games accounts.How to Turn Fortnite Crossplay On or OffFortnite crossplay can only be turned off on PlayStation and Xbox. According to Epic Games Help, it is currently not possible to disable crossplay on Nintendo Switch, PC or mobile. Community guides report that Switch 2 has no toggle either. On PlayStation, the switch lives inside Fortnite. Epic lists these steps:PlayStation: in the Fortnite lobby, open the Menu and select the gear icon.PlayStation: choose Settings, then the Account and Privacy tab.PlayStation: scroll to Gameplay Privacy and find Allow Cross Platform Play.PlayStation: set it to Yes to turn crossplay on or No to turn it off.Xbox: press the Xbox button and go to Profile & system, then Settings, Account, Privacy & online safety, Xbox privacy.Xbox: choose View details & customize, then Communication & multiplayer.Xbox: set "You can join cross-network play" to Allow (crossplay on) or Block (crossplay off), then restart Fortnite.Epic Games Account Linking: How Fortnite Crossplay WorksFortnite crossplay and cross-progression both run through one Epic Games account. PC and mobile players sign in to Epic directly. On PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo consoles, Fortnite connects the console account to an Epic Games account. Friends on other platforms add each other by Epic display name, not by PSN Online ID or Xbox Gamertag, so asking a friend for the exact Epic name saves time.Epic Games account linking has one trap: progress on two accounts cannot be combined. Epic Games Help says that if different progress shows on different platforms, a player has to pick which platform's progress to keep and sync that one. For Nintendo, Nintendo Support adds that only one Nintendo Account can be linked to a given Epic account, and a different Nintendo Account cannot be linked to it later, even after unlinking. The safest habit is to link every console to the main Epic account before playing on it.Fortnite Cross-Progression: What Carries Over and What Doesn'tFortnite has full cross-progression for items and progress. According to Epic Games Help, any items purchased with V-Bucks are available on all platforms where a player uses the same Epic Games account. An Outfit bought on PS5 is already in the Locker on Switch 2, PC or iPhone. Pass progress and account level follow the account the same way, so switching devices does not reset anything.Fortnite V-Bucks are the exception to cross-progression. Epic Games Help says most platforms use the Fortnite Shared Wallet, but V-Bucks purchased on Nintendo Switch are not shared with other platforms, and V-Bucks bought elsewhere show as 0 on Switch. V-Bucks earned through Fortnite Passes, Quest Packs or Save the World are shared everywhere. Players who split time between Switch and another console should buy V-Bucks for the platform where they plan to spend them, for example a V-Bucks card for that platform from a store like Kinguin.What you haveShared across platforms?Outfits, Emotes and other Locker itemsYesPass progress and account levelYesV-Bucks earned from Passes, Quest Packs, Save the WorldYesV-Bucks bought on PC, PlayStation, Xbox or AndroidYes, except on Nintendo SwitchV-Bucks bought on Nintendo SwitchNo, Switch onlyInput-Based Matchmaking: Controller vs Keyboard and MouseFortnite input-based matchmaking groups players by the device they use to play, not only by platform. Epic announced the system in 2018 so that controller players face controller players and keyboard-and-mouse players face keyboard-and-mouse players. Reports from that rollout, including TechRadar and MP1st, say console players who use a keyboard and mouse are placed in the PC matchmaking pool.Fortnite party rules for mixed inputs are reported by players and community guides rather than spelled out in current Epic documentation. According to those reports, if anyone in a party uses a keyboard and mouse, the whole party is matched against keyboard-and-mouse players, and partying with a PC player places the group in the PC pool regardless of input. Epic has not published an updated rulebook, so treat these details as how players describe it working in 2026.Why Is Fortnite Not Letting Me Play Cross-Platform?Fortnite crossplay problems almost always come from a setting or an account, not from the game blocking a platform. Epic says crossplay significantly lowers queue times and warns that if crossplay is disabled, some game modes may only work in Solo. When a friend on another platform cannot join, work through this checklist:Check that every PlayStation player has Allow Cross Platform Play set to Yes.Check that every Xbox player has "You can join cross-network play" set to Allow; on a child account a parent changes this in Xbox Family Settings.Search for the friend's Epic display name, not their console name.Confirm each player is signed in to the Epic account that holds their progress.Ask parents to check Fortnite Parental Controls, which can require a PIN for friend requests on younger players' accounts.Restart Fortnite after changing any setting.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PC Fortnite play with PS5?Yes. PC and PS5 players share Fortnite parties and matches through crossplay. The PS5 player needs Allow Cross Platform Play set to Yes in Fortnite's Account and Privacy settings, and both players add each other by Epic display name.Can PC and PS4 play Fortnite together?Yes. Fortnite crossplay covers PS4 as well as PS5, so PC and PS4 players can party up. Crossplay must be on for the PlayStation player, which is the default setting in Fortnite.Can Fortnite do cross-platform?Yes. Fortnite runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, iPhone, iPad and Android, and all of them play together. Items and progress follow one Epic Games account, but V-Bucks bought on Switch stay on Switch.Why is Fortnite not letting me play cross-platform?Usually a setting is off. PlayStation players need Allow Cross Platform Play on Yes, and Xbox players need cross-network play allowed in Xbox privacy settings. Also check that you searched the friend's Epic display name and that Parental Controls are not blocking requests.Can you turn off crossplay in Fortnite on Switch 2?No. Epic Games says crossplay cannot be disabled on Nintendo Switch, PC or mobile, and players report the same on Switch 2. Only PlayStation and Xbox players can play in console-only lobbies.SourcesEpic Games Help: How do I turn Fortnite crossplay On or Off from my console?Epic Games Help: Why don't all of my V-Bucks transfer across platforms?Epic Games Help: Nintendo Switch 1 / Nintendo Switch 2 progress transferEpic Games Help: How do I get my Nintendo progress to sync with all my other devices?Fortnite FAQ (official)Xbox Support: How do multiplayer games and communication work for cross-network play?Nintendo Support: How to link/unlink an Epic account from your Nintendo Account
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This guide covers Dead Island 2 crossplay, cross-gen play and co-op as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms share one session. Dead Island 2 has no crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox and PC. Only Steam and Epic Games Store players can play together, and consoles support cross-gen co-op within one brand, up to 3 players.Key TakeawaysDead Island 2 has no crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox and PC, according to Deep Silver's Technical FAQs.Steam and Epic Games Store players can play together on PC, a feature that arrived with the Steam release on April 22, 2024.PS4 and PS5 players can play together, and so can Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players.Online co-op supports up to 3 players and unlocks during the "Call the Cavalry" mission.Dead Island 2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPlayStation + XboxNo crossplayPC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplaySteam + Epic Games Store (PC)Yes, PC crossplay since the Steam launch on April 22, 2024PS4 + PS5Yes, cross-gen play supportedXbox One + Xbox Series X|SYes, cross-gen play supportedCo-op player countUp to 3 players, online story co-opWhen co-op unlocksAt Emma's mansion during the "Call the Cavalry" missionCross-save between platformsNot announcedConsole crossplay announcedNoIs Dead Island 2 Crossplay? The Short AnswerDead Island 2 is not crossplay between consoles and PC. Deep Silver's Technical FAQs answer the question directly: "No, Dead Island 2 will not support cross-play." PlayStation players can only join PlayStation players, Xbox players can only join Xbox players, and PC players cannot join either console family. As of October 2026, the publisher has not announced any change to that rule.Dead Island 2 does have two narrower kinds of shared play. On PC, Steam and Epic Games Store players can join each other, which PLAION describes as cross-play functionality for PC versions only. On consoles, cross-gen play is supported, so a PS4 owner can play with a PS5 owner, and an Xbox One owner can play with an Xbox Series X|S owner.Dead Island 2 co-op is online only and supports up to 3 players in the story campaign, according to Deep Silver. The co-op feature unlocks early in the story, and every player keeps their own progress. Details on hosting, unlocking and progression are covered in the co-op section below.Can You Crossplay Dead Island 2 on Xbox and PS5?Xbox and PS5 players cannot play Dead Island 2 together. The game has no crossplay between console brands, so a PS5 owner and an Xbox Series X|S owner cannot share a session, and the same applies to PS4 with Xbox One. A PLAION developer confirmed on the Steam forums in February 2024 that cross-console functionality was not available, and Deep Silver's FAQ still says the game does not support cross-play.PC and Xbox console players cannot play Dead Island 2 together either. The PC version's crossplay only connects Steam and Epic Games Store players, so a friend on an Xbox Series X|S cannot join a lobby hosted on a PC, and a PC player cannot join an Xbox session. PlayStation and PC are separated in the same way, with no setting or menu option that connects them.Dead Island 2 has no announced cross-save between platforms either. Progress on PlayStation stays on PlayStation, progress on Xbox stays on Xbox, and PC saves stay on PC. A mixed group that wants to play together needs one platform family, which in practice means at least one player switching to the platform the rest of the group uses.Steam and Epic Games: How PC Crossplay WorksDead Island 2 launched on PC as an Epic Games Store exclusive on April 21, 2023, and came to Steam on April 22, 2024, according to the Steam announcement covered by GamingOnLinux. PLAION's Steam FAQ states that the game has "cross-play functionality for PC versions only, so it is possible for friends to play together on Steam and Epic Games."Steam players do not need the Epic Games Launcher to play Dead Island 2. The game does use Epic Online Services for its online features, according to PLAION Support. To invite friends who own the game on Epic, a Steam player has to link an Epic Games account, because PLAION's FAQ says the link is needed to sync friends lists. Random matchmaking can mix Steam and Epic players without that link, according to the same FAQ.PC crossplay in Dead Island 2 is a setting players can turn on or off in the game options, according to PLAION's Steam FAQ. Steam and Epic players who cannot see each other should check that crossplay is enabled on both sides and that the Epic account link is in place before trying anything else.Launch Dead Island 2 on Steam and link your Epic Games account when prompted, or from the game's account options.Check that crossplay is enabled in the game settings on both PCs.Add your Epic friend so they appear in your synced friends list.Reach the "Call the Cavalry" mission so co-op is unlocked, then send the invite.Get Dead Island 2 on KinguinCross-Gen Play: PS4 With PS5, Xbox One With Xbox Series X|SDead Island 2 supports cross-gen play inside each console family. Deep Silver's Technical FAQs confirm: "Yes, Dead Island 2 will support cross-gen." A PS4 owner can join a PS5 owner, and an Xbox One owner can join an Xbox Series X|S owner. Cross-gen play never crosses brands, so a PS4 owner still cannot join an Xbox Series X|S session.Hosting on older consoles had limits at launch. Deep Silver's co-op guide said base PS4, Xbox One and Xbox One S consoles could join co-op games but would not be able to host at launch, while PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC could host. Mixed-generation groups were advised to let a current-gen or PC player start the session.Later patches changed the hosting picture. Dead Island 2 Patch Notes #2 listed fixes that enable players on Gen 8 consoles to host co-op games, and players report that sessions hosted on a Gen 8 console are capped at 2 players instead of 3. For a full group of three, the safest choice is still to have a PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC player host.How Dead Island 2 Co-op Works: Player Count, Unlock and ProgressDead Island 2 co-op supports up to 3 players in the full story campaign. Deep Silver explains the limit by saying that "capping at 3 players kept the combat challenging with just the right amount of zombies." Co-op is optional, and the whole campaign can be played solo. Sessions are peer-to-peer, so one player hosts and the other two join the host's game.Dead Island 2 co-op unlocks once you reach Emma's mansion during the "Call the Cavalry" mission, which Deep Silver puts at roughly 20 to 30 minutes into the game. Before that point, the co-op option is not available. A group starting fresh should each play the opening alone, then meet up once every player has reached the mansion.Progress in Dead Island 2 co-op is saved per player, whether you host or join. According to Deep Silver, a player cannot jump ahead in the story, so someone on mission three cannot join a friend who is on mission six. The friend who is further ahead can join the other player's game to help and keeps their own story progress.Co-op ruleDead Island 2Max players3Co-op typeOnline, peer-to-peer, host-basedUnlocksEmma's mansion, "Call the Cavalry" missionProgressSaved per player, host or clientJoining a friend further aheadNot possibleSolo playAlways availableWill Dead Island 2 Ever Be Crossplay?Deep Silver and Dambuster Studios have not announced plans to add console crossplay to Dead Island 2. As of October 2026, Deep Silver's Technical FAQs still state that the game does not support cross-play, and the only crossplay added after launch is the Steam and Epic connection on PC that arrived with the Steam release in April 2024.The publisher has not explained why console crossplay is missing, so any reason found online is a guess. Players hoping for PlayStation, Xbox and PC players in one lobby should plan around the current rules rather than wait for an update: same platform family, any console generation, and on PC either Steam or Epic.How to Play Dead Island 2 With Friends: ChecklistA Dead Island 2 group of up to three players needs a shared platform family before anything else. The checklist below covers the steps that matter, from platform choice to who should host. Following the steps before buying or reinstalling avoids the most common problem, which is a friend on a platform that can never join your session.Buying Dead Island 2 to join friends works best when the copy matches the group's platform. If you buy it on Kinguin, pick the version for the platform your friends play on, whether that is PlayStation, Xbox or PC, where Steam and Epic copies can play together.Agree on one platform family: PlayStation, Xbox or PC.On consoles, any generation works: PS4 and PS5 together, or Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S together.On PC, Steam and Epic copies both work; Steam players should link an Epic account to invite Epic friends.Let a PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC player host when the group has three people.Each player reaches Emma's mansion in "Call the Cavalry" to unlock co-op.The player furthest behind in the story hosts, so everyone can join.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWill Dead Island 2 ever be crossplay?No console crossplay has been announced. As of October 2026, Deep Silver's FAQ still says Dead Island 2 does not support cross-play. The only crossplay added after launch connects Steam and Epic Games Store players on PC, which arrived with the Steam release in April 2024.Can you crossplay Dead Island 2 on Xbox and PS5?No. Xbox and PS5 players cannot play Dead Island 2 together, on any console generation. Cross-gen play only works inside one brand: PS4 with PS5, or Xbox One with Xbox Series X|S. To play with a friend on the other brand, one of you needs to switch platforms.How do you play Dead Island 2 crossplay on PC?Steam and Epic players can join each other. Turn on crossplay in the game settings, and Steam players should link an Epic Games account to sync friends lists and invite Epic friends. Co-op becomes available after reaching Emma's mansion in the "Call the Cavalry" mission.Can PC and Xbox play Dead Island 2 together?No. Dead Island 2 has no crossplay between PC and Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. PLAION says crossplay applies to PC versions only, meaning Steam and Epic Games Store players. Xbox console players can only join other Xbox players.How many players can play Dead Island 2 co-op?Up to 3 players can play Dead Island 2 co-op online, according to Deep Silver. Sessions are host-based, and each player keeps their own story progress and items after leaving a session.SourcesDeep Silver: Dead Island 2 Technical FAQsDeep Silver: Everything you need to know about co-opPLAION on Steam Community: Dead Island 2 Steam FAQPLAION Support: Epic Online Services FAQ ClarificationGamingOnLinux: Dead Island 2 hits Steam in April
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This guide covers Risk of Rain 2 crossplay on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms or stores share one lobby. Risk of Rain 2 is only partly cross-platform: Steam and Epic Games Store players can play together after opting in, but PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch cannot join each other.Key TakeawaysSteam and Epic Games Store players can play Risk of Rain 2 together, but only when everyone has the crossplay option turned on.PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch players cannot share a Risk of Rain 2 lobby with each other.According to 2K Support, PS4 with PS5 and Xbox One with Xbox Series X|S play stops working with the next console update.Hallowed Concepts, released October 8, 2026, is playable on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, not on older consoles.Risk of Rain 2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)PlatformsCan they play together?Steam + Epic Games Store (PC)Yes, opt-in crossplay; both players must enable itPC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplayPlayStation + XboxNo crossplayPS4 + PS5 / Xbox One + Xbox Series X|SYes for now; 2K says it ends with the next console updateNintendo Switch + any other platformNo crossplayNew content on PS4, Xbox One, SwitchNone after January 29, 2026, per 2KOnline co-opUp to 4 players (you plus three friends)Split-screen couch co-opPS5 and Xbox Series X|S only (added August 27, 2024)Latest DLCHallowed Concepts, out October 8, 2026 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)Is Risk of Rain 2 Cross-Platform? The Short AnswerRisk of Rain 2 is cross-platform only on PC, and only between two stores. Since the game launched on the Epic Games Store in November 2024, 2K Support confirms that Epic Games Store has crossplay with Steam. Steam players must opt in first, so a Steam copy and an Epic copy can share a run of up to four players once both sides switch the option on.Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay between PC and consoles, and none between PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. Each console family keeps its own player base. Inside a console family, the picture is changing in 2026: PS4 and PS5 players can still play together for now, and so can Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, but 2K has announced that this cross-generation play will end.How to Enable Crossplay in Risk of Rain 2 on Steam and EpicRisk of Rain 2 crossplay on PC is opt-in, and 2K Support stresses one rule above the rest: players who have opted in and players who have not cannot play together. If a Steam friend cannot join your lobby, one of you is on the other setting. Changing the setting requires a game restart, and it can be switched off again at any time from the same settings menu.Risk of Rain 2 account linking matters for mixed Steam and Epic groups: Steam players who want to invite Epic friends directly should link the two accounts in the Options menu. According to 2K Support, a linked Steam account can invite and receive invites from Epic users as well as from crossplay-enabled Steam users. The steps below follow the official 2K guide.Launch Risk of Rain 2 on Steam and open multiplayer. The first time, a notification offers to enable crossplay.Enable crossplay from that notification, or later in the game settings.Restart the game so the change takes effect.To invite Epic friends, choose the account-linking option in the Options menu and sign in to your Epic account in the browser window (create one if needed).Join Epic players with a Lobby ID from a public lobby, through the Epic Games Store overlay, or by inviting them from the in-game lobby.Is Risk of Rain 2 Crossplay Between Xbox, PlayStation and PC?Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay between Xbox and PC, and none between PlayStation and PC. That applies to both PC stores, Steam and Epic Games Store. The official 2K crossplay guide describes Steam and Epic only, and no update since then has added console players to PC lobbies, according to the Risk of Rain 2 Wiki and the crossplay tracker iscrossplay.com.PlayStation and Xbox players also cannot play Risk of Rain 2 together on any console generation. A PS5 owner and an Xbox Series X|S owner need the same platform to share a run. Progress does not appear to carry across platforms either; according to iscrossplay.com, Risk of Rain 2 saves and unlocks stay tied to each platform, so switching to a friend's platform usually means starting the unlock list again.Get Risk of Rain 2 on KinguinPS4 and PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S: Cross-Gen Play in 2026Risk of Rain 2 cross-generation play is on its way out. In a support article first posted on January 28, 2026, 2K announced that it will no longer release future Risk of Rain 2 content on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch, and that updates will focus on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The same article says PS4 players will lose the ability to play with PS5 players, and Xbox One players with Xbox Series X|S players.The timing of the Risk of Rain 2 cross-gen cutoff depends on a console patch. According to 2K Support, the change goes into effect with the next update for PlayStation and Xbox, and the article, last updated October 8, 2026, still says cross-gen play remains possible for now. Mixed PS4 and PS5 groups that suddenly cannot connect should assume that update has arrived on their platform.Upgrading keeps a Risk of Rain 2 group together. Per 2K Support, PS4 and Xbox One owners who move to a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S still receive the newer version of the game, including any DLC they bought, at no extra cost. 2K also notes that bundles with DLC released after January 29, 2026 may still show up on older consoles, but that content needs a newer console to play.Does Risk of Rain 2 Have Crossplay on Switch?Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay on Nintendo Switch. Switch players can only play online with other Switch players, and they cannot join PC, PlayStation or Xbox lobbies. The Switch version also sits in the same group as PS4 and Xbox One in the 2K announcement, which means no new Risk of Rain 2 content will be released for it after January 29, 2026.Switch owners who want the newest Risk of Rain 2 expansions need a different platform. Hallowed Concepts, the fourth DLC, launched on PC on October 8, 2026, and 2K Support says DLC released after January 29, 2026 requires a newer-generation console. For Switch players with friends on Steam or Epic, the PC version is the only way to join crossplay lobbies.Risk of Rain 2 Co-op: Online, Split-Screen and DLCRisk of Rain 2 co-op supports up to four players online. The Steam store page describes it as playing solo or with up to three friends in online co-op. On PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, Gearbox also added couch co-op split-screen when those versions launched on August 27, 2024, alongside the Seekers of the Storm expansion, as reported by Gematsu. Split-screen is not available on PS4, Xbox One or Switch.Risk of Rain 2 expansions released after January 29, 2026 require a PC, PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, according to 2K Support, so Hallowed Concepts is not playable on PS4, Xbox One or Switch. The table below lists the recent expansions with their release dates, based on Gematsu's launch report and the official Steam announcements, and shows which of them older consoles can still run.ExpansionReleaseNeeds PC, PS5 or Xbox Series X|S?Seekers of the StormAugust 27, 2024NoAlloyed CollectiveNovember 18, 2025No (released before the cutoff)Hallowed ConceptsOctober 8, 2026YesHow to Play Risk of Rain 2 With Friends: ChecklistRisk of Rain 2 groups have the fewest problems when everyone checks the same few settings before a session. The list below covers the platform, version and crossplay rules from the sections above in the order they usually cause trouble. When buying a copy for a new member of the group, pick the version for the platform your friends already use, for example the Steam key on Kinguin for a PC group. A copy for the wrong platform cannot join any of the group's lobbies, since Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay outside PC.Put everyone in the same platform family: PC (Steam or Epic), PlayStation, Xbox or Switch.On PC, have every player turn crossplay on, or every player turn it off, then restart the game.Link Steam and Epic accounts in Options if Steam players need to invite Epic friends.On PlayStation and Xbox, move the group to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S before cross-gen play ends; the upgrade is free per 2K.On PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, use split-screen for a second player on the same console.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Risk of Rain 2 crossplay between Xbox and PC?No. Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay between Xbox and PC. The only crossplay is on PC, between Steam and Epic Games Store, and it requires every player to enable the crossplay option and restart the game.How to enable crossplay on Risk of Rain 2?On Steam, open multiplayer and accept the crossplay prompt, or turn it on in settings, then restart. To invite Epic friends, link your Steam and Epic accounts in the Options menu. Players with crossplay off cannot join players with it on.Can PS5 and PC play Risk of Rain 2 together?No. PS5 and PC players cannot share a Risk of Rain 2 lobby. A PS5 player can only play with PlayStation players, and PS4 players will be cut off from PS5 lobbies with the next console update, according to 2K Support.Does Risk of Rain 2 have crossplay on Switch?No. The Switch version of Risk of Rain 2 only plays online with other Switch players. 2K also confirmed that the Switch, PS4 and Xbox One versions get no new content after January 29, 2026.Can PS4 and PS5 play Risk of Rain 2 together?For now, yes. According to 2K Support, PS4 and PS5 players lose cross-gen play with the next PlayStation update. PS4 owners who upgrade to a PS5 get the PS5 version and their DLC at no extra cost.Sources2K Support: Risk of Rain 2: Crossplay and You, An Epic Tale2K Support: The Future of Risk of Rain 2 on Gen 8 ConsolesSteam: Risk of Rain 2 store pageSteam News: Hallowed Concepts is Available Now! (October 8, 2026)Gematsu: Risk of Rain 2 coming to PS5, Xbox Series on August 27 alongside Seekers of the StormRisk of Rain 2 Wiki (wiki.gg)
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This guide covers Rocket League crossplay on every platform, ranked, the crossplay toggle, cross-progression with an Epic Games Account and the game's Steam status. Yes, Rocket League is fully crossplay in 2026: PC (Epic Games Store and Steam), PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch players can play together in all online modes, including ranked.Key TakeawaysRocket League has full crossplay between PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch in all online match types, including Competitive.Crossplay is on by default and can only be turned off completely in Settings, Gameplay; a single platform cannot be excluded.Cross-progression works through an Epic Games Account, with a Primary Platform setting your rank, Rocket Pass progress and XP Level.Rocket League has been unlisted on Steam since the free-to-play launch on September 23, 2020, though existing Steam owners can still play.Rocket League Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC + PlayStation + Xbox + SwitchYes, full crossplay in all online match typesPC stores coveredEpic Games Store and SteamRanked (Competitive) crossplayYesCrossplay defaultOn; toggle in Settings > GameplayBlock one specific platformNo, crossplay is all or nothingCross-progressionYes, via an Epic Games Account and a Primary PlatformPurchased Credits shared across platformsNo, they stay on the platform of purchaseBuy on Steam in 2026No, unlisted since free-to-play launch (Sept 23, 2020)Mac and Linux online playNo, disabled since March 2020Is Rocket League Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Yes, Rocket League is fully crossplay in 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same matches and parties. According to Epic Games Help, players on Epic Games Store, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and Steam can matchmake with or against each other in all online match types. A PC player can queue with a friend on PS5, and a Switch player can end up in the same lobby as someone on Xbox.Rocket League crossplay is switched on by default, so most players never touch a setting. Psyonix brought full cross-platform matchmaking to the game on January 14, 2019, when PlayStation joined the program that already connected PC, Xbox and Switch. Since the free-to-play launch on September 23, 2020, according to Epic Games, an Epic Games Account also links your progress across platforms, which is a separate feature covered further down.Which Platforms Can Play Rocket League Together?Rocket League crossplay covers every platform where the game is available today: PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. The table below lists who can share online matches with whom, based on Epic Games Help and Psyonix announcements. Mac, Linux and the mobile spin-off are listed too, because they are the exceptions players most often ask about.Rocket League on PC comes from two stores, and both connect to consoles. New PC players download the free version from the Epic Games Store, while players who bought the game on Steam before the 2020 free-to-play switch still play there. Epic Games Help lists both Epic Games Store and Steam among the platforms that matchmake together, so the store a PC friend uses does not affect whether you can play together.PlatformPlays withPC (Epic Games Store)PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, SteamPC (Steam, existing owners)PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Epic Games StorePlayStation (PS4, PS5)PC, Xbox, SwitchXbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)PC, PlayStation, SwitchNintendo SwitchPC, PlayStation, XboxMac and LinuxNo online play since March 2020Mobile (Rocket League Sideswipe)Separate game, no crossplayCan PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch Players Party Up?Rocket League players on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch can party up, not just meet in random lobbies. Cross-platform parties and a new friends list arrived with the Friends Update on February 19, 2019, per the official v1.58 patch notes. Every player has a RocketID, and the RocketID tab of the friends list shows online friends on other platforms. Add a friend by their RocketID, invite them to your party, and queue together like you would with someone on the same console.Rocket League also supports Private Matches across platforms, according to Epic Games Help. Private Matches suit custom games, 1v1 practice with a friend, or scrims between friend groups. One player creates the match from the Play menu and the others join it, whatever platform each of them is on. Private Matches were the way to play with cross-platform friends before parties arrived, and they still work today.Rocket League chat works differently across platforms. Per Epic's Cross-Platform FAQ, Party Chat lets you text friends on all platforms, while typed messages during a match are visible only to players on your own platform. Quick Chat is seen by everyone. Epic Games Help also says voice chat can be used with friends on all platforms; it is turned on under Settings, Chat, View Voice Chat Settings.Get Rocket League on KinguinIs Rocket League Ranked Crossplay?Yes, Rocket League ranked is crossplay. Competitive playlists use the same cross-platform matchmaking as Casual and Extra Modes. Psyonix confirmed in January 2019 that players on all platforms can matchmake in Casual, Competitive and Extra Modes, and Epic Games Help today says crossplay applies to all online match types. A Diamond player on Switch can therefore face a Diamond player on PC or Xbox.Rocket League ranks also travel with you between platforms if you link them. Per Psyonix's 2020 cross-progression guide, your Primary Platform sets the Competitive Rank you use everywhere, along with your Rocket Pass progress and XP Level. Players who climbed on PC and later play on console keep the same rank, as long as both accounts are linked to one Epic Games Account and PC is the Primary Platform.How to Turn Crossplay On or Off in Rocket LeagueRocket League lets you turn crossplay on or off in the game's Gameplay settings. According to Epic Games Help, Cross-Platform Play is enabled by default, so most players only need these steps to switch it back on after turning it off, or to confirm it is active before inviting friends from other platforms. The steps are the same on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch:Rocket League crossplay can only be turned off completely. Epic's Cross-Platform FAQ says it is not possible to exclude one specific platform, so there is no option to block PC players while keeping console players, or the other way around. The same FAQ warns that matches may take longer to find with crossplay disabled.Launch Rocket League.Select Settings from the Main Menu.Open the Gameplay tab.Check the Cross-Platform Play box to turn crossplay on, or uncheck it to turn it off.Cross-Progression and Your Epic Games AccountCross-progression means one profile follows you across platforms. In Rocket League it runs through an Epic Games Account. Psyonix explains that you sign in to Epic, link your PlayStation Network, Xbox, Nintendo Switch Online or Steam accounts, and pick a Primary Platform. That platform is the source of your Competitive Rank, Rocket Pass progress and XP Level, so choose the one where you have the highest rank and the most progress.Rocket League also shares inventory between linked platforms, with exceptions. Per Epic Games Help, items stay in their account of origin but can be used on any linked platform, as long as the accounts stay linked. Epic also states that accounts on the same platform cannot be merged. According to Psyonix's 2020 guide, you can unlink a platform and pick a new Primary Platform later, but that platform cannot then be linked to a different Epic Games Account.Rocket League Credits are the main exception to shared inventory. Per Epic Games Help, purchased Credits balances are not shared, and Credits included in item bundles are only available on the platform where the bundle was bought. Purchased Credits stay on the platform where they were bought, so if you buy Rocket League Credits, for example on Kinguin, pick the version for the platform you play on.Shared across linked platformsNot sharedFree drops (Common and Event items)Purchased Credits balances, including Credits from item bundlesSeason Rewards, Titles and Rocket Pass itemsPlatform-exclusive items (Sweet Tooth, Hogsticker, Armadillo, Mario and Luigi NSR, Samus' Gunship)Item Shop purchases, Blueprints and Premium DLCBatman/DC Superheroes on-disc DLC (Ultimate Edition)Esports Shop items, Fan Rewards, RLCS attendee items-Is Rocket League Still on Steam?No, Rocket League can no longer be bought or downloaded fresh on Steam. The Steam store page still exists but says the game is unlisted on the Steam store at the request of the publisher and will not appear in search. The change came with the free-to-play launch on September 23, 2020, when the game moved to the Epic Games Store for new PC players, according to Epic and press coverage from Gematsu.Rocket League owners who bought the game on Steam before the switch were not cut off. Psyonix said at the time that existing Steam players would keep access and receive updates, and Steam is still listed by Epic Games Help as a crossplay platform. Steam players who want cross-progression need to link their Steam account to an Epic Games Account. New PC players get the free version from the Epic Games Store.Mac, Linux and Rocket League Sideswipe: What Crossplay Does Not CoverRocket League crossplay has a few gaps worth knowing before you plan a session. Psyonix ended support for Mac and Linux in 2020, and the final patch in March 2020 disabled online features on both. Local matches and splitscreen still work there, but Mac and Linux players cannot join online crossplay. Psyonix pointed affected Steam owners to running the game on Windows instead.Rocket League Sideswipe, the mobile spin-off, is a separate game. Epic's Cross-Platform FAQ says there is no cross-progression between Rocket League and Rocket League Sideswipe, and items cannot be transferred between them. Progress, ranks and inventory from the main game do not appear in Sideswipe, so mobile and console or PC friends cannot play the same matches either.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PC and Xbox crossplay Rocket League?Yes. PC players on the Epic Games Store or Steam can play Rocket League with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players in casual, ranked and extra modes. Crossplay is on by default, and you can party up with an Xbox friend through their RocketID.Can PS4 and Xbox One play Rocket League together?Yes. PS4 and Xbox One players can matchmake and party up in Rocket League, and the same goes for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Per Psyonix, full crossplay between PlayStation and the other platforms has been live since January 2019.Is Rocket League crossplay between PC and Switch?Yes. Nintendo Switch players can play Rocket League with PC players on the Epic Games Store and Steam, as well as with PlayStation and Xbox players. Ranks and most items carry over if the Switch account is linked to the same Epic Games Account.Can PlayStation and Xbox players play Rocket League together?Yes. Rocket League connects PlayStation and Xbox players in random matchmaking, parties and Private Matches. Text chat in parties works across platforms, while typed messages during a match are visible only to players on your own platform, according to Epic's FAQ.Do I need an Epic Games Account to play Rocket League crossplay?An Epic Games Account is what links Rocket League progress across platforms. Cross-progression, shared inventory and carrying your Competitive Rank between platforms all depend on linking each platform account to one Epic Games Account and choosing a Primary Platform.SourcesEpic Games Help: How do I play Rocket League with a friend on a different platform?Epic Games Help: Rocket League Cross-Platform FAQEpic Games Help: Which Rocket League items can be shared across linked accounts?Rocket League: Full Cross-Platform Play Now Live (Jan 14, 2019)Rocket League: Cross-Platform Progression with Free to Play, A Closer Look (Aug 11, 2020)Epic Games Store: Rocket League is free to play starting September 23Steam: Rocket League store page (unlisted)
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This guide covers ARK crossplay as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms share one server. ARK: Survival Evolved is only partly cross-platform: Xbox plays with the Microsoft Store PC version, Steam plays with Epic on dedicated servers, and PlayStation is separate. ARK: Survival Ascended has crossplay across PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5.Key TakeawaysARK: Survival Evolved on Xbox and the Microsoft Store PC version play together through Xbox Play Anywhere.Steam and Epic Games Store players can share an ARK: Survival Evolved server only if it runs the -crossplay launch option and no mods.ARK: Survival Evolved on PlayStation has no crossplay with PC or Xbox, and its official servers closed at the end of September 2023.ARK: Survival Ascended supports crossplay across PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5, but it cannot connect to ARK: Survival Evolved.ARK Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerXbox + Windows PC (Microsoft Store), ARK: Survival EvolvedYes, crossplay via Xbox Play AnywhereSteam + Epic Games Store, ARK: Survival EvolvedYes, on dedicated servers started with -crossplay and no modsSteam or Epic + Xbox, ARK: Survival EvolvedNoPlayStation + PC or Xbox, ARK: Survival EvolvedNoARK: Survival Evolved official serversShut down at the end of September 2023ARK: Survival Ascended platformsPC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S, PS5 with crossplayPC + console on official ASA PvPDisabled since late 2023; community guides report it is still off in 2026Survival Evolved + Survival Ascended togetherNo, separate gamesIs ARK Cross-Platform? The Short Answer for 2026ARK: Survival Evolved is cross-platform only in a few specific pairs. Xbox players can play with PC players who own the Microsoft Store version, and Steam players can play with Epic Games Store players on the right kind of server. PlayStation players are on their own: the PS4 version of ARK: Survival Evolved does not connect to PC or Xbox. There is no single setting that puts every platform on one server.ARK: Survival Ascended, the Unreal Engine 5 remake from Studio Wildcard, is a different story. ARK: Survival Ascended supports crossplay between PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5, so a mixed group has far more options there. The two games are separate products with separate servers, though. A player in ARK: Survival Evolved cannot join a friend in ARK: Survival Ascended, and characters do not carry over between them.ARK: Survival Evolved also lost its official servers. According to MMOs.com and other outlets covering the announcement, Studio Wildcard shut down the official ARK: Survival Evolved network at the end of September 2023, with a final save snapshot on September 29 at 5 p.m. PDT. Players can still play on unofficial servers, private servers and in single-player, and that is where all ARK: Survival Evolved crossplay happens today.Can ARK Crossplay With Xbox and PC?ARK: Survival Evolved crossplay between Xbox and PC works only with the Microsoft Store version on Windows. Studio Wildcard made the game an Xbox Play Anywhere title, as reported by TweakTown and OnMSFT, so the Windows Store copy and the Xbox copy can join the same servers. Owning one digital copy through the Microsoft Store also gives access on both Xbox and Windows, with progress tied to the Microsoft account.Steam and Epic Games Store copies of ARK: Survival Evolved cannot play with Xbox. The PC versions sold on Steam and Epic are built for a different network and never show Xbox servers, and Xbox players cannot see theirs. A PC player who wants to play with Xbox friends needs the Microsoft Store version on Windows, not a second Steam account or a mod. No supported workaround exists for joining an Xbox server from Steam.ARK: Survival Ascended handles Xbox and PC differently. In ARK: Survival Ascended, the Steam version on PC is part of the same crossplay pool as Xbox Series X|S and PS5. A PC player on Steam can join console players on unofficial servers that allow PC connections. The official PvP restrictions on PC players are covered in the ARK: Survival Ascended section below.Can Steam and Epic Games Players Play ARK: Survival Evolved Together?Steam and Epic Games Store players can play ARK: Survival Evolved together, but only on a dedicated server set up for it. According to server host guides from Nodecraft and Host Havoc, the server owner has to add the -crossplay launch option to the server's startup parameters. Without that option, a dedicated server accepts only Steam players. A separate option, -epiconly, makes a server that accepts Epic Games Store players only.Mods are the main catch for Steam and Epic crossplay in ARK: Survival Evolved. The Epic version has no access to Steam Workshop mods, so a server running mods only accepts Steam connections, as Nodecraft's guide explains. A Steam and Epic group therefore has to play on a vanilla server. Steam players who want their favorite mods need to keep a separate modded server or play without the Epic friends.Non-dedicated sessions are more limited for Steam and Epic groups. Server hosts consistently point to dedicated servers as the supported way to mix the two stores. The simplest path is a rented server from a host that offers a crossplay toggle, or a self-hosted dedicated server with the launch options below.Rent or start an ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server.Add -crossplay to the server's launch options (or -epiconly for an Epic-only server).Remove all Steam Workshop mods from the server.Restart the server and share its name or IP with Steam and Epic friends.Get ARK: Survival Evolved on KinguinIs ARK Cross-Platform Between PS4 and Xbox?ARK: Survival Evolved has no crossplay between PS4 and Xbox. The PlayStation version runs on its own network and cannot connect to Xbox servers, Microsoft Store servers, Steam servers or Epic servers. That rule covers every PlayStation and Xbox combination: PS4 with Xbox One, and PS5 owners running the PS4 version with Xbox Series X|S owners. Studio Wildcard has not announced any plan to change it.ARK: Survival Evolved on PlayStation also has no crossplay with PC. A PS4 player and a Steam player cannot share a server, and progress does not move between them. A group split between PlayStation and PC has two realistic choices: someone buys the version their friends play, or the whole group moves to ARK: Survival Ascended, where PS5 and PC share servers.PS5 owners have one extra route in ARK: Survival Evolved. ARK: Survival Evolved is a PS4 game, and players report running it on PS5 through backward compatibility to play with PS4 friends on the same PlayStation servers. Community sources do not fully agree on this point, so test with a friend before planning a group around it.ARK: Survival Ascended Crossplay in 2026ARK: Survival Ascended was built with crossplay from the start. Studio Wildcard confirmed crossplay between PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5 when it announced the console release, as reported by GameSpot. Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players share official servers, and unofficial server owners can choose which platforms may connect. That makes ARK: Survival Ascended the version to pick for a group that mixes PlayStation, Xbox and PC.PC players face one limit in ARK: Survival Ascended. In late 2023, Studio Wildcard blocked PC players from official crossplay PvP servers because of cheating and said it was working on stronger anti-cheat with BattlEye and Microsoft, as reported by eXputer and MMOs.com. Community and server host guides updated in May and September 2026 report that PC-to-console play on official PvP is still off. No official Studio Wildcard statement confirming the current status was found.Unofficial ARK: Survival Ascended servers are the most flexible option for mixed groups. Server host guides say admins can allow any combination of PC, Xbox and PlayStation players. Players report that official PvE servers are mostly open to PC and console together, but Studio Wildcard has changed server rules before, so check the platform settings of a specific server before inviting friends.PlayersARK: Survival EvolvedARK: Survival AscendedXbox + Windows PCYes (Microsoft Store version only)Yes (Steam version on PC)PlayStation + XboxNoYes (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S)PlayStation + PCNoYes, except official PvP (reported still blocked)Evolved + AscendedNoNoHow to Play ARK With Friends on Different Platforms: ChecklistMixed ARK groups should settle two questions before anyone buys a copy: which game and which platform. ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended never share servers, so the whole group needs the same game. After that, the platform pairs from the table above decide whether everyone can join the same server. The checklist below covers the common cases.Buying ARK: Survival Evolved for a group works best when the copy matches the friends' platform and store. On Kinguin, pick the ARK: Survival Evolved version for the platform your group already plays on, such as Steam for a Steam and Epic server, or the Microsoft Store edition to join Xbox friends.Agree on one game: ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended.In ARK: Survival Evolved, pair Xbox with the Microsoft Store PC version, and Steam with Epic.For Steam and Epic, use a dedicated server with -crossplay and no mods.PlayStation players in ARK: Survival Evolved can only play with other PlayStation players.In ARK: Survival Ascended, PC players should join unofficial or PvE servers to play with console friends.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan ARK crossplay with Xbox and PC?Yes, with limits. In ARK: Survival Evolved, Xbox plays only with the Microsoft Store version on Windows, not Steam or Epic. In ARK: Survival Ascended, Steam players can join Xbox players, but community guides report that PC players are still blocked from official PvP servers with consoles.Is ARK cross-platform between PS4 and Xbox?No. ARK: Survival Evolved on PS4 has no crossplay with Xbox, PC or any other platform. Players who want PlayStation and Xbox on the same server need ARK: Survival Ascended, which supports crossplay between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.Is ARK crossplay between PC and PS4?No. The PS4 version of ARK: Survival Evolved cannot connect to Steam, Epic or Microsoft Store servers. PC and PlayStation can play together only in ARK: Survival Ascended, on PS5, and mainly on unofficial or PvE servers.Can ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended play together?No. ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended are separate games with separate servers. Players cannot join each other across the two games, so a group has to agree on one of them before playing.Are ARK: Survival Evolved official servers still online?No. Studio Wildcard shut down the official ARK: Survival Evolved servers at the end of September 2023. The game still works on unofficial servers, private servers and in single-player, and players were given access to their official server saves.SourcesTweakTown: ARK: Survival Evolved cross-play enabled between Xbox and PCOnMSFT: ARK: Survival Evolved gets Xbox Play Anywhere supportNodecraft: Allowing crossplay with the Epic Games version of ARK: Survival EvolvedMMOs.com: ARK: Survival Evolved confirms official server closuresGameSpot: Ark: Survival Ascended console release date revealed, cross-play confirmedeXputer: Ark: Survival Ascended devs disable PC crossplay due to cheaters
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This guide covers Ready or Not crossplay on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as of October 2026. Yes, Ready or Not is crossplay: Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can share co-op lobbies. Crossplay means players on different platforms join the same game. Mods stay PC-only, and progress does not carry between platforms.Key TakeawaysReady or Not supports crossplay between Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to VOID Interactive.Crossplay is switched on in Main Menu > Settings > Gameplay and cannot be changed mid-game.Console players cannot join a PC host who is running mods, even with crossplay enabled.Ready or Not has no cross-progression, so each platform keeps its own progress.Ready or Not Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerCrossplay platformsSteam, Epic Games Store, PS5, Xbox Series X|SPC + PS5 / Xbox Series X|SYes, if both players enable crossplayPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesWhere to turn it onMain Menu > Settings > Gameplay (not mid-game)Epic account requiredNo, linking only adds cross-platform friends and the overlayOnline co-opUp to 5 playersModsPC only; a modded PC host blocks console playersCross-progressionNoConsole releaseJuly 15, 2025 (PC full release: December 13, 2023)Is Ready or Not Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Ready or Not is crossplay in 2026. According to VOID Interactive, the developer, players on Steam, the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 can play together. Crossplay arrived with the console launch on July 15, 2025, when the game came to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The PC version had already left Early Access and reached its full release on December 13, 2023, per the Steam store page.Ready or Not crossplay covers the co-op mode, which supports up to five players on all platforms, according to the Steam and PlayStation store listings. Crossplay is a setting, not a guarantee: each player needs it enabled, and the host's setting decides who can join a public lobby. On PS5, online play also requires a PlayStation Plus membership, per the PlayStation store listing.Ready or Not crossplay has two limits worth knowing before a mixed group buys in. Mods are a PC-only feature that can keep console players out of a lobby, and the game has no cross-progression, so unlocks and progress stay on the platform where they were earned. Both limits are covered in their own sections below, together with the lobby rules that decide who can join whom.Can PC Players Play With PS5 Players in Ready or Not?PC players can play Ready or Not with PS5 players. VOID Interactive lists Steam, Epic Games Store and PlayStation 5 among the platforms that share crossplay lobbies, so a Steam or Epic player can host a PS5 friend, and a PS5 player can host a PC friend. The same applies to Xbox Series X|S: PC and Xbox players can play together as long as both have crossplay turned on.A PC and console session in Ready or Not depends on settings on both sides. Every player in the group needs crossplay enabled, and the PC host needs to run the game without mods (see the mods section below). When a PS5 or Xbox friend cannot find or join a PC lobby, checking the crossplay toggle on each platform is the first and fastest step before looking at anything else.Ready or Not on PC is the same game whether it was bought on Steam or the Epic Games Store, and both storefronts are part of the crossplay pool. Store choice does not split the player base, so a Steam player and an Epic player can team up with each other and with console players without any extra steps beyond enabling crossplay.Can Xbox and PS5 Play Ready or Not Together?Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players can play Ready or Not together. VOID Interactive includes both consoles in the same crossplay pool as PC, so there is no separate PlayStation-only or Xbox-only rule. A PS5 player can invite an Xbox friend into a co-op lobby, and the other way around, once both have crossplay switched on.Ready or Not on console is available only on the current generation. The game launched on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on July 15, 2025, and there is no PS4 or Xbox One version. A friend still on a last-generation console cannot join a crossplay lobby and would need a PS5, an Xbox Series X|S or a PC copy to play.VOID Interactive notes that some Xbox and PS5 players may see the crossplay option greyed out. The developer links this to platform restrictions such as parental controls. Players in that situation need to change the console's privacy or family settings before the in-game crossplay toggle becomes available. Once the console allows cross-network play, the toggle in Ready or Not's Gameplay settings works the same way it does on PC.Get Ready or Not on KinguinHow to Turn On Crossplay in Ready or NotReady or Not crossplay is changed in the main menu, not during a mission. According to VOID Interactive, the toggle sits in the Gameplay settings, and the game also shows a one-time popup asking about crossplay the first time a player tries multiplayer. PureXbox reports that the setting started out disabled on Xbox at launch, so console players should check it before inviting friends.Ready or Not shows a short message at the bottom of the screen once crossplay is active: "crossplay is enabled, you may encounter cross-network players," according to PureXbox. Seeing that message before creating a lobby is a quick way to confirm the setting is saved. VOID Interactive's setup steps for every platform are listed below in order.Open Ready or Not and stay on the main menu (the setting cannot be changed mid-game).Go to Settings and open the Gameplay tab.Scroll to the bottom and set Cross-Play to enabled.Optional: use the Account Linking button under Multiplayer Options to link an Epic account for cross-platform friends.Create or join a lobby; invited players with crossplay off are prompted to turn it on.Co-op Lobbies and Epic Account LinkingReady or Not lobbies follow simple crossplay rules, according to VOID Interactive. Public lobbies use the host's crossplay setting, and only players with crossplay enabled can join a host who has it enabled. Friends-only lobbies let the host choose crossplay and difficulty when creating the lobby, and that choice does not change the global setting. Invited players who have crossplay off are asked to turn it on before joining.An Epic account is not required for Ready or Not crossplay, VOID Interactive confirms. Linking one is optional on Steam, Xbox and PS5, and automatic on the Epic Games Store. A linked account unlocks the Epic friends list, adding friends across platforms and the Epic overlay. Without linking, players can still play with friends on other platforms but cannot add or track them through Epic.The Epic overlay in Ready or Not opens with Shift+F3 on PC, the View button on Xbox and the Touchpad on PlayStation, per VOID Interactive. Unlinking an Epic account is done through Epic's Account Portal, and the developer warns it triggers a 12-month cooldown before the same Epic account can be linked to a different platform account, so link the right account the first time.Mods on PC vs Console: Why Modded Lobbies Block CrossplayReady or Not mods are a PC-only feature. VOID Interactive states that mods are allowed on PC but not on consoles, and Insider Gaming reported before the console launch that the PS5 and Xbox versions would not support mods. As of October 2026, VOID Interactive has not announced mod support for PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.A modded Ready or Not lobby on PC is closed to console players. According to VOID Interactive, if a PC host uses mods, console players cannot join, even with crossplay enabled. A PC player who wants to host friends on PS5 or Xbox needs to disable mods first, while PC-only groups can keep using mods and still play with each other.Ready or Not groups with mixed platforms usually pick one of two setups: an unmodded lobby that everyone can join, or a modded PC-only lobby. Neither is wrong, but the choice should be made before the session starts, because an active mod on the PC host is enough to keep console friends out of the game.Lobby typePC playersPS5 / Xbox playersUnmodded, crossplay onCan joinCan joinPC host with modsCan joinCannot joinCrossplay offSame platform onlySame platform onlyCross-Progression, DLC and What Carries OverCrossplay and cross-progression are different features. Crossplay lets players on different platforms share a lobby, while cross-progression would let one save follow a player across platforms. Ready or Not has crossplay but not cross-progression: the Steam FAQ quoted by Insider Gaming says the game will not offer cross-progression, so moving from PC to PS5 or Xbox means starting over. VOID Interactive has not announced cross-progression since the console launch.Ready or Not DLC releases on all platforms at the same time. The Boiling Point expansion, which adds three new maps, launched on March 12, 2026, on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to TheSixthAxis and Gameswelt. Earlier expansions Home Invasion and Dark Waters are also listed on the Steam store page.Ready or Not is easiest to plan around when the group agrees on platforms before buying. Pick the platform where your progress should live, because it will not transfer later. If you still need a copy, Kinguin offers Ready or Not for different platforms, so make sure you pick the version that matches the system you plan to play on.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PC players play with PS5 players in Ready or Not?Yes. Ready or Not supports crossplay between PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) and PS5, according to VOID Interactive. Both players need crossplay enabled in the Gameplay settings, and the PC host must not be running mods, because console players cannot join modded lobbies.Is there crossplay between PC and Xbox in Ready or Not?Yes. PC and Xbox Series X|S players can play Ready or Not together. VOID Interactive includes Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox Series X|S in the same crossplay pool. Turn crossplay on in the main menu's Gameplay settings before creating or joining a lobby.Can Xbox and PS5 play Ready or Not together?Yes. Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players share crossplay lobbies in Ready or Not. If the crossplay option is greyed out, VOID Interactive points to platform restrictions such as parental controls, which need to be changed in the console's settings.Does Ready or Not have cross-progression?No. Ready or Not does not offer cross-progression, according to the Steam FAQ quoted by Insider Gaming, and VOID Interactive has not announced it since. Progress and unlocks stay on the platform where they were earned, so switching platforms means starting over.Do you need an Epic account for Ready or Not crossplay?No. VOID Interactive says an Epic account is not required for crossplay. Linking one is optional outside the Epic Games Store and adds the Epic friends list, cross-platform friend adding and the overlay. Unlinking later triggers a 12-month cooldown.SourcesVOID Interactive: How Cross-play in Ready or Not worksSteam: Ready or Not store pagePlayStation: Ready or NotPureXbox: How to turn on crossplay in Ready or NotInsider Gaming: Ready or Not crossplayTheSixthAxis: Boiling Point DLC out now
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This guide covers crossplay, cross-generation play and progress transfers in Red Dead Redemption 2. Crossplay means players on different platforms sharing one game session. RDR2 has no crossplay in 2026: PC, PlayStation and Xbox players cannot play together, and none is announced. PS4 and PS5 players can play together, as can Xbox One and Series X|S players.Key TakeawaysRed Dead Online has no crossplay between PC, PlayStation and Xbox, and none has been announced.PS4 and PS5 players share sessions, and so do Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, because current consoles run the last-gen version through backward compatibility.Red Dead Online progress carries over from PS4 to PS5 or Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S on the same account, but not between PC and console or between console brands.Rockstar ended major Red Dead Online updates in 2022, yet the game is still online with monthly bonus events in 2026.RDR2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplayPlayStation + XboxNo crossplayPS4 + PS5Yes, PS5 runs the PS4 version via backward compatibilityXbox One + Xbox Series X|SYes, Series X|S runs the Xbox One version via backward compatibilityMove Red Dead Online progress PS4 to PS5 / Xbox One to Series X|SYes, carries over on the same PSN or Xbox accountMove progress between PC and console, or PlayStation and XboxNoNative PS5 / Xbox Series X|S versionNot announced by Rockstar (rumors only)Red Dead Online major updatesEnded in 2022; monthly bonus events still runCrossplay announcedNoIs RDR2 Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Red Dead Redemption 2 is not crossplay in 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms, such as PC and PlayStation, can join the same online session. Red Dead Online, the multiplayer mode of RDR2, keeps PC, PlayStation and Xbox players in separate player pools. Rockstar has not announced any plan to add crossplay, and no update since launch in 2018 has changed that rule.Red Dead Online does allow cross-generation play inside one console family. A PS4 player can ride with a PS5 player, and an Xbox One player can ride with an Xbox Series X|S player. The reason is simple: there is no native PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version of RDR2, so newer consoles run the PS4 or Xbox One version through backward compatibility and land in the same lobbies.Red Dead Redemption 2 also has no cross-progression. Cross-progression means one shared character that follows you between platforms. A Red Dead Online character stays on the platform family where it was created, apart from the move from an older console to its successor on the same account, which is covered in the cross-generation section below.Can PC and PS4 Play RDR2 Together?PC and PS4 players cannot play Red Dead Redemption 2 together. Red Dead Online on PC runs in its own player pool, separate from every PlayStation and Xbox console. The same applies to PS5 and Xbox, so a PC player has no way to join a friend on any console, and there is no setting, invite system or workaround that connects the two.PC players who bought Red Dead Redemption 2 in different stores are in a better position. The game is sold on Steam, Epic Games Store and Rockstar Games Launcher, and every PC copy runs through Rockstar's own launcher and Social Club account. Players report that friends on different PC stores can play Red Dead Online together, although Rockstar does not publish a dedicated support page on this for RDR2.Mixed PC and console groups have only practical options. One side needs a copy on the other side's platform, and the player switching starts a new Red Dead Online character there. Before buying, check which platform most of the group plays on and pick up Red Dead Redemption 2 for that platform, for example on Kinguin, rather than guessing.Can PS4 and Xbox Play Red Dead Online Together?PlayStation and Xbox players cannot play Red Dead Online together. A PS4 or PS5 player cannot join a posse with an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S player, on any console generation. Each console brand has its own Red Dead Online player base, and Rockstar has never offered cross-network play between them.Rockstar has not explained publicly why Red Dead Redemption 2 has no crossplay. Many theories circulate online, but none come from Rockstar, so treat them as guesses. The studio's other online game, GTA Online, also has no crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox and PC, so the two Rockstar games follow the same pattern.Crossplay is also unlikely to arrive late in Red Dead Online's life. Rockstar stopped major content updates in 2022, and adding crossplay would be a large technical change for a game in maintenance mode. That is an inference from the update history, not an official statement, but there is no sign of crossplay in any Rockstar announcement so far.Get Red Dead Redemption 2 on KinguinCross-Generation: PS4 to PS5 and Xbox One to Xbox Series X|SRed Dead Redemption 2 runs on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility, as Rockstar confirmed in November 2020 ahead of the new consoles' launch. Owners of the PS4 or Xbox One version can install and play the same copy on the newer console. Because PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players run the last-gen version, they share Red Dead Online sessions with PS4 and Xbox One players on the same brand.Red Dead Online progress moves with you to the new console. According to Rockstar's November 2020 announcement, progress and accomplishments in Red Dead Online carry over to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as long as you use the same PlayStation Network or Xbox account. No migration menu or one-time transfer is needed, because the game and save are the same version.A native PS5 and Xbox Series X|S version of Red Dead Redemption 2 has not been announced. Insiders have reported for over a year that an enhanced version exists, but Rockstar has confirmed nothing, including any release date or price. Until an official announcement, the backward-compatible version is the only way to play RDR2 on current consoles. The Red Dead Redemption release from December 2, 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2 is the original 2010 game, not RDR2.Can You Transfer Red Dead Online Progress Between Platforms?Red Dead Online progress cannot be transferred between PC and console, or between PlayStation and Xbox. Rockstar does not offer a character migration tool for Red Dead Online like the one GTA Online has. Gold Bars, RDO$, rank, roles and items stay on the platform family where you earned them, so switching platforms means starting over.Rockstar made one exception, and it is closed. When Google shut down Stadia, Rockstar offered Stadia players a one-time transfer of Red Dead Online progress to PC, PS4 or Xbox One in 2022, according to coverage by 80.lv and Sportskeeda. Only recently active Stadia players qualified, and the transfer went through Rockstar Support. No similar transfer has been offered for other platforms.The table below sums up what moves and what stays when you change hardware.MoveRed Dead Online progressPS4 to PS5 (same PSN account)Carries overXbox One to Xbox Series X|S (same Xbox account)Carries overPlayStation to Xbox, or Xbox to PlayStationNo transferConsole to PC, or PC to consoleNo transferStadia to PC, PS4 or Xbox OneOne-time offer in 2022, now closedIs Red Dead Online Still Getting Updates in 2026?Red Dead Online is still online in 2026, but it no longer gets major content updates. In July 2022, Rockstar said it had moved more development resources to the next Grand Theft Auto and that major themed updates for Red Dead Online would stop, as reported by VGC and Engadget. Rockstar said it would keep adding Telegram Missions, seasonal events and smaller improvements.Red Dead Online received its latest reported new content on July 1, 2025, when Rockstar released Strange Tales of the West Vol. 1, a set of four new Telegram Missions with returning RDR2 character Theodore Levin. Since then, the game has run monthly bonus events. The October 2026 Halloween event offers four times the rewards on Strange Tales of the West missions and triple rewards on All Hallows' Call to Arms until November 2, per Worthplaying and Massively OP.Red Dead Online players should not expect new roles or modes. The October 2026 coverage notes that the Halloween event adds bonuses rather than new content. For crossplay, the situation is the same: nothing in Rockstar's 2026 event announcements mentions cross-platform play or new transfer options.How to Play Red Dead Online With Friends: ChecklistRed Dead Online groups that plan ahead avoid buying the wrong version. Run through these steps before anyone purchases a copy.Agree on one platform family: PC, PlayStation or Xbox. Players on different families cannot meet in Red Dead Online.On PlayStation, PS4 and PS5 owners can play together using the same PS4 version of RDR2.On Xbox, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S owners can play together using the same Xbox One version.If you are moving to a newer console of the same brand, sign in with the same PSN or Xbox account so your Red Dead Online progress carries over.If you are switching brands or moving between PC and console, plan to start a new Red Dead Online character.Invite friends through the in-game posse menu or your platform's friend list once everyone is online.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PC and PS4 play RDR2 together?No. PC and PS4 players cannot play Red Dead Redemption 2 or Red Dead Online together. PC has its own player pool, separate from PlayStation and Xbox, and Rockstar has not announced crossplay or any workaround for mixed PC and console groups.Can PS4 and Xbox play Red Dead Online together?No. PlayStation and Xbox players cannot share Red Dead Online sessions on any console generation. PS4 and PS5 players can play together, and Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players can play together, but the two brands stay separate.Why does RDR2 not have crossplay?Rockstar has not given a public reason. Theories online are guesses. Rockstar's GTA Online also lacks crossplay between consoles and PC, and Red Dead Online stopped getting major updates in 2022, so a large change like crossplay looks unlikely.Is there a PS5 version of Red Dead Redemption 2?Not officially. RDR2 runs on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility. Insiders report an enhanced version, but Rockstar has not announced one, so there is no confirmed release date or price as of October 2026.Is Red Dead Online shutting down?No shutdown has been announced. Major updates ended in 2022, but Rockstar still runs monthly bonus events, including an October 2026 Halloween event with extra rewards that lasts until November 2.SourcesGTABase: GTA V & RDR2 backward compatibility on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S (Nov 6, 2020, reporting Rockstar)VGC: Rockstar says major Red Dead Online updates will stop as it focuses on GTA 6 (2022)Engadget: Rockstar slows Red Dead Online updates to focus on GTA 6 (2022)TheSixthAxis: Red Dead Online Strange Tales of the West announced and out now (Jul 1, 2025)Worthplaying: Red Dead Online Halloween update (Oct 6, 2026)Massively OP: Red Dead Online celebrates Halloween (Oct 8, 2026)80.lv: Red Dead Online progress can be transferred from Stadia (2022)
