Is 7 Days To Die Crossplay Ps5 And Pc

Gamers often ask if they can play *7 Days to Die* with friends across PS5 and PC platforms. The question, is 7 days to die crossplay ps5 and pc, is one of the most common in the community, and the answer has a significant impact on how you plan your survival. This article provides a clear, detailed explanation of the cross-platform situation and all your options for playing with others.

Understanding the crossplay functionality for this game can be confusing due to its complex development history. We will break down the current state of play between consoles and PC, explain the technical reasons behind it, and offer practical alternatives for multiplayer gaming.

The direct and simple answer is no. *7 Days to Die* does not support crossplay between PlayStation 5 (or any PlayStation console) and PC. They are completely separate ecosystems that cannot connect for multiplayer sessions.

This separation is not a choice by the developers but a result of fundamental differences in how the game is published and updated on each platform. The PC version is developed and published directly by The Fun Pimps. The console versions, however, were ported and published by a different company, Telltale Games.

When Telltale Games closed its doors in 2018, the console versions of *7 Days to Die* were left in a state of limbo. They have not received a major content update since 2017. The PC version, in contrast, has seen dozens of major Alpha updates, completely transforming the game with new features, graphics, and systems.

Because the PC and console versions are on entirely different builds of the game, they are incompatible. It’s like trying to make two different games connect online; the software simply cannot communicate. This version disparity is the core reason cross-platform play is impossible.

The Technical Divide Between PC And Console Versions

The gap between the PC and PlayStation versions of *7 Days to Die* is massive. Think of them as two distinct games sharing the same name and basic concept. The PC version is in a constant state of evolution, while the PS5 version is essentially frozen in time.

Here are some key differences that prevent any crossplay functionality:

Game Engine and Build Version: The PC version runs on a much newer, more advanced iteration of the game engine. The console version uses an old, outdated build (approximately Alpha 15/16).
Content and Features: PC has years of additional content, including new zombie types, weapons, vehicles, POIs (Points of Interest), and a completely revamped progression and crafting system. The console version lacks all of this.
World Generation: The terrain, biomes, and world generation algorithms are fundamentally different between the two platforms.
Networking Code: The underlying code that handles multiplayer connections is incompatible. The servers and connection protocols are not designed to talk to each other.

What About PS5 To PS4 Crossplay?

If you cannot play with PC users, you might wonder about playing between PlayStation consoles. The good news is that *7 Days to Die* supports full cross-generation play within the PlayStation family.

This means:

PS5 players can join games hosted by PS4 players.
PS4 players can join games hosted by PS5 players.
You can use the “Play Together” feature on PlayStation Network to invite friends regardless of their console generation.

This works because both the PS4 and PS5 are running the exact same legacy version of the game from the PlayStation Store. The PS5 uses backward compatibility to run the PS4 version, so there is no version conflict. This is a straightforward case of crossplay because the software is identical.

How To Connect With Friends On PlayStation

Ensure all players have the game installed and an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
The host player should start a new game or load an existing world and set it to “Friends Only” or “Public” in the game settings.
Other players can go to the “Join Game” section from the main menu. The host’s game should appear in the “Friends” list.
Alternatively, use the PlayStation Party system to invite friends directly from the console dashboard.

Official Console Update And The Future

There is a potential light at the end of the tunnel, but it requires patience. The Fun Pimps regained the full rights to the console versions after the Telltale closure. They have announced plans for a full “next-gen” console release.

This new version aims to bring the console editions up to parity with the modern PC version. However, this is a massive undertaking. The developers have stated it is essentially a ground-up port, not just a simple update.

Crucially, The Fun Pimps have indicated that crossplay between PC and the *new* console versions is a goal, but not a guaranteed feature at launch. The primary focus is first on releasing the updated console game. Whether crossplay will be implemented remains to be seen and will depend on technical feasibility and platform holder policies (Sony, Microsoft).

It is vital to understand that this future update will likely be a separate product. It is not expected to be a free upgrade for owners of the old console version, though there may be a discount program. The old PS4 version you can play on PS5 today will not suddenly transform into the new game.

Practical Alternatives For Playing With Friends

Since direct PS5-to-PC crossplay is not an option, you need to consider alternatives if your friend group is split across platforms. Here are your main strategies.

Option 1: Standardize Your Platform

The most straightforward solution is for everyone to play on the same platform. This ensures full compatibility and access to the same content.

If Your Friends Are on PC: The PS5 player would need to acquire the game on PC. The PC version is often available for a lower price during sales on Steam or other platforms.
If Your Friends Are on PlayStation: The PC player would need to purchase the legacy console version and play on a PS4 or PS5. This is generally not recommended for PC players, as it means playing a much older, less feature-rich version of the game.

