The first game in EA’s long-running FIFA series to support crossplay is FIFA 23, but the way it works leaves a lot to be desired.
Related Posts
Crossplay is probably the most interesting of the many new features that have been added to FIFA 23. Even though it took EA longer than it should have to add the feature to its annual sports simulation series, most FIFA players think it’s better late than never, even though the feature isn’t quite as good as it could be.
Crossplay support in FIFA 23 is nowhere near as robust as some would like, but it does offer players a few more options for playing with their friends. Before they can begin, however, they must first understand how cross-play in FIFA 23 works and how to set everything up.
How Crossplay in FIFA 23 Works
Sadly, FIFA 23’s crossplay support separates players based on their console generation. PS4 and Xbox One players are grouped with PS5, Xbox Series, and PC players in a different pool. This means that cross-generation play is not possible in FIFA 23, nor is it supported in the Legacy Edition of the game for the Nintendo Switch, which has been heavily criticized. Crossplay is also unavailable in co-op modes, which will undoubtedly disappoint some players.
Configuring Crossplay in FIFA 23
Crossplay should be enabled by default, but players can confirm its status by pressing R2/RT to open the Social tab from the main menu. The user should then press the Options/Start button to access “Social Settings” and then navigate to the Matchmaking Options menu by selecting “Cross-play settings” from the “Cross-play” tab. If “Cross-play enabled” is set to no for whatever reason, they will need to simply change it back to yes.
Assuming crossplay is enabled, players will be automatically paired with players from other platforms when participating in competitive FUT and Online seasons. To play with a friend, however, they will need to take a few additional steps. Initially, they will need to add their friend to the Social menu using their EA ID. To do so, players must visit the “Player search” tab and enter their pal’s ID into the box. If they don’t know it, their friend can verify their EA ID by navigating to the same menu and checking the box to the right.
After becoming friends, one player must invite the other via the Online Friendlies menu or the “Ways to Play” screen that appears when setting up a Friendlies match in FIFA Ultimate Team mode. In the latter case, they will need to select the “Play a Friend” option and then select their online friend from a list in order to send them an invitation. If the recipient is busy when the invitation arrives, they can find it later under the “Game Invites” tab of the Social menu. If not, they can accept it immediately to move the process forward.
FIFA 23 is accessible on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms.