Key Takeaways
- Cross-platform saves in games like Daemon X Machina enable players to switch between Nintendo Switch and PC seamlessly via Steam Cloud.
- Games like
Immortals: Fenyx Rising
and
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
offer cross-progression through multi-platform cloud saves. - Hoyoverse titles, such as
Genshin Impact
and
Honkai Impact 3rd
, support cross-play and cross-progression across multiple platforms.
Games with cross-platform saves are becoming the norm, thanks to cloud storage and multiplatform gamers. Cross-progression allows players to pick up where they left off on the couch or on the go if they don’t feel like booting up their desktops. It’s also a bonus for companies as gamers aren’t discouraged by lengthy replays if they buy the game again.
Cross-platform saves for games with co-op campaigns also incentivize players to grab another copy. This is especially true for story-rich games or titles with hundreds of unlockables. Regardless if it’s single or multiplayer, developers can extend a game’s lifespan by implementing this simple quality-of-life feature.
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Updated on October 18, 2024, by Rie Takumi: Games with cross-platform saves as a model are mostly released by companies that have full control over their games. Square Enix, Ubisoft, Larian, and Fireaxis, among others, implement cross-progression by linking saves to the user’s account on their platform. Meanwhile, companies like Marvelous use platform-tied cloud saves to provide cross-saves.
The variety of games with cross-platform saves has expanded. Hoyoverse and Activision Blizzard tie their free, games-as-a-service behemoths to cross-progression to improve reach. But studios like Supergiant Games recognize that their single player games also need this feature and roll it out for free. There’s hope that more games will come out with cross save support, especially as consoles nearly run on par with PCs.
20 Kingdom: Two Crowns
Tower Defense Single And Split-Screen Multiplayer Strategy
Kingdom Two Crowns
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
A lone monarch, or two on split-screen multiplayer, must defend their kingdom from monsters called Greed in Kingdoms Two Crowns. Over a slow day and night cycle, monarchs assign villagers to build walls and towers, farm and hunt for food, and defend the crown. Greed can strip villagers bare and cause them to abandon, so wily monarchs must also defend their people, if only to save on resources.
The Continue Anywhere update introduced cross-saves across devices the player bought the game on. Players need only set up a Kingdom account to have their monarchs hop across platforms.
19 Phantom Blade: Executioners
Wuxia ARPG With Jaw-Dropping Painted Artstyle
Platform(s) |
|
---|---|
Released |
November 2, 2023 |
Genre(s) |
|
Developer(s) |
S-GAME |
OpenCritic |
62% |
Phantom Blade: Executioners is a gorgeous ARPG set in a wuxia-style world where players must set right the sins of their sects. Players choose between five characters with two class paths tailored for offensive and defensive gameplay. Stringing together combos with basic attacks, skills, and ults is easy, which makes clearing areas feel quick and engaging. With art and music that modernizes wuxia or fantasy Chinese martial arts, Phantom Blade offers an alternative to current gacha ARPGs.
The side-scrolling action game offers cross-play between its mobile, PlayStation, and PC versions. Its availability is great for players on the go, and those with friends who want to co-op or PvP across platforms.
18 Daemon X Machina
Command Mechs Across The Switch And PC
Platform(s) |
|
---|---|
Released |
|
Genre(s) |
|
Developer(s) |
Marvelous First Studio |
Metascore |
69 |
In Daemon X Machina, players protect the Planet from the Arms of Immortals with mechs and special abilities. Arsenal are fully customizable mechs with swappable weapons and parts that can be earned or salvaged from defeated enemies. Parts and weapons determine the pacing and range of every battle, though fights are typically comparable to a faster Armored Core.
Cross-saves are enabled between the Windows PC and Nintendo Switch versions via Steam Cloud. Switch users can also transfer their saves to the Epic Games version, though the process is more involved than transfers from Epic to the Switch.
17 Siralim Ultimate
Collect, Fuse, & Explore Dungeons With Monsters
Platform(s) |
|
---|---|
Released |
March 12, 2021 |
Genre(s) |
|
Developer(s) |
Marvelous First Studio |
Metascore |
|
Although still in Early Access, Siralim Ultimate boasts a ton of content from its nearly three years in Early Access. Over 1,000 creatures can be captured and trained, or fused to distill overpowered skills into one powered-up beast, and players have 20 classes with skills that complement their monsters. Dungeons can go as deep as 666 levels, are populated by bosses, full of loot, and monsters as well, which is perfect for players who love grinding away at challenges.
Siralim Ultimate is available across multiple platforms. While players must buy the game for each platform, their progression carries over via cloud storage.
16 Immortals: Fenyx Rising
Save Greek Gods From Mythical Beasts & Titans
- Released
- December 3, 2020
Boasting a vibrant color palette and appropriately fantastic designs, Immortals: Fenyx Rising offers open-world combat with the powers of the Greek gods. Immortals: Fenyx Rising’sstylized world made the game stand out at launch, but its free-roam combat is nothing to sneeze at. The quick-paced aerial and ground combat with arcade-like controls feels similar to the first God of War, where it’s fun to tap, parry, and dodge.
