Is Generation Zero cross-platform? That’s a fair question considering this open-world cooperative survival game is much more fun when played with friends.
In the ever-evolving gaming landscape, cross-platform play has become a highly sought-after feature by players around the world.
Naturally, fans want to know whether the Generation Zero game is fully cross platform compatible or not, so that they don’t always have to dive in as a single player, without their friends.
Let’s get right down to business and find out if Generation Zero supports crossplay in 2024.
Is Generation Zero Cross-Platform?
Developed by Avalanche Studios under their brand Systemic Reaction, this first-person shooter multiplayer game allows you team up with up to three players in alternate 1980s Sweden, fighting hostile machines.
Players gather resources in an initial exploration phase and fend off the robotic enemies in the combat phase.
Despite the popularity of the game, Generation Zero is not fully cross-compatible across all platforms.
Generation Zero initially did not support cross platform play across any platform when it launched in 2019.
However, Avalanche Studios introduced cross play to a limited extent, in late 2021.
So yes, Generation Zero cross platform support is available for some devices.
There are a variety of different platforms on which gamers play the game — PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, and PS5.
Let’s unpack which platforms support Generation Zero cross platform functionality.
Read: How To Play Ark Cross-Platform On Xbox And PC?
Crossplay Generation Zero Between:
PC and Xbox One
Cross platform gaming is often a primary concern for PC and console players.
A large portion of the Generation Zero player base belongs to these two camps.
And these players will be pleased to know that cross play is indeed available between the two platforms.
This means that PC and Xbox One players can join forces and explore the Generation Zero game world in all its post-apocalyptic glory, overcoming various challenges and fighting off menacing enemies without being limited to their own platforms.
But Generation Zero cross platform functionality between the PC and Xbox One is only available via Xbox Game Pass.
So if you buy the game separately on Steam for your PC and your friend is playing it on their Xbox through Microsoft’s Game Pass, you won’t be able to enjoy the game together.
Between PC and Xbox Series S/X
With the advent of a new generation of consoles, such as the Xbox Series S and X, players naturally might wonder if crossplay would be supported between these platforms and PC.
Fortunately, Generation Zero continues to support crossplay between PC and the Xbox Series S/X.
This ensures that players who have upgraded to the latest Xbox consoles can still team up with their PC counterparts, promoting a unified gaming experience.
As mentioned above, you must all be playing it via Microsoft Game Pass for this to work.
The availability of crossplay between PC and Xbox Series S/X, along with Xbox One, enables players to leverage the advanced hardware and performance capabilities of these new consoles while they enjoy playing online with friends on the older console.
Between PS5 and Xbox
The release of the PlayStation 5 alongside the Xbox Series S/X left console gamers equally excited.
Many players might be curious if Generation Zero is cross-compatible between the PS5 and Xbox consoles.
As of 2024, Generation Zero cross platform availability between the PS5 and Xbox is not a thing.
The console wars seem never-ending as Team Blue and Team Green players can’t indulge in Generation Zero together as yet.
Between PS5 and PC
For the PS5 and PC fans of Generation Zero, the availability of cross platform play is a crucial factor to consider.
Unfortunately, Generation Zero crossplay is not currently available between the PS5 and PC.
So unlike Xbox players, PS5 players can’t yet join forces join forces with their PC brethren to explore the Generation Zero game world together.
This means that gamers on these platforms will be limited to playing with others who are using the same platform.
It remains to be seen if the situation changes in the near future.
Between Xbox One and PS4
Given that Generation Zero was released before the arrival of the latest console generations from Microsoft and Sony, it’s essential to address the crossplay compatibility between the previous generation consoles: Xbox One and PS4.
Also read: Cross-Platform Compatibility In Rogue Company : Explained
Unlike the Generation Zero cross platform gaming feature between the Xbox consoles and the PC, a similar arrangement doesn’t yet exist with the PS4.
This especially limits the PS4 portion of the fanbase to its own platform, until Avalanche decides to remedy things.
Why Isn’t Generation Zero Fully Crossplay Compatible?
The game currently offers crossplay between PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, allowing players on these platforms to embark on co-op adventures together.
Generation Zero cross platform functionality has been warmly welcomed by the gaming community, at least on the PC and Xbox consoles.
But cross play support is still not available between the PS5 and Xbox or even between PS5 and PC.
While this may be disappointing for some players, it’s crucial to understand that crossplay implementation involves various technical and logistical considerations.
Developers need to assess the demand, compatibility, and resources required to introduce cross platform support on specific platforms.
The architectures of the Xbox and PlayStation consoles are different and considerable time and effort goes designing a single game for all platforms.
Moreover, business tie-ups between publishers and console manufacturers also influence the decision to bring cross play support to platforms that don’t yet have it.
It’s possible that future updates or expansions may bring Generation Zero cross platform functionality to these platforms, offering players access to a larger user base and more opportunities to play with their friends.
Why Is Cross Platform Support Important?
Cross platform play has revolutionized the way gamers connect and enjoy their favorite titles.
It eliminates the barriers of platform exclusivity and enables players to unite and explore a game’s world together, enhancing the social aspect of gaming.
Generation Zero stands as an example of a game that supports crossplay on certain platforms while leaving room for further expansion.
If full cross platform support comes to the Generation Zero game, it can lead to the following positive effects for the publisher and the community:
- Players from different platforms will be able to play together, incentivizing game sales and benefiting the publishers.
- The additional resources gained from widening the player base will help further develop and refine the game.
- An increase in popularity due to the above factors is likely to increase sales and pave the way for additional content and even potential sequels.
Game developers are increasingly recognizing the value of cross play in enhancing the popularity of games and promoting a unified experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Generation Zero Support Split Screen?
No, Generation Zero does not support split-screen multiplayer.
The game is designed for online multiplayer with up to 4 players per team in multiplayer mode.
So offline multiplayer and split-screen are out of the question
It’s highly unlikely that the game will receive split screen support anytime in the future.
Does Generation Zero Feature Cross-Save?
No, Generation Zero doesn’t feature cross-save between the PC and Xbox consoles.
Players won’t be able to transfer their progress and items between the PC and Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S.
Is Generation Zero Cross Generation?
Yes, Generation Zero is cross-generation compatible, meaning it can be played on both the previous and current generation of consoles, from Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S to PS 4, PS 5, and PC.
Does Generation Zero Have Cross Progression?
No, Generation Zero does not have cross progression support, as of 2024.
What Platforms Is Generation Zero On?
Generation Zero is available on the PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and PS5.
Conclusion
As of today, Generation Zero offers cross-platform play between PC and Xbox One, as well as between PC and Xbox Series S/X.
However, crossplay is not available between the PS5 and Xbox consoles or between the PS5 and PC.
The absence of crossplay on certain platforms is due to technical, logistical, and business considerations.
The implementation of full cross-platform compatibility in Generation Zero has the potential to benefit both players and the publisher, increasing sales, expanding the player base, and fostering a more inclusive gaming experience.
As technology advances, it is possible that future updates or expansions may introduce crossplay support for these platforms.