How to Crossplay in Destiny 2

With the rise of crossplay in modern multiplayer gaming, Destiny 2 has emerged as a flagship example of how a game can successfully bring players from various platforms together. Crossplay, which enables players on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and even Google Stadia to team up or compete against each other, has transformed how Guardians interact and experience the world of Destiny 2.

Released in 2021 as part of Destiny 2’s “Season of the Lost,” crossplay opened up new opportunities for collaboration and connectivity across different hardware ecosystems. Players from across the globe could finally unite in strikes, raids, and PvP activities, breaking the chains of platform-specific restrictions. In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of how to crossplay in Destiny 2, covering everything from enabling the feature to addressing potential challenges.

What is Crossplay in Destiny 2?

Crossplay in Destiny 2 refers to the ability of players on different platforms to play together. Whether you’re a Guardian on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or Stadia, crossplay allows you to join fireteams, compete in PvP, and complete in-game activities with players who may be using different hardware. This is a huge step forward in fostering a unified Destiny community, allowing friends and clans to connect regardless of which platform they prefer.

The Benefits of Crossplay in Destiny 2

Before diving into the technical aspects of how to enable and use crossplay, it’s essential to highlight the benefits:

1. Expanded Player Pool: Crossplay dramatically increases the number of players available for matchmaking, meaning shorter wait times for activities like Strikes, Crucible matches, and Raids. You’re less likely to encounter long queues or limited player options when attempting to complete activities, even at off-peak hours.
2. Unification of the Community: Previously, Destiny 2 players were divided across different platforms, making it difficult for friends using different systems to team up. With crossplay, you can now play with friends, regardless of whether they’re on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or Stadia.
3. A More Competitive PvP Experience: Crossplay has opened the door for a more diverse player base in the competitive modes of Destiny 2, such as Trials of Osiris and Iron Banner. The increased number of players has led to a more competitive, vibrant ecosystem.
4. Seamless Clan Integration: Before crossplay, it was common for clans to have members spread across multiple platforms, limiting how they could participate in endgame content together. With crossplay, clans can now recruit and collaborate without worrying about platform limitations.

How to Enable Crossplay in Destiny 2

Now that we’ve covered the advantages of crossplay, let’s explore how to enable it. Bungie has made it easy for players to jump into crossplay, with most of the process happening automatically. However, there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure you’re fully set up.

Step 1: Create and Link Your Bungie.net Account

The key to Destiny 2’s crossplay functionality lies in linking your platforms to a Bungie.net account. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Bungie.net: Open your browser and go to Bungie.net. If you don’t have a Bungie.net account, you’ll need to create one by following the on-screen prompts.
2. Sign In or Create an Account: If you already have a Bungie.net account, sign in with your credentials. If not, create a new account using your email.
3. Link Your Platforms: Once signed in, navigate to the settings page and select “Account Linking.” Here, you’ll be able to link your Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Steam, and Stadia accounts to your Bungie.net profile. This is crucial because crossplay relies on your Bungie.net account to sync your progress and connect you with players across different platforms.
4. Cross Save (Optional): Bungie also offers a Cross Save feature, which allows you to carry your game progress across different platforms. This is especially useful if you own the game on multiple systems but don’t want to start from scratch on each one. To enable Cross Save, simply navigate to the Cross Save section of your Bungie.net account settings and follow the prompts to authenticate and link your accounts.

Step 2: Enable Crossplay in the Game

Once you’ve linked your platforms via Bungie.net, you’re ready to use crossplay in Destiny 2. The game has crossplay enabled by default, but if you want to check your settings or disable it for any reason, here’s how to do it:

1. Open Destiny 2: Launch the game on your platform of choice.
2. Navigate to the Settings Menu: Press the appropriate button to open the game’s main menu (Options/Start), then go to the “Settings” tab.
3. Locate the Crossplay Settings: Under the “Gameplay” section, you’ll find the option to enable or disable crossplay. By default, it should be turned on, but you can adjust this based on your preferences.
4. Save and Exit: Once you’ve adjusted your settings, exit the menu, and you’re ready to experience crossplay.

Step 3: Add Friends via Bungie Name

One of the key elements of crossplay is the Bungie Name system. This universal username system allows players to add friends across platforms, simplifying the process of connecting with players regardless of their console or PC. Here’s how to add friends via Bungie Name:

1. Obtain the Bungie Name: Each player is assigned a unique Bungie Name, which consists of their chosen username followed by a hashtag and a unique numeric code (e.g., Guardian#1234). You’ll need to obtain this from your friend.
2. Go to the Roster: In the Destiny 2 menu, navigate to your Roster tab. This is where you can see your friends list, clan members, and online players.
3. Add Friend: Select the option to add a friend and input their Bungie Name. Once entered correctly, you can send them a friend request.
4. Friend Confirmation: Your friend will need to accept the friend request before they appear on your friends list. Once confirmed, you can easily invite them to your fireteam, regardless of their platform.