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This guide covers Sea of Thieves crossplay on PC, Xbox and PS5 as of October 2026. Yes, Sea of Thieves is crossplay: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players share servers by default. Crossplay means players on different platforms can play together. Console players can opt out, and every player needs a Microsoft account.Key TakeawaysSea of Thieves crossplay connects PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox app), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PS5, and it is on by default.PS5 players can turn crossplay off in Matchmaking Settings, and Xbox console players can opt out through Xbox privacy settings.A Microsoft account is required on every platform, including PS5, and it carries progress between platforms.There is no PS4 version, and PS5 multiplayer requires PlayStation Plus.Sea of Thieves Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)Platform or featureStatusPC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox app) + XboxYes, crossplayPS5 + Xbox + PCYes, crossplay since PS5 launch on April 30, 2024PS4No PS4 versionCrossplay defaultOn by defaultOpt out on PS5Yes, in Matchmaking Settings (PSN players only)Opt out on Xbox consoleYes, through Xbox privacy settings (affects all games)Opt out on PCNo opt-out, according to player guidesMicrosoft accountRequired on every platform, including PS5Cross-progressionYes, progress syncs through the linked Microsoft accountPS5 multiplayer subscriptionPlayStation Plus required (solo Safer Seas excluded)Is Sea of Thieves Crossplay? The Short AnswerYes, Sea of Thieves is crossplay. Crossplay means players on different platforms can share the same servers and crews. In Sea of Thieves, players on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 sail together, and crossplay is switched on by default. A crew can mix a Steam player, an Xbox Series X player and a PS5 player without any extra setup beyond friend invites.Sea of Thieves on PS5 joined the shared player pool when the PlayStation version launched on April 30, 2024, according to Push Square and PlayStation's own FAQ for the game. Before that date, crossplay covered only Xbox consoles and PC. There is no PS4 version of Sea of Thieves, so PS4 owners cannot play the game at all, with or without crossplay.Sea of Thieves crossplay is optional on consoles. PS5 and Xbox players can limit who they get matched with, while PC players stay in the shared pool, according to player guides. Every player, on every platform, needs a Microsoft account, and that account is also what carries progress between platforms. The sections below cover each of these rules once, with the steps to change them.Is Sea of Thieves Crossplay With PlayStation?Sea of Thieves is crossplay with PlayStation 5. PlayStation's FAQ for the game confirms that PS5 players share servers with Xbox and PC players by default, and that friends on different platforms can join the same crew once each player has signed in with a Microsoft account. Linking a Microsoft account enables cross-platform friend invites, crew voice chat and proximity chat, according to Push Square's coverage of the launch.Sea of Thieves on PS5 is a separate purchase. PlayStation's FAQ states that PS5 players must buy the Standard, Deluxe or Premium Edition from the PlayStation Store, even if they already own the game on Xbox, because Xbox Play Anywhere works only through Xbox and the Microsoft Store. Online multiplayer on PS5 requires a PlayStation Plus subscription, while solo play in Safer Seas does not. PS5 players do not need Xbox Game Pass.Is Sea of Thieves Crossplay PC and Xbox?Sea of Thieves is crossplay between PC and Xbox, and it has been since the game's original launch. PC players on Steam, the Microsoft Store and the Xbox app with PC Game Pass all join the same servers as Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players. The store you bought from on PC does not change who you can sail with, so a Steam player can crew up with a Game Pass player on Xbox.Xbox Play Anywhere covers Sea of Thieves bought through Xbox or the Microsoft Store, according to PlayStation's FAQ, so one digital purchase there works on both Xbox and Windows. Steam is a separate storefront and is not part of that program. Whichever PC store you use, progress follows your Microsoft account rather than the store, so switching between Xbox and PC keeps the same pirate.PlatformPlays withCan opt out of crossplay?PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox app)Xbox, PS5, other PC playersNo, according to player guidesXbox One / Xbox Series X|SPC, PS5, other Xbox playersYes, via Xbox privacy settingsPlayStation 5PC, Xbox, other PS5 playersYes, in Matchmaking SettingsPlayStation 4No version availableNot applicableGet Sea of Thieves on KinguinHow to Turn Off Crossplay in Sea of ThievesSea of Thieves lets console players opt out of crossplay, but the method depends on the console. On PS5, PlayStation's FAQ says players can disable crossplay from Matchmaking Settings and then matchmake only with other PlayStation Network players. On Xbox, guides from Windows Central and Sportskeeda describe the opt-out as a console-wide Xbox privacy setting rather than an in-game toggle, so it affects every game on that Xbox profile.Sea of Thieves also offers a softer option for console players who mainly want to avoid mouse and keyboard opponents. PlayStation's FAQ says console players can limit matchmaking to other controller users, which keeps PS5 and Xbox controller players together. According to player guides, this preference lowers the chance of meeting keyboard and mouse players but does not fully remove it. PC players cannot turn crossplay off, according to the same guides.PS5: open Sea of Thieves settings, go to Matchmaking Settings and turn crossplay off to match only with PlayStation Network players.Xbox console: open Settings, then Account, then Privacy & online safety, then Xbox privacy, and under Communications & multiplayer block playing with people outside of Xbox Live.Any console: use the in-game matchmaking preference to prefer other controller players instead of a full opt-out.Check the change by starting a new session; turning crossplay off on Xbox also affects other games on that profile.Why Sea of Thieves Needs a Microsoft AccountSea of Thieves requires a Microsoft account on every platform, including PS5. The PlayStation Store listing states that "Microsoft account registration, acceptance of Microsoft Services Agreement and Privacy Statement required to play," as reported by Push Square and Pure Xbox in February 2024. PS5 players are asked to sign in or create a Microsoft account the first time they launch the game.The Microsoft account requirement is what makes Sea of Thieves crossplay work for groups of friends. According to Push Square, linking a PlayStation account to a Microsoft account enables cross-platform friend invites, crew voice chat and proximity chat with Xbox and PC players. Steam players also sign in with a Microsoft account, which ties their pirate to the same profile system that Xbox and PS5 players use.Cross-Progression: Does Your Pirate Carry Over?Sea of Thieves supports cross-progression through the Microsoft account. Cross-progression means your progress follows your account between platforms instead of staying on one device. PlayStation's FAQ explains that once a PlayStation account is linked to a Microsoft account, any existing pirate becomes playable on PS5, and progress then synchronises across every platform linked to that account.Sea of Thieves cross-progression covers commendations, cosmetics, Twitch Drops, gold, doubloons and ancient coins, according to PlayStation's FAQ. Coverage of the PS5 launch notes one exception: some Microsoft-exclusive items obtained through platform-exclusive offers may not carry over to PlayStation. Players should link the Microsoft account they already use on Xbox or PC, because progress follows the account, not the console.How to Play Sea of Thieves With Friends on Other PlatformsSea of Thieves makes mixed-platform crews simple once every player has the game on a supported platform and a Microsoft account. The checklist below covers the usual setup for a crew that mixes PC, Xbox and PS5. When buying a key, pick the version for your platform; Kinguin lists Sea of Thieves editions for different platforms, and a Steam key will not activate on PS5 or Xbox.Make sure everyone has Sea of Thieves on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S or PS5 (there is no PS4 version).Sign in to the same Microsoft account you plan to keep using, so progress syncs.PS5 players: keep PlayStation Plus active for online multiplayer.Keep crossplay switched on for anyone who needs to join players on another platform.Add friends through the in-game friend list and send crew invites.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Sea of Thieves crossplay PC and Xbox?Yes. Sea of Thieves has supported crossplay between PC and Xbox since launch. PC players on Steam, the Microsoft Store or the Xbox app share servers with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, and progress follows the Microsoft account.Can PS4 and PC play Sea of Thieves together?No. Sea of Thieves has no PS4 version, so PS4 owners cannot play it with PC players or anyone else. The PlayStation version runs only on PS5, which shares crossplay servers with PC and Xbox.Can Xbox and PC play together?Yes, in Sea of Thieves Xbox and PC players play together by default. Xbox console players can opt out through Xbox privacy settings, which affects all games on that profile. PC players cannot opt out, according to player guides.Is Sea of Thieves crossplay with PlayStation?Yes. Since the PS5 launch on April 30, 2024, PS5 players share servers with PC and Xbox players. PS5 players need a Microsoft account and PlayStation Plus for multiplayer, and they can turn crossplay off in Matchmaking Settings.Do I need to buy Sea of Thieves again for PS5?Yes. PlayStation's FAQ says PS5 players must buy the game from the PlayStation Store even if they own it on Xbox. Progress carries over once the PlayStation account is linked to the same Microsoft account.SourcesPlayStation PS5 FAQ for Sea of Thieves (via Insider Gaming)Push Square: Microsoft account required on PS5 (PS Store listing)Rare: Sea of Thieves supportWindows Central: Is Sea of Thieves cross-play?GamesRadar: Sea of Thieves crossplay
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This guide covers Palworld crossplay on every platform in 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms can share the same world. Yes, Palworld is crossplay: since version 0.5.0 in March 2025, Steam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and Mac players can play together, and the July 2026 1.0 release kept it. There is no Switch version.Key TakeawaysPalworld added crossplay in version 0.5.0 on March 19, 2025, linking Steam, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and Mac.Palworld 1.0 launched on July 10, 2026 and still supports crossplay on all of its platforms.Dedicated servers allow Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac players by default, and console players join through the community server list.Palworld has crossplay but no official cross-save, so a world or character does not follow you to another platform.Palworld Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerIs Palworld crossplay?Yes, since v0.5.0 (March 19, 2025)Crossplay platformsSteam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, MacNintendo Switch / Switch 2No version, no crossplayFull release (1.0)July 10, 2026, out of Early AccessCo-op world sizeUp to 4 playersDedicated server sizeUp to 32 players (per hosting guides)Dedicated server crossplayOn by default for Steam, Xbox, PS5, MacHow Xbox and PS5 join serversCommunity server list, not direct IPOfficial cross-save between platformsNoIs Palworld Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Palworld is crossplay in 2026. Pocketpair added cross-platform play in version 0.5.0, released on March 19, 2025, and according to the patch notes reported by Pure Xbox it is supported across Xbox Series X|S, Steam, PlayStation 5 and Mac. Before that update, multiplayer was split by store, so Steam players and Xbox players lived in separate worlds. The same 0.5.0 update also added dedicated server support for Mac.Palworld crossplay carried over into the full release. Version 1.0 launched on July 10, 2026, ending Early Access, and Green Man Gaming reports that 1.0 supports cross-platform play across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Players who started in Early Access did not need to switch versions to keep playing with friends on other systems.Palworld crossplay has one clear gap: Nintendo. There is no Palworld version for Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, so Switch owners cannot join any session. Pocketpair has said it is interested in Switch 2 but has not announced a port. The supported list is therefore Steam, Microsoft Store PC (including PC Game Pass), Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and Mac.Can PS5 and PC Play Palworld Together?PS5 and PC players can play Palworld together. PlayStation 5 was part of the March 2025 crossplay update, and the official Palworld server documentation lists the PS5 version among the platforms allowed on dedicated servers by default. A PS5 player and a Steam player can share the same world, catch Pals together and build a base without anyone buying a second copy.Xbox and Steam players can also play Palworld together, which was not possible at launch in 2024. The official documentation groups the Xbox Series X|S version and the Windows PC version from the Microsoft Store as one platform, so PC Game Pass players connect the same way Xbox console players do. Mac players join that pool as well, which makes Palworld one of the few survival games where all major PC stores and both current consoles mix freely.Palworld groups on different platforms can choose between two ways of playing together: a co-op world hosted by one player, or a dedicated server that runs on its own. Both modes support crossplay, but they differ in group size and in whether the world stays online when the host logs off. The table below compares them.ModePlayersCrossplayCo-op world hosted by a playerUp to 4 (per hosting guides)YesDedicated or community serverUp to 32 (per hosting guides)Yes, on by defaultNintendo Switch / Switch 2Not availableNoPalworld Crossplay on Dedicated and Community ServersPalworld dedicated servers are crossplay by default. According to the official Palworld server docs, the CrossplayPlatforms setting defaults to Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac, so a fresh server accepts players from all four without extra setup. A server owner who wants to limit access can remove platforms from that list in the server configuration file. A dedicated server keeps the world online even when the host is not playing.Palworld console players join servers differently from PC players. The official documentation notes that Xbox and PS5 players need a community server, meaning a dedicated server registered in the in-game server list. Console players cannot type a direct IP address, while Steam and Mac players can connect by IP and port. A cross-platform group should give the server a clear, searchable name so console friends can find it in the list.Palworld dedicated servers also hold more players than a hosted co-op world. Hosting guides such as Zap-Hosting and XGamingServer put the server cap at 32 players, controlled by the ServerPlayerMaxNum setting, while a regular co-op world is limited to four. For groups larger than four, or for friends who play at different times, a dedicated server is the practical choice.Get Palworld on KinguinPalworld 1.0: What Changed for MultiplayerPalworld 1.0 arrived on July 10, 2026 and moved the game out of Early Access on PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), Mac, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to Green Man Gaming. Early Access owners received the 1.0 update at no extra cost. Pocketpair confirmed feature parity across versions, which means new content is meant to reach every supported platform rather than landing on one store first.Palworld 1.0 did not change the basic crossplay rules. The same platforms that were linked in version 0.5.0 still play together, and dedicated servers still accept all four platform groups by default. Crossplay depends on everyone running the same game version, so after a big patch it helps to update the game and, for server owners, the server software before inviting friends back.Can You Transfer Palworld Saves Between Platforms?Palworld does not offer official cross-save or cross-progression. Crossplay lets players on different platforms share a session, but a character or world created on one platform does not follow the player to another. A Steam save stays on Steam, and a PS5 save stays on PS5. Moving to a new platform usually means starting fresh or joining a friend's world.Palworld does include one official way to move Pals: the Global Palbox, added in version 0.5.0, stores Pal data and transfers Pals between worlds. Players report that moving a full world from PC Game Pass to Steam is possible only with unofficial community tools such as XGP-Save-Extractor, as covered by Windows Central and PCGamesN. That workaround runs on a Windows PC, works one way, and may break after patches, so back up saves first.Palworld groups that want one shared world across devices can use a dedicated server instead of a save transfer. The world lives on the server rather than on any player's console or PC, so every player keeps the same base and Pals no matter which supported platform they log in from.How to Play Palworld With Friends on Different PlatformsPalworld crossplay needs a few things in place before a mixed group can meet in the same world. The checklist below covers the usual setup for Steam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox, PS5 and Mac players. Anyone still buying the game should pick the version for the platform they actually play on; Kinguin lists Palworld keys for the supported stores.Make sure every player owns Palworld on a supported platform: Steam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 or Mac.Update the game to the latest version on every device, since crossplay requires matching versions.For up to four players, have one player host a co-op world and invite the others.For bigger groups or an always-on world, set up a dedicated server and keep the default CrossplayPlatforms list.Register the server as a community server with a clear name so Xbox and PS5 players can find it in the in-game list.Have Steam and Mac players connect by IP and port or through the same community server list.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PS5 and PC play Palworld together?Yes. PS5 has been part of Palworld crossplay since version 0.5.0 in March 2025, and PS5 players can share worlds with Steam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox Series X|S and Mac players. On dedicated servers, PS5 players join through the in-game community server list.Is Palworld crossplay between Xbox and Steam?Yes. Xbox Series X|S and Steam players can play Palworld together since the March 2025 crossplay update. The official docs treat Xbox and Microsoft Store PC, including PC Game Pass, as one platform, so Game Pass players connect the same way.Is Palworld on Nintendo Switch?No. Palworld has no Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 version as of October 2026, so Switch players cannot join crossplay sessions. Pocketpair has expressed interest in Switch 2 but has not announced a port.Can you transfer Palworld saves from Xbox to Steam?Not officially. Palworld has no cross-save. Players report that unofficial tools such as XGP-Save-Extractor can move a PC Game Pass save to Steam on a Windows PC, but only one way and with a risk of breaking after patches.How many players can play Palworld together?A hosted co-op world supports up to four players. According to hosting guides, a dedicated server supports up to 32 players, set with ServerPlayerMaxNum. Both modes support crossplay between Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac.SourcesPalworld Official Docs: About ServersPalworld Official Docs: Server ConfigurationPure Xbox: Palworld v0.5.0 crossplay patch notes (March 19, 2025)Windows Central: Palworld crossplay update launch windowGreen Man Gaming: Palworld 1.0 release date and featuresWindows Central: Moving a Palworld Xbox save to Steam
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This guide covers Phasmophobia crossplay on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and VR as of October 2026. Yes, Phasmophobia is crossplay: up to four players on Steam, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S can hunt together in one lobby. Crossplay means players on different platforms share the same online session. Progress does not carry over between platforms.Key TakeawaysPhasmophobia has crossplay between PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, available since the console early access launch on October 29, 2024.VR and non-VR players can join the same lobby, with up to four players per game.Kinetic Games has not announced cross-progression, so levels and unlocks stay on the platform where you earned them.According to Kinetic Games, the Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives together with Phasmophobia 1.0 in the second half of 2027.Phasmophobia Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC (Steam) + PS5 + Xbox Series X|SYes, crossplayVR (PC VR, PS VR2) + non-VR playersYes, in the same lobbyCrossplay on consoles sinceOctober 29, 2024 (console early access launch)Crossplay settingOptional, can be switched on or offMax players per lobby4Cross-progressionNot announced; progress stays on each platformPS4 / Xbox OneNo version availableNintendo Switch 2Coming with 1.0 in the second half of 2027; crossplay not detailedGame statusEarly Access (v0.19.1.0, October 2026)Is Phasmophobia Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Yes, Phasmophobia is crossplay in 2026. Players on PC through Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2 and Xbox Series X|S can join the same lobby and investigate together. Kinetic Games describes the game on its official page as co-op for up to four players, cross-platform. A mixed group of friends does not need to own the game on the same system to play together, as long as every player is on one of the supported platforms.Phasmophobia crossplay has been live since October 29, 2024, when the game launched in early access on PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, as reported by Gematsu and TrueAchievements at launch. Before that date, Phasmophobia was a PC-only game on Steam. The console versions launched with crossplay from day one, so console and PC players shared the same online sessions from the start.Phasmophobia crossplay is optional. When Kinetic Games announced the console versions, the studio said that all platforms will feature optional crossplay, which means each player can switch it on or off in the game settings. Players who prefer to match only with people on their own platform can turn it off, while groups with friends on different systems should keep it on.Is Phasmophobia Crossplay With PC and Xbox?Phasmophobia is crossplay with PC and Xbox, and with PlayStation too. A Steam player can host a lobby that friends on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 join, and a console player can host for PC friends in the same way. There is no restriction between console brands either, so PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can investigate together, which is not a given in many other co-op games.Phasmophobia platform support is simple to check in one place. The table below shows which platform combinations can play together as of October 2026, based on Kinetic Games, the Steam store page and coverage of the console launch. Older consoles and the upcoming Switch 2 version are listed separately, because neither is part of crossplay today.Platform combinationCrossplay in October 2026PC (Steam) + PS5YesPC (Steam) + Xbox Series X|SYesPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesPS VR2 + PC, PS5 or XboxYesPC VR + flat-screen PC or consoleYesPS4 or Xbox OneNo version availableNintendo Switch 2Not released yet; crossplay not detailedCan VR and Non-VR Players Play Phasmophobia Together?VR and non-VR players can play Phasmophobia together in the same lobby. The Steam store page says the game supports all players together and lets you play with friends using any combination of input types. In practice, one friend can wear a PC VR headset while another uses a mouse and keyboard and a third uses a controller, all in the same investigation.PlayStation VR2 owners are part of the same crossplay pool. Phasmophobia launched on PS VR2 on October 29, 2024, alongside the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, and PS VR2 players can join flat-screen PS5, Xbox and PC players. On PC, VR support is part of the regular Steam version, so a Steam player can switch between VR and a monitor without buying a second copy.Get Phasmophobia on KinguinHow to Join Friends in Phasmophobia Across PlatformsJoining friends in Phasmophobia across platforms works through a room code rather than a shared friends list. One player hosts a private room, the game shows a code, and the other players type that code to join. Menu names differ slightly between versions and community guides, so the steps below use the general flow rather than exact button labels.Phasmophobia players who cannot find a friend's room should first check two things, according to community guides. Every player needs crossplay switched on, since a player with crossplay off will not connect to a lobby with another platform. Every player should also pick the same server region as the host. Guides disagree on whether a region mismatch blocks joining or only adds lag, so matching regions is the safe choice.Every player opens the game settings and makes sure crossplay is switched on.Everyone selects the same server region as the host.The host opens the multiplayer menu and creates a private room.The host shares the room code shown on screen with the group.Friends choose the option to join a private room and enter the code.Once up to four players are in the lobby, the host picks a contract and starts the investigation.Does Phasmophobia Have Cross-Progression?Phasmophobia does not have cross-progression as of October 2026. Cross-progression means one save, with your level, money and unlocked equipment, follows you across platforms. Kinetic Games has not announced the feature in its patch notes or roadmap posts, and community guides report that progress stays on the platform where you earned it. A level reached on Steam does not appear on a PS5 or Xbox copy.Crossplay and cross-progression in Phasmophobia are separate features. Crossplay lets a Steam player and a PS5 player share a lobby, while each of them keeps their own save on their own platform. Players who plan to move from PC to console, or from Xbox to PlayStation, should expect to start progression again on the new platform, since no official transfer tool has been announced.Phasmophobia on PS4, Xbox One and Switch 2Phasmophobia is not available on PS4 or Xbox One. The console version launched only on PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, and Kinetic Games has not announced versions for older consoles. Players with friends on last-generation hardware cannot join them, because there is no PS4 or Xbox One copy to play on. The only route is moving to a current-generation console or PC.Phasmophobia is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, but not in 2026. Kinetic Games announced the Switch 2 version at The Game Awards in December 2025. In its June 24, 2026 post, Phasmophobia 2026 and Beyond, the studio said 1.0 moves to the second half of 2027 and that the Switch 2 version will arrive at the same time. Kinetic Games has not yet detailed whether Switch 2 players will join crossplay lobbies.Phasmophobia is still in early access in October 2026, with version 0.19.1.0 released on October 6, 2026, per Kinetic Games' patch notes. Crossplay already works across PC, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S during early access, so groups do not need to wait for 1.0. If you still need a copy, Kinguin lists Phasmophobia, and buying the version for the platform you play on is all that matters for crossplay.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Phasmophobia crossplay with PC and Xbox?Yes. Phasmophobia players on PC through Steam and on Xbox Series X|S can join the same lobby, and PS5 and PS VR2 players can join too. Crossplay is optional, so every player in the group should check that it is switched on in the game settings.Can PC and PS5 players play Phasmophobia together?Yes. PC players on Steam and PS5 players can play Phasmophobia together, including PS VR2 users. The host creates a private room, shares the room code, and friends on other platforms enter it to join. Matching server regions helps avoid connection problems.Can PS5 and PC crossplay?In Phasmophobia, yes. PS5 and PC crossplay has worked since the console early access launch on October 29, 2024. Crossplay support varies by game, so for other titles check the publisher's own support pages before buying a copy on a different platform than your friends.Is Phasmophobia cross-platform?Yes. Phasmophobia is cross-platform across PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, with up to four players per lobby. Cross-progression is a different matter: Kinetic Games has not announced it, so levels and unlocks stay on each platform.Is Phasmophobia on PS4 or Xbox One?No. Phasmophobia is available on PC, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S only. Kinetic Games has not announced PS4 or Xbox One versions. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is planned for the second half of 2027, alongside the 1.0 release.SourcesKinetic Games: Phasmophobia (official game page)Kinetic Games: Phasmophobia 2026 and Beyond (June 24, 2026)Kinetic Games: Phasmophobia v0.19.1.0 Patch Notes (October 6, 2026)Steam: Phasmophobia store pageGematsu: Phasmophobia Early Access for PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series launches October 29
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This guide covers Helldivers 2 crossplay on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same match. Yes, Helldivers 2 has full crossplay: PC, PS5 and Xbox players can squad up together. Progress, however, stays on each platform, because the game has no cross-progression.Key TakeawaysHelldivers 2 supports crossplay between PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and crossplay can be turned off in the game.Helldivers 2 launched on Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, with crossplay from day one, according to Xbox Wire.Cross-platform friends are added with a friend code from the Social tab.Helldivers 2 has no cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy, and Arrowhead Support says there are no plans to add cross-progression at this time.Helldivers 2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC + PS5 + Xbox Series X|S crossplayYes, all three platforms play togetherXbox Series X|S releaseAugust 26, 2025 ($39.99 base game)Original release (PS5 and PC)February 8, 2024Crossplay toggleOn by default, can be turned offCross-progression / cross-saveNo, and no plans at this time per Arrowhead SupportCross-buyNoSquad sizeUp to 4 playersHow to add cross-platform friendsFriend code in the Social tabPS Plus needed for onlineOn PS5 only; not on SteamPSN account on SteamGame prompts linking on first launchIs Helldivers 2 Crossplay? The Short AnswerYes, Helldivers 2 is crossplay on every platform it is sold on. Arrowhead Support states that Helldivers 2 features cross-play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, so a squad of up to four players can mix Steam, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S accounts in the same mission. Friends on different platforms can host or join each other's ships, as long as crossplay is enabled for everyone.Helldivers 2 crossplay covers matchmaking and missions, not your account. Each platform keeps its own progression, Warbonds, Super Credits and unlocks, so playing on a second platform means starting from scratch there. The rest of this guide explains which platforms play together, how to add friends from another platform, the PlayStation Network question on PC, and what to check when crossplay does not work.Which Platforms Can Play Helldivers 2 Together?Helldivers 2 crossplay connects three platforms: PC through Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game first launched on February 8, 2024, on PS5 and Steam, according to the Arrowhead FAQ, and crossplay between those two was part of the game from launch. Xbox joined in 2025, which made the player base shared across all three platforms. On Xbox, the game is available on the Series X|S consoles.Helldivers 2 has crossplay switched on by default, and the Arrowhead FAQ confirms that players can disable it. Turning crossplay off limits matchmaking to your own platform, which can mean fewer available squads at higher difficulties. For a mixed group of friends, crossplay needs to stay on for every player in the squad.Platform pairCan play together?PC (Steam) + PS5YesPC (Steam) + Xbox Series X|SYesPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesAny platform with crossplay turned offOnly with the same platformHelldivers 2 on Xbox: Release and CrossplayHelldivers 2 came to Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, according to Xbox Wire and the Xbox Store listing. The base game is listed at $39.99 on Xbox, and pre-orders offered a Standard Edition and a Super Citizen Edition. The Xbox Wire announcement promised cross play on all platforms from launch.Helldivers 2 on Xbox uses the same live galaxy and the same missions as the PC and PS5 versions, so Xbox players join the existing community instead of a separate one. Official Xbox Wire posts and the Xbox Store page do not mention a PlayStation Network account for the Xbox version. Xbox players who already own the game on another platform still need to start a new account, because purchases and progress do not carry over.Get Helldivers 2 on KinguinHow to Add Cross-Platform Friends With a Friend CodeHelldivers 2 adds friends from other platforms through friend codes, not through Steam, PSN or Xbox friend lists. According to Arrowhead Support, the Social tab shows your friends list, players you recently played with, pending invitations and blocked players. From there you can search for a player by friend code or generate your own code to share. Guides describe the code as eight digits long.Helldivers 2 also lets you send a request from the recent players list, which is handy after a good random match. Arrowhead Support says the Social tab opens from the Pause menu while you are on a ship, or with Tab on PC and X on PS5; Xbox players can reach it through the Pause menu.Make sure crossplay is turned on for both players.Board your ship and open the Social tab from the Pause menu.Player one generates a friend code and shares it.Player two enters the code in the friend code search and sends a request.Player one accepts the request under pending invitations.Invite the new friend to your ship from the friends list.Do You Need a PSN Account to Play Helldivers 2?Helldivers 2 on Steam asks PC players to link a PlayStation Network account. According to Arrowhead Support, the game prompts you to link Steam to PSN on first launch and shows a QR code and a log-in link. The Steam store page also lists PlayStation Network as a required third-party account that supports linking to Steam. Creating a PSN account is free.Helldivers 2 became the center of a PSN controversy in May 2024, when PlayStation planned to make linking mandatory and then said the update will not be moving forward after a wave of negative Steam reviews, as reported by several outlets at the time. Players report that the prompt still appears, so plan for linking on PC. Official Xbox pages mention no PSN account for the Xbox version.Helldivers 2 online play on PS5 requires PS Plus, while Steam players do not pay for PS Plus to play online, according to the Arrowhead FAQ. Linking Steam and PSN does not unlock anything across platforms either. Arrowhead Support states that linking does not copy game data between the PS5 and PC copies of the game.Does Helldivers 2 Have Cross-Progression?Helldivers 2 does not have cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy as of October 2026. Arrowhead Support, in an article updated on October 13, 2026, says progression, DLC and limited-time items such as pre-order armor stay on the account and platform where you earned or bought them. Player Support cannot merge accounts or move items between accounts, and it grants no exceptions.Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has been clear about the future too: its support page says "We have no plans to implement cross-progression at this time." In November 2025, CEO Shams Jorjani said the studio would love to add it but that it was far from the priority. Players moving from PS5 to PC or Xbox, or the other way around, should expect to rebuild Warbonds and unlocks from zero.Helldivers 2 Crossplay Not Working: Quick ChecksHelldivers 2 crossplay problems usually come down to settings or friend requests rather than the platforms themselves. Earlier patch notes listed issues with cross-platform friend invites not showing up, so a request that seems lost is worth sending again before assuming something is broken. The checklist below covers the common fixes, in the order most players try them.Check that crossplay is enabled for every player in the squad.Confirm everyone is on the latest game update.On PC, finish linking your PSN account if the game asks for it.Resend the friend request using a freshly generated friend code.Restart the game, then try the invite again from the friends list.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Helldivers 2 going to be cross-platform?Helldivers 2 already is cross-platform. PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can play together, and Xbox joined with crossplay when the game launched there on August 26, 2025. Crossplay is on by default and can be turned off.Can Xbox and PS5 play Helldivers 2 together?Yes. Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players can share a squad of up to four in Helldivers 2. Both players need crossplay switched on and must add each other with a friend code from the in-game Social tab.Does Helldivers 2 have cross-progression?No. Helldivers 2 has no cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy, so items and progress stay on each platform. Arrowhead Support says the studio has no plans to implement cross-progression at this time.Do you need a PSN account to play Helldivers 2 on PC?Helldivers 2 on Steam prompts PC players to link a free PSN account on first launch, per Arrowhead Support, and the Steam page lists PSN as a third-party account. PlayStation dropped a mandatory linking plan in May 2024.How do you add friends cross-platform in Helldivers 2?Open the Social tab from the Pause menu on your ship, generate a friend code and share it. Your friend searches for that code, sends a request, and you accept it under pending invitations.SourcesArrowhead Support: Does Helldivers 2 have cross-progression?Arrowhead Support: How do I link my Steam account to a PlayStation Network account?Arrowhead Support: How do I send/accept a friend request?Arrowhead Support: Helldivers 2 FAQXbox Wire: Helldivers 2 is Coming to Xbox on August 26Xbox Wire: Helldivers 2 Out on Xbox TodaySteam: Helldivers 2 store page
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This guide covers which GTA 5 and GTA Online platforms can play together in 2026. No, GTA 5 is not crossplay: PC, PlayStation and Xbox players cannot share sessions, and Rockstar has not announced plans to change that. The only cross-platform play happens between PC launchers, and only when everyone runs the same PC edition.Key TakeawaysGTA 5 and GTA Online have no crossplay between PC, PlayStation and Xbox, and no crossplay has been announced as of October 2026.GTA 5 players on PC can play together across all PC launchers if everyone runs the same edition, Enhanced or Legacy.Since June 18, 2026, Rockstar offers a free upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version for PS4 owners and digital Xbox One owners.A GTA Online character can be migrated once from PS4 or Xbox One to current-gen consoles, but never between console and PC.GTA 5 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)PlatformsCan they play together?PC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplayPlayStation + XboxNo crossplay, on any console generationPS4 + PS5 / Xbox One + Xbox Series X|SSeparate GTA Online sessions on the current-gen versionSteam + Epic + Rockstar Launcher + Xbox app (PC)Yes, if everyone is on the same edition (Enhanced or Legacy)PC Enhanced + PC LegacyNo, separate GTA Online instancesMove character PS4/Xbox One to PS5/Xbox Series X|SYes, one time per profileMove character between console and PCNo, in either directionFree upgrade PS4 to PS5 / Xbox One digital to Xbox Series X|SYes, since June 18, 2026 (not physical Xbox One discs)Crossplay announcedNoWhat Do Crossplay and Cross-Progression Mean in GTA 5?Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same online session. Cross-progression means one save follows a player across platforms and stays in sync. GTA 5 and GTA Online support neither in that modern sense. Rockstar instead offers a one-time character migration: a profile is copied to a new platform once, and from then on the old and new versions develop separately.GTA Online splits players into three platform families: PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Players only meet others inside their own family, and console players also need to be on the same generation of the game. On PC, the store does not matter, but the edition does. The sections below explain each rule, starting with the console brands and ending with a setup checklist for mixed friend groups.Can Xbox and PlayStation Play GTA 5 Together?Xbox and PlayStation players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online together on any console generation. The rule covers PS4 with Xbox One, PS5 with Xbox Series X|S, and every mixed pairing in between. Rockstar Support describes cross-network play as something that applies only to PC platforms, and no equivalent exists between the two console brands. No menu setting connects the two player bases.Rockstar has not given a reason for the missing PlayStation and Xbox crossplay, so explanations found on forums are guesses rather than Rockstar policy. A mixed console group has one practical option: one player switches to the other brand. A GTA Online character from PS4 or Xbox One can follow that player once to the other brand's current-gen console, with the money rules covered in the character migration section.Can PC Play GTA 5 With PS4, PS5 or Xbox?PC players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online with anyone on PS4, PS5, Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. According to Rockstar Support (article last updated June 17, 2025), "Cross-network play only applies to gameplay between PC platforms (Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, Epic Games Launcher, Xbox app on PC, etc.). Players on PC cannot play with players on console." The rule applies to both PC editions and every console generation.Rockstar offers no supported workaround for a PC player who wants to join a console lobby, and GTA Online progress cannot move between console and PC in either direction. A PC player whose friends are on PS5 has three realistic choices: buy the PS5 version and start a new character, move the group to PC, or play with a different crew on PC.Can PS4 and PS5 (or Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S) Play GTA Online Together?PS4 and PS5 players, and Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, usually cannot meet in GTA Online. According to community guides and player reports, the current-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X|S version runs separate sessions from the PS4 and Xbox One version. Players also report that a PS5 owner can run the PS4 version through backward compatibility to join PS4 friends, though Rockstar has not documented this.The free GTA V upgrade is the simplest fix for mixed-generation groups. According to Rockstar Newswire (June 17, 2026) and Rockstar Support, since June 18, 2026 anyone who owns GTA V on PS4, disc or digital, or the digital Xbox One version can get the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version at no cost. A PS4 disc must be in the PS5. Physical Xbox One discs are excluded, and Rockstar has given no end date.GTA Online is still live on PS4 and Xbox One in October 2026, and Rockstar has not announced a shutdown. The Kortz Center Heist reached PS4 and Xbox One in July 2026, but the Rockstar patch notes list more recent updates for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC only. Groups that want the newest content should move to the current-gen version.Do Steam, Epic and Rockstar Launcher Players Play GTA 5 Together on PC?GTA 5 players on PC can play together regardless of the store they bought from. Steam, Epic Games Store, Rockstar Games Launcher and Xbox app on PC copies all share GTA Online sessions, so a friend with an Epic copy can join a Steam player. The edition is the part that matters. Since March 4, 2025, GTA V on PC comes in two editions, Enhanced and Legacy.GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy run as separate GTA Online instances. According to Rockstar Newswire (February 20 and March 4, 2025), players who remain on Legacy cannot play in sessions with players on Enhanced, even when both bought the game in the same store. PC owners get both editions, so a PC friend who cannot find a session should first check which edition each player launched.Get GTA V on KinguinCan You Move a GTA Online Character Between Platforms?GTA Online characters can move from PS4 or Xbox One to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S once per profile, started from the Landing Page or Pause Menu. According to Rockstar Support's migration page (updated February 24, 2026), the move can cross brands, such as Xbox One to PS5. Unspent GTA$ bought through Shark Cards does not transfer across brands, while earned GTA$ does, so players should spend Shark Card money first.Rockstar Support lists two blocked routes: no migration between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and no migration between console and PC in either direction. On PC, moving from Legacy to Enhanced is a manual, one-time migration rather than an automatic one. After that move, the Legacy progress is kept but no longer syncs with the Enhanced character, so the two profiles drift apart.Will GTA 5 or GTA 6 Get Crossplay?Rockstar has not announced any plan to add crossplay to GTA 5 or GTA Online, either between PC and consoles or between PlayStation and Xbox. A search of Rockstar Newswire and Rockstar Support in October 2026 found no such announcement. Until that changes, GTA Online groups should plan around the current rules: same platform family, same console generation and, on PC, the same edition.GTA 6 releases on November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, according to Rockstar Newswire (June 24, 2026), and no PC version has been announced. Rockstar describes GTA 6 as "a single player experience". Rockstar has said nothing official about GTA 6 Online or crossplay, so claims that GTA 6 will support crossplay are unconfirmed.How Do You Set Up GTA Online With Friends on Different Platforms?GTA Online groups avoid most matchmaking problems by checking platform, generation and edition before anyone buys or reinstalls the game. The steps below summarize the rules from the earlier sections in the order a mixed group should check them.Pick one platform family for the whole group: PC, PlayStation or Xbox.On consoles, move everyone to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version; PS4 and digital Xbox One owners can use the free upgrade.On PC, ignore the store and agree on one edition, Enhanced or Legacy.Before switching console brands, spend any Shark Card GTA$ and migrate the character once.Accept that a move between console and PC means starting a new character.Buy the GTA V version that matches your group's platform and edition, for example on Kinguin.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan Xbox and PS play GTA together?Xbox and PlayStation players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online together on any generation, and Rockstar has not announced plans to add it. One player has to switch brands; a PS4 or Xbox One character can be migrated once to the other brand's current-gen console.Can PS4 GTA 5 play with PC?PS4 players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online with PC players. Rockstar Support states that players on PC cannot play with players on console, and that rule also covers PS5 and Xbox. GTA Online characters cannot be moved between PS4 and PC either.Can I play GTA 5 Online on PC and PS5 together?GTA Online has no crossplay between PC and PS5. Rockstar limits cross-network play to PC launchers, so a PC player and a PS5 player need to be on the same platform. Progress cannot move between PC and PS5, so the switching player starts a new character.Will GTA 6 have crossplay?Rockstar has not announced crossplay for GTA 6. GTA 6 launches November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Rockstar calls it a single player experience. Nothing official exists yet about GTA 6 Online, so crossplay claims remain unconfirmed.Can Steam and Epic Games players play GTA Online together?Steam and Epic Games Store players can play GTA Online together when both run the same PC edition. GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy are separate online instances, so a Steam player on Enhanced cannot join an Epic player on Legacy.SourcesRockstar Support: Unable to join GTA Online sessions with Xbox app on PC (cross-network play, updated June 17, 2025)Rockstar Support: Free GTA V upgrade to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S (updated June 18, 2026)
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Some evenings are simply made for staying in. Your favorite blanket is waiting on the couch, there's something warm in your favorite mug, and you've already decided that absolutely nothing is getting you out of your comfy clothes tonight. All that's missing is a good game. And perhaps a little surprise from us 🤎This autumn, Kinguin and Razer have teamed up for a special Cozy Gaming Giveaway, bringing together our love for relaxing games, cute gaming setups, and those wonderfully lazy evenings when the only thing on your schedule is enjoying yourself.We're celebrating Kinguin's Cozy Sale with a chance to win some seriously lovely gaming gear, including a Nintendo Switch 2, Razer headphones, and an adorable Pokémon-themed collection. A little something for your cozy gaming cornerWe believe your gaming setup should feel like your own little happy place. Maybe yours is full of fairy lights, plushies, and pastel accessories. Maybe it's a simple desk with a comfy chair and a very important cup of coffee. Whatever your perfect gaming corner looks like, we've got a few things that might make it even lovelier.Together with Razer, we're giving away three prize packages made for gaming days, quiet evenings, and everything in between.🧸 1st Place: The ultimate gaming eveningOur grand prize winner will receive:Razer Barracuda X Chroma White – wireless gaming headphones for getting lost in your favorite worlds.Nintendo Switch 2 – a whole new collection of gaming adventures waiting to happen.Just imagine putting on your headphones, getting comfortable under your blanket, and spending the evening exploring a new game. No plans, no rush, just a little time for yourself.🌸 2nd Place: A Pokémon dream setupIf your ideal gaming setup involves pink accessories and ridiculously cute Pokémon, this prize might have your name written all over it.Our second-place winner will receive the Pokémon Razer Collab Pikachu & Eevee Collection Gaming Gear, a matching set featuring a headset, keyboard, mouse, and mouse mat. Yes, Pikachu and Eevee. Yes, it's pink. And yes, we're a little obsessed too.🎀 3rd Place: Kitty ears, obviouslyOur third-place winner will receive the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro, a pink gaming headset with adorable kitty ears.Because sometimes you want great gaming audio, and sometimes you also want to look like the cutest person in the Discord call.Cozy games, autumn evenings, and a little extra loveOf course, a cozy gaming setup deserves some equally lovely games. That's why our Kinguin Cozy Sale is here to make your autumn gaming plans even sweeter, with selected cozy games discounted by up to 86%.Fancy spending the evening running a little bakery? Taking care of your farm? Decorating your dream home? Or simply disappearing into a beautiful game world for a few hours?We've gathered games for all kinds of peaceful evenings, and there's even an extra treat waiting for you: use code COZY8 for an additional discount on eligible offers. You bring the blanket and snacks. We'll help with the games.Ready to make this autumn a little sweeter? 🍯Our Kinguin x Razer Cozy Gaming Giveaway is all about celebrating the little things that make gaming feel special. Your favorite game after a long day, a cute new accessory on your desk, or a weekend when you finally have time to play something you've been looking forward to.And who knows? Maybe your next gaming evening will come with a brand-new Razer setup. Enter the Kinguin x Razer Cozy Gaming Giveaway through our official contest page, follow the participation instructions, and check the terms and conditions for eligibility and deadlines. .kg-cozy-mini-v4 { transition:box-shadow .2s ease !important; } .kg-cozy-mini-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 22px rgba(80,45,30,.12) !important; } .kg-cozy-mini-v4:focus-visible { outline:3px solid #f26621 !important; outline-offset:3px !important; } Good luck, little autumn gamers. We're rooting for you! 🧸🤎
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Twenty-two years later, we’re going back to where it all began. World of Warcraft: Forever is now live, opening the doors to a new version of original Azeroth built for players who remember their first trip to Stormwind just as much as those who have absolutely no idea why everyone keeps shouting “FOR THE HORDE.”Both are welcome. Forever is an unusual chapter for World of Warcraft. It isn't simply another expansion added to the end of the existing game, nor is it Classic with prettier lighting. Blizzard describes it as a new permanent home alongside Modern and Classic WoW: an Azeroth rooted in the game's original era that can continue growing in its own direction through new stories, zones, dungeons and updates.For longtime players, that means familiar roads can lead somewhere genuinely new. For everyone who has spent the last 20 years looking at WoW from the outside and thinking, surely it is far too late to start now, Forever might be one of the easiest opportunities to finally find out what all the fuss is about. So, before you choose a faction, lose several hours creating your character and develop an unhealthy relationship with the Auction House, here's what you need to know.What exactly is World of Warcraft: Forever?Let's start with the newcomers. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG, which is a very efficient way of saying that thousands of people share an enormous online fantasy world and spend their time questing, exploring, fighting monsters, running dungeons, collecting gear, learning professions, fighting each other and standing in capital cities showing off mounts that took an unreasonable amount of time to obtain.The world is Azeroth, and it has been the home of WoW since 2004. Over more than two decades, that world has changed enormously through expansions. Modern World of Warcraft has continued moving forward, while WoW Classic allowed players to revisit older versions of the game.Forever takes a different path. It goes back to the spirit and geography of original Azeroth, but instead of preserving that world exactly as it was, Blizzard is expanding it. There are familiar places alongside new and enlarged zones, more than 1,000 new quests, new dungeons, new secrets and stories that build outward from WoW's first age. The level 1–60 journey matters again, and the plan is for this version of Azeroth to continue evolving through future content rather than eventually progressing through the same expansions WoW has already had.That distinction is probably the easiest way to understand Forever. Classic asks what it was like to play old WoW again. Forever asks what old WoW could have become if Azeroth had taken another road. If you have never played World of Warcraft before, you don't need 22 years of homework to start here.If you have played World of Warcraft for 22 years, you have probably already stopped reading this section and started arguing about class balance somewhere. Welcome home.What is actually new in WoW: Forever? Quite a lot. The biggest addition you will notice immediately is Skyborne, the new playable elven race from Zephras Isle. The race splits along faction lines: Windshaper Skyborne join the Horde and can become Shamans, while High Order Skyborne join the Alliance and can become Mages. Forever also opens new race-and-class combinations including Forsaken Paladins, Dwarf Shamans, Orc Mages, Troll Warlocks, Human Hunters and Gnome Priests.The familiar classes themselves have also been reworked, with updated abilities and specializations designed to keep their original identities while giving players new options. Then there is the world. Azeroth has received environmental and lighting upgrades, but the important changes go deeper than presentation. Blizzard has filled the 1–60 journey with new stories, locations, secrets and dungeons, giving veterans reasons to wander away from the routes they could probably still navigate with their eyes closed.Professions are much more involved too, with more than 600 new recipes, new crafted bonuses and profession objects that can be placed at campsites. The new Camping system lets players build temporary camps in the world where adventurers can rest, repair, access profession tools and contribute useful objects and buffs before continuing their journey.And if you're already thinking about leveling your third alt before your first character has reached max level, Forever has something specifically for you. The new Legacy System adds account-wide progression through challenges involving classes, professions, PvP, exploration, dungeons and raids. Completing them earns Legacy Points that can unlock perks and cosmetic rewards across your account. It rewards experimenting with different parts of Azeroth without requiring you to abandon your main character to benefit from it.In other words, Forever gives you plenty of reasons to take the long way around. Veteran WoW players will understand exactly how dangerous that sentence is.Horde or Alliance? Yes, you still have to chooseSome traditions survive everything. The Alliance brings together races including Humans, Dwarves, Night Elves and Gnomes, while the Horde includes Orcs, Trolls, Tauren and Forsaken. Forever expands those possibilities further with the Skyborne, whose two branches join opposing factions.For a brand-new player, the practical answer is simple: choose whichever side has the race, fantasy and friends you actually want to play with. The emotionally correct answer is considerably more complicated and has caused arguments since 2004. #wowHordeState, #wowAllianceState { opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; } #wowDefaultState { opacity: 1; } #wowHordeTarget:target ~ #wowDefaultState, #wowAllianceTarget:target ~ #wowDefaultState { opacity: 0; } #wowHordeTarget:target ~ #wowHordeState { opacity: 1; } #wowAllianceTarget:target ~ #wowAllianceState { opacity: 1; } .wowCard { transition: opacity .25s ease, filter .25s ease; } .wowVoteText { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 1px; } .wowLink:hover .wowCard { filter: brightness(1.18); } .wowLink:hover .wowVoteText { text-decoration: underline; } CHOOSE YOUR ALLEGIANCE Pick your side H HORDE Strength. Honor. Zug zug. VOTE HORDE → A ALLIANCE Glory. Duty. VOTE ALLIANCE → THE BATTLE SO FAR 52% HORDE / 48% ALLIANCE 52% HORDE ALLIANCE 48% Choose your faction above. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED 53% HORDE / 47% ALLIANCE 53% HORDE ALLIANCE 47% Lok'tar Ogar. Your allegiance has been sworn. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED 51% HORDE / 49% ALLIANCE 51% HORDE ALLIANCE 49% For the Alliance. Your allegiance has been sworn. Which version of WoW: Forever should you get?This is where things can get confusing for a new player, so let's make it simple. You do not need to buy a separate base game to access World of Warcraft: Forever. Access is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time. Blizzard also offers optional Forever upgrade packs that add things such as access to the Skyborne race and its starting experience, mounts, cosmetics, pets and other extras.The Skyborne Heroic Pack is the first upgrade tier and is mainly for players who want access to Skyborne and Zephras Isle alongside its cosmetics and extras.The Skyborne Epic Pack includes the Heroic content plus additional collectibles and 30 days of Game Time.Then there is the limited-time Warcraft Forever Collection, which goes further by bundling the Epic content with Warcraft III: Reforged and the new Forsaken Kingdom campaign, making it the obvious enthusiast option for someone who wants the broader Warcraft package. And this is where it is worth checking the price before buying. .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6 { transition: transform .22s ease, box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6:hover { transform:translateY(-4px) !important; box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-cover-v6 { transition:transform .30s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6:hover .wow-cover-v6 { transform:scale(1.035) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-offer-v6 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-offer-v6:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-view-all-v6 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-view-all-v6:hover { border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } View all → Loading products... Marketplace prices can change. Check the product page for current price, region, delivery method and activation requirements.Because Kinguin is a marketplace, multiple sellers can offer the same product and competing offers can mean a lower price than buying at standard retail. That is why we would not tell you to memorize one number from this article. Check the current offers when you are ready to enter Azeroth.Is Kinguin safe for buying World of Warcraft: Forever?If you are new to Kinguin, this is a fair question. Kinguin has operated as a digital marketplace since 2013 and serves millions of customers globally. It currently holds a 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot from more than 123,000 reviews, while payment security measures include a dedicated Fraud Prevention and Response team operating 24/7. Payment details are also not shared with third-party marketplace sellers.As with any marketplace purchase, however, you should still read the listing before paying.Check whether you are buying a key or Altergift, make sure the region matches your Battle.net account, read the activation instructions and look at the seller information. Some Forever listings on Kinguin use Battle.net gifting rather than a standard CD key, so the delivery process can differ between products. Thirty seconds spent reading the product page is considerably faster than opening a support ticket because you bought the wrong region. .kg-trust-clean-v2 { transition:box-shadow .25s ease !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.08) !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-item { transition:transform .2s ease !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-item:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-check { animation:kgCleanPulse 2.8s ease-in-out infinite; } @keyframes kgCleanPulse { 0%,100% { transform:scale(1); } 50% { transform:scale(1.06); } } New to WoW? Here is what you're actually going to do in AzerothThis is the part that trailers sometimes make unnecessarily complicated. You create a character by choosing your faction, race and class, then enter Azeroth at level one. From there, you explore. You meet characters who give you quests. You fight enemies and grow stronger. You discover towns and cities, learn professions, find better equipment and gradually venture into more dangerous parts of the world.Eventually, you can enter dungeons with other players, where a small group works together against tougher enemies and bosses. At higher levels, raids bring larger groups together for some of WoW's biggest challenges. If fighting other players sounds more interesting, PvP is waiting. If none of that sounds interesting, WoW has spent more than two decades proving that people will happily log in and spend an entire evening fishing.There is no single correct way to play World of Warcraft. Some players chase the hardest bosses in the game. Some live for PvP. Some collect mounts. Some make gold through professions. Some level twelve different characters because apparently one identity wasn't enough. And some person reading this will spend four hours jumping around Stormwind while talking to their guild. That counts too.You are going to need gold. Probably more than you think.Ah, WoW Gold. You will meet each other very quickly. Gold is the everyday currency of Azeroth, and it touches an enormous amount of what you do. It can be used for trading with other players, buying gear and consumables, picking up crafting materials and paying for other useful things throughout your adventure. Kinguin already has dedicated World of Warcraft: Forever Gold marketplace listings across EU and US servers, with offers separated by faction and realm type.You can absolutely earn gold by playing. Questing, professions, trading and selling things you find are part of the normal WoW experience. You can also discover that the thing you desperately want costs considerably more gold than you currently possess. This is another long-standing WoW tradition. For players who would rather spend their limited gaming time questing, running dungeons or preparing for raids instead of farming currency, Kinguin's in-game marketplace provides another option for getting the gold they need. .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1 { transition: transform .20s ease, box-shadow .20s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1:hover { transform:translateY(-4px) !important; box-shadow:0 12px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.20) !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cover-v1 { transition:transform .28s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1:hover .kg-gold-cover-v1 { transform:scale(1.04) !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-arrow-v1 { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-arrow-v1:hover { transform:scale(1.06) !important; background:#f26621 !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cta-v1 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cta-v1:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 10px rgba(242,102,33,.22) !important; } .kg-gold-track-v1::-webkit-scrollbar { display:none !important; } Always select the correct region, faction and realm before purchasing. Delivery methods and times vary by seller.This module should not just be a product carousel. I would make the user choose EU/US → Horde/Alliance → realm type and only then display matching listings. It turns what would normally be a boring sales block into something that actually helps a WoW player avoid buying the wrong product.Gold isn't the only shortcutKinguin's Forever marketplace is structured around Currencies, Items and Boosting, which means the in-game section can grow beyond gold as more player-to-player offers appear after launch. That gives us a good rule for new players:Play the game first. Learn what you enjoy. Then decide where you actually want to save time.There is little point buying something simply because another player says you “need” it. WoW is enormous, and the things that matter to someone pushing endgame content may be completely irrelevant to someone who is happily exploring Azeroth, leveling professions and collecting pets. Your journey does not need to look like somebody else's. Even if their gear looks annoyingly good. .kg-wow-all-v2 { transition: transform .22s ease, box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; box-shadow:0 14px 30px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2 .kg-wow-all-cta-v2 { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2 .kg-wow-all-cta-v2:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(242,102,33,.24) !important; } MORE FROM AZEROTH More than gold awaits. Games, upgrades, currency, items and more — all things Warcraft in one place. SEE ALL WOW OFFERS → Returning veteran? Here's the short versionYou already know what Azeroth is. You know what it feels like when a dungeon run becomes an entire evening. You probably have strong feelings about at least one class redesign, one capital city and one expansion somebody else inexplicably loves.So here is what matters. Forever takes the original level 1–60 Azeroth and gives it somewhere new to go. It isn't simply repeating the expansion timeline. There are more than 1,000 new quests, new and expanded areas, new dungeons, revamped classes, expanded race/class combinations, Skyborne, deeper professions, Camping and account-wide Legacy progression. It is familiar enough that you will recognize home. It is different enough that you will need to explore it again.Azeroth is waiting. Again.World of Warcraft has spent more than two decades becoming enormous. Forever does something surprisingly refreshing with all that history: it gives players another beginning.New players get an Azeroth they can enter without feeling like they arrived twenty years late. Veterans get familiar continents filled with roads they haven't already walked a hundred times. Everyone starts again at level one and gets to find out what this version of the world becomes.If you're ready to go, check the current WoW: Forever editions and Game Time on Kinguin, compare the available marketplace offers and make sure you have the right region and activation method before buying. If you're already playing and your bags are full but your wallet isn't, WoW: Forever Gold and other in-game offers are waiting too.Then there is only one decision left. Horde or Alliance? Choose carefully, people have been arguing about this for 22 years. There is absolutely no reason to stop now.
