The latest major update for Baldur’s Gate 3, known as Patch 8, has brought a wave of exciting features for players. Among the standout additions is cross-play, a highly requested feature that lets gamers team up with friends regardless of their gaming platform. Initially rolled out to a limited group in early 2025, cross-play is now available to everyone, making it easier than ever to explore the rich world of Baldur’s Gate 3 together. This guide explains how to set up and use cross-play for a smooth multiplayer experience.
Setting Up Cross-Play for Seamless Gaming
Cross-play in Baldur’s Gate 3 is designed to be user-friendly, but it requires a few steps to get started. The key to unlocking this feature is a Larian account, which serves as the bridge connecting players across different platforms. Every player in a cross-play session must have an active Larian account to participate.
To begin, players need to share their Larian account username with friends they wish to play with. This username allows friends to add each other and join cross-play lobbies. The process is straightforward, but it starts with creating or signing into a Larian account to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Steps to Join or Create a Cross-Play Lobby
Navigating the cross-play feature in Baldur’s Gate 3 is simple once the basics are understood. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to connect with friends across platforms:
- From the game’s main menu, locate and select the “Multiplayer” option.
- Switch to the “Cross-Play” tab displayed at the top of the screen.
- In the cross-play menu, players can either join a friend’s existing lobby or create a new one by selecting the “Create” button.
- To add a friend, click one of the “plus” icons next to the player’s name, then choose “Add Friends” and enter the friend’s exact Larian username.
- Once the friend accepts the request, they can be invited to the lobby, or the player can join their friend’s lobby via the cross-play menu.
- If creating a lobby, game settings can be adjusted on the right side of the screen to customize the experience.
This setup mirrors the standard multiplayer system but extends it across platforms, making it easy to dive into adventures with friends on PC, console, or other supported systems.
Using Mods in Cross-Play Sessions
For players who enjoy customizing their Baldur’s Gate 3 experience with mods, cross-play supports this feature with a few important considerations. Mods are compatible across platforms, but every player in the lobby must have the same mods installed for them to work properly. This ensures a consistent experience for everyone in the session.
PC players have access to a wider range of mods, while console players are limited to first-party mods and a cap of 100 mods. To avoid issues, players should coordinate with their group to ensure everyone has the same mods downloaded. This is especially important when mixing PC and console players, as compatibility can become tricky if mod selections differ. For those looking to enhance their gameplay, exploring a curated list of mods can add exciting new elements to the adventure.
Why Cross-Play Enhances Baldur’s Gate 3
The introduction of cross-play in Baldur’s Gate 3 opens up new possibilities for multiplayer gaming. By allowing players to connect regardless of their platform, Larian Studios has made it easier for friends to share epic quests, strategic battles, and memorable moments in the game’s immersive world. With a Larian account and a few simple steps, players can jump into cross-play lobbies and enjoy the game’s rich storytelling and cooperative gameplay with ease.
Whether battling fearsome enemies or unraveling the game’s intricate narrative, cross-play ensures that no one is left out of the fun. For the latest tips, guides, and updates on Baldur’s Gate 3, visit My Lead Games for more gaming insights.