Fact Check: Is BG3 crossplay?

Is Baldur's Gate 3 Crossplay?

The claim that Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3) supports crossplay has been circulating, particularly following the release of Patch 8. This patch is said to introduce crossplay functionality, allowing players on different platforms to play together. This article will explore the available evidence regarding this claim, examining the details surrounding the crossplay feature and the reliability of the sources discussing it.

What We Know

1. Patch 8 Introduction: According to multiple sources, Patch 8 for Baldur's Gate 3, released in April 2025, officially adds crossplay functionality. This allows players on PC, Mac, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 to engage in multiplayer sessions together 1510.

2. Requirements for Crossplay: To utilize the crossplay feature, players must create a Larian Account and enable crossplay in the game settings 34. This is a common requirement for games that implement cross-platform play, ensuring that player data and interactions are synchronized across different systems.

3. Cross-Platform Progression: In addition to crossplay, Patch 8 reportedly includes cross-platform progression, meaning players can carry their game progress across different platforms 69. This is particularly beneficial for players who may switch between devices.

4. Community Response: The introduction of crossplay has been met with enthusiasm from the gaming community, as it was one of the most requested features since the game's launch 16.

Analysis

Source Reliability

The sources cited in this article vary in terms of reliability and potential bias:

• Nerdist, IGN, Polygon, and Screen Rant: These are established gaming news outlets known for covering video game releases and updates. They generally provide accurate information, but they may have a slight bias towards promoting new features to engage their audience 1234.

• Engadget and Dexerto: Both are reputable technology and gaming news platforms that often report on major updates in the gaming industry. They have a history of providing reliable information, although their articles may sometimes focus on the more sensational aspects of gaming news 810.

• Thing Labs and Gamerant: These sources are less well-known but still provide relevant information. However, their reliability can vary, and they may not have the same editorial oversight as larger outlets 67.

Methodology and Evidence

The evidence supporting the claim of crossplay in Baldur's Gate 3 primarily comes from patch notes and announcements made by Larian Studios, the game's developer. The consistency across multiple sources regarding the introduction of crossplay suggests a high likelihood of its accuracy. However, the lack of direct quotes or detailed technical explanations from Larian in some articles raises questions about the depth of understanding regarding how crossplay is implemented.

Conflicts of Interest

While most sources appear to be reporting on a widely anticipated feature, it's important to consider that gaming news outlets often rely on relationships with developers for early access to information. This could lead to a potential conflict of interest, where the desire to maintain good relations with Larian Studios might influence the tone or content of the reporting.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful?

To further substantiate the claim of crossplay in Baldur's Gate 3, additional information that would be beneficial includes:

• Official Statements from Larian Studios: Direct quotes or detailed explanations from the developers about how crossplay works and any limitations that may exist.
• User Experiences: Feedback from players who have utilized the crossplay feature since its introduction, detailing any issues or successes they encountered.
• Technical Specifications: Information on how crossplay is implemented technically, including any potential limitations or differences in gameplay experience across platforms.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that Baldur's Gate 3 supports crossplay is substantiated by multiple reliable sources, including patch notes and announcements from Larian Studios. The introduction of crossplay functionality in Patch 8 allows players on various platforms—PC, Mac, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5—to engage in multiplayer sessions together. Additionally, the feature of cross-platform progression enhances the gaming experience by allowing players to carry their progress across different devices.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that while the evidence is strong, there are limitations. Some sources lack direct quotes or detailed technical explanations from the developers, which could provide a clearer understanding of the implementation of crossplay. Furthermore, the potential for bias in reporting from gaming news outlets should be considered, as their relationships with developers may influence the presentation of information.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and seek out additional perspectives to form a comprehensive understanding of the crossplay feature in Baldur's Gate 3.

Sources

1. Nerdist. "BALDUR'S GATE 3's Massive Final Patch Is Here: Subclasses, Cross-Play ..." Link
2. Screen Rant. "How To Play Crossplay In Baldur's Gate 3" Link
3. IGN. "How to Enable Cross-Play - Baldur's Gate III Guide" Link
4. Polygon. "How to enable and use cross-play in Baldur's Gate 3" Link
5. Baldur's Gate 3 Official Site. "Baldur's Gate 3" Link
6. Thing Labs. "Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 8 Will Bring Crossplay and More in a Massive ..." Link
7. Gamerant. "How To Use Crossplay In Baldur's Gate 3" Link
8. Dexerto. "How to use crossplay & cross-progression in Baldur's Gate 3" Link
9. Crosswatch. "Baldur's Gate 3 Info" Link
10. Engadget. "Baldur's Gate 3 gains cross-play, a photo mode and more ..." Link