Borderlands 3, the popular looter-shooter from Gearbox Software, has captivated millions of players worldwide with its unique blend of humor, action, and loot-driven gameplay. One of the most exciting features that has been added to the game is cross-platform play, allowing players across different platforms to team up and tackle Pandora’s many challenges together. Whether you’re a seasoned Vault Hunter or new to the game, making the most of Borderlands 3’s cross-platform functionality can significantly enhance your gaming experience. This article will guide you through the steps to maximize your enjoyment of is borderlands 3 cross platform play.
1. Understanding Cross-Platform Play in Borderlands 3
Before diving into the tips and tricks, it’s essential to understand what cross-platform play entails in Borderlands 3.
- What is Cross-Platform Play? Cross-platform play, often referred to as crossplay, allows players on different gaming platforms—such as PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and others—to play together in the same game. In the case of Borderlands 3, crossplay was introduced post-launch, enabling players on various platforms to join each other’s games, share loot, and complete missions together.
- Supported Platforms: As of the latest updates, Borderlands 3 supports crossplay between most platforms, including PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 4 & 5. However, it’s essential to verify the current status of crossplay on your specific platform, as updates and changes can occur over time.
- SHiFT Matchmaking: Gearbox uses their SHiFT matchmaking service to facilitate crossplay. To participate, you’ll need to create a SHiFT account, which links your game across platforms and enables crossplay functionality.
2. Setting Up Cross-Platform Play
To make the most of cross-platform play in Borderlands 3, you’ll need to set it up correctly. Here’s how to get started:
- Create a SHiFT Account: If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create a SHiFT account. This account is essential for cross-platform matchmaking and saving your progress across different platforms. You can create an account directly through the game’s menu or on the SHiFT website.
- Enable Cross-Play: Once you have a SHiFT account, navigate to the game’s options menu, where you’ll find the option to enable crossplay. After enabling this feature, the game will prompt you to create a Crossplay Display Name. This name will be used by other players to identify you in the cross-platform environment.
- Invite Friends Across Platforms: With crossplay enabled, you can now invite friends who are playing on different platforms. Simply access your friends list within the SHiFT menu, search for their Crossplay Display Name, and send them an invite. Once they accept, you can start playing together regardless of the platform they’re using.
3. Maximizing Your Multiplayer Experience
Cross-platform play opens up a whole new world of multiplayer possibilities in Borderlands 3. To get the most out of it, consider the following strategies:
- Play with Friends Across Platforms: One of the most significant advantages of crossplay is the ability to team up with friends who play on different platforms. Whether you’re on PC and your friend is on Xbox, or you’re using a PlayStation, crossplay allows you to enjoy the game together without limitations. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining friendships and gaming groups, even if everyone doesn’t own the same console.
- Explore the Game’s Full Potential: Borderlands 3 is known for its rich content, including numerous DLCs, side quests, and endgame activities. Crossplay ensures that you can tackle these challenges with a broader pool of players. Whether you’re farming for legendary loot, taking on challenging bosses, or exploring new DLC content, having more players to team up with can make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
- Take Advantage of Matchmaking: If you don’t have a specific group to play with, Borderlands 3’s crossplay matchmaking system can pair you with players from around the world, regardless of their platform. This feature can help you find groups for difficult missions, join large-scale events, or simply enjoy the game with new people. Matchmaking is particularly helpful for tackling harder difficulties or farming rare loot, where cooperation and coordination are key.
- Optimize Communication: Effective communication is crucial in multiplayer games, especially in a fast-paced looter-shooter like Borderlands 3. When playing cross-platform, make sure to use voice chat or text chat features effectively. Some platforms may have different voice chat options, so it’s essential to agree on a preferred method of communication with your team. Additionally, consider using external communication tools like Discord, which can help bridge any gaps in platform-specific chat functionalities.
4. Managing Performance and Compatibility
Cross-platform play is a fantastic feature, but it can also introduce challenges related to performance and compatibility. Here’s how to manage these aspects effectively:
- Performance Optimization: Different platforms have varying levels of performance, with PCs often offering higher frame rates and better graphics compared to consoles. To ensure a smooth experience for all players, consider adjusting your in-game settings to match your teammates’ performance levels. For instance, if you’re playing on a high-end PC with a friend on an older console, reducing your graphics settings can help synchronize the gameplay experience and prevent any performance-related issues.
- Dealing with Input Differences: One of the challenges in crossplay is the difference in input methods. PC players often use a mouse and keyboard, while console players use controllers. This difference can impact gameplay, particularly in competitive scenarios. To level the playing field, Borderlands 3 includes aim assist options for controller users. If you’re playing on PC with a controller, make sure these settings are optimized to your liking. Conversely, if you’re on a console, practicing with your controller’s sensitivity settings can help you stay competitive with mouse and keyboard players.
- Cross-Platform Progression: While cross-platform play allows for multiplayer gaming across different systems, it’s important to note that your game progression might not carry over between platforms unless you’re playing on PC. If you plan to switch platforms, be aware that you might need to start over or play on a different character. Always check the current status of cross-platform progression before making any significant changes to your gaming setup.
5. Staying Updated with New Features and Events
Borderlands 3 is a dynamic game with regular updates, events, and new content releases. To make the most of cross-platform play, staying informed about these updates is essential.
- Follow Official Channels: Keep an eye on Gearbox Software’s official social media channels, forums, and the Borderlands website for announcements about new content, patches, and crossplay improvements. These updates often include bug fixes, performance enhancements, and new features that can improve your cross-platform experience.
- Participate in Cross-Platform Events: Borderlands 3 occasionally hosts cross-platform events, such as special loot drops, time-limited missions, or community challenges. Participating in these events can earn you exclusive rewards and enhance your gameplay experience. Since these events are often cross-platform by nature, teaming up with players from other systems can give you an edge in completing the challenges and claiming the best loot.
- Join the Community: Borderlands 3 has a vibrant and active community across all platforms. Joining forums, Reddit threads, and Discord servers dedicated to the game can help you find like-minded players, share tips, and stay updated on the latest crossplay news. Engaging with the community is a great way to make new friends, find groups for difficult missions, and learn new strategies for tackling the game’s toughest challenges.
Conclusion
is borderlands 3 cross platform play is a game-changer, allowing players from different platforms to come together and enjoy the game’s chaotic fun. By setting up crossplay, optimizing your multiplayer experience, managing performance and compatibility, and staying updated with the latest news, you can make the most of this feature and take your Borderlands 3 adventures to new heights. Whether you’re farming for legendary loot, taking on challenging bosses, or just having a blast with friends, cross-platform play ensures that no one is left out of the action.
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