Option 2: Utilize PC Game Streaming Services

This is a clever workaround that can effectively achieve a form of crossplay. A PS5 player can access the PC version through a cloud gaming service on a different device, and then use console voice chat to communicate with the team.

Here’s how it could work:

The PS5 player subscribes to a service like NVIDIA GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming (if it adds the game).
They stream the PC version of *7 Days to Die* to a laptop, tablet, or even a phone.
They then join the multiplayer server hosted by their friends on PC.
To communicate, everyone can use a third-party voice app like Discord on their phones, or the PS5 player can use the PlayStation mobile app for party chat while playing on the streaming device.

This method requires a strong, stable internet connection and the associated subscription costs. It also means the PS5 player is not playing on their console’s hardware, but it does allow them to experience the modern game with their PC friends.

Option 3: Start Fresh On A Common Platform

Sometimes starting a new survival journey together on a common platform is the best experience. Discuss with your group which platform offers the best overall value:

PC Advantages: Latest updates, mod support, dedicated servers, better graphics and performance, and more frequent sales.
Console Advantages: Simplicity, couch co-op (local split-screen on console), and playing on a television in the living room.

Making a group decision can save a lot of frustration and ensure everyone has the same tools and world to work with.

Setting Up Multiplayer On PC

If your group decides to move to PC, here is a quick guide to getting started with multiplayer. The PC version offers several robust ways to play together.

Joining Or Hosting A Non-Dedicated Server

This is the easiest method for a small group of friends. One player hosts the game from their own PC, and others join directly.

The host starts the game and selects “Play Game” or “Continue”.
In the “Game Settings” before loading the world, set “Server Visibility” to “Friends Only” or “Private”.
Load into the world. The host’s PC now acts as the server.
Friends open *7 Days to Die*, go to “Join Game”, and find the host’s game in the “Friends” tab on the server list.

Important Note: In this mode, the game world only exists when the host is playing. If the host logs off, everyone is disconnected. The host’s PC also handles all the game calculations, so they need a reasonably powerful system.

Renting Or Setting Up A Dedicated Server

For a persistent world that runs 24/7, a dedicated server is the best choice. Players can come and go independently of any one person.

Renting a Server: Many online game server hosting companies (like GTXGaming, PingPerfect) offer pre-configured *7 Days to Die* server rentals. This is the simplest option—you pay a monthly fee, configure settings via a web panel, and get a server IP address to give to your friends.
Self-Hosting a Server: You can run the dedicated server software on a spare PC or a home server. This is more technical and requires port forwarding on your home router. The game tools include the dedicated server software.

With a dedicated server, the world continues to run and the day/night cycle progresses even when no one is online, which adds to the immersion and challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 7 Days To Die Cross Platform Between Xbox And PC?

No, the situation is identical to PlayStation. The legacy Xbox One version (playable on Xbox Series X/S) is a different, outdated build and does not support crossplay with the PC version. The future “next-gen” console release may change this for new versions.

Will The New Console Version Have Crossplay?

The developers, The Fun Pimps, have stated that crossplay between PC and the upcoming new console versions is a goal. However, it is not a confirmed promise for launch. It remains a technical challenge they hope to overcome.

Can PS5 And Xbox Play 7 Days To Die Together?

No. There is no crossplay between PlayStation and Xbox consoles for *7 Days to Die*. The current legacy versions on both platforms are separate and cannot connect. The possibility for this in the future new console version is also unconfirmed.

Is The PS5 Version Of 7 Days To Die Different From PS4?

No, it is the same software. On PS5, you are playing the PS4 version through backward compatibility. It does not have enhanced graphics, faster load times, or new content compared to the PS4 version. The gameplay experience is identical, aside from potential minor performance stability.

What Is The Best Way To Play With Friends Right Now?

The absolute best way is for all players to be on the same platform family. For the most complete and updated experience, that platform is PC. If playing on console, ensure all friends are on the same console brand (all PlayStation or all Xbox) to play together.

Navigating the multiplayer landscape for *7 Days to Die* requires a clear understanding of its platform divisions. While the lack of PS5 and PC crossplay is disappointing, knowing the reasons and your available options empowers you to make the best decision for your group. Whether you standardize on PC, enjoy the legacy console experience together, or await future developments, you can still find a way to survive the zombie hordes with your friends. Keep an eye on official announcements from The Fun Pimps for any news regarding the next-generation console release and its potential to finally bridge the platform gap.