Cross Play Fortnite Guide For PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, Mobile & Mac

Fortnite has become a sensation as a free-to-play PC game with its cartoon-style graphics and unique mechanics. Playing solo may be exciting as players are all alone on a big island with 99 other players trying to survive. You don’t need to go at it with guns blazing as a solo player all the time. Invite your mates to join with you in this titular Epic Games title. You may even decide to form a group of 50 to go against another team with the same number of people.

Someone will always have your back when you’re playing in a group. Although if you play the PC version, other players might want to play using other platforms. Fortnite is now available for the PlayStation4, Xbox One, Switch, and smartphone platforms. Use the Fortnite cross platform feature to link all the gaming platforms so you can all see each other online without console restrictions.

What is Cross Play Platform?

Cross-play is a term used to express games with online capabilities to simultaneously connect players in different game hardware. It allows a player to invite other gamers using other players to experience the game without limitations and restrictions regarding the use of different platforms.

To apply the cross-play feature to your game, it may need certain adjustments to achieve perfect synchronization. Taking this into account, let’s discuss the steps and requirements on how to cross-play Fortnite with different devices.

Fortnite and its First Availability

Fortnite was first released as paid-for-early access on Microsoft Windows, MacOsX, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on July 25, 2017. However, in recent years, other Battle Royale games started appearing and some titles came out as free-to-download games. Now, Fortnite is free and is available for other devices as well.

Recent Updates to Fortnite

Before we begin discussing how to set-up your devices for cross-play, recent updates and improvements to Fortnite allows sharing and connecting with friends in real-time. On June 12, 2018, Fortnite released its availability to the Nintendo Switch. The game also released an updated to allow smooth simultaneous playing with friends using the PC, Mac, Xbox One, and mobile platforms.

Fortnite version 3.4 updated last March 29, 2018, enabling players to have high-quality gaming when doing cross-platform invites, matchmaking, and team play. On September 26, 2018, the PlayStation 4 opened its doors to the cross-play feature for Fortnite.

Nintendo Switch Update

From the recent updates, players can now use the Nintendo Switch to connect with players from PC, Mac, Xbox One, or mobile devices. Just follow the steps for other platforms as you add friends to your list. Acquire other players’ information to allow online play as a duo or squad.

Epic Games Account

You need an Epic Games account before you can do anything in Fortnite. To register, click on the Sign-up button at the bottom of the page and it will direct you to some choices. Players can link their Facebook or Google account where you can input your name, nickname, email address, and a password in the appropriate fields. Once it’s done, all you need to do is check the “agree to the terms of service” and you’re directed to the sign-in page.

Using the Fortnite cross platform play feature Epic Games provided entails benefits besides linking friends from other game hardware. With the correct permissions, the information you provided will show in your profile. A player’s progress and purchased content will be available on any game hardware as long as you log into the same account. The pieces of information also include the player’s stats and leaderboard rankings.

Fortnite Crossplay Conditions

At this point, you might be wondering, “How to cross platform play in Fortnite?” When playing solo, the cross-play feature will not be available. This feature only applies to games for any of the multiplayer modes. Each may have a different setup depending on the console or platform they use. Friend requests may also come with a different connected account. It might become an integral part to ask for the required information first before connecting with another user to avoid complications.

Make sure all connected devices can support Fortnite’s high-spec requirements. If one player is playing on a mobile device, then ensure that the tablet or smartphone can handle the graphics. If not, then there are lags and stutters that will surface, and these drawbacks can reduce the quality of the game (in more ways than one).

Certain low-spec devices won’t link with other platforms in the connected network because of hardware restrictions. For instance, one device in the instance cannot support the resolution played by other members of the team.

Now, during the matching process, a hierarchy will be established. For example, a mobile player, a PS4 player, and a PC player in the same squad will fight against PC players. It can be complicated at first, so it might be a good idea to pay attention to this hierarchy. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered in that regard.

