Rust Crossplay Guide: PC vs Console Edition
One of the most frequent questions for new Rust players is about Crossplay. With Rust available on Steam (PC), PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox One/Series X, understanding who can play with whom is critical before renting a server or buying the game.
The Short Answer: Rust does NOT support crossplay between PC and Console. However, there is full crossplay between Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
Crossplay Compatibility Chart (2025)
| Platform A | Platform B | Crossplay Status |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | Console (Xbox/PS) | ❌ Not Supported |
| Xbox (One/Series) | PlayStation (4/5) | ✅ Supported |
| PC (Steam) | PC (macOS/Linux) | ✅ Supported |
Why No PC-Console Crossplay?
The lack of crossplay between PC and Console is intentional and due to significant differences between the two versions of the game:
1. Different Developers & Codebases
Rust PC is developed by Facepunch Studios and receives monthly content updates on the first Thursday of every month. It is the "main" version of the game.
Rust Console Edition is developed by a separate studio, Double Eleven. It runs on a completely separate codebase optimized for controllers and console hardware. The updates, map generation, and even game mechanics (like recoil and monuments) are different and often lag months or years behind the PC version.
2. Input Imbalance (Controller vs KBM)
Rust is a high-skill PvP shooter. PC players using Mouse & Keyboard (KBM) have a significant precision advantage over controller players. While some games use aim assist to bridge this gap, Rust's recoil mechanics make it difficult to balance fairly in a hardcore survival setting.
Console-Only Crossplay (Xbox & PlayStation)
If you are playing on Rust Console Edition, cross-platform play is enabled by default. This means:
- Xbox players can join servers with PlayStation players.
- You can invite friends from the other console platform to your team.
- Specific "Crossplay" Servers: Look for servers marked with the Crossplay icon in the server browser.
- Disabling Crossplay: You can choose to play on "Xbox Only" or "PlayStation Only" servers if you prefer to avoid the other platform, though player counts may be lower.
Can I Host a Crossplay Server?
If you rent a Rust server, you must choose PC or Console Edition hosting:
PC Server Hosting
Allows players from Steam (Windows, MacOS, Linux) to join. This is what most "Rust Hosting" providers offer, including Supercraft. PC servers support Oxide/uMod plugins, custom maps, and massive 500+ player counts.
Console Edition Hosting
Hosting for Rust Console Edition is strictly controlled. You cannot host a dedicated server on your own hardware for the Console Edition in the same way you can for PC. You generally have to rent from specific partners authorized by Double Eleven.
Conclusion
If you want to play with friends, ensure you all buy the game on compatible platforms. If you have a PC and your friend has an Xbox, you cannot play together. This is unlikely to change in the future due to the diverging development paths of the two versions.
Ready to start your PC survival journey? Host a Rust PC Server today.