Step 4: Form a Fireteam and Play

Once your friends have been added via their Bungie Name, you can start forming fireteams for cooperative activities. Whether you want to run Strikes, participate in Raids, or play competitive Crucible matches, the process is the same:

1. Invite Friends: From the Roster tab, invite friends from any platform to join your fireteam.
2. Choose Activities: As the fireteam leader, you can select the activity you wish to engage in—whether it’s a Story Mission, Strike, Raid, or PvP match. Your fireteam members will automatically join the activity once launched.

Crossplay Restrictions in Destiny 2

While crossplay is a fantastic addition to Destiny 2, there are a few restrictions and nuances to be aware of:

1. Input-Based Matchmaking for PvP

Bungie has implemented input-based matchmaking for competitive PvP modes such as Crucible, Trials of Osiris, and Gambit. This means that players using a controller will primarily be matched against other controller players, while players using mouse and keyboard will face opponents using the same input method.

However, there are exceptions. If you’re playing in a mixed-input fireteam (e.g., some members using controllers and others using mouse and keyboard), the game will match you with opponents based on the highest-input method in the group. In most cases, this means your fireteam will be placed in lobbies with mouse and keyboard players.

2. Cross-Platform Voice Chat

One of the most important aspects of cooperative gameplay is communication. Thankfully, cross-platform voice chat is fully supported in Destiny 2. Whether you’re on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, you can communicate with your fireteam via voice chat seamlessly. There’s no need to use third-party apps, as Bungie has integrated this functionality directly into the game.

However, you can still use third-party services like Discord if you prefer, especially for large fireteams or clans with players on different platforms.

3. Cross Save and Progression

As mentioned earlier, Bungie offers a Cross Save feature that allows you to maintain your game progress across platforms. This is especially useful for players who switch between consoles and PC or play on multiple platforms. However, it’s important to note that you can only have one active character set tied to your Bungie.net account at a time.

For example, if you play Destiny 2 on both PlayStation and PC, enabling Cross Save will sync your progress across both platforms, but you cannot have separate characters on each. If you disable Cross Save, you’ll revert to the characters associated with the specific platform.

4. Platform-Specific Content

One of the limitations of crossplay is platform-specific content. Certain bonuses, such as exclusive cosmetic items or in-game content tied to special promotions or pre-orders, may only be available on specific platforms. While crossplay allows you to play with others across different systems, you won’t be able to transfer these exclusive items between platforms. This applies to promotional bonuses, PlayStation-exclusive content (historically), or Stadia-specific rewards.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Crossplay in Destiny 2

While crossplay in Destiny 2 offers numerous benefits, there can be challenges that players may encounter while setting up or using the feature. Below, we’ll address some common issues and offer troubleshooting tips.

1. Bungie Name Errors

Players may encounter difficulties when trying to add friends via their Bungie Name. This is often due to inputting the Bungie Name incorrectly, especially the numeric code following the hashtag. Make sure that the name is copied exactly as it appears, including any capitalizations and numbers.

• Solution: If you’re still having trouble adding someone, have them double-check their Bungie Name by opening their profile on the Roster screen in-game. You can also try copying and pasting the Bungie Name from your Bungie.net account page.

2. Cross Save Confusion

Cross Save can be a bit confusing for players who play Destiny 2 on multiple platforms but haven’t fully grasped how progression is handled across systems. Some players mistakenly think they can maintain separate characters on each platform while having crossplay enabled. As mentioned earlier, this is not the case.

• Solution: If you want to have the same characters and progress on multiple platforms, ensure Cross Save is enabled via Bungie.net. However, keep in mind that once Cross Save is enabled, your characters on the platform not selected for Cross Save will be inaccessible until you disable Cross Save.

3. Voice Chat Issues

Cross-platform voice chat issues can arise, particularly when players on different systems try to communicate. This is often caused by microphone configuration issues, differences in privacy settings, or incompatibilities with platform-specific voice systems.

• Solution: Ensure that your microphone and headset are properly configured in your console or PC settings. You may also need to check that voice chat is enabled in Destiny 2’s settings menu. If problems persist, consider using third-party apps like Discord for smoother cross-platform communication.

4. Input-Based Matchmaking Complaints

Some players may feel that input-based matchmaking is unfair, especially when it comes to competitive modes like Crucible or Trials of Osiris. Controller players facing off against mouse and keyboard users can feel disadvantaged due to the precision offered by the latter.

