Is Enshrouded Cross-Platform? The Question Answered
So, you’re hyped about Enshrouded, the new survival action RPG that’s got everyone talking. You and your friends are itching to explore the mysterious, mist-laden world together, build epic bases, and bash some monster skulls. But there’s a snag – some of you are rocking PCs, while others are console gamers. The big question looms: Is Enshrouded cross-platform?
Let’s cut right to the chase because I know you’re eager to jump in.
The Current Status: Enshrouded is NOT Cross-Platform (Yet)
As of right now, Enshrouded does NOT support cross-platform play. This means that if you’re playing on PC (via Steam), you can only play with other PC players. Console players (when the game eventually releases on consoles) will be restricted to playing with other console players on the same platform. Bummer, right?
Why No Cross-Platform?
Good question! Cross-platform development can be a real headache for developers. Different platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, etc.) have different architectures, online services, and certification requirements. Getting them all to play nice together and ensure a seamless experience for everyone is a monumental task. Here’s the main reasons:
- Development Complexity: Coordinating updates, bug fixes, and ensuring feature parity across different platforms takes a lot of time and resources.
- Platform Limitations: Each platform has its own set of rules and regulations regarding online play, which can make cross-platform implementation tricky.
- Balancing: Ensuring fair gameplay between PC and console players can be challenging due to differences in control schemes (mouse and keyboard vs. controller) and potential performance variations.
- Focus on PC Launch: The developers at Keen Games are a relatively small team, and their primary focus has been on delivering a polished and stable experience for the initial PC release on Steam Early Access.
Will Enshrouded Ever Be Cross-Platform?
Okay, don’t lose hope just yet! While there’s no official confirmation, there are reasons to believe that cross-platform play could be a possibility down the line.
- Early Access: Enshrouded is currently in Early Access. This means the game is still under development, and the developers are actively listening to player feedback.
- Future Console Release: Enshrouded is planned to be released on consoles eventually. When that happens, the pressure to implement cross-platform play will likely increase.
- Developer Statements: While Keen Games hasn’t made any promises, they haven’t ruled out the possibility of cross-platform play either.
What About Cross-Progression?
Cross-progression (also sometimes called cross-save) allows you to carry your progress from one platform to another. Unfortunately, just like cross-platform play, Enshrouded does NOT currently support cross-progression.
Workarounds? (Don’t Get Your Hopes Up)
There are no legitimate workarounds for cross-platform play in Enshrouded right now.
- Don’t trust websites or videos claiming to offer cross-platform hacks or mods. These are likely scams or contain malware.
- The only way to play together is if you’re all on the same platform (PC).
Tips for Playing with Friends (Even Without Cross-Platform)
- Convince your friends to join you on PC.
- Consider buying a used gaming PC.
- Utilize Steam Family Sharing: Only one person can play at a time, but it can help share the game.
- Join the Enshrouded community: Connect through Reddit, Discord, or forums.
- Be patient: Keep an eye out for official updates on cross-platform support.
The Future of Enshrouded and Cross-Platform
The success of Enshrouded’s Early Access launch will likely play a big role in determining whether cross-platform play becomes a reality. Let Keen Games know you’re interested!
In Conclusion:
Enshrouded is an exciting game with a lot of potential, but it’s important to be aware of its limitations. While cross-platform play isn’t currently available, there’s still hope for the future. For now, gather your PC gaming buddies and get ready to explore the Shroud!