BG3 Patch 8 brought one of the most requested features—full cross-play across all platforms. Whether you're on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Mac, or even streaming via GeForce NOW, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to play with your friends.
What Is Cross-Play in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Cross-play lets you party up with friends no matter what platform you're using. That means PS5 players can jump into a game with someone on PC, or an Xbox user can play with a friend streaming via GeForce NOW. No more starting separate campaigns or juggling save files—just squad up and dive in.
How to Set Up Cross-Play (Step-by-Step)
Here's how to get cross-play running smoothly in BG3, no matter where you're playing:
1. Create or Link a Larian Account
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Head to Larian’s Account Page and sign up.
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Or do it from the in-game menu under Manage Account.
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Link your Steam, Xbox, PSN, or GOG account.
2. Enable Cross-Play in Settings
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Launch the game.
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Navigate to Settings > Gameplay.
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Scroll down and toggle Allow Cross-Platform Multiplayer to ON.
3. Use the Larian Friends List
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In the Multiplayer menu, invite friends using their Larian usernames.
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Platform-specific usernames (like Steam or PSN) won’t work here.
4. Host or Join a Cross-Platform Lobby
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Open Multiplayer from the main menu.
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Create a public or private lobby.
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Your friends will see it regardless of their platform.
GeForce NOW Support: Can You Play Cross-Platform via Cloud?
Yes! If you’re using GeForce NOW, you can absolutely play cross-platform. Here’s what you need to know:
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GeForce NOW streams the PC version of BG3.
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That means you can match up with players on console, Mac, or other PC users.
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Performance is buttery smooth—assuming your internet is stable (25 Mbps+ recommended).
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Mod support is available through mod.io for GeForce NOW Ultimate and Priority users.
Cross-Platform Multiplayer Performance Breakdown
Here’s how the experience feels depending on your platform:
| Platform | Performance |
|---|---|
| PC | Fastest load times, full mod support, smoothest multiplayer experience. |
| Mac | Great visuals, but load times can be longer. Still smooth in multiplayer. |
| PS5 | 60 FPS in performance mode; UI can lag slightly in 4-player co-op. |
| Xbox Series X | S |
| GeForce NOW | Matches PC performance. Cloud-based, so internet speed is key. |
Can You Use Mods with Cross-Play?
Yes, but only if all players in the session have the same mods installed. For GeForce NOW and console players, use mod.io integrations.
Full mod support details here:
GeForce NOW Adds Mod Support for Baldur’s Gate 3
Tips for a Smooth Cross-Play Experience
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Use Voice Chat Tools: BG3 doesn’t have built-in voice chat, so use Discord, Xbox Party, or PS Chat.
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Sync Your Mods: If using any, all players must have the same mods.
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Save Often: Especially in cross-play, occasional disconnects can happen.
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Test Your Connection: If you’re on cloud (like GeForce NOW), ensure your internet is stable.
More Baldur’s Gate 3 Tips
Want to optimize your visuals or get started on the right foot? Check out these guides:
Community Support & Resources
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Official Larian Discord – Great for matchmaking and mod support.
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BG3 Subreddit – Community help, build guides, and cross-play chat.
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Steam Community Forum – Troubleshooting & multiplayer help.
Final Thoughts
Patch 8 has made Baldur’s Gate 3 more connected than ever. With full cross-play, you can finally party up across platforms and experience Faerûn the way it was meant to be—together. Whether you're on a console, a high-end rig, or a humble Chromebook via GeForce NOW, the road to Baldur’s Gate is open.
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