Is Borderlands 3 cross platform in 2026?
Yes, Borderlands 3 supports full crossplay across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Mac through SHiFT matchmaking. Players on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and the Epic Games Store can all join the same co-op sessions. The Nintendo Switch version is the only exception — it cannot connect with other platforms. Cross-save is not available.
TL;DR – Borderlands 3 Crossplay Status
Crossplay: Yes (full)
Consoles: Cross-console supported
Mobile: No mobile version
Cross-save: Not supported
Cross-generation: PS4 plays with PS5, and Xbox One plays with Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility.
Crossplay vs Cross-Platform vs Cross-Save in Borderlands 3
These three terms get mixed up often. Here’s what each one actually means for cross-platform multiplayer in Borderlands 3.
| Feature | Supported |
|---|---|
| Cross-platform availability | Yes |
| Crossplay | Yes (excludes Switch) |
| Cross-save | No |
Borderlands 3 is available on multiple systems, and most of them share a matchmaking pool. Save data stays locked to the platform where you created it. The only transfer option is between Steam and Epic on PC. If you’re coming from Borderlands 2, which has no crossplay, this is a big step up.
Which Platforms Can Play Borderlands 3 Together?
Here’s how multiplayer actually works in Borderlands 3:
| Platform Combination | Crossplay |
|---|---|
| PC (Steam) ↔ PC (Epic) | ✔ Yes |
| PC ↔ PlayStation | ✔ Yes |
| PC ↔ Xbox | ✔ Yes |
| PlayStation ↔ Xbox | ✔ Yes |
| PC / Console ↔ Mac | ✔ Yes |
| Any platform ↔ Switch | ✘ No |
| Mobile | No mobile version |
Crossplay in Borderlands 3 is opt-in. After a game update, you’ll see a prompt to create a Crossplay Display Name through Gearbox’s SHiFT system. Once active, matchmaking moves to SHiFT servers, and you invite friends using their Display Name regardless of hardware. PlayStation support arrived on June 1, 2022.
The Nintendo Switch Ultimate Edition only supports co-op within the Switch ecosystem. You can’t cross play Borderlands 3 between Switch and any other platform. Titles like Ghost Recon Breakpoint and Payday 2 share this same limitation.
What Is the Best Platform for Borderlands 3?
PC gives the widest matchmaking pool and the most control over graphics. Console players on PlayStation or Xbox get a smoother plug-and-play experience with identical crossplay access. For a look at how Borderlands 3 fits into broader crossplay trends, the adoption numbers speak for themselves.
FAQs
Can you play Borderlands 3 cross platform between PC and Xbox?
Yes. PC players on Steam or Epic Games Store can join co-op sessions with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players once crossplay is enabled through SHiFT. No extra subscription beyond Xbox Game Pass Core is needed.
Does Borderlands 3 have crossplay on PlayStation?
Yes. Sony approved Borderlands 3 crossplay on June 1, 2022. PS4 and PS5 players match with PC, Xbox, and Mac through SHiFT matchmaking. A free SHiFT account is required. Games like Fortnite and Fall Guys followed a similar rollout on PlayStation.
Is Borderlands 3 cross platform on Nintendo Switch?
No. The Nintendo Switch Ultimate Edition only supports online co-op with other Switch players. It cannot connect with PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Mac.
Does Borderlands 3 support cross-save?
No. Borderlands 3 does not support cross-save between different platform families. Your Vault Hunter stays on the system where you created them. The only exception is between Steam and Epic on PC.
Will Borderlands 3 ever be cross platform on all systems?
Borderlands 3 is already cross platform on all systems except Nintendo Switch. Gearbox has not announced plans to add Switch crossplay. Valheim and Baldur’s Gate 3 managed full platform parity — Borderlands 3 may never reach that level given its age.