In addition to all the major features introduced in Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3, such as the arrival of Photo Mode and new subclasses for several characters, this update for Larian’s isometric RPG also brought one of the most anticipated additions for many players: the long-awaited Cross-Play functionality across different platforms. Now, everyone can play together, no matter where they're playing from.

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Players can finally team up with friends on other platforms to explore the game’s three acts. Fortunately, enabling Cross-Play in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a simple task that takes just a few clicks. However, some limitations may apply, depending on which platforms are in the session together.

How To Enable Cross-Play In Baldur’s Gate 3

The only step that requires action outside the game itself is having an active Larian Account. All players involved in a multiplayer session need to create one before joining a lobby, as this is the only way to invite or join another player's save, though this is only necessary when playing across different platforms.

It’s through the Larian Account name that players can send invites for Cross-Play sessions. It’s worth noting that, unlike when everyone is on the same platform (like Steam), Cross-Play only allows joining lobbies of players you’ve added. On the same platform, it’s often possible to join public lobbies of strangers if they’re open and have available slots.

With that in mind, here’s the path to follow when joining a Cross-Play session in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • From the Main Menu, select the Multiplayer option, located just below Load Game.
  • In the next screen, click on Cross-Play, found at the top of the interface.
  • If a friend has already created a server, it will be visible in this section. Otherwise, players can click on Create at the bottom of the screen to set up their own lobby.
  • To invite a friend, click on one of the three plus (+) symbols shown on the screen. Then, type in the Larian Account name of the person you want to invite, and everything will be ready to begin the adventure.

When creating a lobby, it's also possible to configure various game settings, such as choosing the difficulty level of the campaign. It’s even possible to customize several gameplay rules until they feel right for everyone involved. In addition, players can freely set a limit on how many people can join the same save.

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How To Use Cross-Play Mods In Baldur’s Gate 3

Mods to download in a Online Lobby Bg3

One of the best possibilities unlocked by Baldur’s Gate 3's Cross-Play feature is the ability to use community-created mods while playing with friends, regardless of the platform each player is on. Thankfully, Larian Studios has confirmed that mod support is available for players across different systems, but there are a few important limitations to keep in mind when setting up a Cross-Play Save.

For PC players, third-party mods, those downloaded from external sites like NexusMods, are not supported during Cross-Play. These modifications typically rely on external scripts that are incompatible with Larian’s official modding tools and won't function properly in a Cross-Play session. The only mods that work across all platforms are the ones available directly through the Baldur’s Gate 3 in-game Mod Manager.

Additionally, mods must also be approved and available on every platform involved in the session. Even if a mod is listed in the game’s built-in mod browser, it may not have received Larian’s approval for use on consoles. Fortunately, this is clearly indicated when configuring a lobby on PC, and if any incompatible mods are detected, a warning will appear requiring players to remove them before proceeding, so there's no need to manually check compatibility for each mod.

There’s also a cap on the number of mods that can be used in a Cross-Play session, with up to 100 mods allowed. While that number is more than enough for most players, especially those looking to tweak combat systems or add new character customization options, it exists to ensure that the gameplay experience remains smooth on consoles, matching the performance expected on PC.

Although not strictly required, Larian Studios recommends that the host of a Baldur’s Gate 3 lobby be one of the players using a console, rather than someone on PC. This helps prevent potential synchronization issues between platforms that can occur during Cross-Play and increases the chances of everyone enjoying a smoother, more consistent experience, regardless of where they’re playing.

With all these steps and precautions in place, players can make the most out of Cross-Play in Baldur’s Gate 3. The feature expands the possibilities for co-op fun and makes it easier than ever to gather friends together, no matter what platform they’re on. And with the proper use of mods, the entire experience can become even more enjoyable.

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Baldur's Gate 3 Tag Page Cover Art
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
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Released
August 3, 2023
ESRB
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
Developer(s)
Larian Studios
Publisher(s)
Larian Studios
Engine
Divinity 4.0
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
Cross-Platform Play
Full cross-platform play.
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Cross Save
Full cross-platform progression.
Div
Franchise
Baldur's Gate
Number of Players
1-4
Split Screen Orientation
Vertical Only
Steam Deck Compatibility
Verified
PC Release Date
August 3, 2023
Xbox Series X|S Release Date
December 7, 2023
PS5 Release Date
September 6, 2023
Genre(s)
RPG
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
Local Co-Op Support
1-2 Players
How Long To Beat
100+ Hours
X|S Optimized
yes
PS Plus Availability
N/A