Cross-saves or cross-progression works in Immortals: Fenyx Rising thanks to Ubisoft’s multi-platform cloud save system. Players need only link their platform account to their Ubisoft account, which can accommodate up to four cloud saves. It must be noted that players have to manually select “Online Save” or “Load From Online” to make use of this feature.
15 RuneScape
More Than 20 Years Later, Classic MMO Still Active and Thriving
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- How Long To Beat
- 1000+ Hours
Cross-platform wasn’t an issue at all with RuneScape, an MMO that has been around since 2001. The classic MMORPG only crossed the threshold in 2021 when RuneScape was released for Android and iOS. Since then, players can hop on with friends or wheel solo from mobile to PC and back.
Most of the game’s new updates are cordoned off for members, but free-to-play users have unlimited playtime and can reach level 99 without paying at all. It’s great for players who want a stress-free, grindy game to play in the background with friends, single players craving MMO gameplay, and gamers who love grinding or titles that enable switching tasks on the fly.
14 Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Activision Continues Cross-Progression With Their Recent Black Ops Entry
- Released
- November 13, 2020
Activision supports full cross-progression across all platforms for Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War. Any progress made on Battle Pass for Warzone also applies to Cold War. It’s a great deal for players who own the game on multiple platforms and made significant progress in the game.
Like other Call of Duty games, Cold War’s gameplay is unchanging but its single-player campaign features multiple player-determinant endings. It also features Fireteam, a new game mode that supports up to 40 players. Zombies also has a new campaign based on the Aether story.
13 SMITE
SMITE Cross-Progression Possible Across 3 Major Platforms
SMITE distinguishes itself from other MOBAs with its third-person perspective. Lowering the POV changes how its MOBA mechanics feel, from bodyblocking, to sneaking, skillshotting, and even landing. SMITE also offers more casual-friendly modes and easier, and cheaper, ways to unlock characters than its competitors.
The MOBA also allows PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Switch cross-play, cross-progression, and cross-commerce. Voice chat and cross-input parties are also possible across platforms. Unlike other cross-progression games, these features are available in-game and do not require a Hi-Rez account.
12 Hoyoverse Games
HoYoverse Maintains Strong Cross-Progression For All Titles
-
Honkai Impact 3rd Genshin Impact Honkai: Star Rail Platform(s) PC, iOS, Android PS5, PS4, PC, iOS, Android, Mobile PS5, PC, iOS, Android Released 2016-10-14 2020-09-28 2023-04-26 Genre(s) Action, RPG, Adventure Gacha, Action, RPG, Adventure RPG Developer(s) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Honkai Impact 3rd allow cross-play and cross-progression. This feature allows mobile players to relieve their phones of each game’s massive memory demand. The convenience of cloud saves also lets console and desktop players take their saves on the road.
Because all three require a Hoyoverse account, players automatically unlock cross-platform features. Additionally, Honkai: Star Rail’s PlayStation 5 version will also support cross-saves. But the same can’t be said of Genshin Impact’sannounced Switch release, which remains shrouded in mystery.
11 MLB The Show 23
Progression Is Transferrable But Not Paid Items
- Released
- March 28, 2023
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
MLB The Show 23 received great reviews upon release, thanks to breaking out PlayStation exclusivity and a load of new features. A competitive multiplayer mode and update to pitching and batting encouraged players to hop on a game online. Ranked co-op functions were also expanded for a richer experience with friends.
Players can move from platform to platform by creating an MLB The Show account. Linking console accounts with an MLB The Show account allows players to retain their items, stubs, and XP across platforms.
10 Minecraft (Bedrock)
Cross-Save Through The Official App
Minecraft
- Platform(s)
- 3DS , Android , iOS , Nintendo Switch , Nintendo Wii U , PC , PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4 , PS Vita , Xbox One , Xbox 360
- Released
- November 18, 2011
Borderlands 3 and Sea of Thieves are go-to’s for action co-op gameplay, but Minecraft isn’t lacking for exciting adventures either. Recent updates added new dangerous biomes such as the deep dark escalates action on routine foraging rounds. At the same time, it remains king for creating stunning builds and comfy villages with friends.
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Minecraft: Bedrock Edition allows players to access their Realms across different platforms. Windows 10 and current Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft consoles can play the same Realm. PlayStation players need to follow a few extra steps, while iOS players can use the iCloud as an alternative.
9 Civilization 6
Carry Long-Running Saves Across Platforms
- Released
- October 21, 2016
Civilization 6 is getting on in years, yet its community is still quite dedicated to it. Mods still come out for the game quite often and forums dedicated to it are still running. Even with the announcement of Civilization 7, it still receives official updates.
One thing that helped its longevity was its cross-progression. PC, Nintendo Switch, and iOS players have access to cross-saves, with workarounds for Switch to iOS transfers. Xbox players also have access to PC cloud saves, though PS4 and Linux owners are out of luck.