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The games most like The Blood of Dawnwalker are Vampyr, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Vampyr is the closest vampire match, with a cursed protagonist, claw-based combat and feeding choices that change the world around you. The Witcher 3 shares its creative lineage and dark fantasy storytelling, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance II offers the directional melee combat and grounded medieval drama many Dawnwalker fans enjoy.Best Games Like The Blood of Dawnwalker at a GlanceVampyr — A 2018 vampire RPG where a doctor feeds on Londoners, the closest match to Coen's nightly hunger.Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines — Troika's cult vampire RPG with clan powers, sharp writing and choices that reshape every conversation.Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 — A 2025 sequel set among Seattle's vampires, offering supernatural powers but a mixed player reception.V Rising — A survival game where you rebuild a vampire's power, hunting at night and hiding from the sun.Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered — A remaster of two gothic action-adventures set in Nosgoth, rich in dark fantasy and brooding atmosphere.Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition — A gothic hack-and-slash about Gabriel Belmont fighting vampires and darker forces across a medieval Europe.The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition — A huge open-world RPG where the Dawnguard expansion lets you become a vampire lord.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — CD Projekt RED's dark fantasy RPG, directed by the man who now leads Rebel Wolves.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II — A first-person medieval RPG with directional swordplay and grounded storytelling in 15th-century Bohemia.Cyberpunk 2077 — CD Projekt RED's story-driven open-world RPG, built on the same studio tradition as Dawnwalker's team.Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian's turn-based fantasy RPG with deep choices and a vampire spawn among its companions.Mass Effect Legendary Edition — BioWare's remastered sci-fi trilogy, where choices and companions carry across three connected games.VampyrAction RPG · Vampire curse, feeding choices · for Players who want the closest vampire matchVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesImmersive vampire RPG · Vampire powers, dialogue-driven story · for Fans of classic RPG writingVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Action RPG · Vampire abilities, night-time city · for Vampire fans tolerant of rough edgesV RisingSurvival, base-building · Day-night danger, blood management · for Players who enjoy co-op and craftingLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 RemasteredAction-adventure, platformer · Gothic dark fantasy, soul feeding · for Fans of classic story-driven adventuresCastlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate EditionHack and slash · Gothic vampires, melee combat · for Players who prefer action over dialogueThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionOpen-world RPG · Optional vampire transformation, open world · for Explorers who like long-term character buildsThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntOpen-world action RPG · Same director, dark fantasy writing · for Anyone who wants the studio's rootsKingdom Come: Deliverance IIFirst-person medieval RPG · Directional melee, grounded storytelling · for Players who love realistic sword combatCyberpunk 2077Open-world action RPG · CD Projekt storytelling, mature themes · for Story fans open to sci-fiBaldur’s Gate 3Turn-based CRPG · Choices matter, vampire companion · for Players who value branching storiesMass Effect Legendary EditionSci-fi action RPG · Strong protagonist, consequential choices · for Fans of companion-driven trilogiesWhat Makes a Game Feel Like The Blood of Dawnwalker?A game feels like The Blood of Dawnwalker when it pulls on one of two threads. The first is the vampire fantasy: playing a cursed hero, using supernatural powers, managing a hunger for blood and walking through a gothic world after dark. The second is the craft Rebel Wolves inherited from The Witcher 3: a defined protagonist, morally gray writing, quests with consequences and weighty melee combat where the direction of each swing matters. Coen's split between human days and vampire nights, under a 30-day deadline, adds time pressure that makes every choice feel costly.Games Like The Blood of Dawnwalker for the Vampire FantasyThese picks are for players who finished Dawnwalker wanting more nights as a monster. Each one puts vampires at the center, whether you play as one, hunt them or slowly become one, and most lean into gothic atmosphere, blood-driven powers and uneasy moral choices.VampyrReleased2018DeveloperDONTNOD EntertainmentPublisherFocus EntertainmentMetacritic score72Steam scoreMostly PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, HorrorSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bits) Processor: Intel Core i3-2130 (3.4 GHz)/AMD FX-4100 (3.6 GHz) Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: 2 GB, GeForce GTX 1050 (Legacy GPU: GeForce GTX 660) / Radeon R7 370 Storage: 20 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bits) Processor: Intel Core i7-3930K (3.2 GHz)/AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (3.2 GHz) Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: 4 GB, GeForce GeForce GTX 970 / GTX 1060 / Radeon R9 390 Storage: 20 GB available space Vampyr is a 2018 action RPG by DONTNOD Entertainment, and many Dawnwalker players call it the closest vampire game to Rebel Wolves' debut. You play Jonathan Reid, a doctor turned into a vampire in 1918 London, torn between his oath to heal and his need to feed. There is also a fun link between the two games: Anthony Howell, who voiced Jonathan Reid, plays Pieter, Coen's father, in The Blood of Dawnwalker. Players often point to the shared claw-based combat and the weight of deciding who you feed on.The core loop mixes third-person melee with vampire abilities that you unlock by drinking blood. The catch is that the most powerful experience comes from feeding on named citizens, each with a backstory, relationships and secrets you uncover through conversation. Kill someone and their district can slide toward chaos, so every meal reshapes the city. Combat is simpler than in Dawnwalker and leans on dodging, stamina and blood powers, but the choice system around feeding gives it a moral tension that very few other vampire games match.Vampyr holds a Metacritic score of 72 and a Mostly Positive rating from Steam players, which reflects a game with clear rough edges and a loyal audience. Its combat can feel stiff and some areas repeat, yet the atmosphere of plague-ridden London and the feeding dilemmas still land well. If Coen's nightly struggle with his hunger was the part of Dawnwalker that stayed with you, Vampyr is the most natural next step, and its modest system requirements make it easy to run on most current PCs.Get Vampyr on KinguinVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesReleased2004DeveloperTroika GamesPublisherActivisionMetacritic score80Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, HorrorSystem requirementsMinimum: Required: 3D hardware accelerator card required - 100% DirectX® 9.0c-compatible 64MB video card and drivers 1.2 GHz Athlon™ or 1.2 GHz Pentium® III processor or higher 384MB of RAM (512MB of RAM recommended) Microsoft® Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP * 3.3 GB of uncompressed hard disk space for game files and saved games (plus 1.4 GB for Windows® swap file) 100% DirectX® 9.0-compatible 16-bit sound card and drivers 100% Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP-compatible mouse, keyboard, and drivers DirectX® 9.0c * Does not support Windows XP 64 Supported Chipsets for 98/ME/200/XP: All ATI® Radeon® Chipsets All NVIDIA® GeForce(tm) Chipsets Matrox® Parhelia(tm) Chipset Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is a cult classic RPG from Troika Games, originally released in 2004 and published by Activision. It shares Dawnwalker's interest in what it means to live as a vampire among humans, but tells that story through dialogue, factions and dark humor. You create a newly turned vampire in Los Angeles, choose a clan and get pulled into the politics of the night. It holds a Metacritic score of 80 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, a sign of how well it has endured.Your clan defines how you play. Some open up persuasion and social manipulation, others favor stealth, brute force or blood magic, and each changes how characters react to you. Quests can usually be solved in several ways, and the writing gives even small side characters a strong personality. The combat, a mix of first- and third-person melee and gunplay, is the weakest part of the package and has not aged well. Players who come for the role-playing usually forgive it, because the choices feel more meaningful than the fights.Bloodlines is from 2004, and it looks and plays like it. Expect dated visuals, clunky controls and some technical quirks, and many players add community patches for a smoother run. What still holds up is the atmosphere and the writing, which explain why the game is remembered as one of the best vampire RPGs ever made. If you want to see where the modern vampire RPG grew from, or simply want a story full of memorable characters, it is worth the patience in 2026.Get Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines on KinguinVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Released2025DeveloperThe Chinese RoomPublisherParadox InteractiveSteam scoreMixedCategoriesRPG, ActionSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) Processor: Intel Core i3-8350K | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) | AMD Radeon RX 480 (8GB) | Intel Arc A580 (8GB, Resizable BAR enabled) | AMD Radeon 780M | ROG Xbox Ally X DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 30 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 11 Processor: Intel Core i5-12600K | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8GB) | AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB) DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 30 GB available space Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is a 2025 action RPG developed by The Chinese Room and published by Paradox Interactive. It is the long-awaited sequel to the 2004 cult classic and, like Dawnwalker, puts you in control of a vampire with powers that make you far stronger than the people around you. The setting moves to Seattle, where you navigate the politics of the city's vampire society while trying to keep your nature hidden from humans. It is the most direct modern answer to anyone who wants more vampire nights.Compared with the original, this sequel leans more toward action. Supernatural abilities are central to combat and movement, and you can mix them with melee attacks to handle groups of enemies. Dialogue and faction choices are still part of the experience, though the focus has shifted from a sprawling role-playing sandbox to a more guided story. For Dawnwalker fans, the most familiar element is the feeling of using vampire powers in fights, closer to Coen's night-time abilities than to traditional RPG spellcasting.Bloodlines 2 holds a Mixed rating from Steam players, so it is fair to approach it with tempered expectations. It does not carry the same reputation as the original, and players are divided on how well it lives up to that legacy. Still, it is one of the few recent big-budget games built entirely around playing a vampire. If you have already finished Vampyr and the first Bloodlines and want a modern take on the same fantasy, it is worth trying with that caveat in mind.Get Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 on KinguinV RisingReleased2024DeveloperStunlock StudiosPublisherStunlock StudiosMetacritic score83Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, RPGSystem requirements Minimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: Windows 10 64 bit. Processor: Intel Core i5-6600, 3.3 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, 3.5 GHz. Memory: 12 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti (Maxwell or newer), 2 GB or AMD Radeon R7 360, 2 GB. DirectX: Version 11. Network: Broadband Internet connection. Storage: 19 GB available space. Additional Notes: Minimum System Requirements might change in the future. Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: Windows 10 64 bit. Processor: Intel Core i5-11600K, 3.9 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, 3.7 GHz. Memory: 12 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, 8 GB or AMD Radeon RX 590, 8 GB. DirectX: Version 11. Network: Broadband Internet connection. Storage: 19 GB available space. Additional Notes: Recommended System Requirements might change in the future. V Rising is a 2024 open-world survival game from Stunlock Studios, and it takes the vampire fantasy in a very different direction from Dawnwalker. You wake as a weakened vampire after a long slumber and gradually rebuild your strength, your castle and your following. What links the two games is the rhythm of day and night: sunlight is a real threat, so you plan your hunts and travels around it, much like Coen has to balance what he can do by day and by night.The gameplay is built around crafting, base-building and isometric action combat. You gather resources, construct and expand a castle, and hunt powerful bosses to absorb their blood and unlock new abilities. Blood quality matters, since feeding on different targets grants different bonuses, which gives the game its own version of blood management. You can play solo or online with friends in co-op, and dedicated PvP and PvE servers offer very different experiences depending on how competitive you want it to be.V Rising holds a Metacritic score of 83 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, making it one of the best-received vampire games of recent years. It suits players who enjoyed Dawnwalker's night-time powers and want to spend many more hours feeling like a predator, especially with friends. Just know that this is not a narrative RPG. There is little dialogue or story choice here, so treat it as a long-term sandbox rather than a follow-up to Coen's tale, best enjoyed in long sessions.Get V Rising on KinguinLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 RemasteredReleased2024DeveloperAspyr / Crystal DynamicsPublisherAspyrSteam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, Hack and SlashSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10+ Processor: Intel i3 / AMD FX-4100 Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce GT 620 1gb / Radeon HD 8670D Storage: 2 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system Processor: Intel i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2080 /Radeon RX 6750 Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is a 2024 collection from Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics that brings two classic gothic action-adventures back to modern hardware. You play Raziel, a former vampire lieutenant betrayed by his master Kain and reborn as a soul-devouring wraith in the decaying world of Nosgoth. For Dawnwalker fans, the connection is the dark fantasy tone and a hero caught between two states of existence, with a story built on betrayal, curses and family-like loyalties gone wrong.The gameplay combines third-person combat, platforming and environmental puzzles. Raziel can shift between the material and spectral realms, which changes the layout of the world and opens new paths. He feeds on the souls of defeated enemies to restore his health, a mechanic that echoes the role of blood in Dawnwalker. Combat is fairly simple by modern standards, and much of the challenge comes from exploring and solving puzzles rather than mastering complex sword techniques. Switching realms to reach new areas is the series' signature idea and still feels clever.The remaster holds a Very Positive rating from Steam players, who appreciate seeing both classic games return in updated form. The series is remembered above all for its voice acting and theatrical, almost Shakespearean dialogue, which still stands out today. It is a great choice for players who loved Dawnwalker's gothic atmosphere and want something shorter and more focused. Its light system requirements also make it easy to play on older PCs and handheld gaming PCs, so almost anyone can try it.Get Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered on KinguinCastlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate EditionReleased2013DeveloperMercurySteam / Climax StudiosPublisherKONAMISteam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, Story Rich, Hack and SlashSystem requirementsMinimum: OS *: Windows XP – Service Pack 3 Processor: 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Memory: 1 GB RAM Graphics: Direct X9 compatible video card 512Mb Ram DirectX®: 9.0 Hard Drive: 15 GB HD space Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection Additional: Keyboard or Xinput compatible Joypad for control Recommended: OS *: Windows 7 or higher Processor: Quad Core CPU Memory: 2 GB RAM Graphics: Direct X11 compatible video card with 1024Mb Ram DirectX®: 11 Hard Drive: 15 GB HD space Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection Additional: Keyboard or Xinput compatible Joypad for control Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition is a gothic hack-and-slash game developed by MercurySteam and Climax Studios and published by Konami, released on PC in 2013. You play Gabriel Belmont, a holy warrior fighting vampires, werewolves and other creatures across a dark medieval Europe. It connects to Dawnwalker through its gothic setting, its vampire-heavy bestiary and a personal story driven by grief and family, even if it is far more linear than Rebel Wolves' RPG. Its tone is serious and mournful rather than playful.Combat is the heart of the game. Gabriel's Combat Cross works like a chained whip, and you build combos, dodge and block while switching between light and shadow magic to heal or deal extra damage. Large boss fights, including climbing on enormous creatures, are among the highlights, while quick-time events appear in many cinematic moments. There is no open world and few story choices, so the experience focuses on fighting and exploring a sequence of handcrafted levels. Upgrading Gabriel's moves with experience keeps the combat evolving as you progress.The Ultimate Edition holds a Very Positive rating from Steam players and bundles the base game with its additional content. It suits players who loved the combat side of Dawnwalker and want a more action-focused take on fighting vampires, with less dialogue and more spectacle. The visuals show their age in places, but the art direction and gothic architecture still look striking. Its modest hardware requirements also mean it runs well on most systems, including lower-end laptops and handheld gaming PCs.Get Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition on KinguinThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionReleased2016DeveloperBethesda Game StudiosPublisherBethesda SoftworksMetacritic score84Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction Games, Adventure, RPG, Open WorldSystem requirementsOS *: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit Version), Processor: Intel i5-2400/AMD FX-8320, Memory: 8 GB RAM, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB /AMD R9 290 4GB, Storage: 12 GB available spaceThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is a remastered open-world RPG from Bethesda Game Studios. On the surface, it is a fantasy adventure about dragons, but it also offers one of the most popular ways to become a vampire in gaming. The Dawnguard expansion, included in this edition, adds a full vampire questline where you can side with an ancient vampire clan or with the hunters trying to stop it. That optional curse makes it a natural match for Dawnwalker fans.As a vampire, you gain new powers but must feed regularly, and sunlight weakens you while some townsfolk react with hostility. Dawnguard also adds the Vampire Lord transformation, which turns you into a winged creature with blood magic and the ability to drain enemies. Outside the vampire content, Skyrim offers a huge open world, freeform character progression and countless side quests. Combat is simpler than Dawnwalker's directional swordplay, but you can mix melee, magic and archery as you like and build a character that fits your style.Skyrim holds a Metacritic score of 84 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, and it remains one of the most played RPGs on PC. Its modding community is a major reason to play it in 2026, since mods can improve visuals, rework combat and add new quests, including more vampire content. It is the right pick for players who want to live as a vampire for dozens or hundreds of hours and enjoy shaping their own adventure without a fixed protagonist.Get The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on KinguinGames Like The Blood of Dawnwalker for the Story and CombatThese games skip the fangs but deliver what many players loved most about Dawnwalker: a strong lead character, writing with real consequences and combat that rewards skill. Several come from the same Polish RPG tradition that shaped Rebel Wolves, and one shares its directional swordplay.The Witcher 3: Wild HuntKinguin score4.5Released2015DeveloperCD Projekt REDPublisherCD Projekt REDMetacritic score91Steam scoreOverwhelmingly PositiveCategoriesAdventureStrategyRPGStory richSystem requirementsMin: Windows 7/10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-2500K, 6 GB RAM, GTX 660 / HD 7870, 35 GB HDD. Recommended: i7-3770, 8 GB RAM, GTX 770.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a 2015 open-world RPG from CD Projekt RED, and it is the clearest spiritual ancestor of The Blood of Dawnwalker. Rebel Wolves was founded by former CD Projekt developers, and its director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz directed The Witcher 3. You play Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter Ciri. The search for family, the morally gray choices and the dark fantasy setting all feel familiar to anyone coming from Dawnwalker. In many ways, it is the template Rebel Wolves set out to build on.Gameplay combines third-person sword combat, signs (simple magic), alchemy and investigation of monster contracts. Quests rarely have clean outcomes, and decisions made early can return hours later in unexpected ways. The Blood and Wine expansion is especially interesting for Dawnwalker fans, as it centers on higher vampires in the sunny duchy of Toussaint. Combat does not use directional swordplay like Dawnwalker, but preparation, oils and potions give fights a thoughtful rhythm, especially on higher difficulty levels where careless attacks get punished.The Witcher 3 holds a Metacritic score of 91 and an Overwhelmingly Positive rating from Steam players, which puts it among the most acclaimed RPGs ever made. Even years after release, its writing, characters and side quests remain a benchmark for the genre. For anyone who enjoyed Dawnwalker's storytelling, it is the obvious next step and shows where the team's approach to quests and characters comes from. With its expansions, it offers well over a hundred hours of play, and it runs on a wide range of PCs.Get The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on KinguinKingdom Come: Deliverance IIReleased2025DeveloperWarhorse StudiosPublisherDeep SilverMetacritic score89Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, Open WorldSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer) Processor: Intel Core i5-8400, AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB), AMD Radeon RX 580 Storage: 100 GB available space Additional Notes: SSD required Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer) Processor: Intel Core i7-13700K, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Memory: 32 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT Storage: 100 GB available space Additional Notes: SSD required Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a 2025 medieval RPG from Warhorse Studios, published by Deep Silver. It plays in first person rather than third, but it uses directional melee combat, which makes it one of the closest matches to the swordplay in The Blood of Dawnwalker. You follow Henry through 15th-century Bohemia in a grounded story without magic or monsters. Players often recommend it to Dawnwalker fans for its writing and characters as much as for its combat, even though it has no supernatural elements at all.Fights revolve around choosing the direction of your attacks, reading your opponent's guard and timing blocks and counters. It takes practice, and it rewards patience over button mashing. Around the combat sits a detailed simulation of medieval life, with skills that improve through use, hunger and fatigue, reputation with different groups and many ways to solve quests through dialogue, stealth or force. Choices affect how characters and towns treat you, and the main story is full of memorable personalities worth getting to know.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II holds a Metacritic score of 89 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. It is one of the strongest recent RPGs for players who want a grounded historical setting and a steep but satisfying combat system. Keep in mind that it is demanding on hardware, requiring an SSD and around 100 GB of storage. If directional swordplay was your favorite part of Dawnwalker, this is the game to play next, and the learning curve pays off within a few hours.Get Kingdom Come: Deliverance II on KinguinCyberpunk 2077Released2020DeveloperCD PROJEKT REDPublisherCD PROJEKT REDMetacritic score86Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAdventure, Strategy, RPG, Story richSystem requirementsRequires a 64-bit processor and operating system; OS: 64-bit Windows 10; Processor: Core i7-12700 or Ryzen 7 7800X3D; Memory: 16 GB RAM; Graphics: GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER or Radeon RX 5700 XT or Arc A770; DirectX: Version 12; Storage: 70 GB available space; Additional Notes: SSD required.Cyberpunk 2077 is a 2020 open-world action RPG from CD Projekt RED, the studio where many Rebel Wolves developers built their careers. It trades dark fantasy for a futuristic Night City, but the storytelling approach will feel familiar to Dawnwalker fans: a defined lead character, morally complex side quests and a main story driven by a ticking clock. You play V, a mercenary dealing with a life-threatening problem, much like Coen fighting against the 30-day deadline to save his family.Combat is mostly first-person, with firearms, melee weapons, cyberware implants and hacking that let you build very different playstyles. You can fight head-on, sneak through areas or disable enemies remotely. Quests often branch based on dialogue choices, and companions such as Johnny Silverhand play a central role in the story. The Phantom Liberty expansion adds a spy thriller storyline with its own branching outcomes, and it is well worth experiencing for its writing and characters and its tense, focused missions.Cyberpunk 2077 holds a Metacritic score of 86 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. The game had a troubled launch in 2020, but years of updates have turned it into one of CD Projekt RED's most respected works. It suits Dawnwalker fans who care more about writing and characters than about the vampire setting. Just note that it is demanding, with an SSD required and around 70 GB of storage space needed for the base game. A capable PC will get the most out of Night City.Get Cyberpunk 2077 on KinguinBaldur’s Gate 3Kinguin score4.5Released2023DeveloperLarian StudiosPublisherLarian StudiosMetacritic score92Steam scoreOverwhelmingly PositiveCategoriesAdventureStrategyRPGStory richSystem requirementsMin: Windows 10/11 64-bit, Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, GTX 660 / Radeon HD 7870; Recommended: i7, 16 GB RAM, GTX 1070Baldur’s Gate 3 is a 2023 fantasy RPG from Larian Studios, based on Dungeons & Dragons. It plays very differently from Dawnwalker, with turn-based combat instead of real-time swordplay, but it shares the focus on choices that matter and characters with real depth. One of its most popular companions, Astarion, is a vampire spawn, and his storyline explores hunger, control and freedom in a way that will feel familiar to anyone who spent nights as Coen. It is also a fine pick for anyone who enjoys a big party of companions.You create your own hero or play as one of the predefined origin characters, then travel with a party of companions whose reactions depend on your decisions. Combat is tactical and turn-based, using terrain, height, spells and items to outsmart enemies. Quests can be approached in many ways, from persuasion to stealth to open fighting, and the game remembers your choices across its three acts. It also supports co-op, so you can play the whole story with friends and compare the very different paths each of you took.Baldur’s Gate 3 is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs of recent years and set a new standard for choice-driven storytelling. For Dawnwalker fans, it is a strong pick if the moral decisions and character relationships were what kept you playing. The turn-based combat takes some getting used to if you prefer action, but it rewards planning and creativity. With its length and multiple origin characters, it also offers great replay value well into 2026, especially if you try a different origin or alignment on a second run.Get Baldur’s Gate 3 on KinguinMass Effect Legendary EditionReleased2021DeveloperBioWarePublisherElectronic ArtsMetacritic score87Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, AdventureSystem requirementsRequires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: 64-bit Windows 10. Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X. Memory: 16 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / RTX 200, Radeon Vega 56, 4 GB Video Memory. DirectX: Version 11. Storage: 120 GB available space.Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a 2021 remaster of BioWare's original sci-fi trilogy, published by Electronic Arts. It has no vampires and no swords, but it delivers what many Dawnwalker players value most: a strong protagonist, memorable companions and choices with lasting consequences. You play Commander Shepard, leading a crew across the galaxy to confront a threat to all life, and decisions made in the first game can shape events in the third. That long-term payoff is something few RPG series have matched since.Gameplay combines third-person cover shooting with abilities based on your chosen class, such as biotic powers or tech skills. You recruit and command a squad of companions, each with personal missions, relationships and moral dilemmas. Dialogue choices shape your reputation and how characters respond to you. The remaster updates the visuals and improves several gameplay elements of the first game, which makes the full trilogy easier to enjoy today than playing the original releases on modern hardware, without old technical hurdles.Mass Effect Legendary Edition holds a Metacritic score of 87 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. It suits Dawnwalker fans who enjoyed the storytelling and want a long, character-driven journey with choices that carry forward. Playing all three games back to back makes your decisions feel more personal, especially in the final chapter. It needs around 120 GB of storage, so check your free space before installing. Few RPG series reward patience with such a satisfying sense of continuity across all three games.Get Mass Effect Legendary Edition on KinguinFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat type of game is The Blood of Dawnwalker?The Blood of Dawnwalker is a dark fantasy action RPG developed by Rebel Wolves and published by Bandai Namco, released in September 2026. You play Coen, who is human by day and a vampire by night, and has 30 in-game days to save his family. It combines directional swordplay with vampire powers and blood management.What is the best vampire game like The Blood of Dawnwalker?Vampyr is the vampire game most players point to as the closest match. You play a doctor turned vampire in 1918 London, and many players note its claw combat and feeding choices feel similar. Anthony Howell, who voiced Vampyr's hero, also plays Coen's father in Dawnwalker. Bloodlines and V Rising are strong alternatives.Is there a game with combat like The Blood of Dawnwalker?Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the closest match for Dawnwalker's directional melee combat. It plays in first person, but you choose the direction of each attack and time blocks against your opponent's guard. For a story-driven alternative, The Witcher 3 offers third-person swordplay, though without directional attacks.Are there any sequels to The Blood of Dawnwalker?No sequel has been announced so far. The Blood of Dawnwalker is the first game from Rebel Wolves, a Polish studio founded by former CD Projekt developers, and it was released in September 2026. Until the studio shares more, games like Vampyr and The Witcher 3 are the best way to continue.Is The Blood of Dawnwalker similar to The Witcher 3?Yes, in several ways. Rebel Wolves was founded by former CD Projekt developers, and director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz directed The Witcher 3. Both are dark fantasy RPGs with a defined protagonist and morally complex choices. Dawnwalker adds directional swordplay, vampire powers at night and a 30-day deadline that puts time pressure on every decision.
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Autumn has a strange way of convincing us that we should learn how to make things. Maybe this will finally be the year we learn to sew. Maybe we should start making our own clothes. Perhaps we need a box full of beautiful fabric scraps, even though we have absolutely no plan for what happens after we buy them. One particularly ambitious Pinterest board later, we are apparently also restoring old furniture and opening an Etsy shop.We support the vision. We also know that starting a new hobby usually means buying supplies, finding somewhere to keep those supplies and eventually discovering that sewing in a straight line is a skill rather than a basic human instinct.Games make the first step much easier. There is a particular kind of comfort in games that let you make something slowly. You choose the fabric, move the pieces around until they fit, add a little detail because it makes you happy and eventually get to look at something that did not exist before you sat down.So, for our final autumn hobby, we are putting away the fishing rod and mushroom basket and getting crafty. There are dresses to sew, quilts to finish, stickers to design and old things that deserve another chance.Dressmaker lets you discover exactly how ambitious your sewing era really is If you have ever looked at a beautiful dress and thought that making one yourself cannot possibly be that difficult, Dressmaker is here to answer that question. Released in September 2026, Dressmaker is built around the actual process of making clothes rather than simply choosing a design and watching a progress bar fill up. You select fabrics, arrange pattern pieces, cut them out and sew the panels together before adding buttons, bows, appliqué, lace and other decorations. Even the way you position a pattern on the fabric matters, because what you cut is what eventually appears on the finished garment.There is something especially satisfying about how physical the whole process feels. You guide fabric through the sewing machine yourself and gradually watch separate pieces become an actual dress. If you care about doing things properly, there is plenty here to learn about grain, bias, measurements and using your fabric efficiently. If you mostly care about making something beautiful, there is also plenty of room to experiment with colors, materials and decorations.And because this is a video game, making a mistake does not mean staring at a crooked seam for twenty minutes before reluctantly reaching for the seam ripper. That alone might make this the superior form of sewing.The finished dresses can be made for commissions or created from your own ideas, which makes Dressmaker feel less like a fashion dress-up game and much more like having a little digital sewing room of your own. You begin with fabric and a pattern. A while later, there is a dress on the mannequin that exists because of all the tiny decisions you made along the way. We understand why people get into this hobby now. We are still slightly afraid of real sewing machines. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Quilts and Cats of Calico answers the important question: what if quilting had more cats? There are few things more naturally cozy than a handmade quilt. Apparently, one of them is a handmade quilt with a sleeping cat on top. Quilts and Cats of Calico turns quilting into a puzzle where you arrange patterned fabric scraps into a growing design. Matching colors and patterns helps you score, while creating the right combinations lets you sew buttons onto your quilt and attract cats, each of whom has their own very specific preferences about what constitutes an acceptable place for a nap.The actual sewing is abstracted into a board-game puzzle, so you will not be threading needles or guiding fabric through a machine here. Instead, the pleasure comes from taking a collection of pieces that do not seem particularly useful on their own and slowly finding a way to make them belong together.Sometimes you will place a patch because it is exactly what your carefully planned quilt needs. Sometimes you will place it because a cat likes that pattern. We know which design philosophy we respect more.The cats themselves wander around the board, nap on your work and can even be petted while you play. You can create your own cats too, customizing their appearance and giving them little outfits before allowing them to interfere with your quilting session. Anyone who has attempted a craft project in a house with a cat will recognize this as an unusually accurate simulation. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Patchwork turns the scrap basket into a very clever little puzzle If Quilts and Cats of Calico makes you want more patchwork but you would prefer your quilting session with slightly fewer feline supervisors, there is always Patchwork. This digital adaptation of Uwe Rosenberg's board game gives two players their own empty quilt and a shared selection of fabric pieces. Each patch has its own shape and cost, and choosing one also uses up time, so building a beautiful quilt becomes a surprisingly thoughtful exercise in deciding which pieces are worth taking and how to fit them together without leaving awkward gaps.It captures something very satisfying about real patchwork without asking you to actually sew anything. A strange little piece that seemed impossible to use five minutes ago might suddenly fit perfectly into the one annoying gap you have been staring at. Slowly, the empty board fills with different colors and patterns until you have something that looks like a quilt rather than a collection of questionable decisions.There is competition involved, so this one can become considerably less peaceful if you and your chosen quilting partner are both taking the button economy seriously. Apparently even sewing can have enemies. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... .kg-newsletter-v4 { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4:focus { outline:none !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(242,102,33,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-checkbox-v4 { accent-color:#f26621 !important; cursor:pointer !important; } Join our newsletter Deals, new releases and gaming picks worth opening another tab for. Enter a valid email address. I agree to receive marketing communication from Kinguin. Please tick the box to join. Nice. You’re on the list ✓ Something went wrong. Please try again. Assemble with Care is for everyone who cannot throw old things away Not everything we make needs to start from scratch. Sometimes the nicest thing you can do with your hands is take something broken and give it another chance.Assemble with Care follows Maria, an antique restorer who arrives in the town of Bellariva and begins repairing treasured possessions for the people who live there. You take objects apart, examine how their pieces work together and carefully rebuild them until an old camera, cassette player or another well-loved object can work again.There is a wonderfully tactile quality to these repairs. Screws need removing, parts need turning over and mechanisms need understanding before everything can go back where it belongs. The puzzles are gentle enough that the act of fixing something remains the focus, and the objects themselves carry memories for the people who bring them to you.That makes each repair feel a little more meaningful than simply getting a machine working again. Most of us have at least one thing we keep because it belonged to someone, reminds us of somewhere or has simply been around for so long that throwing it away feels wrong. Assemble with Care understands that objects can collect stories along with their scratches. Sometimes fixing an old thing is easier than replacing it. Sometimes it means more, too. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Sticky Business is your Etsy era without the trip to the post office Perhaps fabric is not your thing. Perhaps your true calling is owning an online sticker shop with an extremely specific aesthetic.Sticky Business lets you design your own stickers by combining different graphics, shapes and effects into whatever tiny creations your heart desires. You build collections, arrange sticker sheets and sell your designs through your own little online business. When an order arrives, you pack it yourself and can add extras to make the parcel feel special for the person opening it. It is that last part that makes the whole thing especially lovely.Your customers are not just order numbers appearing on a screen. As people return to your shop, you learn pieces of their stories through their orders. The stickers you design begin to feel like small things being sent to actual people rather than products disappearing into an imaginary delivery van. And because you control the designs, your shop can become as specific as you want it to be. You can make cute animals, witchy stickers, ridiculous faces or cover everything in sparkles because nobody can stop you.This is your small business. There is no brand manager. Go wild. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Tiny Bookshop is what happens when DIY becomes making a space feel like yours Tiny Bookshop stretches our definition of DIY a little, because you will not be sewing, cutting or repairing anything here. But anyone who has ever spent an entire weekend rearranging a room knows that making a space your own can scratch exactly the same creative itch.You run a tiny second-hand bookshop from a trailer and travel around the seaside town of Bookstonbury, setting up in different locations and getting to know the people who stop by. Alongside choosing which books to stock and recommending them to customers, you can fill your shop with objects you collect and decide what kind of place you want it to become.You can cover it in plants. You can lean into candles and make it feel a little mysterious. You can surround yourself with the kinds of things you would actually want nearby while spending a quiet afternoon selling books.Those decorations are not completely cosmetic either. Items can affect customers and introduce new mechanics, so making the shop feel like yours also changes how your little business works. There is no fabric involved and we cannot reasonably call rearranging a bookshop sewing. We tried. But Tiny Bookshop understands the same pleasure that runs through every game on this list: starting with something plain and slowly adding little pieces of yourself until it feels like yours. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Maybe this autumn we make somethingOur autumn hobby club started in the kitchen. Then we went fishing, disappeared into the woods looking for mushrooms and somehow ended up here, surrounded by fabric scraps, buttons, stickers and one cat that has decided to sleep directly on our unfinished quilt.That feels like a pretty good place to finish. There is something especially comforting about making things during the slower part of the year. You do not necessarily need the finished object to be perfect, useful or impressive enough to show anyone else. Sometimes choosing the fabric is fun. Sometimes arranging tiny stickers for twenty minutes is fun. Sometimes fixing an old cassette player or decorating a miniature bookshop is enough to make an evening feel nicely spent.And games let us enjoy that little spark of creativity without needing a craft room, a sewing machine or a drawer containing 47 different kinds of glue. Although, after playing Dressmaker, we cannot promise you will not start looking at sewing machines. If that happens, we accept no responsibility. Happy crafting 🧵 Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale →
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There is a point every autumn when perfectly normal people suddenly start looking at the forest floor with great interest. A little rain falls, the leaves turn orange and mushroom season begins. Someone in your family already knows the spot. Someone else refuses to tell anyone where the spot is. There are baskets involved. Boots come out. Every walk through the woods becomes a treasure hunt. Unfortunately, real mushroom picking comes with one fairly important rule: you really need to know what you’re picking. Video games are much more forgiving.In Among Trees, you can wander through a beautiful wilderness and gather mushrooms on your way home. Cozy Grove hides different varieties among its leaf piles. Potion Permit lets you forage for mushrooms and turn what you find into something useful, while Wytchwood takes the whole autumn-foraging fantasy and adds witchcraft, potions and ingredients with names like Hagshroom. And if picking mushrooms isn’t enough, we also found games where you can identify strange fungi, wear a mushroom hat or simply become a mushroom yourself. 🍄 Grab a basket. We’re going into the woods. Among Trees makes getting lost in the woods sound like a very good plan Most of us have been taught that wandering alone into the wilderness with no clear plan is generally a bad idea. Among Trees makes a surprisingly convincing counterargument. You begin with a small wooden cabin hidden deep in a colorful forest and gradually learn how to live around it. The wilderness provides much of what you need, which means leaving the safety of your little home to explore, gather resources and see what is growing beyond the next patch of trees. Mushrooms are among the things you can forage directly from the forest floor, alongside plants such as chicory and other useful materials.That simple act of heading outside to see what you can find gives Among Trees much of its autumn charm. A trip through the woods does not always need a grand destination. Sometimes you notice something useful growing nearby, take a small detour to collect it and eventually return to your cabin with a backpack full of things you did not necessarily leave home looking for.There is survival involved, so this is not a completely responsibility-free walk in the woods. You need food, you need resources and the wilderness deserves a little respect. But there are long stretches where simply exploring the forest becomes its own reward.And honestly, coming home to a tiny wooden cabin after spending the afternoon gathering mushrooms in the woods might be the most aggressively autumn activity a video game can offer. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Cozy Grove knows that the best mushrooms are hiding under the leaves Cozy Grove already has an excellent setup for anyone currently experiencing mushroom season brainrot: you are a Spirit Scout camping on a haunted island, surrounded by forests, friendly ghost bears and a seemingly endless supply of little things waiting to be discovered.Naturally, there are mushrooms. Several kinds, actually. While exploring the island and rummaging through leaf piles, you can find varieties including brown and red mushrooms, poison mushrooms, chanterelles and rarer trumpet mushrooms. Your finds can then be burned into roasted mushrooms and used in cooking, donated to your collection or occasionally handed over to hungry imps.It makes mushroom hunting part of the larger pleasure of checking in on the island each day. You never quite know what has appeared since your last visit, so there is always a reason to wander away from camp, poke around under some leaves and see what the forest has decided to give you.Finding a chanterelle hiding in a leaf pile scratches exactly the same tiny part of the brain as spotting one on an autumn walk. Except this one cannot poison you. We consider that an improvement. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... .kg-newsletter-v4 { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4:focus { outline:none !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(242,102,33,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-checkbox-v4 { accent-color:#f26621 !important; cursor:pointer !important; } Join our newsletter Deals, new releases and gaming picks worth opening another tab for. Enter a valid email address. I agree to receive marketing communication from Kinguin. Please tick the box to join. Nice. You’re on the list ✓ Something went wrong. Please try again. Potion Permit turns your mushroom basket into medicine Moving to Potion Permit means upgrading our basket to something slightly more professional. You arrive in the small town of Moonbury as a chemist, which means the plants, minerals and other ingredients growing outside town are not just pretty things to collect. They are the raw materials you need to diagnose illnesses, brew remedies and look after the people living there.Mushrooms are one of the ingredients you can forage in Meadow Range, where patches grow in several locations and can be harvested with your sickle. They are useful outside the potion-making side of your job too, appearing in dishes including mushroom soup and black truffle pasta.That makes heading out to gather ingredients feel especially satisfying because you usually know those things are coming home with you for a reason. What looks like a quiet afternoon spent searching through the countryside eventually becomes somebody's medicine, tonight's dinner or another little step towards becoming part of Moonbury.You also have a dog who follows you around. This is relevant because every autumn walk is improved by a dog. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Wytchwood is mushroom picking after you fully commit to the witch aesthetic If Potion Permit feels like responsible herbalism, Wytchwood is what happens when you stop pretending this is a normal hobby and become the strange witch living at the edge of the forest. Which, to be clear, we fully support.Wytchwood sends you through a beautifully illustrated fairytale world gathering an enormous variety of plants, creatures and considerably stranger ingredients for your spells and recipes. Among the first things you learn to collect are Hagshrooms, mushrooms growing right on the ground around your home and in the forest. You do not even need a special tool to gather them.They quickly become useful. Hagshrooms appear in recipes for things like Mending Poultice and Unveiling Powder, so spotting one during a walk through the forest is less about filling a collection and more about thinking ahead to whatever strange concoction you might need next.And that is where Wytchwood really nails the fantasy of autumn foraging. You are constantly looking at the world around you as a collection of useful little treasures. A mushroom is an ingredient. A herb might be important later. Something slightly suspicious growing near a tree is absolutely going in the bag.Real mushroom pickers may bring a field guide. You have a grimoire. Same hobby, different commitment level. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products...
