Age of Empires IV: Cross-Play Explained
Image Credit: Xbox Game Studios, Age of Empires IV (AoE 4)
After years of being a PC-first game, Age of Empires IV supports full crossplay between Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, which means players on both platforms can finally team up or fight each other without switching devices or starting a tech support group chat.
Here’s more info and how cross-play works.
Read More: AoE 4 Best Units
What is Crossplay in Age of Empires 4?
Like we said, cross-play allows players on different platforms to play together in online multiplayer games. In Age of Empires IV, this includes:
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox One
Windows PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, or Xbox app)
Doesn’t matter if you’re using a gamepad or mouse and keyboard; you can join friends across all these platforms in standard multiplayer, ranked, co-op campaigns, or custom lobbies.
How to Enable Crossplay
Cross-play is automatically enabled in the latest version of the game, but here’s what to check:
Update your game to Build 10.0.576 or higher.
On PC, update through Steam, the Microsoft Store, or the Xbox app.
On Xbox, updates are handled automatically unless paused manually.
Once updated, just invite your friends—regardless of platform.
There are no extra settings to toggle. It just works.
What Modes Work with Crossplay?
Everything that involves multiplayer:
Team Ranked
Custom Matches
Co-op Campaign Missions
Quick Match & Lobby Browser
You can queue up together, spectate each other, and yell about villagers equally—no matter what you’re playing on.
Does It Match Keyboard/Mouse with Gamepad Players?
Yes. Xbox players can choose to use a gamepad or plug in a mouse and keyboard, and the matchmaking pool includes everyone. There's no input-based matchmaking separation.
The interface on Xbox has been reworked to better support gamepad controls, but PC players still get the speed advantage of hotkeys and quick unit micro.
Is Anything Limited or Missing in Crossplay?
At launch, cross-platform chat and friend invites are still a little clunky if you're mixing Steam and Xbox platforms, but functionality is improving with updates. Most other features—ranking, match types, and lobbies—are fully synced.
Final Blurb
Crossplay in Age of Empires IV means no more “sorry, I’m on console” excuses. You can queue ranked, crush your friend’s cavalry with Longbows, and flex your Town Center micro across platforms. Whether you’re lounging on the couch or hunched over a desk, the empire waits for no one.
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