8 Warframe
Story-Driven Action Game Lets Players Carry Progress Everywhere
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- How Long To Beat
- 100+ Hours
Warframe has been around for years, but the fast-paced, third-person action shooter still has a shine for its community and new players. Players tend to get attached to the game for its gentle learning curve and fun, kinetic horde-style fights. Rewards are also fulfilling and go a long way in helping players modify their Warframe to suit scenarios and preferred fighting styles.
Players retain progression across PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile. They only need to mark one of their platform accounts as their Primary Account before linking other platform accounts to it.
7 Apex Legends
Jump From Console To PC And Back Without Worries
- Cross Save
- Cross Progression lets you share your game progress across PC, PlayStation®, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS4, Switch & Xbox One
EA has ensured that Apex Legends has had cross-progression since 2019, and to great success. The F2P hero shooter is consistently in the top five most-played games on Steam and most watched on Twitch. Consistent players feel like solo queue could use a bit of work, and cheating cut back, but for the most part, Apex Legends is still pretty active.
For gamers who haven’t opened Apex Legends yet, they can expect the cool abilities of Overwatch blitzed with the maneuverability of Titanfall, plus an interesting battle royale map worth committing to memory.
6 Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Squash Tyranids In Multiplayer-Centered Warhammer 40K Title
- Number of Players
- 1-6
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Although gamers can complete Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 on their own, the single-player campaign still plays like the co-op campaign. The bug-squashing shoot-em-up makes no bones about its multiplayer focus with its overwhelming hordes and need for coordination.
Cross-saves and cross-play are critical to the co-op experience and work seamlessly. Only PvP has platform limitations to keep things fair between platforms. To access cross-saves, players need to register with Prism Ray Online Services (PROS), a new service that also works for games like Dead Island 2 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.
5 Diablo 4
Chief Among Activision Blizzard’s Cross-Platform, Cross-Progression Games
A defining feature of Diablo 4, since before launch, is its emphasis on online play. Day one cross-saves and cross-play were guaranteed, as players needed constant internet connection for access. Cross-progression in this case also covers cosmetics, even console-exclusive ones.
Diablo 4’s gameplay reflects its change to an online, almost casual MMO. As a straightforward RPG, players can build a character they like, meta or not, from classes such as the beginner-friendly Barbarian and Necromancer. They obtain stronger equipment and skills the further they delve into Sanctuary’s dungeons, providing them with the means to thwart the machinations of heaven and hell.
4 Final Fantasy 14
FF14 Features Work Well On Keyboard & Controller
- Released
- August 27, 2013
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, PS4 & PS5
Nearly two years after the critically acclaimed MMORPG concluded its first main storyline with Endwalker, the game and its fans are still going. Dawntrail, the next big expansion, is hotly anticipated and will kick off a new era in unexplored lands.
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If a Warrior of Light wants to play the new expansion, or whichever version they have, all they need to do is register their licenses to the same Square Enix account. Players must purchase a copy of the game and their expansions for each platform separately. However, their subscription applies to all platforms.
3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077
CD Projekt Continues Cross-Platform Support WIth New Titles
-
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Cyberpunk 2077 Platform(s) PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS5, PS4, PC, Stadia, Xbox One Released 2015-05-19 2020-12-10 Developer(s) CD Projekt Red CD Projekt Red How Long To Beat 52 Hours 25 Hours
CD Projekt Red’s massive games need to be purchased for each platform separately. But their progress can be carried over across each system. Barring regional restrictions, players can load saves transferred between PCs, console to PCs, and PCs to console.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 must be updated to their latest patch before players can activate cross-progression. Its toggle can be found in the Load Game menu or under Gameplay in the Settings menu. Players must connect the games to their GOG account as well, so they can access their latest games on any connected platform.
2 Hades
Go From Couch To PC With Hades
- Released
- September 17, 2020
Hades remains a favorite of rogue-like fans due to its incredibly addictive gameplay loop, vibrant cast and setting, and intriguing story. The fact that the whole story can’t be unlocked unless players blaze through a dozen or so loops adds to its replayability.
Thankfully, Hades has cross-progression, which means players don’t have to painstakingly unlock everything on every platform again. Players only need to select cross-saves in the main menu and connect their Steam or Epic Games account. Their saves will be automatically updated every time they quit the game.
1 Baldur’s Gate 3 & Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
Larian Studios Improves Account-Bound Cloud Saves
-
Divinity: Original Sin 2 Baldur’s Gate 3 Platform(s) Switch, PS4, PC, Xbox One Xbox Series X, PS5, PC, macOS Released 2017-09-14 2023-08-03 Developer(s) Larian Studios Larian Studios
Larian Studios made significant improvements on Divinity: Original Sin 2 to make Baldur’s Gate 3 a smashing success. As Larian’s love letter to pen-and-paper adventures, Baldur’s Gate 3 gave players the tools to unleash their creativity and fully immerse themselves in Faerûn. But Divinity: Original Sin 2 still holds up as one of the best examples of crowdfunded games and tabletop RPG-inspired videogames in recent history.
Both games also allow players to continue their journey on any platform. While cross-progression is limited to Windows, Switch, iPad, and Mac for Divinity, Baldur’s Gate 3 players only need to create a Larian account to have access to their last five saves on their PC, PS5, and Mac.
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