• Solution: Bungie’s input-based matchmaking system is designed to keep things as fair as possible. However, if you’re playing in a mixed-input fireteam, you’ll be placed in higher-input lobbies. To avoid this, ensure that all fireteam members are using the same input method (either all on controller or all on mouse and keyboard).

5. Platform-Specific Lag or Performance Issues

Crossplay allows players on different platforms with varying levels of hardware performance to play together. Occasionally, this can lead to performance issues, such as lag or stuttering, especially in high-stress environments like Raids or competitive PvP.

• Solution: Ensure your internet connection is stable and strong. If you’re playing on a platform that supports higher resolutions or frame rates, like PC, you may need to adjust your settings for a smoother experience when playing with console players. Additionally, players on older-generation consoles might experience more performance issues compared to those on next-gen systems or PCs.

6. Region-Specific Matchmaking

Sometimes players may encounter longer wait times for matchmaking or difficulty finding matches, especially if they are playing with friends in different regions. This can cause mismatches in latency and overall gameplay experience.

• Solution: While Destiny 2 doesn’t offer manual region selection, using a VPN or simply switching the time you play can help alleviate region-specific issues. Additionally, playing during peak hours can help reduce the time spent waiting for matchmaking.

Advanced Crossplay Tips for Destiny 2 Players

To maximize your crossplay experience in Destiny 2, here are some advanced tips that can help you enjoy the game to its fullest.

1. Building Multi-Platform Fireteams

Crossplay enables the creation of diverse fireteams, pulling players from various platforms. This is particularly useful for high-level content such as Nightfalls, Raids, and Trials of Osiris. Organizing multi-platform fireteams can reduce wait times and help you build a more cohesive team by taking advantage of a broader player pool.

• Tip: Use Bungie.net’s Fireteam Finder or community apps like Discord to find and organize fireteams across platforms. These tools allow you to specify which platform you’re on and help you find players who are also looking for crossplay groups.

2. Utilizing External Tools

External apps and third-party websites can greatly enhance your crossplay experience. Tools like Destiny Item Manager (DIM) allow you to manage your inventory across platforms seamlessly, ensuring you’re always ready for action, regardless of the system you’re playing on.

• Tip: In addition to inventory management, consider using tracking sites like Raid Report to monitor your stats across platforms and plan your progression.

3. Managing Clan Crossplay

Crossplay has significantly streamlined how clans function in Destiny 2. If you’re the leader of a clan, take advantage of crossplay by actively recruiting members from different platforms to increase your roster size and ensure you always have active players online.

• Tip: Communicate with your clan members via external apps like Discord to coordinate cross-platform activities, share strategies, and organize events more efficiently.

4. Crossplay Raiding

Raids are among the most challenging and rewarding activities in Destiny 2. With crossplay, you can now form raid teams that consist of players from different platforms. This opens up the possibility for more robust strategies and increased availability of players for raid attempts.

• Tip: Ensure that everyone on your raid team is well-prepared by using tools like Ishtar Commander to check loadouts and stats, and consider holding pre-raid meetings in voice chat to coordinate strategies. Mixed-platform raids can offer unique advantages as long as communication remains strong.

5. Engaging with the Wider Community

Crossplay has broken down the walls between the Destiny 2 communities on various platforms. Now, you can engage with a wider range of players, build friendships, and experience different playstyles that may have been inaccessible before. Whether you’re running casual strikes or high-level raids, the crossplay feature has transformed the way players interact.

• Tip: Join cross-platform community hubs on Reddit, Discord, and other social media channels to find new friends and fireteam members. Expanding your connections will make the game more enjoyable, especially when it comes to endgame content like Trials and Raids.

Conclusion: Crossplay in Destiny 2 Is a Game-Changer

Crossplay in Destiny 2 is nothing short of a game-changer, offering players more flexibility and fostering a stronger sense of community. By uniting the player base across PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Stadia, Bungie has ensured that Destiny 2 remains one of the most accessible and vibrant multiplayer experiences available.

The ease with which players can enable crossplay, combined with the powerful social tools offered by Bungie.net and third-party apps, makes teaming up with friends or forming fireteams a seamless process. While there are occasional challenges such as input-based matchmaking or minor performance discrepancies between platforms, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.

For Guardians looking to maximize their time in the Destiny 2 universe, crossplay offers unparalleled opportunities to engage in Raids, Nightfalls, Trials of Osiris, and more, alongside players from every corner of the gaming ecosystem. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore Destiny fan, crossplay is a welcome addition that will likely continue to evolve as Bungie refines and improves the system.

As Destiny 2 expands with future seasons and expansions, crossplay will remain an integral part of the game, ensuring that Guardians everywhere can band together to take on whatever challenges the universe throws their way.