Genshin Impact: How Cross-Play Works

Genshin Impact is available for PS4, PS5, mobile, and PC. Here’s how cross-play works on all available platforms, so users can play with friends.

Genshin Impact initially released for PC, PlayStation 4, iOS, and Android – with Nintendo Switch and next-gen versions of the game planned for later. Since then, the PS5 version of the game has launched, the PC port has gotten the PS5’s DualSense support, and the Switch version is still nowhere in sight (although still allegedly in the works). Because Genshin Impact is available on so many different video game platforms, it thankfully features cross-play, but users will have to unlock Genshin Impact’s multiplayer first to use it.

Despite having a solid narrative and many gameplay aspects that can be completed solo, Genshin Impact’s multiplayer lets people play online with their friends. Domains, limited-time events, and open-world exploration can all be done alongside other players. And with more Genshin Impact updates arriving every six weeks, there’s almost always something new to do in-game, whether alone or with others.

Related: How Many Genshin Impact Players Are Really Leaving The Game

To unlock multiplayer in Genshin Impact, a character must first reach Adventurer Rank 16. This is different from a character’s actual level, however. The Adventurer Rank is raised by completing quests, which ensures players have a solid understanding of the game before diving into Genshin Impact’s multiplayer. This takes a few hours to accomplish, which should be nothing new to people who’ve played MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV or Dragon Quest X, which similarly lockout multiplayer until users have a better understanding of the game’s mechanics.

How Cross-Platform Multiplayer Works In Genshin Impact

Once Genshin Impact’s multiplayer is unlocked, players can invite up to three friends to join them for Domains and exploration, for a typical JRPG four-person party. Although Genshin Impact has cross-play, there are some limitations, and it’s handled a little differently than playing with friends on the same platform. On the same platform, players can simply go to “Friends” inside the main menu and invite any online friends to join them. For cross-play in Genshin Impact, however, people will have to know their friends’ UID numbers.

Each player is given a UID (unique identifier) number at the start of Genshin Impact. A player’s UID number can be found in the bottom right corner of the screen. Once UID numbers are exchanged with friends and added in-game, people can join each other in their worlds. It should be noted, however, that cross-play is limited to certain regions, so people will have to be on the same server as their friends if they want to enjoy multiplayer.

Having Genshin Impact feature cross-play was a smart idea since it means people don’t have to worry about playing the game with their friends on the same platform. It means more people should feel encouraged to play Genshin Impact, and hopefully experience it with real-world friends as well. It also perhaps accounts for how much the free-to-play RPG has succeeded since its initial release over a year ago.

Next: All Genshin Impact Character Birthdays (So Far) & What Happens On Them

How to Play Riders Republic with Friends

About The Author