Fortnite Requirements for iPhone, iPad, and Android

Since Fortnite is also available for smartphones, it doesn’t mean all cell phones are capable of smoothly handling the graphics and control requirements of the game. Certain Android devices may even crash during the game. For Apple devices, Fortnite is playable on the SE, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, or X. For the Ipad, the models capable of playing Fortnite are mini 4, Air 2, 2017, and Pro. The game is already available on the App Store for free.

For Android devices, Fortnite teamed up with Samsung. The game plays smoothly with the Samsung Galaxy S9+ and can cater to controls similar to other platforms. Samsung even gave epic skins and other gifts to any player who downloads Fortnite using the Galaxy S9.

Adding Friends to an Epic Games Account

Link to a friend’s Epic Games account to make it possible to use the cross-play feature despite playing on different hardware. Before adding friends to your list, make sure your account allows connection to other accounts. You can view this on EpicGames.com and select Account > Connected Accounts. Make sure all platforms are enabled to connect to other players from the Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and other compatible devices.

You can add friends to your account:

  • With the Epic Games Launcher or Fortnite on Mac and PC.
  • With Fortnite on mobile by using Facebook, Google, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Nintendo Network account.
  • Through the main menu on consoles on Fortnite. Since the version 3.4 update, you can add, remove, and manage your Epic friends to your party from the main menu.

Once these conditions are met, linking accounts to different devices for the Fortnite cross platform play to work is now easier than before.

The Epic Games Launcher

Unlike PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the Mac and Windows PC require players to download an Epic Games Launcher to play Fortnite. Once the download is complete, signing in with your account is done on the Launcher instead of a browser.

Cross-play With the PC to Xbox One

In the past, Sony implemented strict rules to not allow any games on the Xbox hardware to cross-play with the PlayStation. Now, with the help of fans and the Fortnite community, Sony decided to open its gates and allow cross-platform play for Fortnite on the PS4 since September 27, 2018.

Now players can join in on multiplayer modes using different platforms. A player’s progression and recorded purchases are now carried over to different platforms as well.

Cross-Play Parties for Mobile, Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo switch

From the update of Fortnite version 3.4, the Party Finder feature on the console’s main menu helps you search for Epic friends on other platforms. It can send and receive cross-play party invites and help remove toxic players from your friend’s list. You can also search by entering an Epic Game’s account name or email address.

Cross-platform with PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch, iOS, Android

The steps to cross-play accounts to a different device may look difficult from the start.

For beginners, creating an Epic account should be the first on your list. Without it, playing Fortnite is impossible. You can register by using a mobile phone, tablet, desktop computer, or any console that can open a browser. Open the main Epic Games website and follow its instructions. Once finished, you can start downloading an Epic Games launcher to your PC. If you’re using a different platform, then you can download Fortnite from your platform’s game or app store.

Then, access your account by clicking on your username found at the top right corner of the screen. Look to the fifth option to get to the Connected Accounts section. Use this section to connect all your Epic Games account to a single, central username. In doing so, you can sync all your game data so your items and other information remains despite using different hardware.

Cross-play with friends on PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch, iOS, and Android

A majority of Fortnite players still use desktop or laptop PCs to play Fortnite. You can still form a group of friends using different gaming platforms. Here’s a guide on how to add friends using different gaming consoles.

Of course, an Epic Games account is a must for adding friends from different platforms. The Xbox One friends list is not an Epic Games account. Add a player by requesting for their Epic Games name or email address.

Next, invite or join your friend in the Epic Games friend’s list to create a Fortnite cross platform party. Keep in mind that the other player must accept your friend request before continuing. Simply click Join Party or Invite and select the player you want to play with through the Epic Games launcher or the main menu on consoles.

After a player accepts the invite, the screen will direct you to select the game mode if you’re the lobby leader or wait for the leader to pick the mode. Once everything is set, click ready and the game starts with your friend.

How to Play Fortnite for Beginners

Now that you know how to connect with other Fortnite players using different gaming consoles and platforms, it’s time to learn how to play the game. If you’re a beginner to the famous Epic Games title, you can use these tips to help jumpstart your Battle Royale experience when playing the game. As for veterans, take the items found on the list as a refresher course if you missed out on any piece of information during your games. Without further ado, let’s get started with the tips and techniques to help boost your killing and winning chances in Fortnite.