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There is a very specific kind of peace that comes with fishing in video games. You find a nice spot by the water, cast your line and wait. For a moment, there is nowhere you need to be and nothing particularly urgent happening. Maybe something bites. Maybe it doesn’t. Either way, you get to sit there for a little while.Real fishing unfortunately requires getting up early, checking the weather, finding actual fishing gear and accepting the possibility that you may spend several hours outside without catching anything.Video game fishing asks considerably less of you. And since autumn is exactly the time of year when staying somewhere warm while pretending to spend the afternoon by a lake sounds particularly appealing, we went looking for some of our favorite fishing games and fishing spots.Some give you nothing but a rod, a quiet lake and plenty of time. Others wrap fishing into stories about rebuilding communities, making friends or starting a new life somewhere far away. One of them may contain unspeakable horrors from the depths of the ocean, but we’ll deal with that when we get there.For now, grab your rod. We’re going fishing.Cast n Chill understands that sometimes fishing is the whole plan The name really does tell you everything you need to know. Cast n Chill is a game about finding a beautiful stretch of water, casting your line and seeing what bites. There are lakes, rivers and oceans to explore, different species to discover and better equipment to unlock as you sell your catches and gradually become a more capable angler. You can chase rare fish and legendary catches if you want a goal, but the game is equally happy to let you take things slowly.And taking things slowly feels particularly good here. There is no town demanding your attention and no farm waiting to be watered before you leave. The landscape, pixel art and simple rhythm of casting and reeling give fishing enough room to be the main event rather than a side activity squeezed between twenty other things on your to-do list.You can even bring your loyal little companion along for the trip, which immediately improves any fishing expedition by at least 70 percent. We checked the math.If the reason you clicked on an article about cozy fishing games was because you genuinely just want to fish, this is probably the purest version of that fantasy on our list. Cast n Chill up to 53% off Get Cast n Chill → Moonglow Bay gives you a reason to keep coming back to shore Moonglow Bay begins from a much more emotional place.You play as a rookie angler trying to fulfil the final wish of your partner while living in a struggling fishing town on the Canadian coast. What begins with you picking up a rod gradually becomes a story about getting to know this place, reconnecting with its community and helping Moonglow Bay find its feet again.Fishing is at the center of almost everything you do, and there is plenty of it. You can cast a line, set traps, use nets and even go ice fishing while working your way through more than 150 aquatic species. Your catches do not simply disappear into a sell box either. Fish can become meals or end up in the local aquarium, while your time on the water slowly feeds into the larger job of bringing life back to the town.That gives each trip a lovely sense of purpose. You can head out in your boat, spend some time on the water and return with something that matters back home.Moonglow Bay can get emotional, and its story begins with grief, so this isn't completely fluffy comfort food. But there is a lot of warmth in what comes afterwards. At its heart, this is a game about slowly putting things back together, one fishing trip at a time. Moonglow Bay up to 80% off Get Moonglow Bay → Luna’s Fishing Garden lets you fix an entire world with a fishing rod If your preferred fishing spot needs to be approximately 40 percent more magical, Luna’s Fishing Garden has you covered. You play as Cassie, who wakes up on a strange collection of islands after a storm and meets Luna, a mysterious fox spirit whose garden has been damaged. From there, fishing becomes part of restoring this little watery world.The whole thing is deliberately small and gentle. You catch fish, meet the spirits living around the islands, clean up the surrounding waters and plant new trees and flowers as the garden begins to recover. There is progression and plenty to collect, but very little pressure to turn any of it into work.That is important because Luna’s Fishing Garden understands something that cozy games occasionally forget: relaxation does not need to become another productivity challenge. You can work towards restoring everything perfectly. Or you can find a nice place and fish for a while. Luna will survive. Luna’s Fishing Garden up to 82% off Get Luna’s Fishing Garden → Disney Dreamlight Valley lets you go fishing with Goofy, which is difficult to argue withSometimes fishing is better when you can bring a friend. Disney Dreamlight Valley is much bigger than its fishing mechanic, of course. It is a life-sim and adventure game where you build your own version of Dreamlight Valley alongside a growing collection of Disney and Pixar characters. You can decorate your home, cook with Remy, garden with WALL-E and spend an afternoon fishing with Goofy. And fishing fits surprisingly naturally into that daily routine.Different parts of the Valley have their own waters and catches, so grabbing your rod gives you another reason to wander between its biomes. The fish you bring home can become ingredients for meals, help with quests or simply contribute to whatever little goal you have decided matters that day.But the nicest way to do it is probably to bring one of your villagers along. Fishing then becomes less about hunting down another resource and more like one of those tiny activities you do while spending time in the Valley. Pick someone you like, head towards the water and stay there until you decide you have had enough.If Goofy wants to come, obviously you let Goofy come. Those are the rules. Disney Dreamlight Valley up to 74% off Get Disney Dreamlight Valley → Stardew Valley can turn “one quick fishing trip” into an entire afternoon There are people who love fishing in Stardew Valley. There are also people who spent their first few hours wondering why a tiny pixel fish seemed personally determined to ruin their day. Both experiences are valid.Fishing is one of Stardew Valley’s five main skills, and it becomes much more satisfying once you start learning how it works. Different fish appear depending on the location, season, weather and time of day, which means a casual trip to the river can eventually turn into knowing exactly where you need to be when it starts raining on a Tuesday in fall. You can also craft bait, use bobbers and set crab pots while working towards catching everything the Valley has to offer. The nice part is that none of this needs to be your goal.Some days you can simply take your rod down to the beach, stand at the end of the pier and see what happens. When the sun starts going down, you walk home with whatever you managed to catch and tomorrow you can do something completely different. Or you can become completely obsessed with catching one particular fish. That is between you and the fish. Stardew Valley up to 86% off Get Stardew Valley → DREDGE is cozy fishing for people with a slightly concerning definition of cozy Okay. We need to talk about DREDGE. If your definition of a cozy fishing trip involves calm water, a warm sunset and perhaps a little picnic on the shore, DREDGE would like to know how you feel about cosmic horror.On paper, parts of it sound almost perfect for this list. You captain a small fishing trawler around a remote archipelago, head out to find different species, sell your catch when you return and use the money to improve your boat and equipment. There are more than 125 deep-sea creatures to discover, islands to explore and plenty of reasons to make one more trip before calling it a day. It is an incredibly satisfying loop. There is just one tiny problem. You probably want to be home before dark.DREDGE is officially an adventure-horror game, and the further you travel, the clearer it becomes that something is very wrong with these waters. Strange things start appearing in your nets. The islands have secrets. Your fisherman gets increasingly uneasy when he stays at sea too long, and the darkness is considerably less empty than you would like it to be.So no, DREDGE is not wholesome in the same way as Cast n Chill or Luna’s Fishing Garden. But there is something oddly comforting about its routine. Leaving the harbour in the morning, filling the boat, arranging your catch in the cargo hold and racing home as the sun begins to disappear can become its own little ritual.It is fishing for people who find inventory management relaxing but would also like the ocean to occasionally threaten their sanity. We’re not judging your comfort games. DREDGE up to 87% off Get DREDGE → Maybe we understand why every cozy game eventually adds a fishing rodFishing has become such a familiar part of cozy games that seeing a little pond without a fishing mechanic can almost feel suspicious. But after spending enough time with these games, it makes sense. Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale → Fishing gives you permission to stop. You cast a line and, for a few seconds, there is nothing else you can do except wait. You notice the water, the music and whatever is happening around your character. Even in games packed with quests, crops, friendships and things begging for your attention, standing beside a river can create a tiny break in the middle of everything else.Sometimes that break lasts thirty seconds. Sometimes you suddenly realise you have spent your entire in-game day standing on the same pier. And sometimes the sun goes down, an ancient horror crawls out of the ocean and you remember that you are playing DREDGE. Nobody said every fishing trip had to end peacefully 🎣
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This guide compares Steam and the Epic Games Store for PC players buying game keys: library, free games, features, refunds, key activation and Epic Rewards. Steam is better for most key buyers thanks to its bigger library, Workshop mods and user reviews. The Epic Games Store is better for weekly free games and 5% cash back.Key TakeawaysSteam and the Epic Games Store both refund games within 14 days of purchase with under 2 hours of playtime.Valve does not refund Steam keys bought outside Steam; the seller's refund policy applies.Epic Rewards pays 5% back on Epic Games Store purchases made through Epic's payment system; the 20% boost ended January 8, 2026.Steam has the larger library, Steam Workshop and written reviews, while Epic gives away free games every week.Steam vs Epic Games at a Glance (October 2026)FeatureSteamEpic Games StoreLibrary sizeLargest PC store; about 20,000 new games in 2025 alone (SteamDB-based trackers)Smaller, curated catalogFree gamesFree-to-play titles and occasional promotionsFree games every weekMod hubSteam Workshop (in games that integrate it)No Workshop equivalentUser reviewsWritten recommend / not recommend reviews from players with playtime5-point ratings from random players with 2+ hours, plus pollsCloud savesSteam Cloud (per game)Cloud saves (per game, filterable)Refund windowWithin 14 days of purchase, under 2 hours playedWithin 14 days of purchase, under 2 hours of runtime (PC/Mac)Keys bought elsewhereNot refundable through SteamRefund depends on the sellerKey activationGames > Activate a Product on SteamLauncher: your name > Redeem Code, or the web redeem pageCash backNone5% in Epic Rewards via Epic's payment system (20% for Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys)Steam vs Epic Games: The Short AnswerSteam is Valve's PC game store and launcher, and the Epic Games Store is the PC game store and launcher run by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite. Steam is the better store for most PC players buying game keys, while the Epic Games Store is the better place to collect free games and earn cash back. Steam has the larger library, written user reviews, Steam Workshop mods and a mature community. Epic gives away free games every week and pays 5% back in Epic Rewards on purchases made through its own payment system, which Steam does not match.Steam and the Epic Games Store use almost the same refund rule: 14 days from purchase and under 2 hours of playtime. For key buyers, the bigger difference is what activating a key on each store means. A Steam key bought from another seller cannot be refunded through Steam, and an Epic code redeemed from another seller earns no Epic Rewards, because the rewards are tied to purchases paid through Epic. The store where a key is activated decides which library the game lives in, along with its mods and social features.Which Is Better, Epic Games or Steam? Library and Free GamesSteam has the biggest PC game library by a wide margin. Trackers based on SteamDB data counted roughly 19,000 to 21,500 new Steam releases in 2025 alone, depending on the tracker and the date of the count. That volume covers almost every indie game, older catalog title and niche genre. The Epic Games Store carries a smaller, more curated catalog, plus some timed exclusives and Epic's own games such as Fortnite.The Epic Games Store wins on free games. Epic gives away at least one free game every week, and players keep each game in their library permanently after claiming it during the giveaway window. Over the years this has built large Epic libraries for players who never paid for anything. Steam offers free-to-play titles, free weekends and occasional free promotions, but it has no weekly giveaway program.Features Compared: Workshop, Reviews, Cloud Saves and AchievementsSteam has more built-in community features than the Epic Games Store. Steam Workshop is a hub for community-made content such as mods, maps and items, available in games whose developers integrate it. Steam user reviews are written recommend or not recommend reviews, and according to Steamworks documentation only players with recorded playtime can post them. Steam shows both a recent score covering the past 30 days and a lifetime score.The Epic Games Store uses ratings instead of written reviews. According to Epic Games Support, the store asks random players who have played a game for more than two hours to rate it on a five-point scale, and it can also show short polls after play sessions. Epic supports cloud saves and achievements on a per-game basis, and the Epic library has a Cloud Saves filter. Epic has no Workshop-style mod hub, so modding depends on each game.FeatureSteamEpic Games StoreModsSteam Workshop in supported gamesNo central mod hubReviewsWritten reviews, recent and lifetime score5-point ratings and pollsCloud savesSteam Cloud in supported gamesCloud saves in supported gamesAchievementsYesYes, with a Platinum stageWeekly free gamesNoYesCash backNo5% in Epic RewardsRefund Policies: Steam vs Epic Games StoreSteam refunds almost any purchase made on Steam if the request comes within 14 days of purchase and with less than two hours of playtime, per Valve's official Steam Refunds page. DLC follows the same 14-day window, and preorders can be refunded at any time before release. Valve is explicit about keys: "Valve cannot provide refunds for purchases made outside of Steam," and it names CD keys from third parties as an example.The Epic Games Store refund policy covers PC and Mac products marked refundable or self-refundable within 14 days of purchase, or 14 days after release for pre-purchases, with less than 2 hours of runtime. According to Epic Games Support, eligible games show a Request Refund button on the account's Transactions page, and returning the money can take up to 30 days depending on the payment method. Virtual currency and consumables are not refundable, and mobile purchases have a 2-hour window.RuleSteamEpic Games StoreTime limit14 days from purchase14 days from purchase (PC/Mac)Playtime limitUnder 2 hoursUnder 2 hours of runtimePreordersAny time before release14 days after release for pre-purchasesHow to requestSteam Support refund requestTransactions page or Player SupportKeys from other sellersNot refundable through SteamHandled by the sellerHow to Activate a Game Key on Steam and Epic GamesSteam key activation and Epic code redemption both take under a minute, and both are permanent. A key works only once, so signing in to the correct account before activating matters on both stores. Steam keys are activated in the Steam client or on Steam's product registration page in a browser. Epic codes are redeemed in the Epic Games Launcher or on Epic's redeem page, and Epic Games Support notes that the dashes in a code are optional.Steam: open the Steam client and sign in to the account that should own the game.Steam: click Games in the top menu, then Activate a Product on Steam.Steam: accept the Steam Subscriber Agreement, paste the key and confirm. The game appears in your library.Epic: open the Epic Games Launcher and sign in, or go to the redeem page on epicgames.com.Epic: click your display name in the top-right corner and choose Redeem Code.Epic: paste the code and click Redeem. The game appears in your Library, ready to install.Epic Rewards: How Much Cash Back Do You Get in 2026?Epic Rewards is the Epic Games Store's cash-back program. According to Epic Games Support, purchases in the Epic Games Store made with Epic's payment system earn 5% back in Epic Rewards, and purchases in Fortnite, Rocket League and Fall Guys always earn 20% back. The 20% Epic Rewards Mega Boost for all store purchases ran until January 8, 2026, and Epic has not announced its return.Epic Rewards balances can be spent on later purchases in the Epic Games Store. Because rewards are tied to Epic's payment system, a code bought from another seller and redeemed on Epic does not earn Epic Rewards. Steam has no cash-back program on game purchases. For key buyers, a lower price from a key seller can still beat 5% back on a full-price Epic purchase.Which Store Should You Buy Keys For?Choosing between a Steam key and an Epic key comes down to where your library, friends and mods already live. Pick Steam for games with active Workshop mods, written reviews you can read before buying, and friends who play on Steam. Pick Epic when a game is an Epic exclusive, when you already keep your library there, or when Epic's weekly free games and Epic Rewards matter more to you than community features.Before buying any PC key, check the store label on the product page, because a Steam key cannot be activated on Epic and an Epic code cannot be activated on Steam. Also check region locks, since some keys only activate in certain regions. Marketplaces such as Kinguin sell both Steam and Epic Games keys, so the platform choice is yours. Keep in mind that a key bought outside the official store follows that seller's refund rules, not Valve's or Epic's.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhich is better, Epic Games or Steam?Steam is better for most PC players because of its larger library, Steam Workshop mods, written user reviews and community features. The Epic Games Store is better for collecting weekly free games and earning 5% back in Epic Rewards on purchases made through Epic.What is the $5 rule on Steam?According to Steam Support, a new Steam account stays limited until it has spent at least $5.00 USD in the Steam store. Limited accounts cannot send friend invites, use the Community Market or trade items. Gifts received from friends and free games do not count toward the $5.Is Epic Games bigger than Steam?No. Steam has a far larger game library, with roughly 20,000 new releases in 2025 alone according to SteamDB-based trackers. The Epic Games Store has a smaller, curated catalog and some timed exclusives.Can I activate a Steam key on Epic Games?No. A Steam key activates only on Steam, and an Epic Games code activates only on the Epic Games Store. Check the platform label before buying a key, because each key works once and binds the game to the account that redeems it.Do Epic Rewards apply to keys from other sellers?No. Epic Games Support ties Epic Rewards to Epic Games Store purchases made with Epic's payment system. A code bought from another seller and redeemed on Epic adds the game to your library but does not earn the 5% Epic Rewards.SourcesSteam: RefundsEpic Games Store Refund PolicyEpic Games Support: How to refund an Epic Games Store purchaseEpic Games Support: Will 20% rewards return to the Epic Games Store for all purchases?Epic Games Support: How do I redeem a product code?Steam Support: Activating a Product on SteamSteamworks Documentation: User ReviewsSteam Support: Limited User Accounts
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This guide compares Mac and PC for gaming in October 2026: game library, anti-cheat, Windows compatibility tools, price and upgrades. For most players a Windows PC is the better gaming machine, because it runs nearly every PC game, including kernel-level anti-cheat titles like Valorant. A Mac suits players who mainly need a work laptop and play native Mac games.Key TakeawaysWindows runs on about 95% of Steam users' machines and macOS on 1.92%, per the September 2026 Steam Hardware Survey.Apple silicon Macs cannot run Boot Camp, so Windows-only games need native ports, CrossOver or Game Porting Toolkit workarounds.Games with kernel-level anti-cheat, such as Valorant, have no Mac version and generally do not run on a Mac.A gaming PC can be upgraded part by part, while a Mac's memory and storage are fixed at purchase.Mac vs PC for Gaming at a Glance (October 2026)CategoryMac vs PCmacOS share of Steam users (Sept 2026 survey)1.92% (Windows about 95%)MacBook Air M5 starting price$1,099 (13-inch), $1,299 (15-inch), since March 2026MacBook Pro M5 Pro starting price$2,199 (14-inch); M5 Max up to a 40-core GPUNewest Apple chipM6, in the Mac mini, shipping since September 22, 2026Game Porting ToolkitVersion 4 beta, announced at WWDC 2026 (June)CrossOver for MacVersion 26.x, paidBoot Camp on Apple siliconNot availableCyberpunk 2077 on MacNative since July 17, 2025; needs 16GB+ unified memoryValorant on MacNo Mac versionMac vs PC for Gaming: The Short AnswerMac vs PC for gaming has a clear answer in 2026: a Windows PC wins on game choice, multiplayer support and upgrades. Windows ran on about 95% of the machines in the September 2026 Steam Hardware Survey, while macOS sat at 1.92%, according to GamingOnLinux and Phoronix. Developers build for the platform most players use, so most new PC games launch on Windows first, and many never get a Mac version at all.Gaming on a Mac means playing either native macOS games or Windows games through translation tools such as Game Porting Toolkit or CrossOver. A Mac is still a workable gaming machine for some players, within those limits. Apple silicon chips have strong integrated graphics for their power draw, and a growing list of big games now run natively on macOS. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, for example, arrived on Apple silicon Macs on July 17, 2025, according to CD PROJEKT RED. The Mac works best as a machine you buy for work, study or creative apps, with gaming as a bonus rather than the main reason.Is a MacBook Better Than Windows for Gaming?A MacBook is not better than a Windows laptop for gaming if the goal is to play the widest range of games. Windows laptops run the full PC catalog on Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, EA app and Ubisoft Connect, and they support the anti-cheat systems used by most competitive shooters. A MacBook only runs games that have a macOS version or that work through a compatibility layer, and that second group is unpredictable.Anti-cheat is the biggest dividing line between Mac and PC. According to Epic, Easy Anti-Cheat has supported native macOS games since 2021, so a developer who ships a full Mac version can protect it. Kernel-level systems are a different story. Riot does not offer a Mac version of Valorant, and according to player guides its Vanguard anti-cheat does not run on Apple silicon Macs or in virtual machines. Other multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat usually stay off the Mac too.What a Mac can do that a PC cannot is mostly outside gaming. macOS integrates tightly with iPhone and iPad, and Apple silicon laptops are known for long battery life and quiet operation. For gaming specifically, the Mac advantage is narrow: some Apple Arcade and App Store games are built for Apple devices first, and native ports like Cyberpunk 2077 use Apple's Metal graphics API.Is a Mac Powerful Enough for Gaming in 2026?Current Macs are powerful enough to run demanding native games, but raw power is not the main limit. In March 2026 Apple released the MacBook Air with M5, starting at $1,099 for the 13-inch model and $1,299 for the 15-inch, per Engadget and Tom's Guide. The MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at $2,199, and the M5 Max reaches up to a 40-core GPU, according to AppleInsider and The Register.Apple's desktop Macs also got new chips in 2026. Apple announced a Mac mini with the M6 chip, its first 2-nanometer chip, alongside an M5 Pro Mac mini and a new Mac Studio on August 25, 2026, with shipping from September 22, according to Deccan Herald and retailer listings such as B&H. The M6 Mac mini has a 12-core CPU and a 12-core GPU, which puts it in the same class as the base MacBook chips rather than the Pro and Max models.Memory matters more than chip name for Mac gaming. CD PROJEKT RED lists 16GB or more of unified memory as the requirement for Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac. Because Mac memory is shared between the CPU and GPU and cannot be added later, buyers who plan to play newer games should pick at least 16GB at purchase.Can a Mac Be Used as a Gaming PC? Game Porting Toolkit, CrossOver and WindowsA Mac can be used as a gaming PC only in part, because Apple silicon Macs cannot install Windows through Boot Camp. Boot Camp works on Intel-based Macs only. On Apple silicon, Windows runs solely as the ARM version inside virtualization software, which adds another layer between the game and the hardware. Games that need kernel-level anti-cheat or specific drivers usually fail in virtualized Windows on a Mac.Game Porting Toolkit is Apple's developer tool for testing Windows games on Mac. The toolkit translates DirectX 11 and 12 graphics calls to Apple's Metal API so studios can check how a game would perform before writing a full port. Apple announced Game Porting Toolkit 4 at WWDC 2026, adding Metal 4 support and AI-assisted porting skills, according to Apple's session page and AppleInsider. The toolkit is still a beta built for developers, not a one-click way for players to run any Windows game.CrossOver is the paid consumer option. CodeWeavers sells CrossOver as a Windows compatibility app for macOS, with version 26.x current in 2026, per Macworld. CrossOver can run some single-player Windows games, but reviewers at MacHow2 list incompatible anti-cheat as its main weakness. Check the CodeWeavers compatibility database for each game before buying a Mac with CrossOver in mind.Mac vs PC for Gaming: Side-by-Side ComparisonMac and PC differ for gaming in seven areas as of October 2026: game library, anti-cheat support, running Windows games, compatibility tools, upgradability, price/performance and current hardware. Every row of the Mac vs PC gaming comparison is based on the sources named in this guide, and the hardware row lists only Mac models that Apple has officially announced and released by October 2026.CategoryWindows PCMac (Apple silicon)Game libraryNearly every PC release on all major storesNative Mac ports only, plus games that work via compatibility layersAnti-cheat supportSupports kernel-level systems such as Riot's Vanguard (Valorant)Easy Anti-Cheat for native Mac games; no Valorant; many anti-cheat games fail in CrossOverRunning Windows gamesNativeNo Boot Camp; CrossOver (paid) or virtualized Windows on ARMGame Porting Toolkit / CrossOverNot neededGame Porting Toolkit 4 (GPTK 4) beta is a developer tool; CrossOver 26.x is the consumer optionUpgradabilityGPU, RAM, storage and CPU can be replacedMemory and storage fixed at purchasePrice/performance for gamingSpend goes mostly into the GPU, which can be upgraded laterHigher entry price; memory upgrades cost extra at checkoutCurrent hardware (Oct 2026)Wide choice of desktops and laptops from many brandsMacBook Air M5 from $1,099; MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or M5 Max; Mac mini M6Which Should You Choose? A Quick ChecklistThe right choice between Mac and PC depends on which games you play and what else the computer has to do. Checking your own most-played games for macOS support is the fastest way to decide. If a single must-play title fails on Mac, the PC is the safer buy, because there is no reliable fix for anti-cheat or missing ports on macOS.PC gamers who already own a game library can keep it and add new titles through any store, so switching to a Mac usually means leaving part of that library behind. Buying keys for the PC version on Kinguin works for Steam, Epic and other launchers, while Mac players should confirm that each game lists macOS support before buying.List the five games you play most and check each store page for macOS support.Check whether any of them uses kernel-level anti-cheat; if yes, choose a Windows PC.For Windows-only single-player games, look them up in the CodeWeavers compatibility database.If you choose a Mac, buy at least 16GB of unified memory, since it cannot be upgraded later.If you want to upgrade parts over the years, choose a desktop PC.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat can a Mac do that a PC cannot?A Mac connects tightly with iPhone and iPad, runs macOS-only apps, and Apple silicon laptops offer long battery life with quiet operation. For gaming, a Mac has no meaningful advantage over a PC apart from some Apple-first titles on the App Store and Apple Arcade.Is a MacBook better than Windows for gaming?No. A Windows laptop runs almost every PC game and supports kernel-level anti-cheat. A MacBook runs native Mac ports and some Windows games through CrossOver, but competitive titles like Valorant have no Mac version.Is a Mac powerful enough for gaming?Yes, for native games. Apple silicon chips such as the M5 Pro and M5 Max run demanding ports like Cyberpunk 2077, which needs 16GB or more of unified memory. The limit is game availability, not raw performance.Can a Mac be used as a gaming PC?Only partly. Apple silicon Macs cannot use Boot Camp, so Windows games need a native port, CrossOver or virtualized Windows on ARM. Many multiplayer games with anti-cheat will not run in those setups.Can I upgrade a Mac's graphics later?No. Apple silicon Macs combine the CPU and GPU on one chip, and memory and storage are fixed at purchase. A desktop PC lets you swap the graphics card, RAM and storage separately.SourcesGamingOnLinux: Steam Survey for September 2026Apple Developer: Game Porting ToolkitApple WWDC 2026 session 357 (Game Porting Toolkit 4)AppleInsider: Game Porting Toolkit 4CD PROJEKT RED: Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition available on MacAppleInsider: MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 MaxEngadget: MacBook Air M5 starts at $1,099
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This guide compares the PS5 and Xbox Series X in October 2026: prices, power, exclusives, subscriptions and GTA 6. For most buyers, the PS5 is the better pick: it costs $649.99 versus $799.99 for the Series X, and more Xbox games now reach PS5. The Xbox suits Game Pass Ultimate fans and Gears of War players.Key TakeawaysIn the US, the PS5 costs $649.99 and the Xbox Series X costs $799.99 after price increases in April and August 2026.Game Pass Ultimate costs $22.99 a month and includes new Xbox first-party games at launch, except new Call of Duty games.Halo: Campaign Evolved launched on PS5 in July 2026, while Gears of War: E-Day stays an Xbox console exclusive.GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026 on both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.PS5 vs Xbox Series X at a Glance (October 2026)ItemPS5 / XboxPS5 (disc) / Xbox Series X (disc), US price$649.99 / $799.99PS5 Digital / Xbox Series X Digital, US price$599.99 / $749.99Cheapest modelXbox Series S 512GB, $499.99Premium modelPS5 Pro, $899.99Latest price changePS5: April 2, 2026 / Xbox: August 1, 2026Top subscription tier, monthlyPS Plus Premium $19.99 / Game Pass Ultimate $22.99Day-one first-party games in the subscriptionNo (PS Plus) / Yes, except new Call of Duty (Game Pass Ultimate)GTA 6 (November 19, 2026)Yes / Yes (Series X and Series S)Big console exclusives in late 2026PlayStation first-party / Gears of War: E-DayPS5 vs Xbox Series X: The Short Answer for 2026The PS5 (PlayStation 5) is Sony's current home console, and the Xbox Series X is Microsoft's most powerful current Xbox, sold alongside the cheaper Xbox Series S. The PS5 vs Xbox Series X question has a clearer answer in 2026 than it did at launch. The PS5 is $150 cheaper than the Series X in every matching model, it gets most big multiplatform games, and it now also gets several Xbox-published games. For a player who wants one console and the widest game library, the PS5 is the safer choice.The Xbox Series X still wins for one type of player: someone who wants a subscription to do the heavy lifting. Game Pass Ultimate adds new Xbox first-party games on launch day, which PS Plus does not do for PlayStation first-party games. Xbox fans who want Gears of War: E-Day or the upcoming Clockwork Revolution also need an Xbox or a PC, because Microsoft says both games stay off PlayStation.PS5 and Xbox Prices in October 2026: Every ModelPS5 prices went up on April 2, 2026. According to the PlayStation Blog, the US prices are now $649.99 for the PS5 with a disc drive, $599.99 for the PS5 Digital Edition and $899.99 for the PS5 Pro. Sony pointed to global economic pressure as the reason, and reporting tied the change to rising memory and chip costs.Xbox Series X|S prices went up on August 1, 2026. Per Pure Xbox and other outlets covering the announcement, the Series X with a disc drive now costs $799.99 and the Series X Digital $749.99. Microsoft blamed higher memory and storage prices and also discontinued the 2TB Series X. The Xbox Series S remains the cheapest current console from either brand at $499.99.Console (US, October 2026)PriceXbox Series S 512GB$499.99PS5 Digital Edition$599.99Xbox Series S 1TB$599.99PS5 (disc drive)$649.99Xbox Series X Digital$749.99Xbox Series X (disc drive)$799.99PS5 Pro$899.99Is PS5 or Xbox Series X More Powerful?The standard PS5 and the Xbox Series X are close in power. Both consoles run current games at similar resolutions and frame rates, and most players will not notice a meaningful difference in multiplatform games. Neither console has a clear lead across the whole library, so power alone should not decide the PS5 vs Xbox Series X choice between the two standard models.The PS5 Pro is Sony's high-end model. Coverage of its specs describes a stronger GPU, better ray tracing and an AI upscaler called PSSR, which help in games that ship with PS5 Pro enhancements. At $899.99, the PS5 Pro costs more than the Xbox Series X. The Xbox Series S sits at the other end of the range as the budget model, trading power for its $499.99 price.Exclusives in 2026: Xbox Games on PS5 and What Stays on XboxXbox exclusives are much rarer in 2026 than at the start of this generation. Microsoft has released many of its games on PS5, and Halo: Campaign Evolved launched on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on July 28, 2026, according to the PlayStation Store listing. That makes it the first mainline Halo campaign on a Sony console. Forza Horizon 6 is also officially coming to PS5, though recent reports suggest the PS5 version may slip into 2027.Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are the Xbox games that stay off PlayStation. Gears of War: E-Day launched on October 6, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and Clockwork Revolution is planned for 2027. Xbox has said both are console exclusives and not timed exclusives, so no PS5 version is planned. Both games are on or coming to PC. PlayStation first-party games still require a PS5, because Sony keeps them on its own console.PS Plus vs Game Pass: Subscription Tiers and PricesGame Pass Ultimate is the top tier of Microsoft's Xbox subscription, and PS Plus Premium is the top tier of Sony's PlayStation Plus. Game Pass got cheaper in 2026: according to Xbox Wire, Game Pass Ultimate dropped from $29.99 to $22.99 a month on April 21, 2026, and PC Game Pass dropped from $16.49 to $13.99. In return, future Call of Duty games no longer join Ultimate or PC Game Pass at launch; Xbox says they arrive about a year later. Other new Xbox first-party games still launch on Ultimate on day one.PlayStation Plus prices went up in 2026. Push Square and other outlets reported that from May 20, 2026, US monthly prices for new subscribers rose to $10.99 for Essential, $16.99 for Extra and $19.99 for Premium. The 12-month plans were reported as unchanged, which makes yearly billing the better deal. Sony executives have said new PlayStation first-party games are not added to PS Plus on launch day.Tier (US, monthly)PriceWhat it addsPS Plus Essential$10.99Online multiplayer, monthly gamesPS Plus Extra$16.99Essential plus a catalog of PS4 and PS5 gamesPS Plus Premium$19.99Extra plus classic gamesGame Pass Essential$9.99Online multiplayer, 50+ gamesGame Pass Premium$14.99200+ games, Xbox first-party within about a yearGame Pass Ultimate$22.99Full catalog, day-one Xbox first-party (not new Call of Duty), cloudGTA 6 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|SGTA 6 is coming to both consoles on the same day. Rockstar Games has set the release for November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Take-Two confirmed that date again in May 2026. No PC version has been announced, so a console is the only way to play GTA 6 at launch.GTA 6 is not a reason to pick one brand over the other. Rockstar has not announced any console-exclusive content, and it has not shared resolution or frame-rate targets for each console. Buyers on a tight budget should know that the Xbox Series S is on the official platform list, but performance details for the cheaper console have not been published before launch.Which Console Should You Buy? Pick by Player TypeFriend groups matter as much as hardware in the PS5 vs Xbox Series X decision. Some big multiplayer games have no crossplay at all: GTA Online, for example, keeps PlayStation and Xbox players in separate sessions, according to Rockstar Support. In games like that, buying the same console as your friends is the only way to play together, whatever the price difference.The right console in the PS5 vs Xbox Series X choice depends mostly on which games you play and where your friends are. Crossplay helps in some multiplayer games, but many popular titles still keep PlayStation and Xbox players apart, so joining the same platform as your group still matters. Matching a console to your player type is the quickest way to decide.Lowest price for current games: Xbox Series S at $499.99.Best value with a disc drive: PS5 at $649.99.Most powerful console: PS5 Pro at $899.99.Most new games for a monthly fee: Xbox Series X or Series S with Game Pass Ultimate at $22.99.PlayStation first-party games: PS5.Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution: Xbox Series X|S or PC.GTA 6 only: either console works, so pick the one your friends use.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs PS5 actually better than Xbox Series X?The PS5 is the better console for most buyers in 2026. It costs $150 less than the matching Series X model and gets most multiplatform games plus several Xbox-published ones. The Series X is the better pick for Game Pass Ultimate fans and Gears of War players.What can the Xbox Series X do that the PS5 can't?The Xbox Series X runs Game Pass Ultimate, which adds new Xbox first-party games on launch day, except new Call of Duty games. It also plays Xbox console exclusives such as Gears of War: E-Day, which Xbox says will not come to PS5.Is it worth getting an Xbox Series X if you have a PS5?An Xbox Series X is usually not worth adding if you already own a PS5. Many Xbox games now launch on PS5 too, and the Series X costs $799.99. A second console makes sense only for Xbox exclusives like Gears of War: E-Day or heavy Game Pass use, and a PC covers both.Are Xbox games coming to PS5?Many Xbox games are coming to PS5. Halo: Campaign Evolved launched on PS5 in July 2026, and Forza Horizon 6 is officially coming to PS5. Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are the exceptions: Xbox says they stay off PlayStation.Will GTA 6 be on Xbox Series S?GTA 6 will be on Xbox Series S. Rockstar lists Xbox Series X|S as a GTA 6 platform, so the Series S is included. GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no PC version announced.SourcesPlayStation Blog: New price changes for PS5, PS5 Pro and PlayStation Portal (March 27, 2026)Xbox Wire: Xbox Game Pass update (April 21, 2026)Pure Xbox: New prices for Xbox Series X|S consoles as of August 2026Push Square: PS Plus price increases hit Extra and Premium tiers (May 2026)PlayStation.com: Halo: Campaign EvolvedKitGuru: Gears of War: E-Day set for October launch as Xbox and PC exclusive
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This guide covers the 11 best tower defense games to play in 2026. Tower defense games are strategy games in which players build towers or traps to stop waves of enemies from reaching a base. The best overall pick is Bloons TD 6, followed by Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD and Plants vs. Zombies.Key TakeawaysBloons TD 6 from Ninja Kiwi is the most widely recommended tower defense game across Google's AI Overview, Eneba and PCGamesN.Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD (2024) is the strongest traditional fantasy tower defense pick, and Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis TD reached Steam in September 2026.Legion TD 2, Orcs Must Die! 3, Dungeon Defenders and Sanctum 2 are the best options for multiplayer or co-op.Mindustry and The Riftbreaker mix tower defense with factory automation and base building.Best Tower Defense Games at a Glance (October 2026)PickGameBest overallBloons TD 6Best classic fantasy TDKingdom Rush 5: Alliance TDBest for beginnersPlants vs. ZombiesBest competitive multiplayerLegion TD 2Best action + trapsOrcs Must Die! 3Best co-op with RPG lootDungeon DefendersBest FPS hybridSanctum 2Best factory + defenseMindustryBest base-building hybridThe RiftbreakerWhat Makes a Good Tower Defense Game?A good tower defense game gives every tower a clear job and makes placement matter. Enemies arrive in waves along a path, and the player wins by building, upgrading and combining defenses so nothing reaches the base. The best tower defense games add a twist on top of that loop, such as heroes, traps, a first-person view, factory automation or online opponents, without burying the core strategy.The 11 tower defense games on this list were picked from what Google's AI Overview, current top-ranking lists (Eneba, updated October 2026, and PCGamesN, updated January 2026) and Steam store listings agree on. Each game appears in at least two of those sources and is available on PC. Release dates, developers and PC platforms come from the official Steam store pages, checked on October 14, 2026.1. Bloons TD 6Bloons TD 6 is a 3D tower defense game from Ninja Kiwi in which monkey towers pop waves of balloons, called Bloons, across hand-built maps. According to its Steam store page, the game has 25 Monkey Towers with three upgrade paths each, 17 heroes, and 4-player co-op on every map and mode.Bloons TD 6 appears on every major current list, including Google's AI Overview, Eneba and PCGamesN, because it keeps getting content years after launch. Ninja Kiwi says it releases several updates every year, with Boss Events, Odysseys and the Contested Territory mode, and it has added Rogue Legends, a paid roguelike expansion. For players who want one tower defense game that lasts hundreds of hours, Bloons TD 6 is the safest pick.FactDetailsReleased2018 (PC: December 17, 2018)DeveloperNinja KiwiPlatformsPC, Mac, iOS, Android, Xbox One, PS4KinguinCompare Bloons TD 6 offers2. Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TDKingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD is the fifth main entry in Ironhide Game Studio's fantasy tower defense series, released on July 25, 2024 according to its Steam page. The campaign forces an unlikely alliance between the warriors of Linirea and the Dark Army, the series' former villains, so players combine towers and heroes from both sides against a new threat.Kingdom Rush 5 earns its place because the series is widely treated as the reference point for traditional tower defense: clear tower roles, tight level design and bosses that test every upgrade. Google's AI Overview names the Kingdom Rush series among the top picks. Ironhide followed it with Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis TD, released on Steam in September 2026, which goes back to the early days of the kingdom.FactDetailsReleased2024DeveloperIronhide Game StudioPlatformsPC, Mac, iOS, Android3. Plants vs. ZombiesPlants vs. Zombies is PopCap Games' lane-based tower defense game from 2009, in which a garden of sunflowers, peashooters and wall-nuts holds back a zombie invasion. Players collect sun to plant defenders on a grid, and each new zombie type forces a change in setup. The Game of the Year Edition on Steam has five modes: Adventure, Mini-Games, Puzzle, Survival and Zen Garden.Plants vs. Zombies is still the best starting point for new players. The rules are taught one plant at a time, levels are short, and the humor keeps it light, yet later stages demand real planning. PCGamesN ranks it first on its PC list, and Google's AI Overview calls it an approachable classic, which matches its reputation as the genre's gateway game.FactDetailsReleased2009DeveloperPopCap GamesPlatformsPC, MacKinguinCompare Plants vs. Zombies offers4. Legion TD 2Legion TD 2 is a multiplayer tower defense game from AutoAttack Games. Waves of enemies attack every player at once, and each player builds defenses to survive, sends mercenaries to break through opponents' defenses and scales an economy for the late game. According to its Steam page, it supports 2v2 and 4v4 matchmaking plus a single-player and co-op campaign.Legion TD 2 is the pick for players who want competition instead of a campaign. Each match hands players a random roll of six fighters, so every game plays out differently and rewards adaptation over memorized builds. Eneba, PCGamesN and Google's AI Overview all include Legion TD 2, and it has been on Steam in full release since October 1, 2021.FactDetailsReleased2021DeveloperAutoAttack GamesPlatformsPC, Mac5. Orcs Must Die! 3Orcs Must Die! 3 is Robot Entertainment's action tower defense game in which players run around the level in third person, place traps and fight hordes of orcs directly with weapons. The game first launched on Stadia in July 2020 and reached PC, PS4 and Xbox on July 23, 2021.Orcs Must Die! 3 fits players who find classic tower defense too passive. Trap combos reward planning, but the hero still swings weapons and casts spells in real time, so each wave feels like an action game. The game supports solo play or 2-player co-op, and War Scenarios with mountable War Machines add the largest orc armies in the series. Both Eneba and PCGamesN keep it on their lists.FactDetailsReleased2020 (Stadia), 2021 (PC and consoles)DeveloperRobot EntertainmentPlatformsPC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S6. Dungeon DefendersDungeon Defenders is a 2011 tower defense action RPG from Chromatic Games in which up to four players each pick a hero class and defend the land of Etheria. Heroes summon their own defenses, then join the combat directly when waves arrive. Players level up characters, forge equipment, gather loot and collect pets.Dungeon Defenders is the best fit for groups who want tower defense with a progression loop. The Steam store page lists 4-player online and local splitscreen co-op, and each class has its own skill tree and set of towers, so the team splits building duties. Eneba and PCGamesN both list Dungeon Defenders, and later entries, Dungeon Defenders II and Dungeon Defenders: Awakened, are also on Steam.FactDetailsReleased2011DeveloperChromatic GamesPlatformsPC7. Defense Grid: The AwakeningDefense Grid: The Awakening is Hidden Path Entertainment's 2008 sci-fi tower defense game in which an alien horde invades and players stop it by building fortification towers around their base. According to its Steam page, the game has 20 levels, 10 tower types with three levels each and 15 enemy types, with about 8 hours in the main story.Defense Grid: The Awakening remains a favorite for strategy fans because each level can be solved in many different ways, with rewards for more efficient defenses. Towers have trade-offs such as line of sight, so placement matters more than raw firepower. Challenge modes add new starting conditions. PCGamesN ranks Defense Grid second on its PC list, and Eneba also includes it, more than 17 years after release.FactDetailsReleased2008DeveloperHidden Path EntertainmentPlatformsPC8. Sanctum 2Sanctum 2 is Coffee Stain Studios' 2013 sequel to what its Steam page calls the world's first tower defense and FPS hybrid. Players build mazes of blocks and towers before each wave, then switch to a first-person view and shoot enemies while the towers fire. Four character classes protect oxygen cores on an alien planet.Sanctum 2 suits players who want to be inside the battle instead of above it. The mix of planning and shooting works especially well in co-op, and the Steam page says up to four players can team up on the campaign. Players also pick their own loadout of towers, weapons and perks. Both Eneba and PCGamesN feature Sanctum 2, and it runs on Windows, Mac and Linux on Steam.FactDetailsReleased2013DeveloperCoffee Stain StudiosPlatformsPC, Mac, Linux9. MindustryMindustry is an open-ended factory game with tower defense and RTS elements, made by Anuke and released on Steam on September 26, 2019. Players mine resources, build conveyor belts and production chains, and feed ammunition into turrets that defend the core against waves of enemy units. Turrets also need coolant and power, and shields and regeneration projectors support the defense.Mindustry stands out for players who enjoy automation as much as defense. A weak supply line means a weak defense, so the factory and the turrets have to grow together. The Steam store page lists online co-op, PvP and cross-platform multiplayer, and Eneba includes Mindustry on its list of the best tower defense games.FactDetailsReleased2019 (Steam)DeveloperAnukePlatformsPC, Mac, Linux10. The RiftbreakerThe Riftbreaker is a base-building survival game with action RPG elements from EXOR Studios, released on October 14, 2021. Players control a scientist in a Mecha-Suit on the alien planet Galatea 37, gather resources, build a base with walls and turrets, and fight off large creature attacks. The Steam store page lists online and LAN co-op for up to four players.The Riftbreaker works as tower defense because each base has to survive waves that grow bigger over time, so turret placement and wall layout decide whether it holds. Between attacks, the mech explores and fights directly. Eneba lists The Riftbreaker among the best tower defense games, and Steam users tag it as tower defense and base building.FactDetailsReleased2021DeveloperEXOR StudiosPlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S11. Kingdom RushKingdom Rush is the original 2011 game from Ironhide Game Studio that started the series, first released as a browser game and later on iOS, Android and PC. Players defend the kingdom of Linirea from orcs, trolls and wizards with towers, spells and heroes. Players rain fire on enemies, summon reinforcements and command troops, and the Steam version includes 13 heroes.Kingdom Rush still belongs on any list of the best tower defense games because the formula holds up: distinct tower roles, enemy variety and clear upgrade choices. Eneba and Google's AI Overview both include the series. The original reached Steam in January 2014 and also appears on Nintendo Switch and Xbox, which makes it the easiest entry to find on most platforms.FactDetailsReleased2011 (Steam: 2014)DeveloperIronhide Game StudioPlatformsPC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, XboxFAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the best tower defense game?Bloons TD 6 is the most widely recommended tower defense game in 2026. It appears at or near the top of Google's AI Overview, Eneba and PCGamesN, and Ninja Kiwi still adds content, including the Rogue Legends roguelike expansion.What is the best tower defense game on PC?Bloons TD 6 and Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD are the strongest classic picks on PC. Players who want something different can try Orcs Must Die! 3 for traps and action or Legion TD 2 for competitive multiplayer.Which tower defense games have co-op?Bloons TD 6, Orcs Must Die! 3, Dungeon Defenders, Sanctum 2, Mindustry and The Riftbreaker all list online co-op on their Steam store pages. Legion TD 2 offers both online co-op and PvP.Is there a new Kingdom Rush game in 2026?Yes. Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis TD from Ironhide Game Studio was released on Steam in September 2026. Its Steam page describes it as a return to the early days of the kingdom, with new twists.Are there tower defense games on PS5 and Xbox?Yes. Orcs Must Die! 3 and The Riftbreaker are available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Bloons TD 6 is on PS4 and Xbox One, and the original Kingdom Rush is on Xbox.SourcesSteam: Bloons TD 6 (Ninja Kiwi)Steam: Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD (Ironhide Game Studio)Steam: Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis TDSteam: Legion TD 2 (AutoAttack Games)Steam: Orcs Must Die! 3 (Robot Entertainment)Steam: Mindustry (Anuke)
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This guide covers the 10 best multiplayer extraction shooters to play in October 2026. An extraction shooter is a game where players loot a map and must escape alive to keep their gear. ARC Raiders is the best overall pick, Escape from Tarkov is the most hardcore, and Arena Breakout: Infinite and Delta Force are the best free options.Key TakeawaysARC Raiders, released October 30, 2025 on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, is the most approachable PvPvE extraction shooter right now.Escape from Tarkov reached version 1.0 and launched on Steam on November 15, 2025, and it is still PC-only.Bungie's Marathon launched on March 5, 2026 with crossplay and cross-save across PC, PlayStation and Xbox.Gray Zone Warfare, The Forever Winter and Incursion Red River are PvE-first or PvE-only options for players who want to avoid PvP.Best Extraction Shooters at a Glance (October 2026)PickGameBest overallARC RaidersMost hardcoreEscape from TarkovBest free-to-play on PCArena Breakout: InfiniteBest free-to-play on consoleDelta ForceBest for crossplay squadsMarathonBest PvPvE bounty huntHunt: Showdown 1896Best PvE-first open worldGray Zone WarfareBest fantasy extractionDark and DarkerBest PvE co-opThe Forever WinterWhat Makes a Good Multiplayer Extraction Shooter?A multiplayer extraction shooter is a shooter where players drop into a map, collect loot and must reach an extraction point to keep it. Players who die before extracting lose the gear they brought in and everything they found. Wikipedia describes the genre as the gameplay style "most notably seen in Escape from Tarkov," and most games in this list follow that loop of deploy, loot, survive and extract.The best multiplayer extraction shooters balance risk and reward, give a reason to return to the map, and keep matches tense without making every death feel wasted. The games below each appear in at least two of these places: Google's AI Overview, top-ranking extraction shooter lists such as Eneba's October 2026 hub, and Steam's Extraction Shooter tag. Release dates, developers and platforms come from Steam store data and official or reference pages, checked in October 2026.1. ARC RaidersARC Raiders is a third-person PvPvE extraction shooter from Embark Studios, released on October 30, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Players scavenge for loot and fight hostile ARC machines while other squads compete for the same resources. Embark dropped an earlier free-to-play plan, and the game launched at $40, per Wikipedia and Steam.ARC Raiders works as the best overall pick because it makes the genre approachable without removing the tension. Solo players and squads can both queue, the machines give fights that are not only player versus player, and Steam lists cross-platform multiplayer, so PC and console friends can group up. Eneba ranks ARC Raiders first in its October 2026 list, and lootandgrind uses it as the reference game for the genre.FactDetailsReleased2025DeveloperEmbark StudiosPlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SKinguinCompare ARC Raiders offers2. Escape from TarkovEscape from Tarkov is the hardcore first-person extraction shooter from Battlestate Games that defined the genre. After years in beta, Escape from Tarkov reached version 1.0 on November 15, 2025, the same day it launched on Steam, according to its Steam page and Wikipedia. The game runs on Windows only, and no console version has been released.Escape from Tarkov suits players who want deep, slow-paced simulation and long-term progression across raids. Tarkov is a paid game with no free-to-play or microtransaction elements, sold in several editions, and Battlestate also offers a separate PvE mode, so players can learn maps against AI before facing other players. The learning curve is steep, which is exactly why fans of the genre keep coming back.FactDetailsReleased2025 (1.0; beta since 2017)DeveloperBattlestate GamesPlatformsPCKinguinCompare Escape from Tarkov offers3. Arena Breakout: InfiniteArena Breakout: Infinite is a free-to-play tactical extraction shooter for PC from Morefun Studios, part of Tencent Games. Arena Breakout: Infinite entered early access on August 13, 2024, per Wikipedia, and Steam now lists a September 15, 2025 release date. The PC game builds on the Arena Breakout mobile shooter that launched globally in 2023.Arena Breakout: Infinite is the most common recommendation for players who want a Tarkov-style experience without paying up front. Eneba and lootandgrind both list Arena Breakout: Infinite as a free alternative with realistic, tactical raids. The game uses in-game purchases, so check the store before spending money on currency or gear.FactDetailsReleased2024 (early access), 2025 (Steam)DeveloperMorefun Studios (Tencent Games)PlatformsPCPriceFree-to-play4. MarathonMarathon is Bungie's sci-fi PvPvE extraction shooter, released on March 5, 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Players control Runners with distinct abilities, loot the map and fight both AI enemies and rival crews. Bungie set the standard edition at $39.99 rather than free-to-play, according to launch coverage from VGC and TechRadar.Marathon fits squads split across platforms, because Bungie supports full crossplay and cross-save between PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Marathon leans on Bungie's shooter experience from Destiny and Halo, and its sci-fi style stands out from the military look of most of the genre. Bungie said gameplay updates through 2026 would be free, including new maps and seasonal events, so the game keeps changing after launch.FactDetailsReleased2026DeveloperBungiePlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S5. Hunt: Showdown 1896Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a PvPvE bounty-hunting shooter from Crytek set in the American frontier of the 1890s. Hunt: Showdown entered early access on Steam in February 2018 and fully released on PC on August 27, 2019. Crytek relaunched the game as Hunt: Showdown 1896 on August 15, 2024 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and removed the PS4 and Xbox One versions, per Wikipedia.Hunt: Showdown 1896 plays slower than most shooters: teams hunt monsters for a bounty, then must carry it off the map while rival hunters close in. Hunt mixes PvP with AI enemies, and a hunter lost in a match is lost for good, which gives each round the same high stakes as any extraction shooter.FactDetailsReleased2019 (relaunched as 1896 in 2024)DeveloperCrytekPlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SKinguinCompare Hunt: Showdown 1896 offers6. Delta ForceDelta Force is a free-to-play military shooter from Team Jade, published by TiMi Studio Group, with an extraction mode called Hazard Operations. Delta Force launched on PC on January 20, 2025 after an open beta that started in December 2024, then reached PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on August 19, 2025, according to Wikipedia. Steam lists cross-platform multiplayer.Delta Force is the easiest free entry point for console players, since Arena Breakout: Infinite and Escape from Tarkov are PC-only. Hazard Operations follows the familiar loop of entering a zone with a loadout, looting and extracting before time runs out or a rival team takes the gear. Microtransactions in Delta Force are mostly cosmetic, so spending money is optional.FactDetailsReleased2025DeveloperTeam Jade (TiMi Studio Group)PlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, iOS, AndroidPriceFree-to-play7. Gray Zone WarfareGray Zone Warfare is a tactical first-person shooter from MADFINGER Games, set on a quarantined island in Southeast Asia torn apart by faction warfare. Gray Zone Warfare entered early access on Steam on April 30, 2024, runs on PC only, and remains in early access, with the studio still adding content before a full release.Gray Zone Warfare stands out because the Steam page calls it a "PvE-first open-world tactical shooter." Players take contracts from vendors, explore a large persistent map and extract with their gear, and the game also lists online PvP for those who want it. Gray Zone Warfare suits players who like military realism and slower, more methodical raids than arena-style shooters.FactDetailsReleased2024 (early access)DeveloperMADFINGER GamesPlatformsPCKinguinCompare Gray Zone Warfare offers8. Dark and DarkerDark and Darker is a first-person fantasy extraction game from South Korean studio IRONMACE, set in a dark medieval world of dungeons, monsters and traps. Dark and Darker entered early access in August 2023, arrived on Steam on June 7, 2024, and added free-to-play accounts in June 2024, with an optional paid upgrade for more features, per Wikipedia.Dark and Darker swaps guns for swords, bows and spells, but the loop is the same: enter the dungeon with a chosen class, loot, fight monsters and other parties, then escape alive to keep the gear. The game offers ten character classes, so team builds matter as much as reflexes. Dark and Darker is the best pick for players who want extraction tension in a fantasy setting.FactDetailsReleased2023 (early access), 2024 (Steam)DeveloperIRONMACEPlatformsPCKinguinCompare Dark and Darker offers9. The Forever WinterThe Forever Winter is a PvE co-op extraction shooter from Fun Dog Studios, set in a grim, endless war between AI-controlled factions. The Forever Winter entered early access on Steam on September 24, 2024 for PC, and lootandgrind notes that it is still in early access in 2026.The Forever Winter rewards careful scavenging over head-on fights. Squads team up against AI factions only, so there is no risk of losing gear to other players. The Forever Winter is one of the strongest answers to players asking for a co-op extraction shooter with no PvP.FactDetailsReleased2024 (early access)DeveloperFun Dog StudiosPlatformsPCModePvE co-op10. Incursion Red RiverIncursion Red River is a PvE tactical extraction shooter from German studio Games Of Tomorrow, available in early access on Steam since April 10, 2024. Incursion Red River supports single-player and online co-op, and lootandgrind notes that the game can also be played offline, which is rare in the genre.Incursion Red River suits players who like Tarkov-style loadouts and raids but prefer AI enemies over other players. Squads take missions, loot the map and extract against computer-controlled forces, which makes the game a practical training ground for the genre. Incursion Red River is a smaller indie project, so expect early access rough edges alongside regular updates.FactDetailsReleased2024 (early access)DeveloperGames Of Tomorrow GmbHPlatformsPCModePvE, solo or co-opWhich Extraction Shooter Should You Play?The right multiplayer extraction shooter depends on three things: platform, budget and how much PvP pressure a player wants. Escape from Tarkov, Arena Breakout: Infinite, Gray Zone Warfare and Dark and Darker are PC-only, while ARC Raiders, Marathon, Hunt: Showdown 1896 and Delta Force also run on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. For the paid games, buy the version that matches the platform your squad plays on, for example through Kinguin.Extraction shooters without PvP are a growing niche, and the table below sorts the list by play style so players can match a game to their group.Play styleGamesPvPvE, PC + consoleARC Raiders, Marathon, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Delta ForceHardcore PvPvE, PC onlyEscape from Tarkov, Arena Breakout: InfiniteFree-to-playArena Breakout: Infinite, Delta Force, Dark and DarkerPvE-first or PvE onlyGray Zone Warfare, The Forever Winter, Incursion Red RiverFantasy settingDark and DarkerFAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the best extraction shooter right now?ARC Raiders is the best overall extraction shooter in October 2026. It mixes PvP with AI machine enemies, supports solo and squad play, and runs on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Escape from Tarkov remains the deepest choice for hardcore PC players.What are some good co-op extraction shooter games?Good co-op extraction shooters include ARC Raiders, Marathon and Hunt: Showdown 1896 for squads that want PvP, plus The Forever Winter, Incursion Red River and Gray Zone Warfare for groups that prefer fighting AI enemies together.Is there an extraction shooter with no PvP?Yes. The Forever Winter and Incursion Red River are PvE extraction shooters where squads fight only AI enemies. Gray Zone Warfare is PvE-first, and Escape from Tarkov offers a separate PvE mode for players who want to learn maps without other players.Is there a single player extraction shooter?Incursion Red River supports single-player and can be played offline. Witchfire and Escape from Duckov, both listed in Eneba's extraction shooter guide, are also single-player games built around raid-style runs, but they are not multiplayer shooters.Are there free extraction shooters?Yes. Arena Breakout: Infinite is free-to-play on PC, Delta Force is free on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and mobile, and Dark and Darker has offered free accounts since June 2024, with an optional paid upgrade.SourcesSteam: ARC RaidersSteam: Escape from TarkovSteam: MarathonSteam: Hunt: Showdown 1896Steam: Gray Zone WarfareSteam: Extraction Shooter tagWikipedia: Extraction shooter
