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In addition to all the major features introduced in Patch 8 ofBaldur’s Gate 3,such as the arrival of Photo Modeand 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.
Players can finally team up with friends on other platforms to explore the game’s three acts. Fortunately,enabling Cross-Play inBaldur’s Gate 3is 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 activeLarian Account. All players involved in amultiplayersession 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 allowsjoining 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 inBaldur’s Gate 3:
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 tocustomize several gameplay rulesuntil they feel right for everyone involved. In addition, players can freely set a limit on how many people can join the same save.
How To Use Cross-Play Mods In Baldur’s Gate 3
One of the best possibilities unlocked byBaldur’s Gate 3’s Cross-Play feature is theability to use community-created modswhile 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 fewimportant limitationsto 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 onesavailable directly through theBaldur’s Gate 3in-game Mod Manager.
Additionally, mods must also be approved andavailable 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, withup 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 aBaldur’s Gate 3lobby 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 inBaldur’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.
