Grounded is a creative survival game from Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios where players are shrunk to the size of insects and must survive in a backyard full of bugs, grass, and danger. It’s a game made for cooperation, building bases, crafting tools, and exploring together.
With the game now available on multiple systems, many players ask the same question: Is Grounded crossplay? Can Xbox, PC, and PlayStation players team up? Let’s break it down.
Is Grounded Crossplay?
Yes, Grounded fully supports crossplay. That means players on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (Microsoft Store/Game Pass), and Steam can all play together. You only need to sign in with a Microsoft account to connect with friends across platforms.
Crossplay lets you survive, build, and fight side by side no matter which device you use. This feature has been part of the game since launch and now extends even further with new platform releases.
Supported Platforms
Grounded is available on:
- Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
- Windows 10/11 PCs through the Microsoft Store or Game Pass
- PC on Steam
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 (added in 2024)
There’s no Nintendo Switch version yet. However, PlayStation users can now join Xbox and PC players through crossplay using their Microsoft accounts.
Xbox and PC Crossplay Explained
If you play Grounded on Xbox or Windows PC, crossplay is simple. Both versions use the Xbox Live system. When you sign in with your Microsoft account, your friends list syncs automatically across devices.
You can send and receive invites directly through the in-game menu or the Xbox app. It doesn’t matter if one of you is using a console and the other is on PC, as long as both are signed into Microsoft’s network, you can play together without issues.
Steam and Microsoft Store Crossplay
Yes, players on Steam can join those using the Microsoft Store or Game Pass versions. The only requirement is linking your Steam account to a Microsoft account inside the game.
Once connected, you’ll be able to invite Xbox or PC friends through the shared friends list. This allows mixed-platform multiplayer between Steam, Game Pass, and console players in the same world.
How to Enable and Use Crossplay in Grounded
You don’t need to change any settings. Crossplay is automatic once your account is linked. Here’s how to get started:
- Launch Grounded on your system.
- Log in with your Microsoft account when prompted.
- Open the Friends menu.
- Choose “Host Online Game” or “Join Online Game.”
- Invite your friends through their Xbox or PC names.
Your friends can accept the invite no matter what platform they’re using. Once connected, you can explore and survive together instantly.
Cross-Save and Progress Sharing
Grounded supports cross-save between Xbox and Windows PC (Microsoft Store/Game Pass versions). Your world data, progress, and inventory sync automatically through the cloud using your Microsoft account.
However, Steam and PlayStation saves are stored separately for now. That means if you switch between Steam and Xbox, your save files won’t transfer.
Multiplayer Features and Gameplay
Grounded’s multiplayer mode supports up to four players. One player can host a shared world, and others can join anytime, even when the host is offline. Every player can gather materials, build bases, and contribute to survival.
Teamwork is key, as some tasks and bosses require coordination. You can switch between solo and co-op anytime, keeping your progress in both modes.
Grounded Crossplay Limitations
While crossplay works well, there are a few small limits to note:
- All players must sign in with a Microsoft account.
- PlayStation users can’t access Xbox friends lists directly; invites work through in-game systems only.
- Cross-save only works between Xbox and Microsoft Store PC versions.
- Some players may face connection issues if their NAT type is strict or their firewall blocks Xbox Live traffic.
These are minor issues and can usually be fixed by adjusting network settings or relogging into your Microsoft account.
Troubleshooting Crossplay Issues
If your invites fail or your game can’t connect:
- Make sure everyone’s Microsoft account is linked and online.
- Check that your NAT type is set to Open for best results.
- Update Grounded to the latest version.
- Restart the game or your system to refresh the session.
Most problems come from network restrictions or outdated builds.
Grounded on PlayStation: What to Know
In 2024, Grounded was released for PlayStation 4 and 5, expanding its player base. The PlayStation version fully supports crossplay with Xbox and PC, marking one of Obsidian’s first games to unite all major platforms.
Players need a free Microsoft account to join friends from other systems. The setup is nearly identical to Xbox and PC.
Conclusion
Grounded stands out as one of the few survival games offering true crossplay across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation. Whether you play through Steam, Game Pass, or console, you can explore, build, and fight bugs together with your friends.
While cross-save has a few limits and you’ll need a Microsoft account, the system works smoothly for most players. Grounded proves that even in a tiny backyard, teamwork, not a platform, is what really matters.