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This guide covers 11 games like Red Dead Redemption 2, picked from Google's AI Overview, top-ranking lists and Steam tags. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the closest overall match for story and open world, Red Dead Redemption is the direct predecessor, and Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, Weird West and Hunt: Showdown 1896 keep the Wild West setting.Key TakeawaysThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the most-cited RDR2 alternative, named by Google's AI Overview and GamesRadar.Red Dead Redemption, the 2010 predecessor, has been available on PC through Steam since October 29, 2024.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (2025) is the newest and most realism-focused pick among the 11 games like RDR2 in this guide.Every one of the 11 games like RDR2 in this guide is playable on PC, and most are also on PlayStation or Xbox.Games Like Red Dead Redemption 2 at a Glance (October 2026)PickGameBest overallThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntBest for the RDR storyRed Dead RedemptionBest Rockstar alternativeGrand Theft Auto VBest for honor and horseback travelGhost of TsushimaBest for realismKingdom Come: Deliverance IIBest western RPG moodFallout: New VegasBest western shooterCall of Juarez: GunslingerBest for Red Dead Online fansHunt: Showdown 1896What Makes a Game Like Red Dead Redemption 2?A game like Red Dead Redemption 2 combines a large open world with a slow, character-driven story. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a 2018 action-adventure game from Rockstar Games that follows Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the Van der Linde gang, as the Wild West declines around him. The best alternatives share at least one of its core strengths: frontier atmosphere, horseback travel, hunting, or moral choices that change how the story feels.The 11 games like Red Dead Redemption 2 in this guide were picked from sources that rank RDR2 alternatives: Google's AI Overview for the keyword, top search results such as GamesRadar, GameSpot and Everything Edinburgh, and Steam tags such as Western, Open World and Story Rich. Each game appears in at least two of those sources. Release years, developers and platforms come from Steam store pages and Wikipedia. Every game is playable on PC.The 11 games like RDR2 fall into three groups. Story-driven open worlds such as The Witcher 3 and Ghost of Tsushima match RDR2's scale. Westerns such as Call of Juarez: Gunslinger and Weird West match its setting. Hunt: Showdown 1896 is the option for players who mainly enjoy Red Dead Online. Each game's fact table lists its release year, developer and platforms, with a Kinguin price link where a listing exists.GameBest forReleasedThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntBest overall2015Red Dead RedemptionThe RDR story (direct follow-up)2010Grand Theft Auto VRockstar alternative2013Ghost of TsushimaHonor and horseback travel2020Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIRealism2025Fallout: New VegasWestern RPG mood2010Days GoneOutlaw story with a motorcycle instead of a horse2019Horizon Zero DawnHunting and tracking2017Call of Juarez: GunslingerWestern shooter2013Weird WestWestern with dark fantasy2022Hunt: Showdown 1896Red Dead Online fans20191. The Witcher 3: Wild HuntThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a 2015 action role-playing game from CD Projekt Red, played in an open world from a third-person perspective. The game is the third entry in the Witcher series and is based on the fantasy novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. The world mixes villages, cities and wilderness, and much of its reputation comes from side quests that carry as much weight as the main plot.The Witcher 3 is the pick that Google's AI Overview and GamesRadar both name among the closest matches to Red Dead Redemption 2. The two games share the same strengths: a large world that feels lived in, characters with real moral weight, and long rides on horseback between jobs. The setting is dark fantasy rather than the American frontier, but players who loved the slow, story-first pace of RDR2 tend to land here first.FactDetailsReleased2015DeveloperCD Projekt RedPlatformsPC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2KinguinCompare The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers2. Red Dead RedemptionRed Dead Redemption is the 2010 action-adventure game from Rockstar that came before Red Dead Redemption 2 in release order and after it in the story. The game is set in 1911, during the decline of the American frontier, and follows John Marston, a former outlaw forced by the government to hunt down members of his old gang. According to its Steam page, the PC version launched on October 29, 2024.Red Dead Redemption is the natural next step for anyone who finished RDR2, because it picks up the story of John Marston and the fallout of the Van der Linde gang. Google's AI Overview lists it alongside GTA V as a Rockstar game with the same signature open-world design. The PC release means the original no longer requires a console, which was the main barrier for PC players for over a decade.FactDetailsReleased2010DeveloperRockstar San Diego (PC port: Rockstar Games with Double Eleven)PlatformsPS3, Xbox 360, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, Xbox Series X|S, iOS, AndroidKinguinCompare Red Dead Redemption offers3. Grand Theft Auto VGrand Theft Auto V is a 2013 action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. The story takes place in the fictional state of San Andreas, based on Southern California, and follows three protagonists, Michael, Franklin and Trevor, as they plan heists under pressure from a corrupt government agency. On PC, Steam lists two editions today: Legacy and Enhanced.Grand Theft Auto V appears on the GamesRadar list and in Google's AI Overview because it comes from the same studio and shares much of RDR2's DNA: a dense open world, cinematic missions and plenty of dark humor. The pace is faster and the setting is modern, so cars replace horses. GTA V suits RDR2 fans who enjoyed the robberies and gang storyline more than the hunting and camp life.FactDetailsReleased2013DeveloperRockstar NorthPlatformsPC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|SKinguinCompare Grand Theft Auto V offersGet Red Dead Redemption 2 on Kinguin4. Ghost of TsushimaGhost of Tsushima is a 2020 action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Players control Jin Sakai, a samurai defending Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan. The PC version, Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, arrived on Steam on May 16, 2024. The open world can be explored on foot or on horseback.Ghost of Tsushima fits RDR2 fans because both games tell a story about a fighter torn between a code of honor and survival. Jin must choose between fighting honorably and using dishonorable methods to repel the Mongols, which echoes Arthur Morgan's struggle with his own past. Google's AI Overview highlights the horseback travel and sweeping open world, and the game also appears on retailer lists of RDR2 alternatives.FactDetailsReleased2020 (PC: 2024)DeveloperSucker Punch Productions (PC port: Nixxes Software)PlatformsPS4, PS5, PCKinguinCompare Ghost of Tsushima offers5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIKingdom Come: Deliverance II is a 2025 action role-playing game developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Deep Silver. The game launched on February 4, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and it is the sequel to Kingdom Come: Deliverance from 2018. Per Wikipedia, the game sold more than 6 million copies by June 2026, and a Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for 2027.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the most realism-focused of the 11 games like RDR2 in this guide, set in medieval Bohemia with no magic or monsters. Google's AI Overview describes the series as gritty and grounded with deep immersion, and GameSpot lists it as the choice for players who value realism. The game plays in first person and combat takes practice, but fans of RDR2's slow, detailed world often enjoy that challenge.FactDetailsReleased2025DeveloperWarhorse StudiosPlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SKinguinCompare Kingdom Come: Deliverance II offers6. Fallout: New VegasFallout: New Vegas is a 2010 action role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is set in the Mojave Desert, 204 years after a nuclear war, and the player controls a courier who survives an assassination attempt and gets pulled into a conflict between factions fighting for control of the region. The open world can be explored freely.Fallout: New Vegas earns its place because the Mojave setting gives it a post-apocalyptic western mood, with desert towns, outlaws and revolvers. GamesRadar ranks it among the best games like RDR2, and Google's AI Overview points to its player freedom, faction choices and character-driven side quests. The game is older and looks dated next to RDR2, but its writing and choices still hold up.FactDetailsReleased2010DeveloperObsidian EntertainmentPlatformsPC, PS3, Xbox 3607. Days GoneDays Gone is a 2019 action-adventure game developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is set in post-apocalyptic Oregon, two years after a pandemic turned part of humanity into zombie-like creatures. Players control Deacon St. John, a former outlaw biker searching for his wife Sarah, who may still be alive. According to Steam, the PC version came out on May 17, 2021.Days Gone swaps the horse for a motorcycle, but the structure feels familiar to RDR2 players: an outlaw with a past, camps to visit, and a large wilderness to cross between missions. GameSpot notes the game shares more with Red Dead Redemption 2 than many players expect, and other RDR2 lists include it for the same reason. Players who enjoyed traveling through RDR2's forests and mountains will find a similar rhythm here.FactDetailsReleased2019 (PC: 2021)DeveloperBend StudioPlatformsPS4, PS5, PCKinguinCompare Days Gone offers8. Horizon Zero DawnHorizon Zero Dawn is a 2017 action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic United States where robotic machines dominate the land and humans live in tribes. Players control Aloy, a young huntress searching for answers about her past. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered launched on Steam on October 31, 2024.Horizon Zero Dawn appeals to the hunter side of RDR2. Aloy tracks and takes down machines with ranged weapons, a spear and stealth, and the open world rewards careful preparation before each fight. The story is science fiction rather than a western, but the wide landscapes and the focus on hunting put it on several lists of RDR2 alternatives. The Remastered edition is the current version to buy on PC.FactDetailsReleased2017 (Remastered: 2024)DeveloperGuerrilla GamesPlatformsPS4, PS5, PCKinguinCompare Horizon Zero Dawn offers9. Call of Juarez: GunslingerCall of Juarez: Gunslinger is a 2013 Western-themed first-person shooter developed by Techland. The game launched in May 2013 for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and a Nintendo Switch port followed in December 2019. Gunslinger is the fourth game in the Call of Juarez series, but the story stands alone, so no earlier games are needed to follow it.Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is for RDR2 fans who want more of the Wild West and less of the slow pace. GamesRadar includes it in its list of games like RDR2, and Steam tags it as a Western. The game is a linear shooter, not an open world, so it focuses on gunfights and a story that moves from one shootout to the next. It is short and fast, which makes it a good break between longer games.FactDetailsReleased2013DeveloperTechlandPlatformsPC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch10. Weird WestWeird West is an action role-playing game developed by WolfEye Studios and published by Devolver Digital. The game was released for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on March 31, 2022, and a Definitive Edition followed on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on May 8, 2023. On Steam, the game is now sold as Weird West: Definitive Edition.Weird West mixes the American frontier with dark fantasy and supernatural horror, according to its Steam tags. GamesRadar lists it among the best games like RDR2, and Steam tags it as a Western and lists Choices Matter among its tags. The view is isometric rather than third-person, which feels very different from Rockstar's cinematic camera, but the choices and consequences in each story will feel familiar to RDR2 players.FactDetailsReleased2022DeveloperWolfEye StudiosPlatformsPC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S11. Hunt: Showdown 1896Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a first-person extraction shooter developed and published by Crytek. The game entered early access on Steam in February 2018 and fully launched on PC on August 27, 2019, with console versions following. Players take the role of bounty hunters who track and kill monsters to claim their bounties, then try to reach an extraction point while other players hunt them.Hunt: Showdown 1896 fits RDR2 players who spend most of their time in Red Dead Online. The 1890s frontier setting and bounty hunting give it a strong frontier feel, and GamesRadar ranks it among the best games like RDR2. Matches are tense and punishing, so Hunt is a multiplayer pick rather than a story game. Steam tags it as a Western.FactDetailsReleased2019DeveloperCrytekPlatformsPC, PlayStation, XboxFAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhich type of game is Red Dead Redemption 2?Red Dead Redemption 2 is a 2018 action-adventure game developed and published by Rockstar Games. The game is set in a fictional version of the United States in 1899 and is played from first- and third-person perspectives in an open world.What game is most similar to Red Dead Redemption 2?The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the game most often named as the closest match, including by Google's AI Overview and GamesRadar. For the same setting and characters, Red Dead Redemption from 2010 is the direct follow-up to RDR2's story.Is Red Dead Redemption 1 on PC?Yes. According to its Steam store page, Red Dead Redemption launched on PC on October 29, 2024. The original 2010 release was available only on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.What are the best western games like RDR2?Red Dead Redemption, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, Weird West and Hunt: Showdown 1896 all use a Wild West setting. Fallout: New Vegas is a post-apocalyptic game, but its Mojave Desert setting gives it a strong western mood.Which games like RDR2 let you ride horses?The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Ghost of Tsushima, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Red Dead Redemption all feature horseback travel across an open world. Days Gone uses a motorcycle instead of a horse.SourcesSteam: Red Dead Redemption 2Steam: Red Dead Redemption (PC)Steam: The Witcher 3: Wild HuntSteam: Kingdom Come: Deliverance IISteam: Ghost of Tsushima Director's CutGamesRadar: Games like Red Dead Redemption 2
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This guide covers the 12 best battle royale games to play in 2026, from shooters to party and puzzle games. A battle royale is a last-player-standing match on a shrinking map. Fortnite is the best overall pick, Apex Legends the most competitive, Call of Duty: Warzone and PUBG: Battlegrounds the top military shooters, and Fall Guys the best non-violent option.Key TakeawaysFortnite is the most-played battle royale in 2026, according to the Escapist, and runs on PC, consoles and mobile.Apex Legends, Warzone, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Battlefield REDSEC and Naraka: Bladepoint are all free to play on Steam.Battlefield REDSEC, released on October 28, 2025, is the newest major battle royale among the 12 in this guide.Fall Guys, Super Animal Royale, Totally Accurate Battlegrounds and Tetris 99 are lighter options for casual players and families.Best Battle Royale Games at a Glance (October 2026)PickGameBest overallFortniteMost competitiveApex LegendsBest military shooterCall of Duty: WarzoneMost realisticPUBG: BattlegroundsBest destructionBattlefield REDSECBest melee combatNaraka: BladepointBest party gameFall GuysBest cartoon pickSuper Animal RoyaleBest on Nintendo SwitchTetris 99What Makes a Good Battle Royale Game in 2026A battle royale game is an online multiplayer game in which many players start with little or no gear, scavenge for weapons and fight until one player or team is left, while a shrinking safe zone pushes everyone together. According to Wikipedia, the genre takes its name from the 2000 Japanese film Battle Royale and grew out of mods for DayZ and Arma 3 by Brendan Greene, who later led PUBG.The 12 battle royale games in this guide were chosen because each appears in at least two sources: Google's AI Overview, recent 2026 rankings from the Escapist, FandomWire and Eneba, or Steam's store tags. Release years, developers and platforms come from Steam store pages, official sites and Wikipedia. Most of these 12 battle royale games are free to play and available on PC, with Tetris 99 as the Nintendo Switch exception.GameBest forReleasedFortniteBest overall2017Apex LegendsCompetitive team play2019Call of Duty: WarzoneMilitary shooter2020PUBG: BattlegroundsRealism2017Battlefield REDSECDestruction2025Naraka: BladepointMelee combat2021Fall GuysParty game without guns2020Super Animal RoyaleCartoon 2D action2021Blood StrikeQuick matches on mobile or lower-end PCs2023 (mobile), 2025 (Steam)Farlight 84Apex-style abilities on mobile2023Totally Accurate BattlegroundsSlapstick physics fun2018Tetris 99Puzzle battle royale on Nintendo Switch20191. FortniteFortnite is Epic Games' free-to-play battle royale, launched in September 2017 according to Wikipedia. Players drop onto an island, loot weapons and fight to be the last one standing while a storm shrinks the map. Fortnite runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile, and the Escapist calls it the most-played battle royale in 2026.Fortnite fits almost every type of player because it offers two ways to fight. Build mode lets players raise walls and ramps in seconds, while Zero Build removes building and plays like a standard shooter. Constant seasons, live events and crossover skins keep the map changing, though FandomWire notes that returning players may need time to relearn the game after long breaks.FactDetailsReleased2017DeveloperEpic GamesPlatformsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, mobileKinguinCompare Fortnite offers2. Apex LegendsApex Legends is a free-to-play hero shooter and battle royale from Respawn Entertainment, released in February 2019. According to Wikipedia, Apex Legends passed 50 million player accounts within its first month. Squads pick Legends, characters with their own abilities, and fight across large maps with sliding, climbing and fast gunplay.Apex Legends is the pick for players who want team tactics and a high skill ceiling. The Escapist ranks Apex Legends as the most competitive battle royale, and FandomWire places it first in its September 2026 ranking for movement and gunplay. New players should expect a steep learning curve, and FandomWire also lists cheating and matchmaking complaints.FactDetailsReleased2019DeveloperRespawn Entertainment (published by Electronic Arts)PlatformsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchKinguinCompare Apex Legends offers3. Call of Duty: WarzoneCall of Duty: Warzone is Activision's free-to-play battle royale, first released in March 2020 according to Wikipedia, which also reports more than 50 million players in its first month. The current version of Warzone launched on Steam on November 16, 2022, and is built by several Call of Duty studios, including Infinity Ward and Raven Software.Call of Duty: Warzone suits players who like modern military shooters and Call of Duty gunplay. The Gulag gives eliminated players a one-on-one duel for a second chance, and Buy Stations let squads purchase loadouts and revives, as FandomWire describes. The Escapist highlights the Verdansk map and the smaller Rebirth Island, and Resurgence modes on Steam offer shorter matches with respawns.FactDetailsReleased2020DeveloperActivision (Infinity Ward, Raven Software and other Call of Duty studios)PlatformsPC, PlayStation, Xbox4. PUBG: BattlegroundsPUBG: Battlegrounds is the game that, in its own Steam description, "started the Battle Royale craze." PUBG entered early access in March 2017 and set a Steam record of over 1.3 million concurrent players that September, according to Wikipedia. PUBG: Battlegrounds is now free to play, and a separate PUBG Mobile version runs on phones.PUBG: Battlegrounds is the most realistic of the 12 battle royale games in this guide. Ballistics, vehicles and slow, careful positioning matter more than flashy abilities, and the Escapist calls PUBG the most hardcore battle royale. FandomWire notes that PUBG has changed less than its rivals over the years, which is a plus for players who want the classic loot-and-survive formula.FactDetailsReleased2017DeveloperPUBG Studios (published by Krafton)PlatformsPC, PlayStation, XboxKinguinCompare PUBG: Battlegrounds offers5. Battlefield REDSECBattlefield REDSEC is a free-to-play battle royale built on Battlefield 6, released on October 28, 2025, according to its Steam page. Squads drop into Fort Lyndon, a fictional military facility in Southern California. REDSEC also includes Rapid Royale, a variant with fewer players and faster circles, plus a Gauntlet mode mentioned by the Escapist.Battlefield REDSEC stands out for destruction: players can blow holes in walls and bring buildings down, which changes how fights play out. Battlefield's class system also gives squads clear roles. The Escapist still calls REDSEC unproven, and FandomWire lists player complaints about audio cues, hit registration and performance, so expect some rough edges.FactDetailsReleased2025DeveloperBattlefield Studios (published by Electronic Arts)PlatformsPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S6. Naraka: BladepointNaraka: Bladepoint is a free-to-play battle royale from 24 Entertainment, released on Steam on August 11, 2021. Combat in Naraka centers on swords, spears and martial arts, with grappling hooks and parkour for moving across mountains and rooftops. The game's Steam page says more than 40 million players have joined.Naraka: Bladepoint is the best choice for players tired of gun-only battle royales. Fights depend on combos, parries and counters, so reading an opponent matters as much as aim. FandomWire ranks Naraka third in its 2026 list but warns about a steep learning curve, so new players should plan to spend time in training modes first.FactDetailsReleased2021Developer24 Entertainment (published by NetEase Games)PlatformsPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox7. Fall GuysFall Guys is a free party battle royale from Mediatonic, first released in August 2020 and now published by Epic Games. Instead of shooting, players race through obstacle courses and minigames, and each round eliminates part of the lobby until one winner takes the crown. Fall Guys supports crossplay, cross-platform parties and cross-progression through an Epic Games account.Fall Guys works well for families, younger players and anyone who wants a battle royale without guns. Matches are short and chaotic thanks to wobbly physics. Fall Guys Creative lets players build and share their own rounds, which keeps the content pool fresh, although FandomWire notes that some rounds can feel repetitive after many hours.FactDetailsReleased2020DeveloperMediatonic (published by Epic Games)PlatformsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchKinguinCompare Fall Guys offers8. Super Animal RoyaleSuper Animal Royale is a free-to-play, top-down 2D battle royale from Pixile for up to 64 players, according to both its Steam page and official site. Players control animals armed with guns across an abandoned safari park, solo or in squads of up to four. The official site lists PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox, with cross-platform play.Super Animal Royale is a good fit for players who want a lighter, cartoon take on the genre. The 2D view makes matches easy to read, and the free Super Animal World expansion adds fishing, hamsterball races and story quests between fights. The official site reports more than 13 million players so far.FactDetailsReleased2021DeveloperPixilePlatformsPC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch9. Blood StrikeBlood Strike is a free-to-play shooter from NetEase Games that started on mobile and came to Steam on March 13, 2025. Blood Strike offers Battle Royale alongside Squad Fight and Hot Zone modes. Players pick Strikers, characters with active and passive abilities such as drones and shield walls, and customize their weapon loadouts.Blood Strike is aimed at players who want quick matches on a phone or a lower-end PC. Google's AI Overview describes Blood Strike as mobile-first and built for fast rounds, and FandomWire mentions frequent crossover events and limited-time modes. FandomWire also notes that the gunplay is less refined than in bigger shooters, so expect a more casual feel.FactDetailsReleased2023 (mobile); 2025 (Steam)DeveloperNetEase GamesPlatformsPC, mobile10. Farlight 84Farlight 84 is a free-to-play hero shooter battle royale from Farlight Games, released on Steam on September 21, 2023. According to its Steam page, Farlight 84 drops 60 players into squads of three, with heroes, pet Buddies, wall-running, ziplines and vehicles. Some modes also give players unlimited respawns, which keeps the pace high.Farlight 84 suits players who like Apex-style abilities but want a game that runs well on mobile. Jetpacks and vehicles make movement a big part of every fight. FandomWire recommends Farlight 84 mainly for mobile players, noting a small PC community and that changes to the movement system upset some long-time fans.FactDetailsReleased2023DeveloperFarlight GamesPlatformsPC, mobile11. Totally Accurate BattlegroundsTotally Accurate Battlegrounds, or TABG, is a free physics-based battle royale from Landfall, released on Steam on June 5, 2018. According to the Steam page, matches hold up to 60 players in solo, duo or squad modes, with more than 90 weapons, including inflatable hammers and balloon crossbows.Totally Accurate Battlegrounds is the battle royale for players who care more about laughs than rankings. Wobbly ragdoll physics turn every fight into slapstick, and the small map keeps matches short. TABG is a PC-only game and free on Steam, which makes it an easy download for a group of friends.FactDetailsReleased2018DeveloperLandfallPlatformsPC12. Tetris 99Tetris 99 is a battle royale version of Tetris for Nintendo Switch, released in 2019, in which 99 players compete at the same time, according to Wikipedia. Clearing lines sends garbage blocks to opponents, and the last player whose stack has not overflowed wins. Tetris 99 requires an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, as FandomWire notes.Tetris 99 proves that battle royale is a format, not just a shooter genre. Tetris 99 has no guns, loot or maps, only puzzle skill and smart targeting of other players. Tetris 99 is a Nintendo Switch exclusive, so it is the right pick for Switch owners who want a short, competitive match without a shooter's learning curve.FactDetailsReleased2019DeveloperArika (published by Nintendo)PlatformsNintendo SwitchFAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the top 10 battle royale games?Based on 2026 rankings and Google results, the top battle royale games are Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Battlefield REDSEC, Naraka: Bladepoint, Fall Guys, Super Animal Royale, Blood Strike and Farlight 84. This guide's 12 picks also include Totally Accurate Battlegrounds and Tetris 99.Which is the no. 1 battle royale game?Fortnite is the no. 1 battle royale game in 2026 by popularity. The Escapist calls Fortnite the most-played battle royale, and it runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. For competitive play, many rankings put Apex Legends first.What are some good battle royale games?Good battle royale games depend on taste. Apex Legends and Warzone suit shooter fans, PUBG: Battlegrounds suits realism fans, and Naraka: Bladepoint offers melee combat. Fall Guys, Super Animal Royale and Tetris 99 are good picks for casual players and kids.What's the most popular battle royale game?Fortnite is the most popular battle royale game, according to the Escapist's 2026 ranking and Google's AI Overview. On mobile, PUBG Mobile is also a major title. Player counts differ between sources, so treat any single number with caution.Are battle royale games free to play?Most major battle royale games are free to play. Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Battlefield REDSEC, Naraka: Bladepoint and Fall Guys cost nothing to download and earn money from cosmetics and battle passes. Tetris 99 needs a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.SourcesWikipedia: Battle royale gameSteam: PUBG: BattlegroundsSteam: Apex LegendsSteam: Call of Duty: WarzoneSteam: Battlefield REDSECSteam: Naraka: BladepointSuper Animal Royale official siteThe Escapist: Best Battle Royale Games (Feb 2026)
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This guide covers Fortnite crossplay on every platform in 2026. Crossplay means players on different devices can party up and play in the same matches. Fortnite is fully crossplay: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, iPhone, iPad and Android all share matches. Only PlayStation and Xbox players can turn crossplay off.Key TakeawaysFortnite crossplay works across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2, Switch and mobile, and it is on by default.Epic Games says crossplay cannot be disabled on Nintendo Switch, PC or mobile; PlayStation and Xbox players can switch it off.Items and progress follow one Epic Games account to every platform, but V-Bucks bought on Nintendo Switch stay on Switch.Turning crossplay off means longer queues, and Epic warns some modes may then only work in Solo.Fortnite Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)Platform or featureStatusPC (Windows)Crossplay on, cannot be turned offPS5 and PS4Crossplay on by default, can be turned off in Fortnite settingsXbox Series X|S and Xbox OneCrossplay on by default, controlled by the Xbox cross-network play settingNintendo Switch 2 and SwitchCrossplay on, no off switchiPhone, iPad and AndroidCrossplay on, cannot be turned offMacNo up-to-date native version; play through cloud gamingItems and progressShared across platforms via one Epic Games accountPurchased V-BucksShared, except V-Bucks bought on Nintendo SwitchIs Fortnite Crossplay? Every Platform in 2026Fortnite is one of the few big multiplayer games with full crossplay on every platform it supports. A PS5 player can squad up with a friend on Xbox Series X, a teammate on Nintendo Switch 2 and another on an Android phone, all in the same Battle Royale match. Crossplay is switched on by default, so on most devices there is nothing to enable. Players only need to sign in with an Epic Games account and add each other as friends.Fortnite mobile availability changed in 2026. Fortnite returned to Google Play worldwide on March 19, 2026, as reported by Engadget and MobileSyrup, and to Apple's App Store in every country except Australia in May 2026, according to PocketGamer.biz. Mobile players on iPhone, iPad and Android join the same crossplay pool as console and PC players, and cloud gaming players sign in with the same Epic account.Mac is the one gap in Fortnite crossplay. Community guides report that the native Mac version has not been updated since 2020, so it cannot join current matches. Mac players can still reach the current version through cloud gaming services such as GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming, which play with everyone else.PlatformCrossplayCan you turn it off?PC (Windows)YesNoPS5 and PS4YesYes, in Fortnite settingsXbox Series X|S and Xbox OneYesYes, in Xbox privacy settingsNintendo Switch 2 and SwitchYesNoiPhone, iPad and AndroidYesNoMac (native)No current versionNot applicableCan PC Fortnite Play With PS5, PS4 and Xbox?Yes, PC Fortnite players can play with friends on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Fortnite does not split PC and console into separate games, so a Windows player can invite a PlayStation friend straight into a party. The only condition on the console side is that crossplay is still on. If a PlayStation player has set Allow Cross Platform Play to No, that player cannot join a party with anyone on PC.PS4 and PS5 Fortnite players also play together, and so do Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players. Fortnite treats older and newer consoles as one player base, so cross-generation play needs no extra setting. The same applies to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, according to Epic, which says Fortnite content and progress transfer to Switch 2 when a player signs in with the same Nintendo and Epic Games accounts.How to Turn Fortnite Crossplay On or OffFortnite crossplay can only be turned off on PlayStation and Xbox. According to Epic Games Help, it is currently not possible to disable crossplay on Nintendo Switch, PC or mobile. Community guides report that Switch 2 has no toggle either. On PlayStation, the switch lives inside Fortnite. Epic lists these steps:PlayStation: in the Fortnite lobby, open the Menu and select the gear icon.PlayStation: choose Settings, then the Account and Privacy tab.PlayStation: scroll to Gameplay Privacy and find Allow Cross Platform Play.PlayStation: set it to Yes to turn crossplay on or No to turn it off.Xbox: press the Xbox button and go to Profile & system, then Settings, Account, Privacy & online safety, Xbox privacy.Xbox: choose View details & customize, then Communication & multiplayer.Xbox: set "You can join cross-network play" to Allow (crossplay on) or Block (crossplay off), then restart Fortnite.Epic Games Account Linking: How Fortnite Crossplay WorksFortnite crossplay and cross-progression both run through one Epic Games account. PC and mobile players sign in to Epic directly. On PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo consoles, Fortnite connects the console account to an Epic Games account. Friends on other platforms add each other by Epic display name, not by PSN Online ID or Xbox Gamertag, so asking a friend for the exact Epic name saves time.Epic Games account linking has one trap: progress on two accounts cannot be combined. Epic Games Help says that if different progress shows on different platforms, a player has to pick which platform's progress to keep and sync that one. For Nintendo, Nintendo Support adds that only one Nintendo Account can be linked to a given Epic account, and a different Nintendo Account cannot be linked to it later, even after unlinking. The safest habit is to link every console to the main Epic account before playing on it.Fortnite Cross-Progression: What Carries Over and What Doesn'tFortnite has full cross-progression for items and progress. According to Epic Games Help, any items purchased with V-Bucks are available on all platforms where a player uses the same Epic Games account. An Outfit bought on PS5 is already in the Locker on Switch 2, PC or iPhone. Pass progress and account level follow the account the same way, so switching devices does not reset anything.Fortnite V-Bucks are the exception to cross-progression. Epic Games Help says most platforms use the Fortnite Shared Wallet, but V-Bucks purchased on Nintendo Switch are not shared with other platforms, and V-Bucks bought elsewhere show as 0 on Switch. V-Bucks earned through Fortnite Passes, Quest Packs or Save the World are shared everywhere. Players who split time between Switch and another console should buy V-Bucks for the platform where they plan to spend them, for example a V-Bucks card for that platform from a store like Kinguin.What you haveShared across platforms?Outfits, Emotes and other Locker itemsYesPass progress and account levelYesV-Bucks earned from Passes, Quest Packs, Save the WorldYesV-Bucks bought on PC, PlayStation, Xbox or AndroidYes, except on Nintendo SwitchV-Bucks bought on Nintendo SwitchNo, Switch onlyInput-Based Matchmaking: Controller vs Keyboard and MouseFortnite input-based matchmaking groups players by the device they use to play, not only by platform. Epic announced the system in 2018 so that controller players face controller players and keyboard-and-mouse players face keyboard-and-mouse players. Reports from that rollout, including TechRadar and MP1st, say console players who use a keyboard and mouse are placed in the PC matchmaking pool.Fortnite party rules for mixed inputs are reported by players and community guides rather than spelled out in current Epic documentation. According to those reports, if anyone in a party uses a keyboard and mouse, the whole party is matched against keyboard-and-mouse players, and partying with a PC player places the group in the PC pool regardless of input. Epic has not published an updated rulebook, so treat these details as how players describe it working in 2026.Why Is Fortnite Not Letting Me Play Cross-Platform?Fortnite crossplay problems almost always come from a setting or an account, not from the game blocking a platform. Epic says crossplay significantly lowers queue times and warns that if crossplay is disabled, some game modes may only work in Solo. When a friend on another platform cannot join, work through this checklist:Check that every PlayStation player has Allow Cross Platform Play set to Yes.Check that every Xbox player has "You can join cross-network play" set to Allow; on a child account a parent changes this in Xbox Family Settings.Search for the friend's Epic display name, not their console name.Confirm each player is signed in to the Epic account that holds their progress.Ask parents to check Fortnite Parental Controls, which can require a PIN for friend requests on younger players' accounts.Restart Fortnite after changing any setting.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PC Fortnite play with PS5?Yes. PC and PS5 players share Fortnite parties and matches through crossplay. The PS5 player needs Allow Cross Platform Play set to Yes in Fortnite's Account and Privacy settings, and both players add each other by Epic display name.Can PC and PS4 play Fortnite together?Yes. Fortnite crossplay covers PS4 as well as PS5, so PC and PS4 players can party up. Crossplay must be on for the PlayStation player, which is the default setting in Fortnite.Can Fortnite do cross-platform?Yes. Fortnite runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, iPhone, iPad and Android, and all of them play together. Items and progress follow one Epic Games account, but V-Bucks bought on Switch stay on Switch.Why is Fortnite not letting me play cross-platform?Usually a setting is off. PlayStation players need Allow Cross Platform Play on Yes, and Xbox players need cross-network play allowed in Xbox privacy settings. Also check that you searched the friend's Epic display name and that Parental Controls are not blocking requests.Can you turn off crossplay in Fortnite on Switch 2?No. Epic Games says crossplay cannot be disabled on Nintendo Switch, PC or mobile, and players report the same on Switch 2. Only PlayStation and Xbox players can play in console-only lobbies.SourcesEpic Games Help: How do I turn Fortnite crossplay On or Off from my console?Epic Games Help: Why don't all of my V-Bucks transfer across platforms?Epic Games Help: Nintendo Switch 1 / Nintendo Switch 2 progress transferEpic Games Help: How do I get my Nintendo progress to sync with all my other devices?Fortnite FAQ (official)Xbox Support: How do multiplayer games and communication work for cross-network play?Nintendo Support: How to link/unlink an Epic account from your Nintendo Account
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This guide covers Dead Island 2 crossplay, cross-gen play and co-op as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms share one session. Dead Island 2 has no crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox and PC. Only Steam and Epic Games Store players can play together, and consoles support cross-gen co-op within one brand, up to 3 players.Key TakeawaysDead Island 2 has no crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox and PC, according to Deep Silver's Technical FAQs.Steam and Epic Games Store players can play together on PC, a feature that arrived with the Steam release on April 22, 2024.PS4 and PS5 players can play together, and so can Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players.Online co-op supports up to 3 players and unlocks during the "Call the Cavalry" mission.Dead Island 2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPlayStation + XboxNo crossplayPC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplaySteam + Epic Games Store (PC)Yes, PC crossplay since the Steam launch on April 22, 2024PS4 + PS5Yes, cross-gen play supportedXbox One + Xbox Series X|SYes, cross-gen play supportedCo-op player countUp to 3 players, online story co-opWhen co-op unlocksAt Emma's mansion during the "Call the Cavalry" missionCross-save between platformsNot announcedConsole crossplay announcedNoIs Dead Island 2 Crossplay? The Short AnswerDead Island 2 is not crossplay between consoles and PC. Deep Silver's Technical FAQs answer the question directly: "No, Dead Island 2 will not support cross-play." PlayStation players can only join PlayStation players, Xbox players can only join Xbox players, and PC players cannot join either console family. As of October 2026, the publisher has not announced any change to that rule.Dead Island 2 does have two narrower kinds of shared play. On PC, Steam and Epic Games Store players can join each other, which PLAION describes as cross-play functionality for PC versions only. On consoles, cross-gen play is supported, so a PS4 owner can play with a PS5 owner, and an Xbox One owner can play with an Xbox Series X|S owner.Dead Island 2 co-op is online only and supports up to 3 players in the story campaign, according to Deep Silver. The co-op feature unlocks early in the story, and every player keeps their own progress. Details on hosting, unlocking and progression are covered in the co-op section below.Can You Crossplay Dead Island 2 on Xbox and PS5?Xbox and PS5 players cannot play Dead Island 2 together. The game has no crossplay between console brands, so a PS5 owner and an Xbox Series X|S owner cannot share a session, and the same applies to PS4 with Xbox One. A PLAION developer confirmed on the Steam forums in February 2024 that cross-console functionality was not available, and Deep Silver's FAQ still says the game does not support cross-play.PC and Xbox console players cannot play Dead Island 2 together either. The PC version's crossplay only connects Steam and Epic Games Store players, so a friend on an Xbox Series X|S cannot join a lobby hosted on a PC, and a PC player cannot join an Xbox session. PlayStation and PC are separated in the same way, with no setting or menu option that connects them.Dead Island 2 has no announced cross-save between platforms either. Progress on PlayStation stays on PlayStation, progress on Xbox stays on Xbox, and PC saves stay on PC. A mixed group that wants to play together needs one platform family, which in practice means at least one player switching to the platform the rest of the group uses.Steam and Epic Games: How PC Crossplay WorksDead Island 2 launched on PC as an Epic Games Store exclusive on April 21, 2023, and came to Steam on April 22, 2024, according to the Steam announcement covered by GamingOnLinux. PLAION's Steam FAQ states that the game has "cross-play functionality for PC versions only, so it is possible for friends to play together on Steam and Epic Games."Steam players do not need the Epic Games Launcher to play Dead Island 2. The game does use Epic Online Services for its online features, according to PLAION Support. To invite friends who own the game on Epic, a Steam player has to link an Epic Games account, because PLAION's FAQ says the link is needed to sync friends lists. Random matchmaking can mix Steam and Epic players without that link, according to the same FAQ.PC crossplay in Dead Island 2 is a setting players can turn on or off in the game options, according to PLAION's Steam FAQ. Steam and Epic players who cannot see each other should check that crossplay is enabled on both sides and that the Epic account link is in place before trying anything else.Launch Dead Island 2 on Steam and link your Epic Games account when prompted, or from the game's account options.Check that crossplay is enabled in the game settings on both PCs.Add your Epic friend so they appear in your synced friends list.Reach the "Call the Cavalry" mission so co-op is unlocked, then send the invite.Get Dead Island 2 on KinguinCross-Gen Play: PS4 With PS5, Xbox One With Xbox Series X|SDead Island 2 supports cross-gen play inside each console family. Deep Silver's Technical FAQs confirm: "Yes, Dead Island 2 will support cross-gen." A PS4 owner can join a PS5 owner, and an Xbox One owner can join an Xbox Series X|S owner. Cross-gen play never crosses brands, so a PS4 owner still cannot join an Xbox Series X|S session.Hosting on older consoles had limits at launch. Deep Silver's co-op guide said base PS4, Xbox One and Xbox One S consoles could join co-op games but would not be able to host at launch, while PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC could host. Mixed-generation groups were advised to let a current-gen or PC player start the session.Later patches changed the hosting picture. Dead Island 2 Patch Notes #2 listed fixes that enable players on Gen 8 consoles to host co-op games, and players report that sessions hosted on a Gen 8 console are capped at 2 players instead of 3. For a full group of three, the safest choice is still to have a PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC player host.How Dead Island 2 Co-op Works: Player Count, Unlock and ProgressDead Island 2 co-op supports up to 3 players in the full story campaign. Deep Silver explains the limit by saying that "capping at 3 players kept the combat challenging with just the right amount of zombies." Co-op is optional, and the whole campaign can be played solo. Sessions are peer-to-peer, so one player hosts and the other two join the host's game.Dead Island 2 co-op unlocks once you reach Emma's mansion during the "Call the Cavalry" mission, which Deep Silver puts at roughly 20 to 30 minutes into the game. Before that point, the co-op option is not available. A group starting fresh should each play the opening alone, then meet up once every player has reached the mansion.Progress in Dead Island 2 co-op is saved per player, whether you host or join. According to Deep Silver, a player cannot jump ahead in the story, so someone on mission three cannot join a friend who is on mission six. The friend who is further ahead can join the other player's game to help and keeps their own story progress.Co-op ruleDead Island 2Max players3Co-op typeOnline, peer-to-peer, host-basedUnlocksEmma's mansion, "Call the Cavalry" missionProgressSaved per player, host or clientJoining a friend further aheadNot possibleSolo playAlways availableWill Dead Island 2 Ever Be Crossplay?Deep Silver and Dambuster Studios have not announced plans to add console crossplay to Dead Island 2. As of October 2026, Deep Silver's Technical FAQs still state that the game does not support cross-play, and the only crossplay added after launch is the Steam and Epic connection on PC that arrived with the Steam release in April 2024.The publisher has not explained why console crossplay is missing, so any reason found online is a guess. Players hoping for PlayStation, Xbox and PC players in one lobby should plan around the current rules rather than wait for an update: same platform family, any console generation, and on PC either Steam or Epic.How to Play Dead Island 2 With Friends: ChecklistA Dead Island 2 group of up to three players needs a shared platform family before anything else. The checklist below covers the steps that matter, from platform choice to who should host. Following the steps before buying or reinstalling avoids the most common problem, which is a friend on a platform that can never join your session.Buying Dead Island 2 to join friends works best when the copy matches the group's platform. If you buy it on Kinguin, pick the version for the platform your friends play on, whether that is PlayStation, Xbox or PC, where Steam and Epic copies can play together.Agree on one platform family: PlayStation, Xbox or PC.On consoles, any generation works: PS4 and PS5 together, or Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S together.On PC, Steam and Epic copies both work; Steam players should link an Epic account to invite Epic friends.Let a PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC player host when the group has three people.Each player reaches Emma's mansion in "Call the Cavalry" to unlock co-op.The player furthest behind in the story hosts, so everyone can join.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsWill Dead Island 2 ever be crossplay?No console crossplay has been announced. As of October 2026, Deep Silver's FAQ still says Dead Island 2 does not support cross-play. The only crossplay added after launch connects Steam and Epic Games Store players on PC, which arrived with the Steam release in April 2024.Can you crossplay Dead Island 2 on Xbox and PS5?No. Xbox and PS5 players cannot play Dead Island 2 together, on any console generation. Cross-gen play only works inside one brand: PS4 with PS5, or Xbox One with Xbox Series X|S. To play with a friend on the other brand, one of you needs to switch platforms.How do you play Dead Island 2 crossplay on PC?Steam and Epic players can join each other. Turn on crossplay in the game settings, and Steam players should link an Epic Games account to sync friends lists and invite Epic friends. Co-op becomes available after reaching Emma's mansion in the "Call the Cavalry" mission.Can PC and Xbox play Dead Island 2 together?No. Dead Island 2 has no crossplay between PC and Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. PLAION says crossplay applies to PC versions only, meaning Steam and Epic Games Store players. Xbox console players can only join other Xbox players.How many players can play Dead Island 2 co-op?Up to 3 players can play Dead Island 2 co-op online, according to Deep Silver. Sessions are host-based, and each player keeps their own story progress and items after leaving a session.SourcesDeep Silver: Dead Island 2 Technical FAQsDeep Silver: Everything you need to know about co-opPLAION on Steam Community: Dead Island 2 Steam FAQPLAION Support: Epic Online Services FAQ ClarificationGamingOnLinux: Dead Island 2 hits Steam in April
