Compare the exact pair of game versions
A product capability is not a claim that every listed device pair was playtested for this guide.
| Pair | Evidence-based answer | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Steam PC ↔ Steam PC | The Steam product supports online co-op and multiplayer. | Official product capability; a shared compatible lobby is still required. |
| Xbox console ↔ Xbox console | Online multiplayer is an Xbox product capability. | Official product capability. |
| Xbox / Microsoft PC ↔ Xbox console | Supported according to the launch FAQ quotation and player replies; Xbox lists cross-platform multiplayer. | May–July reports and official store flag, not an October pair test. |
| Xbox / Microsoft PC ↔ Xbox / Microsoft PC | The PC product lists online multiplayer. | Official product capability; the two copies must use the Xbox version. |
| Steam PC ↔ Xbox / Microsoft PC | No established Steam-to-Xbox bridge in the inspected records. | Launch reports distinguish the two PC store versions. |
| Steam PC ↔ Xbox console | Reported unsupported; players could not find each other’s lobby. | Original May–July reports; September notes do not announce this bridge. |
| Xbox Cloud ↔ Xbox-family installed game | The cloud listing supplies an Xbox streaming route; the specific joining pair is not independently demonstrated here. | Check the cloud session’s own invite/lobby controls and privileges. |
| Steam PC ↔ Xbox Cloud | Cloud availability is not evidence of Steam crossplay. | No supported Steam/cloud joining record in the inspected sources. |
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to see every column.
Sources: Official Steam listing · Official Xbox listing · Steam/Xbox players: joining reports · Launch discussion quoting the developer FAQ · Official Xbox Cloud listing
A browser or PC does not identify the store version
A Steam installation on Windows and the Xbox PC installation are separate store versions. Xbox Cloud Gaming streams the title through the Xbox service; the screen used to receive the stream does not turn it into the Steam edition.
Before troubleshooting, have each player state Steam, Xbox PC/Microsoft Store, Xbox console or Xbox Cloud. Then compare the relevant row above. For download routes and supported devices, use the platform guide.
Sources: Official Xbox Cloud listing · Official Xbox listing · Official Steam listing
Check permissions before retrying a lobby
Update both copies
Compare the installed game builds and complete available updates before testing a previously failing pair.
Handle the crossplay permission prompt
The September patch says toggling crossplay now asks for permission and joining respects crossplay privileges. Where your version exposes the toggle, respond to that prompt and check the account’s multiplayer permission.
Try a known compatible pair first
Confirm hosting and joining within the same store family before diagnosing a mixed-store attempt. A lobby code alone does not establish that the clients share a compatible joining service.
Keep the actual failure message
The September notes add clean sign-in failures and a ten-second connection timeout. Record the store pair, host and error and continue with the connection checklist.
The update is evidence for permission handling, not an announcement of universal crossplay. For playing with an invited group on a supported pair, follow the private-lobby guide.
Sources: September 21 official update · Steam/Xbox players: joining reports · Official Xbox listing