You’re Going in Empty-Handed

Well, you’re not empty-handed, per se, but you do have your trusty pickaxe with you when you jump down from that flying bus. Still, the chances of winning solo, duo, or in any other game modes offered by the game are significantly low if you’re just going to rely on your pickaxe to try and stab other players.

Once you land, scan the area for primary and secondary weapons. The entire Fortnite: Battle Royale map has plenty of firearms to offer scavenging players. There are guns, grenades, traps, armor, bandages, potions, and other useful items scattered across fields, trees, and establishments. However, always keep your eyes and ears open for wandering players. Remember, Fortnite isn’t a single-player game. There are other players lying in wait for you to pick up baits and land in their traps.

By paying close attention to your surroundings, you’ll have the necessary guns, ammunition, and armor you need to survive the onslaught that might just be around the corner from where you stand.

The Eye of the Storm

The map of Fortnite is large and it can several minutes to a few hours of wandering around areas to look for items and opponents. Hence, Epic Games came up with the idea of a shrinking map. Enter the Storm – the organizing principle of every Fortnite match.

The Storm forms as soon as the doors on the battle bus starts to open. Once the storm starts to rear its ugly head, you can see it as a white circle on the map. Check the map each time the storm closes into you and other players. It shrinks every few minutes and anything outside the boundaries of the white circle will receive Damage Over Time (DOT).

You can also estimate when the Storm will shrink by checking the timer right below the mini-map. When the timer reaches zero, the Storm shrinks and the timer begins anew. This mechanic is how the game forces players to stay in contact with each other.

Build, Build, and Then Build Some More

The signature feature of Fortnite that separates it from other Battle Royale titles is its building mechanic. All players regardless of level can build structures, traps, and other unique establishments to fortify offensive and defensive strategies in the game. Remember that trusty pickaxe? You can whack away as soon as you land from the battle bus. Pound on walls, trees, or stone to gather precious materials you can use for building structures.

You’re defenseless when you’re building so make sure to time it right when you want to build that skyscraper. If a player catches a glimpse of what you’re trying to do, you’re just a sitting duck. You can alternate from using a blueprint for building to a primary or secondary weapon. Still, it takes several hours of practice to master this skill so you can build while staying alert at the same time. You can still count on your friends while using the Fortnite cross platform feature to back you up as you build your defenses.

The Time to Kill

In Fortnite, every player that’s not in your team is a dangerous threat. Each Battle Royale title has a statistic called “Time to Kill.” It’s the average amount of time for players to die after being rained with ammunition. Fortnite is one particular title with a short TTK to encourage players to carefully manage their moves while thinking on their feet. You may have the rarest weapons in tow, but all will be for naught if you’re gunned down by another player using a basic sniper rifle.

Always be careful on how you open up engagements with enemy players. If you see another player in the distance, make sure you have the right weapon to kill them quickly. Otherwise, you’re going to become too overconfident with your pistol shooting at enemies that may be roughly 100 meters away. Treat every kill you score as a major victory. You might even want to do the Orange Justice dance after each kill. Just make sure no other enemy is within range.

Land on the Roof

You’re going to fly around the map for a few seconds after you jump from the battle bus and before you hit land. Landing on an open field is a recipe for disaster. It’s like you’re inviting enemies to open fire at you. Instead, when you land on a roof, you already have cover for any incoming fire. You’ll also have an assurance that you’ll find something inside the house or establishment below your feet.

When you move around the map, you can do the same tip again. This time, you need to build a ramp or trampoline to reach the roof as the battle bus is no longer accessible after you land. Chests are plenty in the game, and most of the time they’re found in the attics of houses.

Now that you’ve read through our guide on how to play Fortnite cross platform in Fortnite and checked our beginner’s guide, it’s time for you to start playing a few matches. It might seem like you’re the target of every gunshot at first, but your friends are there to help you out. Who knows, you might even find a professional Fortnite player willing to help you out in your endeavors.

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