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This guide covers Risk of Rain 2 crossplay on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms or stores share one lobby. Risk of Rain 2 is only partly cross-platform: Steam and Epic Games Store players can play together after opting in, but PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch cannot join each other.Key TakeawaysSteam and Epic Games Store players can play Risk of Rain 2 together, but only when everyone has the crossplay option turned on.PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch players cannot share a Risk of Rain 2 lobby with each other.According to 2K Support, PS4 with PS5 and Xbox One with Xbox Series X|S play stops working with the next console update.Hallowed Concepts, released October 8, 2026, is playable on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, not on older consoles.Risk of Rain 2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)PlatformsCan they play together?Steam + Epic Games Store (PC)Yes, opt-in crossplay; both players must enable itPC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplayPlayStation + XboxNo crossplayPS4 + PS5 / Xbox One + Xbox Series X|SYes for now; 2K says it ends with the next console updateNintendo Switch + any other platformNo crossplayNew content on PS4, Xbox One, SwitchNone after January 29, 2026, per 2KOnline co-opUp to 4 players (you plus three friends)Split-screen couch co-opPS5 and Xbox Series X|S only (added August 27, 2024)Latest DLCHallowed Concepts, out October 8, 2026 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)Is Risk of Rain 2 Cross-Platform? The Short AnswerRisk of Rain 2 is cross-platform only on PC, and only between two stores. Since the game launched on the Epic Games Store in November 2024, 2K Support confirms that Epic Games Store has crossplay with Steam. Steam players must opt in first, so a Steam copy and an Epic copy can share a run of up to four players once both sides switch the option on.Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay between PC and consoles, and none between PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. Each console family keeps its own player base. Inside a console family, the picture is changing in 2026: PS4 and PS5 players can still play together for now, and so can Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, but 2K has announced that this cross-generation play will end.How to Enable Crossplay in Risk of Rain 2 on Steam and EpicRisk of Rain 2 crossplay on PC is opt-in, and 2K Support stresses one rule above the rest: players who have opted in and players who have not cannot play together. If a Steam friend cannot join your lobby, one of you is on the other setting. Changing the setting requires a game restart, and it can be switched off again at any time from the same settings menu.Risk of Rain 2 account linking matters for mixed Steam and Epic groups: Steam players who want to invite Epic friends directly should link the two accounts in the Options menu. According to 2K Support, a linked Steam account can invite and receive invites from Epic users as well as from crossplay-enabled Steam users. The steps below follow the official 2K guide.Launch Risk of Rain 2 on Steam and open multiplayer. The first time, a notification offers to enable crossplay.Enable crossplay from that notification, or later in the game settings.Restart the game so the change takes effect.To invite Epic friends, choose the account-linking option in the Options menu and sign in to your Epic account in the browser window (create one if needed).Join Epic players with a Lobby ID from a public lobby, through the Epic Games Store overlay, or by inviting them from the in-game lobby.Is Risk of Rain 2 Crossplay Between Xbox, PlayStation and PC?Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay between Xbox and PC, and none between PlayStation and PC. That applies to both PC stores, Steam and Epic Games Store. The official 2K crossplay guide describes Steam and Epic only, and no update since then has added console players to PC lobbies, according to the Risk of Rain 2 Wiki and the crossplay tracker iscrossplay.com.PlayStation and Xbox players also cannot play Risk of Rain 2 together on any console generation. A PS5 owner and an Xbox Series X|S owner need the same platform to share a run. Progress does not appear to carry across platforms either; according to iscrossplay.com, Risk of Rain 2 saves and unlocks stay tied to each platform, so switching to a friend's platform usually means starting the unlock list again.Get Risk of Rain 2 on KinguinPS4 and PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S: Cross-Gen Play in 2026Risk of Rain 2 cross-generation play is on its way out. In a support article first posted on January 28, 2026, 2K announced that it will no longer release future Risk of Rain 2 content on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch, and that updates will focus on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The same article says PS4 players will lose the ability to play with PS5 players, and Xbox One players with Xbox Series X|S players.The timing of the Risk of Rain 2 cross-gen cutoff depends on a console patch. According to 2K Support, the change goes into effect with the next update for PlayStation and Xbox, and the article, last updated October 8, 2026, still says cross-gen play remains possible for now. Mixed PS4 and PS5 groups that suddenly cannot connect should assume that update has arrived on their platform.Upgrading keeps a Risk of Rain 2 group together. Per 2K Support, PS4 and Xbox One owners who move to a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S still receive the newer version of the game, including any DLC they bought, at no extra cost. 2K also notes that bundles with DLC released after January 29, 2026 may still show up on older consoles, but that content needs a newer console to play.Does Risk of Rain 2 Have Crossplay on Switch?Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay on Nintendo Switch. Switch players can only play online with other Switch players, and they cannot join PC, PlayStation or Xbox lobbies. The Switch version also sits in the same group as PS4 and Xbox One in the 2K announcement, which means no new Risk of Rain 2 content will be released for it after January 29, 2026.Switch owners who want the newest Risk of Rain 2 expansions need a different platform. Hallowed Concepts, the fourth DLC, launched on PC on October 8, 2026, and 2K Support says DLC released after January 29, 2026 requires a newer-generation console. For Switch players with friends on Steam or Epic, the PC version is the only way to join crossplay lobbies.Risk of Rain 2 Co-op: Online, Split-Screen and DLCRisk of Rain 2 co-op supports up to four players online. The Steam store page describes it as playing solo or with up to three friends in online co-op. On PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, Gearbox also added couch co-op split-screen when those versions launched on August 27, 2024, alongside the Seekers of the Storm expansion, as reported by Gematsu. Split-screen is not available on PS4, Xbox One or Switch.Risk of Rain 2 expansions released after January 29, 2026 require a PC, PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, according to 2K Support, so Hallowed Concepts is not playable on PS4, Xbox One or Switch. The table below lists the recent expansions with their release dates, based on Gematsu's launch report and the official Steam announcements, and shows which of them older consoles can still run.ExpansionReleaseNeeds PC, PS5 or Xbox Series X|S?Seekers of the StormAugust 27, 2024NoAlloyed CollectiveNovember 18, 2025No (released before the cutoff)Hallowed ConceptsOctober 8, 2026YesHow to Play Risk of Rain 2 With Friends: ChecklistRisk of Rain 2 groups have the fewest problems when everyone checks the same few settings before a session. The list below covers the platform, version and crossplay rules from the sections above in the order they usually cause trouble. When buying a copy for a new member of the group, pick the version for the platform your friends already use, for example the Steam key on Kinguin for a PC group. A copy for the wrong platform cannot join any of the group's lobbies, since Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay outside PC.Put everyone in the same platform family: PC (Steam or Epic), PlayStation, Xbox or Switch.On PC, have every player turn crossplay on, or every player turn it off, then restart the game.Link Steam and Epic accounts in Options if Steam players need to invite Epic friends.On PlayStation and Xbox, move the group to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S before cross-gen play ends; the upgrade is free per 2K.On PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, use split-screen for a second player on the same console.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Risk of Rain 2 crossplay between Xbox and PC?No. Risk of Rain 2 has no crossplay between Xbox and PC. The only crossplay is on PC, between Steam and Epic Games Store, and it requires every player to enable the crossplay option and restart the game.How to enable crossplay on Risk of Rain 2?On Steam, open multiplayer and accept the crossplay prompt, or turn it on in settings, then restart. To invite Epic friends, link your Steam and Epic accounts in the Options menu. Players with crossplay off cannot join players with it on.Can PS5 and PC play Risk of Rain 2 together?No. PS5 and PC players cannot share a Risk of Rain 2 lobby. A PS5 player can only play with PlayStation players, and PS4 players will be cut off from PS5 lobbies with the next console update, according to 2K Support.Does Risk of Rain 2 have crossplay on Switch?No. The Switch version of Risk of Rain 2 only plays online with other Switch players. 2K also confirmed that the Switch, PS4 and Xbox One versions get no new content after January 29, 2026.Can PS4 and PS5 play Risk of Rain 2 together?For now, yes. According to 2K Support, PS4 and PS5 players lose cross-gen play with the next PlayStation update. PS4 owners who upgrade to a PS5 get the PS5 version and their DLC at no extra cost.Sources2K Support: Risk of Rain 2: Crossplay and You, An Epic Tale2K Support: The Future of Risk of Rain 2 on Gen 8 ConsolesSteam: Risk of Rain 2 store pageSteam News: Hallowed Concepts is Available Now! (October 8, 2026)Gematsu: Risk of Rain 2 coming to PS5, Xbox Series on August 27 alongside Seekers of the StormRisk of Rain 2 Wiki (wiki.gg)
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This guide covers Rocket League crossplay on every platform, ranked, the crossplay toggle, cross-progression with an Epic Games Account and the game's Steam status. Yes, Rocket League is fully crossplay in 2026: PC (Epic Games Store and Steam), PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch players can play together in all online modes, including ranked.Key TakeawaysRocket League has full crossplay between PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch in all online match types, including Competitive.Crossplay is on by default and can only be turned off completely in Settings, Gameplay; a single platform cannot be excluded.Cross-progression works through an Epic Games Account, with a Primary Platform setting your rank, Rocket Pass progress and XP Level.Rocket League has been unlisted on Steam since the free-to-play launch on September 23, 2020, though existing Steam owners can still play.Rocket League Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC + PlayStation + Xbox + SwitchYes, full crossplay in all online match typesPC stores coveredEpic Games Store and SteamRanked (Competitive) crossplayYesCrossplay defaultOn; toggle in Settings > GameplayBlock one specific platformNo, crossplay is all or nothingCross-progressionYes, via an Epic Games Account and a Primary PlatformPurchased Credits shared across platformsNo, they stay on the platform of purchaseBuy on Steam in 2026No, unlisted since free-to-play launch (Sept 23, 2020)Mac and Linux online playNo, disabled since March 2020Is Rocket League Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Yes, Rocket League is fully crossplay in 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same matches and parties. According to Epic Games Help, players on Epic Games Store, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and Steam can matchmake with or against each other in all online match types. A PC player can queue with a friend on PS5, and a Switch player can end up in the same lobby as someone on Xbox.Rocket League crossplay is switched on by default, so most players never touch a setting. Psyonix brought full cross-platform matchmaking to the game on January 14, 2019, when PlayStation joined the program that already connected PC, Xbox and Switch. Since the free-to-play launch on September 23, 2020, according to Epic Games, an Epic Games Account also links your progress across platforms, which is a separate feature covered further down.Which Platforms Can Play Rocket League Together?Rocket League crossplay covers every platform where the game is available today: PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. The table below lists who can share online matches with whom, based on Epic Games Help and Psyonix announcements. Mac, Linux and the mobile spin-off are listed too, because they are the exceptions players most often ask about.Rocket League on PC comes from two stores, and both connect to consoles. New PC players download the free version from the Epic Games Store, while players who bought the game on Steam before the 2020 free-to-play switch still play there. Epic Games Help lists both Epic Games Store and Steam among the platforms that matchmake together, so the store a PC friend uses does not affect whether you can play together.PlatformPlays withPC (Epic Games Store)PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, SteamPC (Steam, existing owners)PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Epic Games StorePlayStation (PS4, PS5)PC, Xbox, SwitchXbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)PC, PlayStation, SwitchNintendo SwitchPC, PlayStation, XboxMac and LinuxNo online play since March 2020Mobile (Rocket League Sideswipe)Separate game, no crossplayCan PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch Players Party Up?Rocket League players on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch can party up, not just meet in random lobbies. Cross-platform parties and a new friends list arrived with the Friends Update on February 19, 2019, per the official v1.58 patch notes. Every player has a RocketID, and the RocketID tab of the friends list shows online friends on other platforms. Add a friend by their RocketID, invite them to your party, and queue together like you would with someone on the same console.Rocket League also supports Private Matches across platforms, according to Epic Games Help. Private Matches suit custom games, 1v1 practice with a friend, or scrims between friend groups. One player creates the match from the Play menu and the others join it, whatever platform each of them is on. Private Matches were the way to play with cross-platform friends before parties arrived, and they still work today.Rocket League chat works differently across platforms. Per Epic's Cross-Platform FAQ, Party Chat lets you text friends on all platforms, while typed messages during a match are visible only to players on your own platform. Quick Chat is seen by everyone. Epic Games Help also says voice chat can be used with friends on all platforms; it is turned on under Settings, Chat, View Voice Chat Settings.Get Rocket League on KinguinIs Rocket League Ranked Crossplay?Yes, Rocket League ranked is crossplay. Competitive playlists use the same cross-platform matchmaking as Casual and Extra Modes. Psyonix confirmed in January 2019 that players on all platforms can matchmake in Casual, Competitive and Extra Modes, and Epic Games Help today says crossplay applies to all online match types. A Diamond player on Switch can therefore face a Diamond player on PC or Xbox.Rocket League ranks also travel with you between platforms if you link them. Per Psyonix's 2020 cross-progression guide, your Primary Platform sets the Competitive Rank you use everywhere, along with your Rocket Pass progress and XP Level. Players who climbed on PC and later play on console keep the same rank, as long as both accounts are linked to one Epic Games Account and PC is the Primary Platform.How to Turn Crossplay On or Off in Rocket LeagueRocket League lets you turn crossplay on or off in the game's Gameplay settings. According to Epic Games Help, Cross-Platform Play is enabled by default, so most players only need these steps to switch it back on after turning it off, or to confirm it is active before inviting friends from other platforms. The steps are the same on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch:Rocket League crossplay can only be turned off completely. Epic's Cross-Platform FAQ says it is not possible to exclude one specific platform, so there is no option to block PC players while keeping console players, or the other way around. The same FAQ warns that matches may take longer to find with crossplay disabled.Launch Rocket League.Select Settings from the Main Menu.Open the Gameplay tab.Check the Cross-Platform Play box to turn crossplay on, or uncheck it to turn it off.Cross-Progression and Your Epic Games AccountCross-progression means one profile follows you across platforms. In Rocket League it runs through an Epic Games Account. Psyonix explains that you sign in to Epic, link your PlayStation Network, Xbox, Nintendo Switch Online or Steam accounts, and pick a Primary Platform. That platform is the source of your Competitive Rank, Rocket Pass progress and XP Level, so choose the one where you have the highest rank and the most progress.Rocket League also shares inventory between linked platforms, with exceptions. Per Epic Games Help, items stay in their account of origin but can be used on any linked platform, as long as the accounts stay linked. Epic also states that accounts on the same platform cannot be merged. According to Psyonix's 2020 guide, you can unlink a platform and pick a new Primary Platform later, but that platform cannot then be linked to a different Epic Games Account.Rocket League Credits are the main exception to shared inventory. Per Epic Games Help, purchased Credits balances are not shared, and Credits included in item bundles are only available on the platform where the bundle was bought. Purchased Credits stay on the platform where they were bought, so if you buy Rocket League Credits, for example on Kinguin, pick the version for the platform you play on.Shared across linked platformsNot sharedFree drops (Common and Event items)Purchased Credits balances, including Credits from item bundlesSeason Rewards, Titles and Rocket Pass itemsPlatform-exclusive items (Sweet Tooth, Hogsticker, Armadillo, Mario and Luigi NSR, Samus' Gunship)Item Shop purchases, Blueprints and Premium DLCBatman/DC Superheroes on-disc DLC (Ultimate Edition)Esports Shop items, Fan Rewards, RLCS attendee items-Is Rocket League Still on Steam?No, Rocket League can no longer be bought or downloaded fresh on Steam. The Steam store page still exists but says the game is unlisted on the Steam store at the request of the publisher and will not appear in search. The change came with the free-to-play launch on September 23, 2020, when the game moved to the Epic Games Store for new PC players, according to Epic and press coverage from Gematsu.Rocket League owners who bought the game on Steam before the switch were not cut off. Psyonix said at the time that existing Steam players would keep access and receive updates, and Steam is still listed by Epic Games Help as a crossplay platform. Steam players who want cross-progression need to link their Steam account to an Epic Games Account. New PC players get the free version from the Epic Games Store.Mac, Linux and Rocket League Sideswipe: What Crossplay Does Not CoverRocket League crossplay has a few gaps worth knowing before you plan a session. Psyonix ended support for Mac and Linux in 2020, and the final patch in March 2020 disabled online features on both. Local matches and splitscreen still work there, but Mac and Linux players cannot join online crossplay. Psyonix pointed affected Steam owners to running the game on Windows instead.Rocket League Sideswipe, the mobile spin-off, is a separate game. Epic's Cross-Platform FAQ says there is no cross-progression between Rocket League and Rocket League Sideswipe, and items cannot be transferred between them. Progress, ranks and inventory from the main game do not appear in Sideswipe, so mobile and console or PC friends cannot play the same matches either.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PC and Xbox crossplay Rocket League?Yes. PC players on the Epic Games Store or Steam can play Rocket League with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players in casual, ranked and extra modes. Crossplay is on by default, and you can party up with an Xbox friend through their RocketID.Can PS4 and Xbox One play Rocket League together?Yes. PS4 and Xbox One players can matchmake and party up in Rocket League, and the same goes for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Per Psyonix, full crossplay between PlayStation and the other platforms has been live since January 2019.Is Rocket League crossplay between PC and Switch?Yes. Nintendo Switch players can play Rocket League with PC players on the Epic Games Store and Steam, as well as with PlayStation and Xbox players. Ranks and most items carry over if the Switch account is linked to the same Epic Games Account.Can PlayStation and Xbox players play Rocket League together?Yes. Rocket League connects PlayStation and Xbox players in random matchmaking, parties and Private Matches. Text chat in parties works across platforms, while typed messages during a match are visible only to players on your own platform, according to Epic's FAQ.Do I need an Epic Games Account to play Rocket League crossplay?An Epic Games Account is what links Rocket League progress across platforms. Cross-progression, shared inventory and carrying your Competitive Rank between platforms all depend on linking each platform account to one Epic Games Account and choosing a Primary Platform.SourcesEpic Games Help: How do I play Rocket League with a friend on a different platform?Epic Games Help: Rocket League Cross-Platform FAQEpic Games Help: Which Rocket League items can be shared across linked accounts?Rocket League: Full Cross-Platform Play Now Live (Jan 14, 2019)Rocket League: Cross-Platform Progression with Free to Play, A Closer Look (Aug 11, 2020)Epic Games Store: Rocket League is free to play starting September 23Steam: Rocket League store page (unlisted)
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This guide covers ARK crossplay as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms share one server. ARK: Survival Evolved is only partly cross-platform: Xbox plays with the Microsoft Store PC version, Steam plays with Epic on dedicated servers, and PlayStation is separate. ARK: Survival Ascended has crossplay across PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5.Key TakeawaysARK: Survival Evolved on Xbox and the Microsoft Store PC version play together through Xbox Play Anywhere.Steam and Epic Games Store players can share an ARK: Survival Evolved server only if it runs the -crossplay launch option and no mods.ARK: Survival Evolved on PlayStation has no crossplay with PC or Xbox, and its official servers closed at the end of September 2023.ARK: Survival Ascended supports crossplay across PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5, but it cannot connect to ARK: Survival Evolved.ARK Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerXbox + Windows PC (Microsoft Store), ARK: Survival EvolvedYes, crossplay via Xbox Play AnywhereSteam + Epic Games Store, ARK: Survival EvolvedYes, on dedicated servers started with -crossplay and no modsSteam or Epic + Xbox, ARK: Survival EvolvedNoPlayStation + PC or Xbox, ARK: Survival EvolvedNoARK: Survival Evolved official serversShut down at the end of September 2023ARK: Survival Ascended platformsPC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S, PS5 with crossplayPC + console on official ASA PvPDisabled since late 2023; community guides report it is still off in 2026Survival Evolved + Survival Ascended togetherNo, separate gamesIs ARK Cross-Platform? The Short Answer for 2026ARK: Survival Evolved is cross-platform only in a few specific pairs. Xbox players can play with PC players who own the Microsoft Store version, and Steam players can play with Epic Games Store players on the right kind of server. PlayStation players are on their own: the PS4 version of ARK: Survival Evolved does not connect to PC or Xbox. There is no single setting that puts every platform on one server.ARK: Survival Ascended, the Unreal Engine 5 remake from Studio Wildcard, is a different story. ARK: Survival Ascended supports crossplay between PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5, so a mixed group has far more options there. The two games are separate products with separate servers, though. A player in ARK: Survival Evolved cannot join a friend in ARK: Survival Ascended, and characters do not carry over between them.ARK: Survival Evolved also lost its official servers. According to MMOs.com and other outlets covering the announcement, Studio Wildcard shut down the official ARK: Survival Evolved network at the end of September 2023, with a final save snapshot on September 29 at 5 p.m. PDT. Players can still play on unofficial servers, private servers and in single-player, and that is where all ARK: Survival Evolved crossplay happens today.Can ARK Crossplay With Xbox and PC?ARK: Survival Evolved crossplay between Xbox and PC works only with the Microsoft Store version on Windows. Studio Wildcard made the game an Xbox Play Anywhere title, as reported by TweakTown and OnMSFT, so the Windows Store copy and the Xbox copy can join the same servers. Owning one digital copy through the Microsoft Store also gives access on both Xbox and Windows, with progress tied to the Microsoft account.Steam and Epic Games Store copies of ARK: Survival Evolved cannot play with Xbox. The PC versions sold on Steam and Epic are built for a different network and never show Xbox servers, and Xbox players cannot see theirs. A PC player who wants to play with Xbox friends needs the Microsoft Store version on Windows, not a second Steam account or a mod. No supported workaround exists for joining an Xbox server from Steam.ARK: Survival Ascended handles Xbox and PC differently. In ARK: Survival Ascended, the Steam version on PC is part of the same crossplay pool as Xbox Series X|S and PS5. A PC player on Steam can join console players on unofficial servers that allow PC connections. The official PvP restrictions on PC players are covered in the ARK: Survival Ascended section below.Can Steam and Epic Games Players Play ARK: Survival Evolved Together?Steam and Epic Games Store players can play ARK: Survival Evolved together, but only on a dedicated server set up for it. According to server host guides from Nodecraft and Host Havoc, the server owner has to add the -crossplay launch option to the server's startup parameters. Without that option, a dedicated server accepts only Steam players. A separate option, -epiconly, makes a server that accepts Epic Games Store players only.Mods are the main catch for Steam and Epic crossplay in ARK: Survival Evolved. The Epic version has no access to Steam Workshop mods, so a server running mods only accepts Steam connections, as Nodecraft's guide explains. A Steam and Epic group therefore has to play on a vanilla server. Steam players who want their favorite mods need to keep a separate modded server or play without the Epic friends.Non-dedicated sessions are more limited for Steam and Epic groups. Server hosts consistently point to dedicated servers as the supported way to mix the two stores. The simplest path is a rented server from a host that offers a crossplay toggle, or a self-hosted dedicated server with the launch options below.Rent or start an ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server.Add -crossplay to the server's launch options (or -epiconly for an Epic-only server).Remove all Steam Workshop mods from the server.Restart the server and share its name or IP with Steam and Epic friends.Get ARK: Survival Evolved on KinguinIs ARK Cross-Platform Between PS4 and Xbox?ARK: Survival Evolved has no crossplay between PS4 and Xbox. The PlayStation version runs on its own network and cannot connect to Xbox servers, Microsoft Store servers, Steam servers or Epic servers. That rule covers every PlayStation and Xbox combination: PS4 with Xbox One, and PS5 owners running the PS4 version with Xbox Series X|S owners. Studio Wildcard has not announced any plan to change it.ARK: Survival Evolved on PlayStation also has no crossplay with PC. A PS4 player and a Steam player cannot share a server, and progress does not move between them. A group split between PlayStation and PC has two realistic choices: someone buys the version their friends play, or the whole group moves to ARK: Survival Ascended, where PS5 and PC share servers.PS5 owners have one extra route in ARK: Survival Evolved. ARK: Survival Evolved is a PS4 game, and players report running it on PS5 through backward compatibility to play with PS4 friends on the same PlayStation servers. Community sources do not fully agree on this point, so test with a friend before planning a group around it.ARK: Survival Ascended Crossplay in 2026ARK: Survival Ascended was built with crossplay from the start. Studio Wildcard confirmed crossplay between PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5 when it announced the console release, as reported by GameSpot. Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players share official servers, and unofficial server owners can choose which platforms may connect. That makes ARK: Survival Ascended the version to pick for a group that mixes PlayStation, Xbox and PC.PC players face one limit in ARK: Survival Ascended. In late 2023, Studio Wildcard blocked PC players from official crossplay PvP servers because of cheating and said it was working on stronger anti-cheat with BattlEye and Microsoft, as reported by eXputer and MMOs.com. Community and server host guides updated in May and September 2026 report that PC-to-console play on official PvP is still off. No official Studio Wildcard statement confirming the current status was found.Unofficial ARK: Survival Ascended servers are the most flexible option for mixed groups. Server host guides say admins can allow any combination of PC, Xbox and PlayStation players. Players report that official PvE servers are mostly open to PC and console together, but Studio Wildcard has changed server rules before, so check the platform settings of a specific server before inviting friends.PlayersARK: Survival EvolvedARK: Survival AscendedXbox + Windows PCYes (Microsoft Store version only)Yes (Steam version on PC)PlayStation + XboxNoYes (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S)PlayStation + PCNoYes, except official PvP (reported still blocked)Evolved + AscendedNoNoHow to Play ARK With Friends on Different Platforms: ChecklistMixed ARK groups should settle two questions before anyone buys a copy: which game and which platform. ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended never share servers, so the whole group needs the same game. After that, the platform pairs from the table above decide whether everyone can join the same server. The checklist below covers the common cases.Buying ARK: Survival Evolved for a group works best when the copy matches the friends' platform and store. On Kinguin, pick the ARK: Survival Evolved version for the platform your group already plays on, such as Steam for a Steam and Epic server, or the Microsoft Store edition to join Xbox friends.Agree on one game: ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended.In ARK: Survival Evolved, pair Xbox with the Microsoft Store PC version, and Steam with Epic.For Steam and Epic, use a dedicated server with -crossplay and no mods.PlayStation players in ARK: Survival Evolved can only play with other PlayStation players.In ARK: Survival Ascended, PC players should join unofficial or PvE servers to play with console friends.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan ARK crossplay with Xbox and PC?Yes, with limits. In ARK: Survival Evolved, Xbox plays only with the Microsoft Store version on Windows, not Steam or Epic. In ARK: Survival Ascended, Steam players can join Xbox players, but community guides report that PC players are still blocked from official PvP servers with consoles.Is ARK cross-platform between PS4 and Xbox?No. ARK: Survival Evolved on PS4 has no crossplay with Xbox, PC or any other platform. Players who want PlayStation and Xbox on the same server need ARK: Survival Ascended, which supports crossplay between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.Is ARK crossplay between PC and PS4?No. The PS4 version of ARK: Survival Evolved cannot connect to Steam, Epic or Microsoft Store servers. PC and PlayStation can play together only in ARK: Survival Ascended, on PS5, and mainly on unofficial or PvE servers.Can ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended play together?No. ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended are separate games with separate servers. Players cannot join each other across the two games, so a group has to agree on one of them before playing.Are ARK: Survival Evolved official servers still online?No. Studio Wildcard shut down the official ARK: Survival Evolved servers at the end of September 2023. The game still works on unofficial servers, private servers and in single-player, and players were given access to their official server saves.SourcesTweakTown: ARK: Survival Evolved cross-play enabled between Xbox and PCOnMSFT: ARK: Survival Evolved gets Xbox Play Anywhere supportNodecraft: Allowing crossplay with the Epic Games version of ARK: Survival EvolvedMMOs.com: ARK: Survival Evolved confirms official server closuresGameSpot: Ark: Survival Ascended console release date revealed, cross-play confirmedeXputer: Ark: Survival Ascended devs disable PC crossplay due to cheaters
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This guide covers Ready or Not crossplay on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as of October 2026. Yes, Ready or Not is crossplay: Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can share co-op lobbies. Crossplay means players on different platforms join the same game. Mods stay PC-only, and progress does not carry between platforms.Key TakeawaysReady or Not supports crossplay between Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to VOID Interactive.Crossplay is switched on in Main Menu > Settings > Gameplay and cannot be changed mid-game.Console players cannot join a PC host who is running mods, even with crossplay enabled.Ready or Not has no cross-progression, so each platform keeps its own progress.Ready or Not Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerCrossplay platformsSteam, Epic Games Store, PS5, Xbox Series X|SPC + PS5 / Xbox Series X|SYes, if both players enable crossplayPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesWhere to turn it onMain Menu > Settings > Gameplay (not mid-game)Epic account requiredNo, linking only adds cross-platform friends and the overlayOnline co-opUp to 5 playersModsPC only; a modded PC host blocks console playersCross-progressionNoConsole releaseJuly 15, 2025 (PC full release: December 13, 2023)Is Ready or Not Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Ready or Not is crossplay in 2026. According to VOID Interactive, the developer, players on Steam, the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 can play together. Crossplay arrived with the console launch on July 15, 2025, when the game came to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The PC version had already left Early Access and reached its full release on December 13, 2023, per the Steam store page.Ready or Not crossplay covers the co-op mode, which supports up to five players on all platforms, according to the Steam and PlayStation store listings. Crossplay is a setting, not a guarantee: each player needs it enabled, and the host's setting decides who can join a public lobby. On PS5, online play also requires a PlayStation Plus membership, per the PlayStation store listing.Ready or Not crossplay has two limits worth knowing before a mixed group buys in. Mods are a PC-only feature that can keep console players out of a lobby, and the game has no cross-progression, so unlocks and progress stay on the platform where they were earned. Both limits are covered in their own sections below, together with the lobby rules that decide who can join whom.Can PC Players Play With PS5 Players in Ready or Not?PC players can play Ready or Not with PS5 players. VOID Interactive lists Steam, Epic Games Store and PlayStation 5 among the platforms that share crossplay lobbies, so a Steam or Epic player can host a PS5 friend, and a PS5 player can host a PC friend. The same applies to Xbox Series X|S: PC and Xbox players can play together as long as both have crossplay turned on.A PC and console session in Ready or Not depends on settings on both sides. Every player in the group needs crossplay enabled, and the PC host needs to run the game without mods (see the mods section below). When a PS5 or Xbox friend cannot find or join a PC lobby, checking the crossplay toggle on each platform is the first and fastest step before looking at anything else.Ready or Not on PC is the same game whether it was bought on Steam or the Epic Games Store, and both storefronts are part of the crossplay pool. Store choice does not split the player base, so a Steam player and an Epic player can team up with each other and with console players without any extra steps beyond enabling crossplay.Can Xbox and PS5 Play Ready or Not Together?Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players can play Ready or Not together. VOID Interactive includes both consoles in the same crossplay pool as PC, so there is no separate PlayStation-only or Xbox-only rule. A PS5 player can invite an Xbox friend into a co-op lobby, and the other way around, once both have crossplay switched on.Ready or Not on console is available only on the current generation. The game launched on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on July 15, 2025, and there is no PS4 or Xbox One version. A friend still on a last-generation console cannot join a crossplay lobby and would need a PS5, an Xbox Series X|S or a PC copy to play.VOID Interactive notes that some Xbox and PS5 players may see the crossplay option greyed out. The developer links this to platform restrictions such as parental controls. Players in that situation need to change the console's privacy or family settings before the in-game crossplay toggle becomes available. Once the console allows cross-network play, the toggle in Ready or Not's Gameplay settings works the same way it does on PC.Get Ready or Not on KinguinHow to Turn On Crossplay in Ready or NotReady or Not crossplay is changed in the main menu, not during a mission. According to VOID Interactive, the toggle sits in the Gameplay settings, and the game also shows a one-time popup asking about crossplay the first time a player tries multiplayer. PureXbox reports that the setting started out disabled on Xbox at launch, so console players should check it before inviting friends.Ready or Not shows a short message at the bottom of the screen once crossplay is active: "crossplay is enabled, you may encounter cross-network players," according to PureXbox. Seeing that message before creating a lobby is a quick way to confirm the setting is saved. VOID Interactive's setup steps for every platform are listed below in order.Open Ready or Not and stay on the main menu (the setting cannot be changed mid-game).Go to Settings and open the Gameplay tab.Scroll to the bottom and set Cross-Play to enabled.Optional: use the Account Linking button under Multiplayer Options to link an Epic account for cross-platform friends.Create or join a lobby; invited players with crossplay off are prompted to turn it on.Co-op Lobbies and Epic Account LinkingReady or Not lobbies follow simple crossplay rules, according to VOID Interactive. Public lobbies use the host's crossplay setting, and only players with crossplay enabled can join a host who has it enabled. Friends-only lobbies let the host choose crossplay and difficulty when creating the lobby, and that choice does not change the global setting. Invited players who have crossplay off are asked to turn it on before joining.An Epic account is not required for Ready or Not crossplay, VOID Interactive confirms. Linking one is optional on Steam, Xbox and PS5, and automatic on the Epic Games Store. A linked account unlocks the Epic friends list, adding friends across platforms and the Epic overlay. Without linking, players can still play with friends on other platforms but cannot add or track them through Epic.The Epic overlay in Ready or Not opens with Shift+F3 on PC, the View button on Xbox and the Touchpad on PlayStation, per VOID Interactive. Unlinking an Epic account is done through Epic's Account Portal, and the developer warns it triggers a 12-month cooldown before the same Epic account can be linked to a different platform account, so link the right account the first time.Mods on PC vs Console: Why Modded Lobbies Block CrossplayReady or Not mods are a PC-only feature. VOID Interactive states that mods are allowed on PC but not on consoles, and Insider Gaming reported before the console launch that the PS5 and Xbox versions would not support mods. As of October 2026, VOID Interactive has not announced mod support for PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.A modded Ready or Not lobby on PC is closed to console players. According to VOID Interactive, if a PC host uses mods, console players cannot join, even with crossplay enabled. A PC player who wants to host friends on PS5 or Xbox needs to disable mods first, while PC-only groups can keep using mods and still play with each other.Ready or Not groups with mixed platforms usually pick one of two setups: an unmodded lobby that everyone can join, or a modded PC-only lobby. Neither is wrong, but the choice should be made before the session starts, because an active mod on the PC host is enough to keep console friends out of the game.Lobby typePC playersPS5 / Xbox playersUnmodded, crossplay onCan joinCan joinPC host with modsCan joinCannot joinCrossplay offSame platform onlySame platform onlyCross-Progression, DLC and What Carries OverCrossplay and cross-progression are different features. Crossplay lets players on different platforms share a lobby, while cross-progression would let one save follow a player across platforms. Ready or Not has crossplay but not cross-progression: the Steam FAQ quoted by Insider Gaming says the game will not offer cross-progression, so moving from PC to PS5 or Xbox means starting over. VOID Interactive has not announced cross-progression since the console launch.Ready or Not DLC releases on all platforms at the same time. The Boiling Point expansion, which adds three new maps, launched on March 12, 2026, on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to TheSixthAxis and Gameswelt. Earlier expansions Home Invasion and Dark Waters are also listed on the Steam store page.Ready or Not is easiest to plan around when the group agrees on platforms before buying. Pick the platform where your progress should live, because it will not transfer later. If you still need a copy, Kinguin offers Ready or Not for different platforms, so make sure you pick the version that matches the system you plan to play on.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PC players play with PS5 players in Ready or Not?Yes. Ready or Not supports crossplay between PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) and PS5, according to VOID Interactive. Both players need crossplay enabled in the Gameplay settings, and the PC host must not be running mods, because console players cannot join modded lobbies.Is there crossplay between PC and Xbox in Ready or Not?Yes. PC and Xbox Series X|S players can play Ready or Not together. VOID Interactive includes Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox Series X|S in the same crossplay pool. Turn crossplay on in the main menu's Gameplay settings before creating or joining a lobby.Can Xbox and PS5 play Ready or Not together?Yes. Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players share crossplay lobbies in Ready or Not. If the crossplay option is greyed out, VOID Interactive points to platform restrictions such as parental controls, which need to be changed in the console's settings.Does Ready or Not have cross-progression?No. Ready or Not does not offer cross-progression, according to the Steam FAQ quoted by Insider Gaming, and VOID Interactive has not announced it since. Progress and unlocks stay on the platform where they were earned, so switching platforms means starting over.Do you need an Epic account for Ready or Not crossplay?No. VOID Interactive says an Epic account is not required for crossplay. Linking one is optional outside the Epic Games Store and adds the Epic friends list, cross-platform friend adding and the overlay. Unlinking later triggers a 12-month cooldown.SourcesVOID Interactive: How Cross-play in Ready or Not worksSteam: Ready or Not store pagePlayStation: Ready or NotPureXbox: How to turn on crossplay in Ready or NotInsider Gaming: Ready or Not crossplayTheSixthAxis: Boiling Point DLC out now
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This guide covers crossplay, cross-generation play and progress transfers in Red Dead Redemption 2. Crossplay means players on different platforms sharing one game session. RDR2 has no crossplay in 2026: PC, PlayStation and Xbox players cannot play together, and none is announced. PS4 and PS5 players can play together, as can Xbox One and Series X|S players.Key TakeawaysRed Dead Online has no crossplay between PC, PlayStation and Xbox, and none has been announced.PS4 and PS5 players share sessions, and so do Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, because current consoles run the last-gen version through backward compatibility.Red Dead Online progress carries over from PS4 to PS5 or Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S on the same account, but not between PC and console or between console brands.Rockstar ended major Red Dead Online updates in 2022, yet the game is still online with monthly bonus events in 2026.RDR2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplayPlayStation + XboxNo crossplayPS4 + PS5Yes, PS5 runs the PS4 version via backward compatibilityXbox One + Xbox Series X|SYes, Series X|S runs the Xbox One version via backward compatibilityMove Red Dead Online progress PS4 to PS5 / Xbox One to Series X|SYes, carries over on the same PSN or Xbox accountMove progress between PC and console, or PlayStation and XboxNoNative PS5 / Xbox Series X|S versionNot announced by Rockstar (rumors only)Red Dead Online major updatesEnded in 2022; monthly bonus events still runCrossplay announcedNoIs RDR2 Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Red Dead Redemption 2 is not crossplay in 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms, such as PC and PlayStation, can join the same online session. Red Dead Online, the multiplayer mode of RDR2, keeps PC, PlayStation and Xbox players in separate player pools. Rockstar has not announced any plan to add crossplay, and no update since launch in 2018 has changed that rule.Red Dead Online does allow cross-generation play inside one console family. A PS4 player can ride with a PS5 player, and an Xbox One player can ride with an Xbox Series X|S player. The reason is simple: there is no native PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version of RDR2, so newer consoles run the PS4 or Xbox One version through backward compatibility and land in the same lobbies.Red Dead Redemption 2 also has no cross-progression. Cross-progression means one shared character that follows you between platforms. A Red Dead Online character stays on the platform family where it was created, apart from the move from an older console to its successor on the same account, which is covered in the cross-generation section below.Can PC and PS4 Play RDR2 Together?PC and PS4 players cannot play Red Dead Redemption 2 together. Red Dead Online on PC runs in its own player pool, separate from every PlayStation and Xbox console. The same applies to PS5 and Xbox, so a PC player has no way to join a friend on any console, and there is no setting, invite system or workaround that connects the two.PC players who bought Red Dead Redemption 2 in different stores are in a better position. The game is sold on Steam, Epic Games Store and Rockstar Games Launcher, and every PC copy runs through Rockstar's own launcher and Social Club account. Players report that friends on different PC stores can play Red Dead Online together, although Rockstar does not publish a dedicated support page on this for RDR2.Mixed PC and console groups have only practical options. One side needs a copy on the other side's platform, and the player switching starts a new Red Dead Online character there. Before buying, check which platform most of the group plays on and pick up Red Dead Redemption 2 for that platform, for example on Kinguin, rather than guessing.Can PS4 and Xbox Play Red Dead Online Together?PlayStation and Xbox players cannot play Red Dead Online together. A PS4 or PS5 player cannot join a posse with an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S player, on any console generation. Each console brand has its own Red Dead Online player base, and Rockstar has never offered cross-network play between them.Rockstar has not explained publicly why Red Dead Redemption 2 has no crossplay. Many theories circulate online, but none come from Rockstar, so treat them as guesses. The studio's other online game, GTA Online, also has no crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox and PC, so the two Rockstar games follow the same pattern.Crossplay is also unlikely to arrive late in Red Dead Online's life. Rockstar stopped major content updates in 2022, and adding crossplay would be a large technical change for a game in maintenance mode. That is an inference from the update history, not an official statement, but there is no sign of crossplay in any Rockstar announcement so far.Get Red Dead Redemption 2 on KinguinCross-Generation: PS4 to PS5 and Xbox One to Xbox Series X|SRed Dead Redemption 2 runs on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility, as Rockstar confirmed in November 2020 ahead of the new consoles' launch. Owners of the PS4 or Xbox One version can install and play the same copy on the newer console. Because PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players run the last-gen version, they share Red Dead Online sessions with PS4 and Xbox One players on the same brand.Red Dead Online progress moves with you to the new console. According to Rockstar's November 2020 announcement, progress and accomplishments in Red Dead Online carry over to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as long as you use the same PlayStation Network or Xbox account. No migration menu or one-time transfer is needed, because the game and save are the same version.A native PS5 and Xbox Series X|S version of Red Dead Redemption 2 has not been announced. Insiders have reported for over a year that an enhanced version exists, but Rockstar has confirmed nothing, including any release date or price. Until an official announcement, the backward-compatible version is the only way to play RDR2 on current consoles. The Red Dead Redemption release from December 2, 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2 is the original 2010 game, not RDR2.Can You Transfer Red Dead Online Progress Between Platforms?Red Dead Online progress cannot be transferred between PC and console, or between PlayStation and Xbox. Rockstar does not offer a character migration tool for Red Dead Online like the one GTA Online has. Gold Bars, RDO$, rank, roles and items stay on the platform family where you earned them, so switching platforms means starting over.Rockstar made one exception, and it is closed. When Google shut down Stadia, Rockstar offered Stadia players a one-time transfer of Red Dead Online progress to PC, PS4 or Xbox One in 2022, according to coverage by 80.lv and Sportskeeda. Only recently active Stadia players qualified, and the transfer went through Rockstar Support. No similar transfer has been offered for other platforms.The table below sums up what moves and what stays when you change hardware.MoveRed Dead Online progressPS4 to PS5 (same PSN account)Carries overXbox One to Xbox Series X|S (same Xbox account)Carries overPlayStation to Xbox, or Xbox to PlayStationNo transferConsole to PC, or PC to consoleNo transferStadia to PC, PS4 or Xbox OneOne-time offer in 2022, now closedIs Red Dead Online Still Getting Updates in 2026?Red Dead Online is still online in 2026, but it no longer gets major content updates. In July 2022, Rockstar said it had moved more development resources to the next Grand Theft Auto and that major themed updates for Red Dead Online would stop, as reported by VGC and Engadget. Rockstar said it would keep adding Telegram Missions, seasonal events and smaller improvements.Red Dead Online received its latest reported new content on July 1, 2025, when Rockstar released Strange Tales of the West Vol. 1, a set of four new Telegram Missions with returning RDR2 character Theodore Levin. Since then, the game has run monthly bonus events. The October 2026 Halloween event offers four times the rewards on Strange Tales of the West missions and triple rewards on All Hallows' Call to Arms until November 2, per Worthplaying and Massively OP.Red Dead Online players should not expect new roles or modes. The October 2026 coverage notes that the Halloween event adds bonuses rather than new content. For crossplay, the situation is the same: nothing in Rockstar's 2026 event announcements mentions cross-platform play or new transfer options.How to Play Red Dead Online With Friends: ChecklistRed Dead Online groups that plan ahead avoid buying the wrong version. Run through these steps before anyone purchases a copy.Agree on one platform family: PC, PlayStation or Xbox. Players on different families cannot meet in Red Dead Online.On PlayStation, PS4 and PS5 owners can play together using the same PS4 version of RDR2.On Xbox, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S owners can play together using the same Xbox One version.If you are moving to a newer console of the same brand, sign in with the same PSN or Xbox account so your Red Dead Online progress carries over.If you are switching brands or moving between PC and console, plan to start a new Red Dead Online character.Invite friends through the in-game posse menu or your platform's friend list once everyone is online.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PC and PS4 play RDR2 together?No. PC and PS4 players cannot play Red Dead Redemption 2 or Red Dead Online together. PC has its own player pool, separate from PlayStation and Xbox, and Rockstar has not announced crossplay or any workaround for mixed PC and console groups.Can PS4 and Xbox play Red Dead Online together?No. PlayStation and Xbox players cannot share Red Dead Online sessions on any console generation. PS4 and PS5 players can play together, and Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players can play together, but the two brands stay separate.Why does RDR2 not have crossplay?Rockstar has not given a public reason. Theories online are guesses. Rockstar's GTA Online also lacks crossplay between consoles and PC, and Red Dead Online stopped getting major updates in 2022, so a large change like crossplay looks unlikely.Is there a PS5 version of Red Dead Redemption 2?Not officially. RDR2 runs on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility. Insiders report an enhanced version, but Rockstar has not announced one, so there is no confirmed release date or price as of October 2026.Is Red Dead Online shutting down?No shutdown has been announced. Major updates ended in 2022, but Rockstar still runs monthly bonus events, including an October 2026 Halloween event with extra rewards that lasts until November 2.SourcesGTABase: GTA V & RDR2 backward compatibility on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S (Nov 6, 2020, reporting Rockstar)VGC: Rockstar says major Red Dead Online updates will stop as it focuses on GTA 6 (2022)Engadget: Rockstar slows Red Dead Online updates to focus on GTA 6 (2022)TheSixthAxis: Red Dead Online Strange Tales of the West announced and out now (Jul 1, 2025)Worthplaying: Red Dead Online Halloween update (Oct 6, 2026)Massively OP: Red Dead Online celebrates Halloween (Oct 8, 2026)80.lv: Red Dead Online progress can be transferred from Stadia (2022)
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This guide covers Sea of Thieves crossplay on PC, Xbox and PS5 as of October 2026. Yes, Sea of Thieves is crossplay: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players share servers by default. Crossplay means players on different platforms can play together. Console players can opt out, and every player needs a Microsoft account.Key TakeawaysSea of Thieves crossplay connects PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox app), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PS5, and it is on by default.PS5 players can turn crossplay off in Matchmaking Settings, and Xbox console players can opt out through Xbox privacy settings.A Microsoft account is required on every platform, including PS5, and it carries progress between platforms.There is no PS4 version, and PS5 multiplayer requires PlayStation Plus.Sea of Thieves Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)Platform or featureStatusPC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox app) + XboxYes, crossplayPS5 + Xbox + PCYes, crossplay since PS5 launch on April 30, 2024PS4No PS4 versionCrossplay defaultOn by defaultOpt out on PS5Yes, in Matchmaking Settings (PSN players only)Opt out on Xbox consoleYes, through Xbox privacy settings (affects all games)Opt out on PCNo opt-out, according to player guidesMicrosoft accountRequired on every platform, including PS5Cross-progressionYes, progress syncs through the linked Microsoft accountPS5 multiplayer subscriptionPlayStation Plus required (solo Safer Seas excluded)Is Sea of Thieves Crossplay? The Short AnswerYes, Sea of Thieves is crossplay. Crossplay means players on different platforms can share the same servers and crews. In Sea of Thieves, players on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 sail together, and crossplay is switched on by default. A crew can mix a Steam player, an Xbox Series X player and a PS5 player without any extra setup beyond friend invites.Sea of Thieves on PS5 joined the shared player pool when the PlayStation version launched on April 30, 2024, according to Push Square and PlayStation's own FAQ for the game. Before that date, crossplay covered only Xbox consoles and PC. There is no PS4 version of Sea of Thieves, so PS4 owners cannot play the game at all, with or without crossplay.Sea of Thieves crossplay is optional on consoles. PS5 and Xbox players can limit who they get matched with, while PC players stay in the shared pool, according to player guides. Every player, on every platform, needs a Microsoft account, and that account is also what carries progress between platforms. The sections below cover each of these rules once, with the steps to change them.Is Sea of Thieves Crossplay With PlayStation?Sea of Thieves is crossplay with PlayStation 5. PlayStation's FAQ for the game confirms that PS5 players share servers with Xbox and PC players by default, and that friends on different platforms can join the same crew once each player has signed in with a Microsoft account. Linking a Microsoft account enables cross-platform friend invites, crew voice chat and proximity chat, according to Push Square's coverage of the launch.Sea of Thieves on PS5 is a separate purchase. PlayStation's FAQ states that PS5 players must buy the Standard, Deluxe or Premium Edition from the PlayStation Store, even if they already own the game on Xbox, because Xbox Play Anywhere works only through Xbox and the Microsoft Store. Online multiplayer on PS5 requires a PlayStation Plus subscription, while solo play in Safer Seas does not. PS5 players do not need Xbox Game Pass.Is Sea of Thieves Crossplay PC and Xbox?Sea of Thieves is crossplay between PC and Xbox, and it has been since the game's original launch. PC players on Steam, the Microsoft Store and the Xbox app with PC Game Pass all join the same servers as Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players. The store you bought from on PC does not change who you can sail with, so a Steam player can crew up with a Game Pass player on Xbox.Xbox Play Anywhere covers Sea of Thieves bought through Xbox or the Microsoft Store, according to PlayStation's FAQ, so one digital purchase there works on both Xbox and Windows. Steam is a separate storefront and is not part of that program. Whichever PC store you use, progress follows your Microsoft account rather than the store, so switching between Xbox and PC keeps the same pirate.PlatformPlays withCan opt out of crossplay?PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox app)Xbox, PS5, other PC playersNo, according to player guidesXbox One / Xbox Series X|SPC, PS5, other Xbox playersYes, via Xbox privacy settingsPlayStation 5PC, Xbox, other PS5 playersYes, in Matchmaking SettingsPlayStation 4No version availableNot applicableGet Sea of Thieves on KinguinHow to Turn Off Crossplay in Sea of ThievesSea of Thieves lets console players opt out of crossplay, but the method depends on the console. On PS5, PlayStation's FAQ says players can disable crossplay from Matchmaking Settings and then matchmake only with other PlayStation Network players. On Xbox, guides from Windows Central and Sportskeeda describe the opt-out as a console-wide Xbox privacy setting rather than an in-game toggle, so it affects every game on that Xbox profile.Sea of Thieves also offers a softer option for console players who mainly want to avoid mouse and keyboard opponents. PlayStation's FAQ says console players can limit matchmaking to other controller users, which keeps PS5 and Xbox controller players together. According to player guides, this preference lowers the chance of meeting keyboard and mouse players but does not fully remove it. PC players cannot turn crossplay off, according to the same guides.PS5: open Sea of Thieves settings, go to Matchmaking Settings and turn crossplay off to match only with PlayStation Network players.Xbox console: open Settings, then Account, then Privacy & online safety, then Xbox privacy, and under Communications & multiplayer block playing with people outside of Xbox Live.Any console: use the in-game matchmaking preference to prefer other controller players instead of a full opt-out.Check the change by starting a new session; turning crossplay off on Xbox also affects other games on that profile.Why Sea of Thieves Needs a Microsoft AccountSea of Thieves requires a Microsoft account on every platform, including PS5. The PlayStation Store listing states that "Microsoft account registration, acceptance of Microsoft Services Agreement and Privacy Statement required to play," as reported by Push Square and Pure Xbox in February 2024. PS5 players are asked to sign in or create a Microsoft account the first time they launch the game.The Microsoft account requirement is what makes Sea of Thieves crossplay work for groups of friends. According to Push Square, linking a PlayStation account to a Microsoft account enables cross-platform friend invites, crew voice chat and proximity chat with Xbox and PC players. Steam players also sign in with a Microsoft account, which ties their pirate to the same profile system that Xbox and PS5 players use.Cross-Progression: Does Your Pirate Carry Over?Sea of Thieves supports cross-progression through the Microsoft account. Cross-progression means your progress follows your account between platforms instead of staying on one device. PlayStation's FAQ explains that once a PlayStation account is linked to a Microsoft account, any existing pirate becomes playable on PS5, and progress then synchronises across every platform linked to that account.Sea of Thieves cross-progression covers commendations, cosmetics, Twitch Drops, gold, doubloons and ancient coins, according to PlayStation's FAQ. Coverage of the PS5 launch notes one exception: some Microsoft-exclusive items obtained through platform-exclusive offers may not carry over to PlayStation. Players should link the Microsoft account they already use on Xbox or PC, because progress follows the account, not the console.How to Play Sea of Thieves With Friends on Other PlatformsSea of Thieves makes mixed-platform crews simple once every player has the game on a supported platform and a Microsoft account. The checklist below covers the usual setup for a crew that mixes PC, Xbox and PS5. When buying a key, pick the version for your platform; Kinguin lists Sea of Thieves editions for different platforms, and a Steam key will not activate on PS5 or Xbox.Make sure everyone has Sea of Thieves on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S or PS5 (there is no PS4 version).Sign in to the same Microsoft account you plan to keep using, so progress syncs.PS5 players: keep PlayStation Plus active for online multiplayer.Keep crossplay switched on for anyone who needs to join players on another platform.Add friends through the in-game friend list and send crew invites.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Sea of Thieves crossplay PC and Xbox?Yes. Sea of Thieves has supported crossplay between PC and Xbox since launch. PC players on Steam, the Microsoft Store or the Xbox app share servers with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, and progress follows the Microsoft account.Can PS4 and PC play Sea of Thieves together?No. Sea of Thieves has no PS4 version, so PS4 owners cannot play it with PC players or anyone else. The PlayStation version runs only on PS5, which shares crossplay servers with PC and Xbox.Can Xbox and PC play together?Yes, in Sea of Thieves Xbox and PC players play together by default. Xbox console players can opt out through Xbox privacy settings, which affects all games on that profile. PC players cannot opt out, according to player guides.Is Sea of Thieves crossplay with PlayStation?Yes. Since the PS5 launch on April 30, 2024, PS5 players share servers with PC and Xbox players. PS5 players need a Microsoft account and PlayStation Plus for multiplayer, and they can turn crossplay off in Matchmaking Settings.Do I need to buy Sea of Thieves again for PS5?Yes. PlayStation's FAQ says PS5 players must buy the game from the PlayStation Store even if they own it on Xbox. Progress carries over once the PlayStation account is linked to the same Microsoft account.SourcesPlayStation PS5 FAQ for Sea of Thieves (via Insider Gaming)Push Square: Microsoft account required on PS5 (PS Store listing)Rare: Sea of Thieves supportWindows Central: Is Sea of Thieves cross-play?GamesRadar: Sea of Thieves crossplay
