Is Cold War Crossplay? A Comprehensive Guide to Multiplayer Options
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War's launch sparked numerous questions regarding its multiplayer capabilities, particularly concerning crossplay. The short answer is: yes, Cold War offers crossplay, but with some nuances depending on the platform and game mode. Let's delve into the specifics to clarify any confusion.
Crossplay Functionality Across Platforms
Cold War's crossplay functionality allows players on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC to engage in multiplayer matches together. This means you can team up with friends or compete against rivals regardless of their chosen platform. This feature significantly expands the player base and enhances the overall multiplayer experience.
However, there's a crucial detail: cross-progression is separate from crossplay. While you can play with players on other platforms, your progress (rank, unlocks, etc.) remains tied to your specific platform's account. This means your PlayStation progress won't transfer to your Xbox account, even if you're playing the same game.
Game Modes and Crossplay Limitations
While crossplay is generally enabled across the board, some game modes might have specific limitations or settings. For example:
- Ranked Play: Some players prefer to keep ranked matches platform-specific for a more balanced competitive experience. Check the in-game settings to see if ranked matches allow crossplay and how it can be enabled or disabled.
- Private Matches: The host of a private match generally controls crossplay settings, determining who can join based on platform.
Always consult the in-game settings and options menu for the most up-to-date information on crossplay availability. Activision regularly updates Cold War, and settings may change.
How to Enable/Disable Crossplay in Cold War
The process of enabling or disabling crossplay is usually straightforward:
- Access the Settings Menu: Navigate to the game's main menu and find the settings or options section.
- Locate the Crossplay Option: This setting might be under "Account," "Multiplayer," or a similarly named category.
- Adjust the Setting: Toggle the crossplay option to either "On" or "Off" based on your preference.
Remember to save your settings after making any changes.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Crossplay
Benefits:
- Larger Player Base: Significantly increases the pool of players you can matchmake with, resulting in quicker queue times and more diverse gameplay.
- Playing with Friends: Enables seamless gameplay with friends regardless of their platform.
- Enhanced Competition: Offers a wider range of skill levels, providing a more challenging and engaging multiplayer experience.
Drawbacks:
- Potential for Cheaters: A larger player base can unfortunately lead to a higher chance of encountering cheaters, especially if crossplay is enabled across all platforms.
- Input Differences: Players using different controllers (mouse and keyboard versus gamepad) might have slight advantages or disadvantages, potentially impacting the balance of gameplay.
Conclusion: Embracing the Cold War Crossplay Experience
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War's crossplay functionality enhances the multiplayer aspect. Whether you choose to enable it or not depends on your personal preferences and priorities. By understanding the nuances of crossplay and its potential implications, you can make an informed decision that optimizes your Cold War experience. Remember to always check the game's current settings for the most accurate information regarding crossplay availability and limitations.