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This guide covers Palworld crossplay on every platform in 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms can share the same world. Yes, Palworld is crossplay: since version 0.5.0 in March 2025, Steam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and Mac players can play together, and the July 2026 1.0 release kept it. There is no Switch version.Key TakeawaysPalworld added crossplay in version 0.5.0 on March 19, 2025, linking Steam, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and Mac.Palworld 1.0 launched on July 10, 2026 and still supports crossplay on all of its platforms.Dedicated servers allow Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac players by default, and console players join through the community server list.Palworld has crossplay but no official cross-save, so a world or character does not follow you to another platform.Palworld Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerIs Palworld crossplay?Yes, since v0.5.0 (March 19, 2025)Crossplay platformsSteam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, MacNintendo Switch / Switch 2No version, no crossplayFull release (1.0)July 10, 2026, out of Early AccessCo-op world sizeUp to 4 playersDedicated server sizeUp to 32 players (per hosting guides)Dedicated server crossplayOn by default for Steam, Xbox, PS5, MacHow Xbox and PS5 join serversCommunity server list, not direct IPOfficial cross-save between platformsNoIs Palworld Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Palworld is crossplay in 2026. Pocketpair added cross-platform play in version 0.5.0, released on March 19, 2025, and according to the patch notes reported by Pure Xbox it is supported across Xbox Series X|S, Steam, PlayStation 5 and Mac. Before that update, multiplayer was split by store, so Steam players and Xbox players lived in separate worlds. The same 0.5.0 update also added dedicated server support for Mac.Palworld crossplay carried over into the full release. Version 1.0 launched on July 10, 2026, ending Early Access, and Green Man Gaming reports that 1.0 supports cross-platform play across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Players who started in Early Access did not need to switch versions to keep playing with friends on other systems.Palworld crossplay has one clear gap: Nintendo. There is no Palworld version for Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, so Switch owners cannot join any session. Pocketpair has said it is interested in Switch 2 but has not announced a port. The supported list is therefore Steam, Microsoft Store PC (including PC Game Pass), Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and Mac.Can PS5 and PC Play Palworld Together?PS5 and PC players can play Palworld together. PlayStation 5 was part of the March 2025 crossplay update, and the official Palworld server documentation lists the PS5 version among the platforms allowed on dedicated servers by default. A PS5 player and a Steam player can share the same world, catch Pals together and build a base without anyone buying a second copy.Xbox and Steam players can also play Palworld together, which was not possible at launch in 2024. The official documentation groups the Xbox Series X|S version and the Windows PC version from the Microsoft Store as one platform, so PC Game Pass players connect the same way Xbox console players do. Mac players join that pool as well, which makes Palworld one of the few survival games where all major PC stores and both current consoles mix freely.Palworld groups on different platforms can choose between two ways of playing together: a co-op world hosted by one player, or a dedicated server that runs on its own. Both modes support crossplay, but they differ in group size and in whether the world stays online when the host logs off. The table below compares them.ModePlayersCrossplayCo-op world hosted by a playerUp to 4 (per hosting guides)YesDedicated or community serverUp to 32 (per hosting guides)Yes, on by defaultNintendo Switch / Switch 2Not availableNoPalworld Crossplay on Dedicated and Community ServersPalworld dedicated servers are crossplay by default. According to the official Palworld server docs, the CrossplayPlatforms setting defaults to Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac, so a fresh server accepts players from all four without extra setup. A server owner who wants to limit access can remove platforms from that list in the server configuration file. A dedicated server keeps the world online even when the host is not playing.Palworld console players join servers differently from PC players. The official documentation notes that Xbox and PS5 players need a community server, meaning a dedicated server registered in the in-game server list. Console players cannot type a direct IP address, while Steam and Mac players can connect by IP and port. A cross-platform group should give the server a clear, searchable name so console friends can find it in the list.Palworld dedicated servers also hold more players than a hosted co-op world. Hosting guides such as Zap-Hosting and XGamingServer put the server cap at 32 players, controlled by the ServerPlayerMaxNum setting, while a regular co-op world is limited to four. For groups larger than four, or for friends who play at different times, a dedicated server is the practical choice.Get Palworld on KinguinPalworld 1.0: What Changed for MultiplayerPalworld 1.0 arrived on July 10, 2026 and moved the game out of Early Access on PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), Mac, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to Green Man Gaming. Early Access owners received the 1.0 update at no extra cost. Pocketpair confirmed feature parity across versions, which means new content is meant to reach every supported platform rather than landing on one store first.Palworld 1.0 did not change the basic crossplay rules. The same platforms that were linked in version 0.5.0 still play together, and dedicated servers still accept all four platform groups by default. Crossplay depends on everyone running the same game version, so after a big patch it helps to update the game and, for server owners, the server software before inviting friends back.Can You Transfer Palworld Saves Between Platforms?Palworld does not offer official cross-save or cross-progression. Crossplay lets players on different platforms share a session, but a character or world created on one platform does not follow the player to another. A Steam save stays on Steam, and a PS5 save stays on PS5. Moving to a new platform usually means starting fresh or joining a friend's world.Palworld does include one official way to move Pals: the Global Palbox, added in version 0.5.0, stores Pal data and transfers Pals between worlds. Players report that moving a full world from PC Game Pass to Steam is possible only with unofficial community tools such as XGP-Save-Extractor, as covered by Windows Central and PCGamesN. That workaround runs on a Windows PC, works one way, and may break after patches, so back up saves first.Palworld groups that want one shared world across devices can use a dedicated server instead of a save transfer. The world lives on the server rather than on any player's console or PC, so every player keeps the same base and Pals no matter which supported platform they log in from.How to Play Palworld With Friends on Different PlatformsPalworld crossplay needs a few things in place before a mixed group can meet in the same world. The checklist below covers the usual setup for Steam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox, PS5 and Mac players. Anyone still buying the game should pick the version for the platform they actually play on; Kinguin lists Palworld keys for the supported stores.Make sure every player owns Palworld on a supported platform: Steam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 or Mac.Update the game to the latest version on every device, since crossplay requires matching versions.For up to four players, have one player host a co-op world and invite the others.For bigger groups or an always-on world, set up a dedicated server and keep the default CrossplayPlatforms list.Register the server as a community server with a clear name so Xbox and PS5 players can find it in the in-game list.Have Steam and Mac players connect by IP and port or through the same community server list.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan PS5 and PC play Palworld together?Yes. PS5 has been part of Palworld crossplay since version 0.5.0 in March 2025, and PS5 players can share worlds with Steam, Microsoft Store PC, Xbox Series X|S and Mac players. On dedicated servers, PS5 players join through the in-game community server list.Is Palworld crossplay between Xbox and Steam?Yes. Xbox Series X|S and Steam players can play Palworld together since the March 2025 crossplay update. The official docs treat Xbox and Microsoft Store PC, including PC Game Pass, as one platform, so Game Pass players connect the same way.Is Palworld on Nintendo Switch?No. Palworld has no Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 version as of October 2026, so Switch players cannot join crossplay sessions. Pocketpair has expressed interest in Switch 2 but has not announced a port.Can you transfer Palworld saves from Xbox to Steam?Not officially. Palworld has no cross-save. Players report that unofficial tools such as XGP-Save-Extractor can move a PC Game Pass save to Steam on a Windows PC, but only one way and with a risk of breaking after patches.How many players can play Palworld together?A hosted co-op world supports up to four players. According to hosting guides, a dedicated server supports up to 32 players, set with ServerPlayerMaxNum. Both modes support crossplay between Steam, Xbox, PS5 and Mac.SourcesPalworld Official Docs: About ServersPalworld Official Docs: Server ConfigurationPure Xbox: Palworld v0.5.0 crossplay patch notes (March 19, 2025)Windows Central: Palworld crossplay update launch windowGreen Man Gaming: Palworld 1.0 release date and featuresWindows Central: Moving a Palworld Xbox save to Steam
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This guide covers Phasmophobia crossplay on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and VR as of October 2026. Yes, Phasmophobia is crossplay: up to four players on Steam, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S can hunt together in one lobby. Crossplay means players on different platforms share the same online session. Progress does not carry over between platforms.Key TakeawaysPhasmophobia has crossplay between PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, available since the console early access launch on October 29, 2024.VR and non-VR players can join the same lobby, with up to four players per game.Kinetic Games has not announced cross-progression, so levels and unlocks stay on the platform where you earned them.According to Kinetic Games, the Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives together with Phasmophobia 1.0 in the second half of 2027.Phasmophobia Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC (Steam) + PS5 + Xbox Series X|SYes, crossplayVR (PC VR, PS VR2) + non-VR playersYes, in the same lobbyCrossplay on consoles sinceOctober 29, 2024 (console early access launch)Crossplay settingOptional, can be switched on or offMax players per lobby4Cross-progressionNot announced; progress stays on each platformPS4 / Xbox OneNo version availableNintendo Switch 2Coming with 1.0 in the second half of 2027; crossplay not detailedGame statusEarly Access (v0.19.1.0, October 2026)Is Phasmophobia Crossplay? The Short Answer for 2026Yes, Phasmophobia is crossplay in 2026. Players on PC through Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2 and Xbox Series X|S can join the same lobby and investigate together. Kinetic Games describes the game on its official page as co-op for up to four players, cross-platform. A mixed group of friends does not need to own the game on the same system to play together, as long as every player is on one of the supported platforms.Phasmophobia crossplay has been live since October 29, 2024, when the game launched in early access on PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, as reported by Gematsu and TrueAchievements at launch. Before that date, Phasmophobia was a PC-only game on Steam. The console versions launched with crossplay from day one, so console and PC players shared the same online sessions from the start.Phasmophobia crossplay is optional. When Kinetic Games announced the console versions, the studio said that all platforms will feature optional crossplay, which means each player can switch it on or off in the game settings. Players who prefer to match only with people on their own platform can turn it off, while groups with friends on different systems should keep it on.Is Phasmophobia Crossplay With PC and Xbox?Phasmophobia is crossplay with PC and Xbox, and with PlayStation too. A Steam player can host a lobby that friends on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 join, and a console player can host for PC friends in the same way. There is no restriction between console brands either, so PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can investigate together, which is not a given in many other co-op games.Phasmophobia platform support is simple to check in one place. The table below shows which platform combinations can play together as of October 2026, based on Kinetic Games, the Steam store page and coverage of the console launch. Older consoles and the upcoming Switch 2 version are listed separately, because neither is part of crossplay today.Platform combinationCrossplay in October 2026PC (Steam) + PS5YesPC (Steam) + Xbox Series X|SYesPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesPS VR2 + PC, PS5 or XboxYesPC VR + flat-screen PC or consoleYesPS4 or Xbox OneNo version availableNintendo Switch 2Not released yet; crossplay not detailedCan VR and Non-VR Players Play Phasmophobia Together?VR and non-VR players can play Phasmophobia together in the same lobby. The Steam store page says the game supports all players together and lets you play with friends using any combination of input types. In practice, one friend can wear a PC VR headset while another uses a mouse and keyboard and a third uses a controller, all in the same investigation.PlayStation VR2 owners are part of the same crossplay pool. Phasmophobia launched on PS VR2 on October 29, 2024, alongside the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, and PS VR2 players can join flat-screen PS5, Xbox and PC players. On PC, VR support is part of the regular Steam version, so a Steam player can switch between VR and a monitor without buying a second copy.Get Phasmophobia on KinguinHow to Join Friends in Phasmophobia Across PlatformsJoining friends in Phasmophobia across platforms works through a room code rather than a shared friends list. One player hosts a private room, the game shows a code, and the other players type that code to join. Menu names differ slightly between versions and community guides, so the steps below use the general flow rather than exact button labels.Phasmophobia players who cannot find a friend's room should first check two things, according to community guides. Every player needs crossplay switched on, since a player with crossplay off will not connect to a lobby with another platform. Every player should also pick the same server region as the host. Guides disagree on whether a region mismatch blocks joining or only adds lag, so matching regions is the safe choice.Every player opens the game settings and makes sure crossplay is switched on.Everyone selects the same server region as the host.The host opens the multiplayer menu and creates a private room.The host shares the room code shown on screen with the group.Friends choose the option to join a private room and enter the code.Once up to four players are in the lobby, the host picks a contract and starts the investigation.Does Phasmophobia Have Cross-Progression?Phasmophobia does not have cross-progression as of October 2026. Cross-progression means one save, with your level, money and unlocked equipment, follows you across platforms. Kinetic Games has not announced the feature in its patch notes or roadmap posts, and community guides report that progress stays on the platform where you earned it. A level reached on Steam does not appear on a PS5 or Xbox copy.Crossplay and cross-progression in Phasmophobia are separate features. Crossplay lets a Steam player and a PS5 player share a lobby, while each of them keeps their own save on their own platform. Players who plan to move from PC to console, or from Xbox to PlayStation, should expect to start progression again on the new platform, since no official transfer tool has been announced.Phasmophobia on PS4, Xbox One and Switch 2Phasmophobia is not available on PS4 or Xbox One. The console version launched only on PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, and Kinetic Games has not announced versions for older consoles. Players with friends on last-generation hardware cannot join them, because there is no PS4 or Xbox One copy to play on. The only route is moving to a current-generation console or PC.Phasmophobia is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, but not in 2026. Kinetic Games announced the Switch 2 version at The Game Awards in December 2025. In its June 24, 2026 post, Phasmophobia 2026 and Beyond, the studio said 1.0 moves to the second half of 2027 and that the Switch 2 version will arrive at the same time. Kinetic Games has not yet detailed whether Switch 2 players will join crossplay lobbies.Phasmophobia is still in early access in October 2026, with version 0.19.1.0 released on October 6, 2026, per Kinetic Games' patch notes. Crossplay already works across PC, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S during early access, so groups do not need to wait for 1.0. If you still need a copy, Kinguin lists Phasmophobia, and buying the version for the platform you play on is all that matters for crossplay.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Phasmophobia crossplay with PC and Xbox?Yes. Phasmophobia players on PC through Steam and on Xbox Series X|S can join the same lobby, and PS5 and PS VR2 players can join too. Crossplay is optional, so every player in the group should check that it is switched on in the game settings.Can PC and PS5 players play Phasmophobia together?Yes. PC players on Steam and PS5 players can play Phasmophobia together, including PS VR2 users. The host creates a private room, shares the room code, and friends on other platforms enter it to join. Matching server regions helps avoid connection problems.Can PS5 and PC crossplay?In Phasmophobia, yes. PS5 and PC crossplay has worked since the console early access launch on October 29, 2024. Crossplay support varies by game, so for other titles check the publisher's own support pages before buying a copy on a different platform than your friends.Is Phasmophobia cross-platform?Yes. Phasmophobia is cross-platform across PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, with up to four players per lobby. Cross-progression is a different matter: Kinetic Games has not announced it, so levels and unlocks stay on each platform.Is Phasmophobia on PS4 or Xbox One?No. Phasmophobia is available on PC, PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S only. Kinetic Games has not announced PS4 or Xbox One versions. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is planned for the second half of 2027, alongside the 1.0 release.SourcesKinetic Games: Phasmophobia (official game page)Kinetic Games: Phasmophobia 2026 and Beyond (June 24, 2026)Kinetic Games: Phasmophobia v0.19.1.0 Patch Notes (October 6, 2026)Steam: Phasmophobia store pageGematsu: Phasmophobia Early Access for PS5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series launches October 29
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This guide covers Helldivers 2 crossplay on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as of October 2026. Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same match. Yes, Helldivers 2 has full crossplay: PC, PS5 and Xbox players can squad up together. Progress, however, stays on each platform, because the game has no cross-progression.Key TakeawaysHelldivers 2 supports crossplay between PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and crossplay can be turned off in the game.Helldivers 2 launched on Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, with crossplay from day one, according to Xbox Wire.Cross-platform friends are added with a friend code from the Social tab.Helldivers 2 has no cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy, and Arrowhead Support says there are no plans to add cross-progression at this time.Helldivers 2 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)QuestionAnswerPC + PS5 + Xbox Series X|S crossplayYes, all three platforms play togetherXbox Series X|S releaseAugust 26, 2025 ($39.99 base game)Original release (PS5 and PC)February 8, 2024Crossplay toggleOn by default, can be turned offCross-progression / cross-saveNo, and no plans at this time per Arrowhead SupportCross-buyNoSquad sizeUp to 4 playersHow to add cross-platform friendsFriend code in the Social tabPS Plus needed for onlineOn PS5 only; not on SteamPSN account on SteamGame prompts linking on first launchIs Helldivers 2 Crossplay? The Short AnswerYes, Helldivers 2 is crossplay on every platform it is sold on. Arrowhead Support states that Helldivers 2 features cross-play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, so a squad of up to four players can mix Steam, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S accounts in the same mission. Friends on different platforms can host or join each other's ships, as long as crossplay is enabled for everyone.Helldivers 2 crossplay covers matchmaking and missions, not your account. Each platform keeps its own progression, Warbonds, Super Credits and unlocks, so playing on a second platform means starting from scratch there. The rest of this guide explains which platforms play together, how to add friends from another platform, the PlayStation Network question on PC, and what to check when crossplay does not work.Which Platforms Can Play Helldivers 2 Together?Helldivers 2 crossplay connects three platforms: PC through Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game first launched on February 8, 2024, on PS5 and Steam, according to the Arrowhead FAQ, and crossplay between those two was part of the game from launch. Xbox joined in 2025, which made the player base shared across all three platforms. On Xbox, the game is available on the Series X|S consoles.Helldivers 2 has crossplay switched on by default, and the Arrowhead FAQ confirms that players can disable it. Turning crossplay off limits matchmaking to your own platform, which can mean fewer available squads at higher difficulties. For a mixed group of friends, crossplay needs to stay on for every player in the squad.Platform pairCan play together?PC (Steam) + PS5YesPC (Steam) + Xbox Series X|SYesPS5 + Xbox Series X|SYesAny platform with crossplay turned offOnly with the same platformHelldivers 2 on Xbox: Release and CrossplayHelldivers 2 came to Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, according to Xbox Wire and the Xbox Store listing. The base game is listed at $39.99 on Xbox, and pre-orders offered a Standard Edition and a Super Citizen Edition. The Xbox Wire announcement promised cross play on all platforms from launch.Helldivers 2 on Xbox uses the same live galaxy and the same missions as the PC and PS5 versions, so Xbox players join the existing community instead of a separate one. Official Xbox Wire posts and the Xbox Store page do not mention a PlayStation Network account for the Xbox version. Xbox players who already own the game on another platform still need to start a new account, because purchases and progress do not carry over.Get Helldivers 2 on KinguinHow to Add Cross-Platform Friends With a Friend CodeHelldivers 2 adds friends from other platforms through friend codes, not through Steam, PSN or Xbox friend lists. According to Arrowhead Support, the Social tab shows your friends list, players you recently played with, pending invitations and blocked players. From there you can search for a player by friend code or generate your own code to share. Guides describe the code as eight digits long.Helldivers 2 also lets you send a request from the recent players list, which is handy after a good random match. Arrowhead Support says the Social tab opens from the Pause menu while you are on a ship, or with Tab on PC and X on PS5; Xbox players can reach it through the Pause menu.Make sure crossplay is turned on for both players.Board your ship and open the Social tab from the Pause menu.Player one generates a friend code and shares it.Player two enters the code in the friend code search and sends a request.Player one accepts the request under pending invitations.Invite the new friend to your ship from the friends list.Do You Need a PSN Account to Play Helldivers 2?Helldivers 2 on Steam asks PC players to link a PlayStation Network account. According to Arrowhead Support, the game prompts you to link Steam to PSN on first launch and shows a QR code and a log-in link. The Steam store page also lists PlayStation Network as a required third-party account that supports linking to Steam. Creating a PSN account is free.Helldivers 2 became the center of a PSN controversy in May 2024, when PlayStation planned to make linking mandatory and then said the update will not be moving forward after a wave of negative Steam reviews, as reported by several outlets at the time. Players report that the prompt still appears, so plan for linking on PC. Official Xbox pages mention no PSN account for the Xbox version.Helldivers 2 online play on PS5 requires PS Plus, while Steam players do not pay for PS Plus to play online, according to the Arrowhead FAQ. Linking Steam and PSN does not unlock anything across platforms either. Arrowhead Support states that linking does not copy game data between the PS5 and PC copies of the game.Does Helldivers 2 Have Cross-Progression?Helldivers 2 does not have cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy as of October 2026. Arrowhead Support, in an article updated on October 13, 2026, says progression, DLC and limited-time items such as pre-order armor stay on the account and platform where you earned or bought them. Player Support cannot merge accounts or move items between accounts, and it grants no exceptions.Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has been clear about the future too: its support page says "We have no plans to implement cross-progression at this time." In November 2025, CEO Shams Jorjani said the studio would love to add it but that it was far from the priority. Players moving from PS5 to PC or Xbox, or the other way around, should expect to rebuild Warbonds and unlocks from zero.Helldivers 2 Crossplay Not Working: Quick ChecksHelldivers 2 crossplay problems usually come down to settings or friend requests rather than the platforms themselves. Earlier patch notes listed issues with cross-platform friend invites not showing up, so a request that seems lost is worth sending again before assuming something is broken. The checklist below covers the common fixes, in the order most players try them.Check that crossplay is enabled for every player in the squad.Confirm everyone is on the latest game update.On PC, finish linking your PSN account if the game asks for it.Resend the friend request using a freshly generated friend code.Restart the game, then try the invite again from the friends list.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Helldivers 2 going to be cross-platform?Helldivers 2 already is cross-platform. PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can play together, and Xbox joined with crossplay when the game launched there on August 26, 2025. Crossplay is on by default and can be turned off.Can Xbox and PS5 play Helldivers 2 together?Yes. Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players can share a squad of up to four in Helldivers 2. Both players need crossplay switched on and must add each other with a friend code from the in-game Social tab.Does Helldivers 2 have cross-progression?No. Helldivers 2 has no cross-progression, cross-save or cross-buy, so items and progress stay on each platform. Arrowhead Support says the studio has no plans to implement cross-progression at this time.Do you need a PSN account to play Helldivers 2 on PC?Helldivers 2 on Steam prompts PC players to link a free PSN account on first launch, per Arrowhead Support, and the Steam page lists PSN as a third-party account. PlayStation dropped a mandatory linking plan in May 2024.How do you add friends cross-platform in Helldivers 2?Open the Social tab from the Pause menu on your ship, generate a friend code and share it. Your friend searches for that code, sends a request, and you accept it under pending invitations.SourcesArrowhead Support: Does Helldivers 2 have cross-progression?Arrowhead Support: How do I link my Steam account to a PlayStation Network account?Arrowhead Support: How do I send/accept a friend request?Arrowhead Support: Helldivers 2 FAQXbox Wire: Helldivers 2 is Coming to Xbox on August 26Xbox Wire: Helldivers 2 Out on Xbox TodaySteam: Helldivers 2 store page
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This guide covers which GTA 5 and GTA Online platforms can play together in 2026. No, GTA 5 is not crossplay: PC, PlayStation and Xbox players cannot share sessions, and Rockstar has not announced plans to change that. The only cross-platform play happens between PC launchers, and only when everyone runs the same PC edition.Key TakeawaysGTA 5 and GTA Online have no crossplay between PC, PlayStation and Xbox, and no crossplay has been announced as of October 2026.GTA 5 players on PC can play together across all PC launchers if everyone runs the same edition, Enhanced or Legacy.Since June 18, 2026, Rockstar offers a free upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version for PS4 owners and digital Xbox One owners.A GTA Online character can be migrated once from PS4 or Xbox One to current-gen consoles, but never between console and PC.GTA 5 Crossplay at a Glance (October 2026)PlatformsCan they play together?PC + PlayStation or XboxNo crossplayPlayStation + XboxNo crossplay, on any console generationPS4 + PS5 / Xbox One + Xbox Series X|SSeparate GTA Online sessions on the current-gen versionSteam + Epic + Rockstar Launcher + Xbox app (PC)Yes, if everyone is on the same edition (Enhanced or Legacy)PC Enhanced + PC LegacyNo, separate GTA Online instancesMove character PS4/Xbox One to PS5/Xbox Series X|SYes, one time per profileMove character between console and PCNo, in either directionFree upgrade PS4 to PS5 / Xbox One digital to Xbox Series X|SYes, since June 18, 2026 (not physical Xbox One discs)Crossplay announcedNoWhat Do Crossplay and Cross-Progression Mean in GTA 5?Crossplay means players on different platforms can join the same online session. Cross-progression means one save follows a player across platforms and stays in sync. GTA 5 and GTA Online support neither in that modern sense. Rockstar instead offers a one-time character migration: a profile is copied to a new platform once, and from then on the old and new versions develop separately.GTA Online splits players into three platform families: PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Players only meet others inside their own family, and console players also need to be on the same generation of the game. On PC, the store does not matter, but the edition does. The sections below explain each rule, starting with the console brands and ending with a setup checklist for mixed friend groups.Can Xbox and PlayStation Play GTA 5 Together?Xbox and PlayStation players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online together on any console generation. The rule covers PS4 with Xbox One, PS5 with Xbox Series X|S, and every mixed pairing in between. Rockstar Support describes cross-network play as something that applies only to PC platforms, and no equivalent exists between the two console brands. No menu setting connects the two player bases.Rockstar has not given a reason for the missing PlayStation and Xbox crossplay, so explanations found on forums are guesses rather than Rockstar policy. A mixed console group has one practical option: one player switches to the other brand. A GTA Online character from PS4 or Xbox One can follow that player once to the other brand's current-gen console, with the money rules covered in the character migration section.Can PC Play GTA 5 With PS4, PS5 or Xbox?PC players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online with anyone on PS4, PS5, Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. According to Rockstar Support (article last updated June 17, 2025), "Cross-network play only applies to gameplay between PC platforms (Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, Epic Games Launcher, Xbox app on PC, etc.). Players on PC cannot play with players on console." The rule applies to both PC editions and every console generation.Rockstar offers no supported workaround for a PC player who wants to join a console lobby, and GTA Online progress cannot move between console and PC in either direction. A PC player whose friends are on PS5 has three realistic choices: buy the PS5 version and start a new character, move the group to PC, or play with a different crew on PC.Can PS4 and PS5 (or Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S) Play GTA Online Together?PS4 and PS5 players, and Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, usually cannot meet in GTA Online. According to community guides and player reports, the current-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X|S version runs separate sessions from the PS4 and Xbox One version. Players also report that a PS5 owner can run the PS4 version through backward compatibility to join PS4 friends, though Rockstar has not documented this.The free GTA V upgrade is the simplest fix for mixed-generation groups. According to Rockstar Newswire (June 17, 2026) and Rockstar Support, since June 18, 2026 anyone who owns GTA V on PS4, disc or digital, or the digital Xbox One version can get the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version at no cost. A PS4 disc must be in the PS5. Physical Xbox One discs are excluded, and Rockstar has given no end date.GTA Online is still live on PS4 and Xbox One in October 2026, and Rockstar has not announced a shutdown. The Kortz Center Heist reached PS4 and Xbox One in July 2026, but the Rockstar patch notes list more recent updates for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC only. Groups that want the newest content should move to the current-gen version.Do Steam, Epic and Rockstar Launcher Players Play GTA 5 Together on PC?GTA 5 players on PC can play together regardless of the store they bought from. Steam, Epic Games Store, Rockstar Games Launcher and Xbox app on PC copies all share GTA Online sessions, so a friend with an Epic copy can join a Steam player. The edition is the part that matters. Since March 4, 2025, GTA V on PC comes in two editions, Enhanced and Legacy.GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy run as separate GTA Online instances. According to Rockstar Newswire (February 20 and March 4, 2025), players who remain on Legacy cannot play in sessions with players on Enhanced, even when both bought the game in the same store. PC owners get both editions, so a PC friend who cannot find a session should first check which edition each player launched.Get GTA V on KinguinCan You Move a GTA Online Character Between Platforms?GTA Online characters can move from PS4 or Xbox One to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S once per profile, started from the Landing Page or Pause Menu. According to Rockstar Support's migration page (updated February 24, 2026), the move can cross brands, such as Xbox One to PS5. Unspent GTA$ bought through Shark Cards does not transfer across brands, while earned GTA$ does, so players should spend Shark Card money first.Rockstar Support lists two blocked routes: no migration between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and no migration between console and PC in either direction. On PC, moving from Legacy to Enhanced is a manual, one-time migration rather than an automatic one. After that move, the Legacy progress is kept but no longer syncs with the Enhanced character, so the two profiles drift apart.Will GTA 5 or GTA 6 Get Crossplay?Rockstar has not announced any plan to add crossplay to GTA 5 or GTA Online, either between PC and consoles or between PlayStation and Xbox. A search of Rockstar Newswire and Rockstar Support in October 2026 found no such announcement. Until that changes, GTA Online groups should plan around the current rules: same platform family, same console generation and, on PC, the same edition.GTA 6 releases on November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, according to Rockstar Newswire (June 24, 2026), and no PC version has been announced. Rockstar describes GTA 6 as "a single player experience". Rockstar has said nothing official about GTA 6 Online or crossplay, so claims that GTA 6 will support crossplay are unconfirmed.How Do You Set Up GTA Online With Friends on Different Platforms?GTA Online groups avoid most matchmaking problems by checking platform, generation and edition before anyone buys or reinstalls the game. The steps below summarize the rules from the earlier sections in the order a mixed group should check them.Pick one platform family for the whole group: PC, PlayStation or Xbox.On consoles, move everyone to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version; PS4 and digital Xbox One owners can use the free upgrade.On PC, ignore the store and agree on one edition, Enhanced or Legacy.Before switching console brands, spend any Shark Card GTA$ and migrate the character once.Accept that a move between console and PC means starting a new character.Buy the GTA V version that matches your group's platform and edition, for example on Kinguin.FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCan Xbox and PS play GTA together?Xbox and PlayStation players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online together on any generation, and Rockstar has not announced plans to add it. One player has to switch brands; a PS4 or Xbox One character can be migrated once to the other brand's current-gen console.Can PS4 GTA 5 play with PC?PS4 players cannot play GTA 5 or GTA Online with PC players. Rockstar Support states that players on PC cannot play with players on console, and that rule also covers PS5 and Xbox. GTA Online characters cannot be moved between PS4 and PC either.Can I play GTA 5 Online on PC and PS5 together?GTA Online has no crossplay between PC and PS5. Rockstar limits cross-network play to PC launchers, so a PC player and a PS5 player need to be on the same platform. Progress cannot move between PC and PS5, so the switching player starts a new character.Will GTA 6 have crossplay?Rockstar has not announced crossplay for GTA 6. GTA 6 launches November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Rockstar calls it a single player experience. Nothing official exists yet about GTA 6 Online, so crossplay claims remain unconfirmed.Can Steam and Epic Games players play GTA Online together?Steam and Epic Games Store players can play GTA Online together when both run the same PC edition. GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy are separate online instances, so a Steam player on Enhanced cannot join an Epic player on Legacy.SourcesRockstar Support: Unable to join GTA Online sessions with Xbox app on PC (cross-network play, updated June 17, 2025)Rockstar Support: Free GTA V upgrade to PS5 or Xbox Series X|S (updated June 18, 2026)
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Some evenings are simply made for staying in. Your favorite blanket is waiting on the couch, there's something warm in your favorite mug, and you've already decided that absolutely nothing is getting you out of your comfy clothes tonight. All that's missing is a good game. And perhaps a little surprise from us 🤎This autumn, Kinguin and Razer have teamed up for a special Cozy Gaming Giveaway, bringing together our love for relaxing games, cute gaming setups, and those wonderfully lazy evenings when the only thing on your schedule is enjoying yourself.We're celebrating Kinguin's Cozy Sale with a chance to win some seriously lovely gaming gear, including a Nintendo Switch 2, Razer headphones, and an adorable Pokémon-themed collection. A little something for your cozy gaming cornerWe believe your gaming setup should feel like your own little happy place. Maybe yours is full of fairy lights, plushies, and pastel accessories. Maybe it's a simple desk with a comfy chair and a very important cup of coffee. Whatever your perfect gaming corner looks like, we've got a few things that might make it even lovelier.Together with Razer, we're giving away three prize packages made for gaming days, quiet evenings, and everything in between.🧸 1st Place: The ultimate gaming eveningOur grand prize winner will receive:Razer Barracuda X Chroma White – wireless gaming headphones for getting lost in your favorite worlds.Nintendo Switch 2 – a whole new collection of gaming adventures waiting to happen.Just imagine putting on your headphones, getting comfortable under your blanket, and spending the evening exploring a new game. No plans, no rush, just a little time for yourself.🌸 2nd Place: A Pokémon dream setupIf your ideal gaming setup involves pink accessories and ridiculously cute Pokémon, this prize might have your name written all over it.Our second-place winner will receive the Pokémon Razer Collab Pikachu & Eevee Collection Gaming Gear, a matching set featuring a headset, keyboard, mouse, and mouse mat. Yes, Pikachu and Eevee. Yes, it's pink. And yes, we're a little obsessed too.🎀 3rd Place: Kitty ears, obviouslyOur third-place winner will receive the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro, a pink gaming headset with adorable kitty ears.Because sometimes you want great gaming audio, and sometimes you also want to look like the cutest person in the Discord call.Cozy games, autumn evenings, and a little extra loveOf course, a cozy gaming setup deserves some equally lovely games. That's why our Kinguin Cozy Sale is here to make your autumn gaming plans even sweeter, with selected cozy games discounted by up to 86%.Fancy spending the evening running a little bakery? Taking care of your farm? Decorating your dream home? Or simply disappearing into a beautiful game world for a few hours?We've gathered games for all kinds of peaceful evenings, and there's even an extra treat waiting for you: use code COZY8 for an additional discount on eligible offers. You bring the blanket and snacks. We'll help with the games.Ready to make this autumn a little sweeter? 🍯Our Kinguin x Razer Cozy Gaming Giveaway is all about celebrating the little things that make gaming feel special. Your favorite game after a long day, a cute new accessory on your desk, or a weekend when you finally have time to play something you've been looking forward to.And who knows? Maybe your next gaming evening will come with a brand-new Razer setup. Enter the Kinguin x Razer Cozy Gaming Giveaway through our official contest page, follow the participation instructions, and check the terms and conditions for eligibility and deadlines. .kg-cozy-mini-v4 { transition:box-shadow .2s ease !important; } .kg-cozy-mini-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 22px rgba(80,45,30,.12) !important; } .kg-cozy-mini-v4:focus-visible { outline:3px solid #f26621 !important; outline-offset:3px !important; } Good luck, little autumn gamers. We're rooting for you! 🧸🤎
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Twenty-two years later, we’re going back to where it all began. World of Warcraft: Forever is now live, opening the doors to a new version of original Azeroth built for players who remember their first trip to Stormwind just as much as those who have absolutely no idea why everyone keeps shouting “FOR THE HORDE.”Both are welcome. Forever is an unusual chapter for World of Warcraft. It isn't simply another expansion added to the end of the existing game, nor is it Classic with prettier lighting. Blizzard describes it as a new permanent home alongside Modern and Classic WoW: an Azeroth rooted in the game's original era that can continue growing in its own direction through new stories, zones, dungeons and updates.For longtime players, that means familiar roads can lead somewhere genuinely new. For everyone who has spent the last 20 years looking at WoW from the outside and thinking, surely it is far too late to start now, Forever might be one of the easiest opportunities to finally find out what all the fuss is about. So, before you choose a faction, lose several hours creating your character and develop an unhealthy relationship with the Auction House, here's what you need to know.What exactly is World of Warcraft: Forever?Let's start with the newcomers. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG, which is a very efficient way of saying that thousands of people share an enormous online fantasy world and spend their time questing, exploring, fighting monsters, running dungeons, collecting gear, learning professions, fighting each other and standing in capital cities showing off mounts that took an unreasonable amount of time to obtain.The world is Azeroth, and it has been the home of WoW since 2004. Over more than two decades, that world has changed enormously through expansions. Modern World of Warcraft has continued moving forward, while WoW Classic allowed players to revisit older versions of the game.Forever takes a different path. It goes back to the spirit and geography of original Azeroth, but instead of preserving that world exactly as it was, Blizzard is expanding it. There are familiar places alongside new and enlarged zones, more than 1,000 new quests, new dungeons, new secrets and stories that build outward from WoW's first age. The level 1–60 journey matters again, and the plan is for this version of Azeroth to continue evolving through future content rather than eventually progressing through the same expansions WoW has already had.That distinction is probably the easiest way to understand Forever. Classic asks what it was like to play old WoW again. Forever asks what old WoW could have become if Azeroth had taken another road. If you have never played World of Warcraft before, you don't need 22 years of homework to start here.If you have played World of Warcraft for 22 years, you have probably already stopped reading this section and started arguing about class balance somewhere. Welcome home.What is actually new in WoW: Forever? Quite a lot. The biggest addition you will notice immediately is Skyborne, the new playable elven race from Zephras Isle. The race splits along faction lines: Windshaper Skyborne join the Horde and can become Shamans, while High Order Skyborne join the Alliance and can become Mages. Forever also opens new race-and-class combinations including Forsaken Paladins, Dwarf Shamans, Orc Mages, Troll Warlocks, Human Hunters and Gnome Priests.The familiar classes themselves have also been reworked, with updated abilities and specializations designed to keep their original identities while giving players new options. Then there is the world. Azeroth has received environmental and lighting upgrades, but the important changes go deeper than presentation. Blizzard has filled the 1–60 journey with new stories, locations, secrets and dungeons, giving veterans reasons to wander away from the routes they could probably still navigate with their eyes closed.Professions are much more involved too, with more than 600 new recipes, new crafted bonuses and profession objects that can be placed at campsites. The new Camping system lets players build temporary camps in the world where adventurers can rest, repair, access profession tools and contribute useful objects and buffs before continuing their journey.And if you're already thinking about leveling your third alt before your first character has reached max level, Forever has something specifically for you. The new Legacy System adds account-wide progression through challenges involving classes, professions, PvP, exploration, dungeons and raids. Completing them earns Legacy Points that can unlock perks and cosmetic rewards across your account. It rewards experimenting with different parts of Azeroth without requiring you to abandon your main character to benefit from it.In other words, Forever gives you plenty of reasons to take the long way around. Veteran WoW players will understand exactly how dangerous that sentence is.Horde or Alliance? Yes, you still have to chooseSome traditions survive everything. The Alliance brings together races including Humans, Dwarves, Night Elves and Gnomes, while the Horde includes Orcs, Trolls, Tauren and Forsaken. Forever expands those possibilities further with the Skyborne, whose two branches join opposing factions.For a brand-new player, the practical answer is simple: choose whichever side has the race, fantasy and friends you actually want to play with. The emotionally correct answer is considerably more complicated and has caused arguments since 2004. #wowHordeState, #wowAllianceState { opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; } #wowDefaultState { opacity: 1; } #wowHordeTarget:target ~ #wowDefaultState, #wowAllianceTarget:target ~ #wowDefaultState { opacity: 0; } #wowHordeTarget:target ~ #wowHordeState { opacity: 1; } #wowAllianceTarget:target ~ #wowAllianceState { opacity: 1; } .wowCard { transition: opacity .25s ease, filter .25s ease; } .wowVoteText { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 1px; } .wowLink:hover .wowCard { filter: brightness(1.18); } .wowLink:hover .wowVoteText { text-decoration: underline; } CHOOSE YOUR ALLEGIANCE Pick your side H HORDE Strength. Honor. Zug zug. VOTE HORDE → A ALLIANCE Glory. Duty. VOTE ALLIANCE → THE BATTLE SO FAR 52% HORDE / 48% ALLIANCE 52% HORDE ALLIANCE 48% Choose your faction above. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED 53% HORDE / 47% ALLIANCE 53% HORDE ALLIANCE 47% Lok'tar Ogar. Your allegiance has been sworn. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED 51% HORDE / 49% ALLIANCE 51% HORDE ALLIANCE 49% For the Alliance. Your allegiance has been sworn. Which version of WoW: Forever should you get?This is where things can get confusing for a new player, so let's make it simple. You do not need to buy a separate base game to access World of Warcraft: Forever. Access is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time. Blizzard also offers optional Forever upgrade packs that add things such as access to the Skyborne race and its starting experience, mounts, cosmetics, pets and other extras.The Skyborne Heroic Pack is the first upgrade tier and is mainly for players who want access to Skyborne and Zephras Isle alongside its cosmetics and extras.The Skyborne Epic Pack includes the Heroic content plus additional collectibles and 30 days of Game Time.Then there is the limited-time Warcraft Forever Collection, which goes further by bundling the Epic content with Warcraft III: Reforged and the new Forsaken Kingdom campaign, making it the obvious enthusiast option for someone who wants the broader Warcraft package. And this is where it is worth checking the price before buying. .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6 { transition: transform .22s ease, box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6:hover { transform:translateY(-4px) !important; box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-cover-v6 { transition:transform .30s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-card-v6:hover .wow-cover-v6 { transform:scale(1.035) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-offer-v6 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-offer-v6:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-view-all-v6 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .wow-shop-v6 .wow-view-all-v6:hover { border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } View all → Loading products... Marketplace prices can change. Check the product page for current price, region, delivery method and activation requirements.Because Kinguin is a marketplace, multiple sellers can offer the same product and competing offers can mean a lower price than buying at standard retail. That is why we would not tell you to memorize one number from this article. Check the current offers when you are ready to enter Azeroth.Is Kinguin safe for buying World of Warcraft: Forever?If you are new to Kinguin, this is a fair question. Kinguin has operated as a digital marketplace since 2013 and serves millions of customers globally. It currently holds a 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot from more than 123,000 reviews, while payment security measures include a dedicated Fraud Prevention and Response team operating 24/7. Payment details are also not shared with third-party marketplace sellers.As with any marketplace purchase, however, you should still read the listing before paying.Check whether you are buying a key or Altergift, make sure the region matches your Battle.net account, read the activation instructions and look at the seller information. Some Forever listings on Kinguin use Battle.net gifting rather than a standard CD key, so the delivery process can differ between products. Thirty seconds spent reading the product page is considerably faster than opening a support ticket because you bought the wrong region. .kg-trust-clean-v2 { transition:box-shadow .25s ease !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.08) !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-item { transition:transform .2s ease !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-item:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; } .kg-trust-clean-v2 .kg-clean-check { animation:kgCleanPulse 2.8s ease-in-out infinite; } @keyframes kgCleanPulse { 0%,100% { transform:scale(1); } 50% { transform:scale(1.06); } } New to WoW? Here is what you're actually going to do in AzerothThis is the part that trailers sometimes make unnecessarily complicated. You create a character by choosing your faction, race and class, then enter Azeroth at level one. From there, you explore. You meet characters who give you quests. You fight enemies and grow stronger. You discover towns and cities, learn professions, find better equipment and gradually venture into more dangerous parts of the world.Eventually, you can enter dungeons with other players, where a small group works together against tougher enemies and bosses. At higher levels, raids bring larger groups together for some of WoW's biggest challenges. If fighting other players sounds more interesting, PvP is waiting. If none of that sounds interesting, WoW has spent more than two decades proving that people will happily log in and spend an entire evening fishing.There is no single correct way to play World of Warcraft. Some players chase the hardest bosses in the game. Some live for PvP. Some collect mounts. Some make gold through professions. Some level twelve different characters because apparently one identity wasn't enough. And some person reading this will spend four hours jumping around Stormwind while talking to their guild. That counts too.You are going to need gold. Probably more than you think.Ah, WoW Gold. You will meet each other very quickly. Gold is the everyday currency of Azeroth, and it touches an enormous amount of what you do. It can be used for trading with other players, buying gear and consumables, picking up crafting materials and paying for other useful things throughout your adventure. Kinguin already has dedicated World of Warcraft: Forever Gold marketplace listings across EU and US servers, with offers separated by faction and realm type.You can absolutely earn gold by playing. Questing, professions, trading and selling things you find are part of the normal WoW experience. You can also discover that the thing you desperately want costs considerably more gold than you currently possess. This is another long-standing WoW tradition. For players who would rather spend their limited gaming time questing, running dungeons or preparing for raids instead of farming currency, Kinguin's in-game marketplace provides another option for getting the gold they need. .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1 { transition: transform .20s ease, box-shadow .20s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1:hover { transform:translateY(-4px) !important; box-shadow:0 12px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.20) !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cover-v1 { transition:transform .28s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-card-v1:hover .kg-gold-cover-v1 { transform:scale(1.04) !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-arrow-v1 { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-arrow-v1:hover { transform:scale(1.06) !important; background:#f26621 !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cta-v1 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-gold-carousel-v1 .kg-gold-cta-v1:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 10px rgba(242,102,33,.22) !important; } .kg-gold-track-v1::-webkit-scrollbar { display:none !important; } Always select the correct region, faction and realm before purchasing. Delivery methods and times vary by seller.This module should not just be a product carousel. I would make the user choose EU/US → Horde/Alliance → realm type and only then display matching listings. It turns what would normally be a boring sales block into something that actually helps a WoW player avoid buying the wrong product.Gold isn't the only shortcutKinguin's Forever marketplace is structured around Currencies, Items and Boosting, which means the in-game section can grow beyond gold as more player-to-player offers appear after launch. That gives us a good rule for new players:Play the game first. Learn what you enjoy. Then decide where you actually want to save time.There is little point buying something simply because another player says you “need” it. WoW is enormous, and the things that matter to someone pushing endgame content may be completely irrelevant to someone who is happily exploring Azeroth, leveling professions and collecting pets. Your journey does not need to look like somebody else's. Even if their gear looks annoyingly good. .kg-wow-all-v2 { transition: transform .22s ease, box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; box-shadow:0 14px 30px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2 .kg-wow-all-cta-v2 { transition: transform .18s ease, background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-wow-all-v2 .kg-wow-all-cta-v2:hover { transform:translateY(-2px) !important; background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(242,102,33,.24) !important; } MORE FROM AZEROTH More than gold awaits. Games, upgrades, currency, items and more — all things Warcraft in one place. SEE ALL WOW OFFERS → Returning veteran? Here's the short versionYou already know what Azeroth is. You know what it feels like when a dungeon run becomes an entire evening. You probably have strong feelings about at least one class redesign, one capital city and one expansion somebody else inexplicably loves.So here is what matters. Forever takes the original level 1–60 Azeroth and gives it somewhere new to go. It isn't simply repeating the expansion timeline. There are more than 1,000 new quests, new and expanded areas, new dungeons, revamped classes, expanded race/class combinations, Skyborne, deeper professions, Camping and account-wide Legacy progression. It is familiar enough that you will recognize home. It is different enough that you will need to explore it again.Azeroth is waiting. Again.World of Warcraft has spent more than two decades becoming enormous. Forever does something surprisingly refreshing with all that history: it gives players another beginning.New players get an Azeroth they can enter without feeling like they arrived twenty years late. Veterans get familiar continents filled with roads they haven't already walked a hundred times. Everyone starts again at level one and gets to find out what this version of the world becomes.If you're ready to go, check the current WoW: Forever editions and Game Time on Kinguin, compare the available marketplace offers and make sure you have the right region and activation method before buying. If you're already playing and your bags are full but your wallet isn't, WoW: Forever Gold and other in-game offers are waiting too.Then there is only one decision left. Horde or Alliance? Choose carefully, people have been arguing about this for 22 years. There is absolutely no reason to stop now.
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The games most like The Blood of Dawnwalker are Vampyr, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Vampyr is the closest vampire match, with a cursed protagonist, claw-based combat and feeding choices that change the world around you. The Witcher 3 shares its creative lineage and dark fantasy storytelling, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance II offers the directional melee combat and grounded medieval drama many Dawnwalker fans enjoy.Best Games Like The Blood of Dawnwalker at a GlanceVampyr — A 2018 vampire RPG where a doctor feeds on Londoners, the closest match to Coen's nightly hunger.Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines — Troika's cult vampire RPG with clan powers, sharp writing and choices that reshape every conversation.Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 — A 2025 sequel set among Seattle's vampires, offering supernatural powers but a mixed player reception.V Rising — A survival game where you rebuild a vampire's power, hunting at night and hiding from the sun.Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered — A remaster of two gothic action-adventures set in Nosgoth, rich in dark fantasy and brooding atmosphere.Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition — A gothic hack-and-slash about Gabriel Belmont fighting vampires and darker forces across a medieval Europe.The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition — A huge open-world RPG where the Dawnguard expansion lets you become a vampire lord.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — CD Projekt RED's dark fantasy RPG, directed by the man who now leads Rebel Wolves.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II — A first-person medieval RPG with directional swordplay and grounded storytelling in 15th-century Bohemia.Cyberpunk 2077 — CD Projekt RED's story-driven open-world RPG, built on the same studio tradition as Dawnwalker's team.Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian's turn-based fantasy RPG with deep choices and a vampire spawn among its companions.Mass Effect Legendary Edition — BioWare's remastered sci-fi trilogy, where choices and companions carry across three connected games.VampyrAction RPG · Vampire curse, feeding choices · for Players who want the closest vampire matchVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesImmersive vampire RPG · Vampire powers, dialogue-driven story · for Fans of classic RPG writingVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Action RPG · Vampire abilities, night-time city · for Vampire fans tolerant of rough edgesV RisingSurvival, base-building · Day-night danger, blood management · for Players who enjoy co-op and craftingLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 RemasteredAction-adventure, platformer · Gothic dark fantasy, soul feeding · for Fans of classic story-driven adventuresCastlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate EditionHack and slash · Gothic vampires, melee combat · for Players who prefer action over dialogueThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionOpen-world RPG · Optional vampire transformation, open world · for Explorers who like long-term character buildsThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntOpen-world action RPG · Same director, dark fantasy writing · for Anyone who wants the studio's rootsKingdom Come: Deliverance IIFirst-person medieval RPG · Directional melee, grounded storytelling · for Players who love realistic sword combatCyberpunk 2077Open-world action RPG · CD Projekt storytelling, mature themes · for Story fans open to sci-fiBaldur’s Gate 3Turn-based CRPG · Choices matter, vampire companion · for Players who value branching storiesMass Effect Legendary EditionSci-fi action RPG · Strong protagonist, consequential choices · for Fans of companion-driven trilogiesWhat Makes a Game Feel Like The Blood of Dawnwalker?A game feels like The Blood of Dawnwalker when it pulls on one of two threads. The first is the vampire fantasy: playing a cursed hero, using supernatural powers, managing a hunger for blood and walking through a gothic world after dark. The second is the craft Rebel Wolves inherited from The Witcher 3: a defined protagonist, morally gray writing, quests with consequences and weighty melee combat where the direction of each swing matters. Coen's split between human days and vampire nights, under a 30-day deadline, adds time pressure that makes every choice feel costly.Games Like The Blood of Dawnwalker for the Vampire FantasyThese picks are for players who finished Dawnwalker wanting more nights as a monster. Each one puts vampires at the center, whether you play as one, hunt them or slowly become one, and most lean into gothic atmosphere, blood-driven powers and uneasy moral choices.VampyrReleased2018DeveloperDONTNOD EntertainmentPublisherFocus EntertainmentMetacritic score72Steam scoreMostly PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, HorrorSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bits) Processor: Intel Core i3-2130 (3.4 GHz)/AMD FX-4100 (3.6 GHz) Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: 2 GB, GeForce GTX 1050 (Legacy GPU: GeForce GTX 660) / Radeon R7 370 Storage: 20 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bits) Processor: Intel Core i7-3930K (3.2 GHz)/AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (3.2 GHz) Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: 4 GB, GeForce GeForce GTX 970 / GTX 1060 / Radeon R9 390 Storage: 20 GB available space Vampyr is a 2018 action RPG by DONTNOD Entertainment, and many Dawnwalker players call it the closest vampire game to Rebel Wolves' debut. You play Jonathan Reid, a doctor turned into a vampire in 1918 London, torn between his oath to heal and his need to feed. There is also a fun link between the two games: Anthony Howell, who voiced Jonathan Reid, plays Pieter, Coen's father, in The Blood of Dawnwalker. Players often point to the shared claw-based combat and the weight of deciding who you feed on.The core loop mixes third-person melee with vampire abilities that you unlock by drinking blood. The catch is that the most powerful experience comes from feeding on named citizens, each with a backstory, relationships and secrets you uncover through conversation. Kill someone and their district can slide toward chaos, so every meal reshapes the city. Combat is simpler than in Dawnwalker and leans on dodging, stamina and blood powers, but the choice system around feeding gives it a moral tension that very few other vampire games match.Vampyr holds a Metacritic score of 72 and a Mostly Positive rating from Steam players, which reflects a game with clear rough edges and a loyal audience. Its combat can feel stiff and some areas repeat, yet the atmosphere of plague-ridden London and the feeding dilemmas still land well. If Coen's nightly struggle with his hunger was the part of Dawnwalker that stayed with you, Vampyr is the most natural next step, and its modest system requirements make it easy to run on most current PCs.Get Vampyr on KinguinVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesReleased2004DeveloperTroika GamesPublisherActivisionMetacritic score80Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, HorrorSystem requirementsMinimum: Required: 3D hardware accelerator card required - 100% DirectX® 9.0c-compatible 64MB video card and drivers 1.2 GHz Athlon™ or 1.2 GHz Pentium® III processor or higher 384MB of RAM (512MB of RAM recommended) Microsoft® Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP * 3.3 GB of uncompressed hard disk space for game files and saved games (plus 1.4 GB for Windows® swap file) 100% DirectX® 9.0-compatible 16-bit sound card and drivers 100% Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP-compatible mouse, keyboard, and drivers DirectX® 9.0c * Does not support Windows XP 64 Supported Chipsets for 98/ME/200/XP: All ATI® Radeon® Chipsets All NVIDIA® GeForce(tm) Chipsets Matrox® Parhelia(tm) Chipset Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is a cult classic RPG from Troika Games, originally released in 2004 and published by Activision. It shares Dawnwalker's interest in what it means to live as a vampire among humans, but tells that story through dialogue, factions and dark humor. You create a newly turned vampire in Los Angeles, choose a clan and get pulled into the politics of the night. It holds a Metacritic score of 80 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, a sign of how well it has endured.Your clan defines how you play. Some open up persuasion and social manipulation, others favor stealth, brute force or blood magic, and each changes how characters react to you. Quests can usually be solved in several ways, and the writing gives even small side characters a strong personality. The combat, a mix of first- and third-person melee and gunplay, is the weakest part of the package and has not aged well. Players who come for the role-playing usually forgive it, because the choices feel more meaningful than the fights.Bloodlines is from 2004, and it looks and plays like it. Expect dated visuals, clunky controls and some technical quirks, and many players add community patches for a smoother run. What still holds up is the atmosphere and the writing, which explain why the game is remembered as one of the best vampire RPGs ever made. If you want to see where the modern vampire RPG grew from, or simply want a story full of memorable characters, it is worth the patience in 2026.Get Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines on KinguinVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Released2025DeveloperThe Chinese RoomPublisherParadox InteractiveSteam scoreMixedCategoriesRPG, ActionSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) Processor: Intel Core i3-8350K | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) | AMD Radeon RX 480 (8GB) | Intel Arc A580 (8GB, Resizable BAR enabled) | AMD Radeon 780M | ROG Xbox Ally X DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 30 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 11 Processor: Intel Core i5-12600K | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8GB) | AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB) DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 30 GB available space Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is a 2025 action RPG developed by The Chinese Room and published by Paradox Interactive. It is the long-awaited sequel to the 2004 cult classic and, like Dawnwalker, puts you in control of a vampire with powers that make you far stronger than the people around you. The setting moves to Seattle, where you navigate the politics of the city's vampire society while trying to keep your nature hidden from humans. It is the most direct modern answer to anyone who wants more vampire nights.Compared with the original, this sequel leans more toward action. Supernatural abilities are central to combat and movement, and you can mix them with melee attacks to handle groups of enemies. Dialogue and faction choices are still part of the experience, though the focus has shifted from a sprawling role-playing sandbox to a more guided story. For Dawnwalker fans, the most familiar element is the feeling of using vampire powers in fights, closer to Coen's night-time abilities than to traditional RPG spellcasting.Bloodlines 2 holds a Mixed rating from Steam players, so it is fair to approach it with tempered expectations. It does not carry the same reputation as the original, and players are divided on how well it lives up to that legacy. Still, it is one of the few recent big-budget games built entirely around playing a vampire. If you have already finished Vampyr and the first Bloodlines and want a modern take on the same fantasy, it is worth trying with that caveat in mind.Get Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 on KinguinV RisingReleased2024DeveloperStunlock StudiosPublisherStunlock StudiosMetacritic score83Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, RPGSystem requirements Minimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: Windows 10 64 bit. Processor: Intel Core i5-6600, 3.3 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, 3.5 GHz. Memory: 12 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti (Maxwell or newer), 2 GB or AMD Radeon R7 360, 2 GB. DirectX: Version 11. Network: Broadband Internet connection. Storage: 19 GB available space. Additional Notes: Minimum System Requirements might change in the future. Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: Windows 10 64 bit. Processor: Intel Core i5-11600K, 3.9 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, 3.7 GHz. Memory: 12 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, 8 GB or AMD Radeon RX 590, 8 GB. DirectX: Version 11. Network: Broadband Internet connection. Storage: 19 GB available space. Additional Notes: Recommended System Requirements might change in the future. V Rising is a 2024 open-world survival game from Stunlock Studios, and it takes the vampire fantasy in a very different direction from Dawnwalker. You wake as a weakened vampire after a long slumber and gradually rebuild your strength, your castle and your following. What links the two games is the rhythm of day and night: sunlight is a real threat, so you plan your hunts and travels around it, much like Coen has to balance what he can do by day and by night.The gameplay is built around crafting, base-building and isometric action combat. You gather resources, construct and expand a castle, and hunt powerful bosses to absorb their blood and unlock new abilities. Blood quality matters, since feeding on different targets grants different bonuses, which gives the game its own version of blood management. You can play solo or online with friends in co-op, and dedicated PvP and PvE servers offer very different experiences depending on how competitive you want it to be.V Rising holds a Metacritic score of 83 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, making it one of the best-received vampire games of recent years. It suits players who enjoyed Dawnwalker's night-time powers and want to spend many more hours feeling like a predator, especially with friends. Just know that this is not a narrative RPG. There is little dialogue or story choice here, so treat it as a long-term sandbox rather than a follow-up to Coen's tale, best enjoyed in long sessions.Get V Rising on KinguinLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 RemasteredReleased2024DeveloperAspyr / Crystal DynamicsPublisherAspyrSteam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, Hack and SlashSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10+ Processor: Intel i3 / AMD FX-4100 Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce GT 620 1gb / Radeon HD 8670D Storage: 2 GB available space Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system Processor: Intel i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2080 /Radeon RX 6750 Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is a 2024 collection from Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics that brings two classic gothic action-adventures back to modern hardware. You play Raziel, a former vampire lieutenant betrayed by his master Kain and reborn as a soul-devouring wraith in the decaying world of Nosgoth. For Dawnwalker fans, the connection is the dark fantasy tone and a hero caught between two states of existence, with a story built on betrayal, curses and family-like loyalties gone wrong.The gameplay combines third-person combat, platforming and environmental puzzles. Raziel can shift between the material and spectral realms, which changes the layout of the world and opens new paths. He feeds on the souls of defeated enemies to restore his health, a mechanic that echoes the role of blood in Dawnwalker. Combat is fairly simple by modern standards, and much of the challenge comes from exploring and solving puzzles rather than mastering complex sword techniques. Switching realms to reach new areas is the series' signature idea and still feels clever.The remaster holds a Very Positive rating from Steam players, who appreciate seeing both classic games return in updated form. The series is remembered above all for its voice acting and theatrical, almost Shakespearean dialogue, which still stands out today. It is a great choice for players who loved Dawnwalker's gothic atmosphere and want something shorter and more focused. Its light system requirements also make it easy to play on older PCs and handheld gaming PCs, so almost anyone can try it.Get Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered on KinguinCastlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate EditionReleased2013DeveloperMercurySteam / Climax StudiosPublisherKONAMISteam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, Adventure, Story Rich, Hack and SlashSystem requirementsMinimum: OS *: Windows XP – Service Pack 3 Processor: 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Memory: 1 GB RAM Graphics: Direct X9 compatible video card 512Mb Ram DirectX®: 9.0 Hard Drive: 15 GB HD space Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection Additional: Keyboard or Xinput compatible Joypad for control Recommended: OS *: Windows 7 or higher Processor: Quad Core CPU Memory: 2 GB RAM Graphics: Direct X11 compatible video card with 1024Mb Ram DirectX®: 11 Hard Drive: 15 GB HD space Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection Additional: Keyboard or Xinput compatible Joypad for control Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition is a gothic hack-and-slash game developed by MercurySteam and Climax Studios and published by Konami, released on PC in 2013. You play Gabriel Belmont, a holy warrior fighting vampires, werewolves and other creatures across a dark medieval Europe. It connects to Dawnwalker through its gothic setting, its vampire-heavy bestiary and a personal story driven by grief and family, even if it is far more linear than Rebel Wolves' RPG. Its tone is serious and mournful rather than playful.Combat is the heart of the game. Gabriel's Combat Cross works like a chained whip, and you build combos, dodge and block while switching between light and shadow magic to heal or deal extra damage. Large boss fights, including climbing on enormous creatures, are among the highlights, while quick-time events appear in many cinematic moments. There is no open world and few story choices, so the experience focuses on fighting and exploring a sequence of handcrafted levels. Upgrading Gabriel's moves with experience keeps the combat evolving as you progress.The Ultimate Edition holds a Very Positive rating from Steam players and bundles the base game with its additional content. It suits players who loved the combat side of Dawnwalker and want a more action-focused take on fighting vampires, with less dialogue and more spectacle. The visuals show their age in places, but the art direction and gothic architecture still look striking. Its modest hardware requirements also mean it runs well on most systems, including lower-end laptops and handheld gaming PCs.Get Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition on KinguinThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionReleased2016DeveloperBethesda Game StudiosPublisherBethesda SoftworksMetacritic score84Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction Games, Adventure, RPG, Open WorldSystem requirementsOS *: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit Version), Processor: Intel i5-2400/AMD FX-8320, Memory: 8 GB RAM, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB /AMD R9 290 4GB, Storage: 12 GB available spaceThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is a remastered open-world RPG from Bethesda Game Studios. On the surface, it is a fantasy adventure about dragons, but it also offers one of the most popular ways to become a vampire in gaming. The Dawnguard expansion, included in this edition, adds a full vampire questline where you can side with an ancient vampire clan or with the hunters trying to stop it. That optional curse makes it a natural match for Dawnwalker fans.As a vampire, you gain new powers but must feed regularly, and sunlight weakens you while some townsfolk react with hostility. Dawnguard also adds the Vampire Lord transformation, which turns you into a winged creature with blood magic and the ability to drain enemies. Outside the vampire content, Skyrim offers a huge open world, freeform character progression and countless side quests. Combat is simpler than Dawnwalker's directional swordplay, but you can mix melee, magic and archery as you like and build a character that fits your style.Skyrim holds a Metacritic score of 84 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players, and it remains one of the most played RPGs on PC. Its modding community is a major reason to play it in 2026, since mods can improve visuals, rework combat and add new quests, including more vampire content. It is the right pick for players who want to live as a vampire for dozens or hundreds of hours and enjoy shaping their own adventure without a fixed protagonist.Get The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on KinguinGames Like The Blood of Dawnwalker for the Story and CombatThese games skip the fangs but deliver what many players loved most about Dawnwalker: a strong lead character, writing with real consequences and combat that rewards skill. Several come from the same Polish RPG tradition that shaped Rebel Wolves, and one shares its directional swordplay.The Witcher 3: Wild HuntKinguin score4.5Released2015DeveloperCD Projekt REDPublisherCD Projekt REDMetacritic score91Steam scoreOverwhelmingly PositiveCategoriesAdventureStrategyRPGStory richSystem requirementsMin: Windows 7/10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-2500K, 6 GB RAM, GTX 660 / HD 7870, 35 GB HDD. Recommended: i7-3770, 8 GB RAM, GTX 770.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a 2015 open-world RPG from CD Projekt RED, and it is the clearest spiritual ancestor of The Blood of Dawnwalker. Rebel Wolves was founded by former CD Projekt developers, and its director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz directed The Witcher 3. You play Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter Ciri. The search for family, the morally gray choices and the dark fantasy setting all feel familiar to anyone coming from Dawnwalker. In many ways, it is the template Rebel Wolves set out to build on.Gameplay combines third-person sword combat, signs (simple magic), alchemy and investigation of monster contracts. Quests rarely have clean outcomes, and decisions made early can return hours later in unexpected ways. The Blood and Wine expansion is especially interesting for Dawnwalker fans, as it centers on higher vampires in the sunny duchy of Toussaint. Combat does not use directional swordplay like Dawnwalker, but preparation, oils and potions give fights a thoughtful rhythm, especially on higher difficulty levels where careless attacks get punished.The Witcher 3 holds a Metacritic score of 91 and an Overwhelmingly Positive rating from Steam players, which puts it among the most acclaimed RPGs ever made. Even years after release, its writing, characters and side quests remain a benchmark for the genre. For anyone who enjoyed Dawnwalker's storytelling, it is the obvious next step and shows where the team's approach to quests and characters comes from. With its expansions, it offers well over a hundred hours of play, and it runs on a wide range of PCs.Get The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on KinguinKingdom Come: Deliverance IIReleased2025DeveloperWarhorse StudiosPublisherDeep SilverMetacritic score89Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesRPG, Action, Adventure, Open WorldSystem requirementsMinimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer) Processor: Intel Core i5-8400, AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB), AMD Radeon RX 580 Storage: 100 GB available space Additional Notes: SSD required Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer) Processor: Intel Core i7-13700K, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Memory: 32 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT Storage: 100 GB available space Additional Notes: SSD required Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a 2025 medieval RPG from Warhorse Studios, published by Deep Silver. It plays in first person rather than third, but it uses directional melee combat, which makes it one of the closest matches to the swordplay in The Blood of Dawnwalker. You follow Henry through 15th-century Bohemia in a grounded story without magic or monsters. Players often recommend it to Dawnwalker fans for its writing and characters as much as for its combat, even though it has no supernatural elements at all.Fights revolve around choosing the direction of your attacks, reading your opponent's guard and timing blocks and counters. It takes practice, and it rewards patience over button mashing. Around the combat sits a detailed simulation of medieval life, with skills that improve through use, hunger and fatigue, reputation with different groups and many ways to solve quests through dialogue, stealth or force. Choices affect how characters and towns treat you, and the main story is full of memorable personalities worth getting to know.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II holds a Metacritic score of 89 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. It is one of the strongest recent RPGs for players who want a grounded historical setting and a steep but satisfying combat system. Keep in mind that it is demanding on hardware, requiring an SSD and around 100 GB of storage. If directional swordplay was your favorite part of Dawnwalker, this is the game to play next, and the learning curve pays off within a few hours.Get Kingdom Come: Deliverance II on KinguinCyberpunk 2077Released2020DeveloperCD PROJEKT REDPublisherCD PROJEKT REDMetacritic score86Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAdventure, Strategy, RPG, Story richSystem requirementsRequires a 64-bit processor and operating system; OS: 64-bit Windows 10; Processor: Core i7-12700 or Ryzen 7 7800X3D; Memory: 16 GB RAM; Graphics: GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER or Radeon RX 5700 XT or Arc A770; DirectX: Version 12; Storage: 70 GB available space; Additional Notes: SSD required.Cyberpunk 2077 is a 2020 open-world action RPG from CD Projekt RED, the studio where many Rebel Wolves developers built their careers. It trades dark fantasy for a futuristic Night City, but the storytelling approach will feel familiar to Dawnwalker fans: a defined lead character, morally complex side quests and a main story driven by a ticking clock. You play V, a mercenary dealing with a life-threatening problem, much like Coen fighting against the 30-day deadline to save his family.Combat is mostly first-person, with firearms, melee weapons, cyberware implants and hacking that let you build very different playstyles. You can fight head-on, sneak through areas or disable enemies remotely. Quests often branch based on dialogue choices, and companions such as Johnny Silverhand play a central role in the story. The Phantom Liberty expansion adds a spy thriller storyline with its own branching outcomes, and it is well worth experiencing for its writing and characters and its tense, focused missions.Cyberpunk 2077 holds a Metacritic score of 86 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. The game had a troubled launch in 2020, but years of updates have turned it into one of CD Projekt RED's most respected works. It suits Dawnwalker fans who care more about writing and characters than about the vampire setting. Just note that it is demanding, with an SSD required and around 70 GB of storage space needed for the base game. A capable PC will get the most out of Night City.Get Cyberpunk 2077 on KinguinBaldur’s Gate 3Kinguin score4.5Released2023DeveloperLarian StudiosPublisherLarian StudiosMetacritic score92Steam scoreOverwhelmingly PositiveCategoriesAdventureStrategyRPGStory richSystem requirementsMin: Windows 10/11 64-bit, Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, GTX 660 / Radeon HD 7870; Recommended: i7, 16 GB RAM, GTX 1070Baldur’s Gate 3 is a 2023 fantasy RPG from Larian Studios, based on Dungeons & Dragons. It plays very differently from Dawnwalker, with turn-based combat instead of real-time swordplay, but it shares the focus on choices that matter and characters with real depth. One of its most popular companions, Astarion, is a vampire spawn, and his storyline explores hunger, control and freedom in a way that will feel familiar to anyone who spent nights as Coen. It is also a fine pick for anyone who enjoys a big party of companions.You create your own hero or play as one of the predefined origin characters, then travel with a party of companions whose reactions depend on your decisions. Combat is tactical and turn-based, using terrain, height, spells and items to outsmart enemies. Quests can be approached in many ways, from persuasion to stealth to open fighting, and the game remembers your choices across its three acts. It also supports co-op, so you can play the whole story with friends and compare the very different paths each of you took.Baldur’s Gate 3 is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs of recent years and set a new standard for choice-driven storytelling. For Dawnwalker fans, it is a strong pick if the moral decisions and character relationships were what kept you playing. The turn-based combat takes some getting used to if you prefer action, but it rewards planning and creativity. With its length and multiple origin characters, it also offers great replay value well into 2026, especially if you try a different origin or alignment on a second run.Get Baldur’s Gate 3 on KinguinMass Effect Legendary EditionReleased2021DeveloperBioWarePublisherElectronic ArtsMetacritic score87Steam scoreVery PositiveCategoriesAction, AdventureSystem requirementsRequires a 64-bit processor and operating system. OS: 64-bit Windows 10. Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X. Memory: 16 GB RAM. Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / RTX 200, Radeon Vega 56, 4 GB Video Memory. DirectX: Version 11. Storage: 120 GB available space.Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a 2021 remaster of BioWare's original sci-fi trilogy, published by Electronic Arts. It has no vampires and no swords, but it delivers what many Dawnwalker players value most: a strong protagonist, memorable companions and choices with lasting consequences. You play Commander Shepard, leading a crew across the galaxy to confront a threat to all life, and decisions made in the first game can shape events in the third. That long-term payoff is something few RPG series have matched since.Gameplay combines third-person cover shooting with abilities based on your chosen class, such as biotic powers or tech skills. You recruit and command a squad of companions, each with personal missions, relationships and moral dilemmas. Dialogue choices shape your reputation and how characters respond to you. The remaster updates the visuals and improves several gameplay elements of the first game, which makes the full trilogy easier to enjoy today than playing the original releases on modern hardware, without old technical hurdles.Mass Effect Legendary Edition holds a Metacritic score of 87 and a Very Positive rating from Steam players. It suits Dawnwalker fans who enjoyed the storytelling and want a long, character-driven journey with choices that carry forward. Playing all three games back to back makes your decisions feel more personal, especially in the final chapter. It needs around 120 GB of storage, so check your free space before installing. Few RPG series reward patience with such a satisfying sense of continuity across all three games.Get Mass Effect Legendary Edition on KinguinFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat type of game is The Blood of Dawnwalker?The Blood of Dawnwalker is a dark fantasy action RPG developed by Rebel Wolves and published by Bandai Namco, released in September 2026. You play Coen, who is human by day and a vampire by night, and has 30 in-game days to save his family. It combines directional swordplay with vampire powers and blood management.What is the best vampire game like The Blood of Dawnwalker?Vampyr is the vampire game most players point to as the closest match. You play a doctor turned vampire in 1918 London, and many players note its claw combat and feeding choices feel similar. Anthony Howell, who voiced Vampyr's hero, also plays Coen's father in Dawnwalker. Bloodlines and V Rising are strong alternatives.Is there a game with combat like The Blood of Dawnwalker?Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the closest match for Dawnwalker's directional melee combat. It plays in first person, but you choose the direction of each attack and time blocks against your opponent's guard. For a story-driven alternative, The Witcher 3 offers third-person swordplay, though without directional attacks.Are there any sequels to The Blood of Dawnwalker?No sequel has been announced so far. The Blood of Dawnwalker is the first game from Rebel Wolves, a Polish studio founded by former CD Projekt developers, and it was released in September 2026. Until the studio shares more, games like Vampyr and The Witcher 3 are the best way to continue.Is The Blood of Dawnwalker similar to The Witcher 3?Yes, in several ways. Rebel Wolves was founded by former CD Projekt developers, and director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz directed The Witcher 3. Both are dark fantasy RPGs with a defined protagonist and morally complex choices. Dawnwalker adds directional swordplay, vampire powers at night and a 30-day deadline that puts time pressure on every decision.
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Autumn has a strange way of convincing us that we should learn how to make things. Maybe this will finally be the year we learn to sew. Maybe we should start making our own clothes. Perhaps we need a box full of beautiful fabric scraps, even though we have absolutely no plan for what happens after we buy them. One particularly ambitious Pinterest board later, we are apparently also restoring old furniture and opening an Etsy shop.We support the vision. We also know that starting a new hobby usually means buying supplies, finding somewhere to keep those supplies and eventually discovering that sewing in a straight line is a skill rather than a basic human instinct.Games make the first step much easier. There is a particular kind of comfort in games that let you make something slowly. You choose the fabric, move the pieces around until they fit, add a little detail because it makes you happy and eventually get to look at something that did not exist before you sat down.So, for our final autumn hobby, we are putting away the fishing rod and mushroom basket and getting crafty. There are dresses to sew, quilts to finish, stickers to design and old things that deserve another chance.Dressmaker lets you discover exactly how ambitious your sewing era really is If you have ever looked at a beautiful dress and thought that making one yourself cannot possibly be that difficult, Dressmaker is here to answer that question. Released in September 2026, Dressmaker is built around the actual process of making clothes rather than simply choosing a design and watching a progress bar fill up. You select fabrics, arrange pattern pieces, cut them out and sew the panels together before adding buttons, bows, appliqué, lace and other decorations. Even the way you position a pattern on the fabric matters, because what you cut is what eventually appears on the finished garment.There is something especially satisfying about how physical the whole process feels. You guide fabric through the sewing machine yourself and gradually watch separate pieces become an actual dress. If you care about doing things properly, there is plenty here to learn about grain, bias, measurements and using your fabric efficiently. If you mostly care about making something beautiful, there is also plenty of room to experiment with colors, materials and decorations.And because this is a video game, making a mistake does not mean staring at a crooked seam for twenty minutes before reluctantly reaching for the seam ripper. That alone might make this the superior form of sewing.The finished dresses can be made for commissions or created from your own ideas, which makes Dressmaker feel less like a fashion dress-up game and much more like having a little digital sewing room of your own. You begin with fabric and a pattern. A while later, there is a dress on the mannequin that exists because of all the tiny decisions you made along the way. We understand why people get into this hobby now. We are still slightly afraid of real sewing machines. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Quilts and Cats of Calico answers the important question: what if quilting had more cats? There are few things more naturally cozy than a handmade quilt. Apparently, one of them is a handmade quilt with a sleeping cat on top. Quilts and Cats of Calico turns quilting into a puzzle where you arrange patterned fabric scraps into a growing design. Matching colors and patterns helps you score, while creating the right combinations lets you sew buttons onto your quilt and attract cats, each of whom has their own very specific preferences about what constitutes an acceptable place for a nap.The actual sewing is abstracted into a board-game puzzle, so you will not be threading needles or guiding fabric through a machine here. Instead, the pleasure comes from taking a collection of pieces that do not seem particularly useful on their own and slowly finding a way to make them belong together.Sometimes you will place a patch because it is exactly what your carefully planned quilt needs. Sometimes you will place it because a cat likes that pattern. We know which design philosophy we respect more.The cats themselves wander around the board, nap on your work and can even be petted while you play. You can create your own cats too, customizing their appearance and giving them little outfits before allowing them to interfere with your quilting session. Anyone who has attempted a craft project in a house with a cat will recognize this as an unusually accurate simulation. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Patchwork turns the scrap basket into a very clever little puzzle If Quilts and Cats of Calico makes you want more patchwork but you would prefer your quilting session with slightly fewer feline supervisors, there is always Patchwork. This digital adaptation of Uwe Rosenberg's board game gives two players their own empty quilt and a shared selection of fabric pieces. Each patch has its own shape and cost, and choosing one also uses up time, so building a beautiful quilt becomes a surprisingly thoughtful exercise in deciding which pieces are worth taking and how to fit them together without leaving awkward gaps.It captures something very satisfying about real patchwork without asking you to actually sew anything. A strange little piece that seemed impossible to use five minutes ago might suddenly fit perfectly into the one annoying gap you have been staring at. Slowly, the empty board fills with different colors and patterns until you have something that looks like a quilt rather than a collection of questionable decisions.There is competition involved, so this one can become considerably less peaceful if you and your chosen quilting partner are both taking the button economy seriously. Apparently even sewing can have enemies. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... .kg-newsletter-v4 { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4:focus { outline:none !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(242,102,33,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-checkbox-v4 { accent-color:#f26621 !important; cursor:pointer !important; } Join our newsletter Deals, new releases and gaming picks worth opening another tab for. Enter a valid email address. I agree to receive marketing communication from Kinguin. Please tick the box to join. Nice. You’re on the list ✓ Something went wrong. Please try again. Assemble with Care is for everyone who cannot throw old things away Not everything we make needs to start from scratch. Sometimes the nicest thing you can do with your hands is take something broken and give it another chance.Assemble with Care follows Maria, an antique restorer who arrives in the town of Bellariva and begins repairing treasured possessions for the people who live there. You take objects apart, examine how their pieces work together and carefully rebuild them until an old camera, cassette player or another well-loved object can work again.There is a wonderfully tactile quality to these repairs. Screws need removing, parts need turning over and mechanisms need understanding before everything can go back where it belongs. The puzzles are gentle enough that the act of fixing something remains the focus, and the objects themselves carry memories for the people who bring them to you.That makes each repair feel a little more meaningful than simply getting a machine working again. Most of us have at least one thing we keep because it belonged to someone, reminds us of somewhere or has simply been around for so long that throwing it away feels wrong. Assemble with Care understands that objects can collect stories along with their scratches. Sometimes fixing an old thing is easier than replacing it. Sometimes it means more, too. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Sticky Business is your Etsy era without the trip to the post office Perhaps fabric is not your thing. Perhaps your true calling is owning an online sticker shop with an extremely specific aesthetic.Sticky Business lets you design your own stickers by combining different graphics, shapes and effects into whatever tiny creations your heart desires. You build collections, arrange sticker sheets and sell your designs through your own little online business. When an order arrives, you pack it yourself and can add extras to make the parcel feel special for the person opening it. It is that last part that makes the whole thing especially lovely.Your customers are not just order numbers appearing on a screen. As people return to your shop, you learn pieces of their stories through their orders. The stickers you design begin to feel like small things being sent to actual people rather than products disappearing into an imaginary delivery van. And because you control the designs, your shop can become as specific as you want it to be. You can make cute animals, witchy stickers, ridiculous faces or cover everything in sparkles because nobody can stop you.This is your small business. There is no brand manager. Go wild. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Tiny Bookshop is what happens when DIY becomes making a space feel like yours Tiny Bookshop stretches our definition of DIY a little, because you will not be sewing, cutting or repairing anything here. But anyone who has ever spent an entire weekend rearranging a room knows that making a space your own can scratch exactly the same creative itch.You run a tiny second-hand bookshop from a trailer and travel around the seaside town of Bookstonbury, setting up in different locations and getting to know the people who stop by. Alongside choosing which books to stock and recommending them to customers, you can fill your shop with objects you collect and decide what kind of place you want it to become.You can cover it in plants. You can lean into candles and make it feel a little mysterious. You can surround yourself with the kinds of things you would actually want nearby while spending a quiet afternoon selling books.Those decorations are not completely cosmetic either. Items can affect customers and introduce new mechanics, so making the shop feel like yours also changes how your little business works. There is no fabric involved and we cannot reasonably call rearranging a bookshop sewing. We tried. But Tiny Bookshop understands the same pleasure that runs through every game on this list: starting with something plain and slowly adding little pieces of yourself until it feels like yours. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Maybe this autumn we make somethingOur autumn hobby club started in the kitchen. Then we went fishing, disappeared into the woods looking for mushrooms and somehow ended up here, surrounded by fabric scraps, buttons, stickers and one cat that has decided to sleep directly on our unfinished quilt.That feels like a pretty good place to finish. There is something especially comforting about making things during the slower part of the year. You do not necessarily need the finished object to be perfect, useful or impressive enough to show anyone else. Sometimes choosing the fabric is fun. Sometimes arranging tiny stickers for twenty minutes is fun. Sometimes fixing an old cassette player or decorating a miniature bookshop is enough to make an evening feel nicely spent.And games let us enjoy that little spark of creativity without needing a craft room, a sewing machine or a drawer containing 47 different kinds of glue. Although, after playing Dressmaker, we cannot promise you will not start looking at sewing machines. If that happens, we accept no responsibility. Happy crafting 🧵 Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale →
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There is a point every autumn when perfectly normal people suddenly start looking at the forest floor with great interest. A little rain falls, the leaves turn orange and mushroom season begins. Someone in your family already knows the spot. Someone else refuses to tell anyone where the spot is. There are baskets involved. Boots come out. Every walk through the woods becomes a treasure hunt. Unfortunately, real mushroom picking comes with one fairly important rule: you really need to know what you’re picking. Video games are much more forgiving.In Among Trees, you can wander through a beautiful wilderness and gather mushrooms on your way home. Cozy Grove hides different varieties among its leaf piles. Potion Permit lets you forage for mushrooms and turn what you find into something useful, while Wytchwood takes the whole autumn-foraging fantasy and adds witchcraft, potions and ingredients with names like Hagshroom. And if picking mushrooms isn’t enough, we also found games where you can identify strange fungi, wear a mushroom hat or simply become a mushroom yourself. 🍄 Grab a basket. We’re going into the woods. Among Trees makes getting lost in the woods sound like a very good plan Most of us have been taught that wandering alone into the wilderness with no clear plan is generally a bad idea. Among Trees makes a surprisingly convincing counterargument. You begin with a small wooden cabin hidden deep in a colorful forest and gradually learn how to live around it. The wilderness provides much of what you need, which means leaving the safety of your little home to explore, gather resources and see what is growing beyond the next patch of trees. Mushrooms are among the things you can forage directly from the forest floor, alongside plants such as chicory and other useful materials.That simple act of heading outside to see what you can find gives Among Trees much of its autumn charm. A trip through the woods does not always need a grand destination. Sometimes you notice something useful growing nearby, take a small detour to collect it and eventually return to your cabin with a backpack full of things you did not necessarily leave home looking for.There is survival involved, so this is not a completely responsibility-free walk in the woods. You need food, you need resources and the wilderness deserves a little respect. But there are long stretches where simply exploring the forest becomes its own reward.And honestly, coming home to a tiny wooden cabin after spending the afternoon gathering mushrooms in the woods might be the most aggressively autumn activity a video game can offer. .kr-product-card-final { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Cozy Grove knows that the best mushrooms are hiding under the leaves Cozy Grove already has an excellent setup for anyone currently experiencing mushroom season brainrot: you are a Spirit Scout camping on a haunted island, surrounded by forests, friendly ghost bears and a seemingly endless supply of little things waiting to be discovered.Naturally, there are mushrooms. Several kinds, actually. While exploring the island and rummaging through leaf piles, you can find varieties including brown and red mushrooms, poison mushrooms, chanterelles and rarer trumpet mushrooms. Your finds can then be burned into roasted mushrooms and used in cooking, donated to your collection or occasionally handed over to hungry imps.It makes mushroom hunting part of the larger pleasure of checking in on the island each day. You never quite know what has appeared since your last visit, so there is always a reason to wander away from camp, poke around under some leaves and see what the forest has decided to give you.Finding a chanterelle hiding in a leaf pile scratches exactly the same tiny part of the brain as spotting one on an autumn walk. Except this one cannot poison you. We consider that an improvement. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... .kg-newsletter-v4 { transition:box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-v4:hover { box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.13) !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4 { transition: border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-email-v4:focus { outline:none !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(242,102,33,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4 { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kg-newsletter-submit-v4:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.16) !important; } .kg-newsletter-checkbox-v4 { accent-color:#f26621 !important; cursor:pointer !important; } Join our newsletter Deals, new releases and gaming picks worth opening another tab for. Enter a valid email address. I agree to receive marketing communication from Kinguin. Please tick the box to join. Nice. You’re on the list ✓ Something went wrong. Please try again. Potion Permit turns your mushroom basket into medicine Moving to Potion Permit means upgrading our basket to something slightly more professional. You arrive in the small town of Moonbury as a chemist, which means the plants, minerals and other ingredients growing outside town are not just pretty things to collect. They are the raw materials you need to diagnose illnesses, brew remedies and look after the people living there.Mushrooms are one of the ingredients you can forage in Meadow Range, where patches grow in several locations and can be harvested with your sickle. They are useful outside the potion-making side of your job too, appearing in dishes including mushroom soup and black truffle pasta.That makes heading out to gather ingredients feel especially satisfying because you usually know those things are coming home with you for a reason. What looks like a quiet afternoon spent searching through the countryside eventually becomes somebody's medicine, tonight's dinner or another little step towards becoming part of Moonbury.You also have a dog who follows you around. This is relevant because every autumn walk is improved by a dog. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products... Wytchwood is mushroom picking after you fully commit to the witch aesthetic If Potion Permit feels like responsible herbalism, Wytchwood is what happens when you stop pretending this is a normal hobby and become the strange witch living at the edge of the forest. Which, to be clear, we fully support.Wytchwood sends you through a beautifully illustrated fairytale world gathering an enormous variety of plants, creatures and considerably stranger ingredients for your spells and recipes. Among the first things you learn to collect are Hagshrooms, mushrooms growing right on the ground around your home and in the forest. You do not even need a special tool to gather them.They quickly become useful. Hagshrooms appear in recipes for things like Mending Poultice and Unveiling Powder, so spotting one during a walk through the forest is less about filling a collection and more about thinking ahead to whatever strange concoction you might need next.And that is where Wytchwood really nails the fantasy of autumn foraging. You are constantly looking at the world around you as a collection of useful little treasures. A mushroom is an ingredient. A herb might be important later. Something slightly suspicious growing near a tree is absolutely going in the bag.Real mushroom pickers may bring a field guide. You have a grimoire. Same hobby, different commitment level. .kr-product-card-final { transition: box-shadow .22s ease !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover { box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.14) !important; } .kr-product-cover-final { transition:transform .3s ease !important; transform-origin:center center !important; } .kr-product-card-final:hover .kr-product-cover-final { transform:scale(1.045) !important; } .kr-offer-button-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; cursor:pointer !important; } .kr-offer-button-final:hover { background:#d94b0d !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.15) !important; } .kr-view-all-final { transition: background-color .18s ease, border-color .18s ease, box-shadow .18s ease !important; } .kr-view-all-final:hover { background:#fafafa !important; border-color:#f26621 !important; box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.12) !important; } Available on Kinguin View all → Loading products...
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There is a very specific kind of peace that comes with fishing in video games. You find a nice spot by the water, cast your line and wait. For a moment, there is nowhere you need to be and nothing particularly urgent happening. Maybe something bites. Maybe it doesn’t. Either way, you get to sit there for a little while.Real fishing unfortunately requires getting up early, checking the weather, finding actual fishing gear and accepting the possibility that you may spend several hours outside without catching anything.Video game fishing asks considerably less of you. And since autumn is exactly the time of year when staying somewhere warm while pretending to spend the afternoon by a lake sounds particularly appealing, we went looking for some of our favorite fishing games and fishing spots.Some give you nothing but a rod, a quiet lake and plenty of time. Others wrap fishing into stories about rebuilding communities, making friends or starting a new life somewhere far away. One of them may contain unspeakable horrors from the depths of the ocean, but we’ll deal with that when we get there.For now, grab your rod. We’re going fishing.Cast n Chill understands that sometimes fishing is the whole plan The name really does tell you everything you need to know. Cast n Chill is a game about finding a beautiful stretch of water, casting your line and seeing what bites. There are lakes, rivers and oceans to explore, different species to discover and better equipment to unlock as you sell your catches and gradually become a more capable angler. You can chase rare fish and legendary catches if you want a goal, but the game is equally happy to let you take things slowly.And taking things slowly feels particularly good here. There is no town demanding your attention and no farm waiting to be watered before you leave. The landscape, pixel art and simple rhythm of casting and reeling give fishing enough room to be the main event rather than a side activity squeezed between twenty other things on your to-do list.You can even bring your loyal little companion along for the trip, which immediately improves any fishing expedition by at least 70 percent. We checked the math.If the reason you clicked on an article about cozy fishing games was because you genuinely just want to fish, this is probably the purest version of that fantasy on our list. Cast n Chill up to 53% off Get Cast n Chill → Moonglow Bay gives you a reason to keep coming back to shore Moonglow Bay begins from a much more emotional place.You play as a rookie angler trying to fulfil the final wish of your partner while living in a struggling fishing town on the Canadian coast. What begins with you picking up a rod gradually becomes a story about getting to know this place, reconnecting with its community and helping Moonglow Bay find its feet again.Fishing is at the center of almost everything you do, and there is plenty of it. You can cast a line, set traps, use nets and even go ice fishing while working your way through more than 150 aquatic species. Your catches do not simply disappear into a sell box either. Fish can become meals or end up in the local aquarium, while your time on the water slowly feeds into the larger job of bringing life back to the town.That gives each trip a lovely sense of purpose. You can head out in your boat, spend some time on the water and return with something that matters back home.Moonglow Bay can get emotional, and its story begins with grief, so this isn't completely fluffy comfort food. But there is a lot of warmth in what comes afterwards. At its heart, this is a game about slowly putting things back together, one fishing trip at a time. Moonglow Bay up to 80% off Get Moonglow Bay → Luna’s Fishing Garden lets you fix an entire world with a fishing rod If your preferred fishing spot needs to be approximately 40 percent more magical, Luna’s Fishing Garden has you covered. You play as Cassie, who wakes up on a strange collection of islands after a storm and meets Luna, a mysterious fox spirit whose garden has been damaged. From there, fishing becomes part of restoring this little watery world.The whole thing is deliberately small and gentle. You catch fish, meet the spirits living around the islands, clean up the surrounding waters and plant new trees and flowers as the garden begins to recover. There is progression and plenty to collect, but very little pressure to turn any of it into work.That is important because Luna’s Fishing Garden understands something that cozy games occasionally forget: relaxation does not need to become another productivity challenge. You can work towards restoring everything perfectly. Or you can find a nice place and fish for a while. Luna will survive. Luna’s Fishing Garden up to 82% off Get Luna’s Fishing Garden → Disney Dreamlight Valley lets you go fishing with Goofy, which is difficult to argue withSometimes fishing is better when you can bring a friend. Disney Dreamlight Valley is much bigger than its fishing mechanic, of course. It is a life-sim and adventure game where you build your own version of Dreamlight Valley alongside a growing collection of Disney and Pixar characters. You can decorate your home, cook with Remy, garden with WALL-E and spend an afternoon fishing with Goofy. And fishing fits surprisingly naturally into that daily routine.Different parts of the Valley have their own waters and catches, so grabbing your rod gives you another reason to wander between its biomes. The fish you bring home can become ingredients for meals, help with quests or simply contribute to whatever little goal you have decided matters that day.But the nicest way to do it is probably to bring one of your villagers along. Fishing then becomes less about hunting down another resource and more like one of those tiny activities you do while spending time in the Valley. Pick someone you like, head towards the water and stay there until you decide you have had enough.If Goofy wants to come, obviously you let Goofy come. Those are the rules. Disney Dreamlight Valley up to 74% off Get Disney Dreamlight Valley → Stardew Valley can turn “one quick fishing trip” into an entire afternoon There are people who love fishing in Stardew Valley. There are also people who spent their first few hours wondering why a tiny pixel fish seemed personally determined to ruin their day. Both experiences are valid.Fishing is one of Stardew Valley’s five main skills, and it becomes much more satisfying once you start learning how it works. Different fish appear depending on the location, season, weather and time of day, which means a casual trip to the river can eventually turn into knowing exactly where you need to be when it starts raining on a Tuesday in fall. You can also craft bait, use bobbers and set crab pots while working towards catching everything the Valley has to offer. The nice part is that none of this needs to be your goal.Some days you can simply take your rod down to the beach, stand at the end of the pier and see what happens. When the sun starts going down, you walk home with whatever you managed to catch and tomorrow you can do something completely different. Or you can become completely obsessed with catching one particular fish. That is between you and the fish. Stardew Valley up to 86% off Get Stardew Valley → DREDGE is cozy fishing for people with a slightly concerning definition of cozy Okay. We need to talk about DREDGE. If your definition of a cozy fishing trip involves calm water, a warm sunset and perhaps a little picnic on the shore, DREDGE would like to know how you feel about cosmic horror.On paper, parts of it sound almost perfect for this list. You captain a small fishing trawler around a remote archipelago, head out to find different species, sell your catch when you return and use the money to improve your boat and equipment. There are more than 125 deep-sea creatures to discover, islands to explore and plenty of reasons to make one more trip before calling it a day. It is an incredibly satisfying loop. There is just one tiny problem. You probably want to be home before dark.DREDGE is officially an adventure-horror game, and the further you travel, the clearer it becomes that something is very wrong with these waters. Strange things start appearing in your nets. The islands have secrets. Your fisherman gets increasingly uneasy when he stays at sea too long, and the darkness is considerably less empty than you would like it to be.So no, DREDGE is not wholesome in the same way as Cast n Chill or Luna’s Fishing Garden. But there is something oddly comforting about its routine. Leaving the harbour in the morning, filling the boat, arranging your catch in the cargo hold and racing home as the sun begins to disappear can become its own little ritual.It is fishing for people who find inventory management relaxing but would also like the ocean to occasionally threaten their sanity. We’re not judging your comfort games. DREDGE up to 87% off Get DREDGE → Maybe we understand why every cozy game eventually adds a fishing rodFishing has become such a familiar part of cozy games that seeing a little pond without a fishing mechanic can almost feel suspicious. But after spending enough time with these games, it makes sense. Your next cozy obsession is waiting. More cozy games. More tiny hobbies. More reasons to stay in. Explore Cozy Sale → Fishing gives you permission to stop. You cast a line and, for a few seconds, there is nothing else you can do except wait. You notice the water, the music and whatever is happening around your character. Even in games packed with quests, crops, friendships and things begging for your attention, standing beside a river can create a tiny break in the middle of everything else.Sometimes that break lasts thirty seconds. Sometimes you suddenly realise you have spent your entire in-game day standing on the same pier. And sometimes the sun goes down, an ancient horror crawls out of the ocean and you remember that you are playing DREDGE. Nobody said every fishing trip had to end peacefully 🎣
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