Turn Off Crossplay in Fortnite: Step-by-Step Guide

Crossplay functionality in Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, allows players on different platforms to engage in the same matches. Many players wonder: can you turn off crossplay in Fortnite, especially considering the varying skill levels often encountered between PC and console users? The ability to disable crossplay provides players with greater control over their matchmaking experience. A significant aspect of this control involves navigating the Fortnite settings menu to adjust crossplay preferences.

Understanding Crossplay in Fortnite: A Comprehensive Guide

Fortnite, a name synonymous with the battle royale genre, has captivated millions worldwide with its unique blend of building mechanics, vibrant aesthetics, and constant stream of updates. Its accessibility across numerous platforms has further cemented its place as a gaming phenomenon. A key component of this widespread appeal is crossplay, or cross-platform play.

What is Crossplay?

Crossplay, in essence, allows players on different gaming platforms to connect and play together in the same online multiplayer environment. This means that a player on a PlayStation can team up with, or compete against, players on Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch, or even mobile devices. This fosters a larger, more diverse player base and enables friends to play together regardless of their chosen hardware.

The Purpose of This Guide

This guide serves a specific purpose: to provide you with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to disable crossplay in Fortnite. While crossplay offers numerous benefits, some players may prefer to limit their matches to those on the same platform.

Why Disable Crossplay? Common Motivations

Several reasons might compel a player to disable crossplay. Here are some of the more common considerations:

Perceived Competitive Advantage

One frequently cited reason is the perceived competitive advantage that PC players, particularly those using mouse and keyboard setups, might have over console players using controllers. While Fortnite’s skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) attempts to mitigate this, some players still feel at a disadvantage.

Input Method Preferences

This can influence the desire to play within a more controlled input environment.

Connection Issues

Finally, connection issues may cause players to disable crossplay as well, particularly if it seems to be a factor when connected to a specific console.

Platform Preferences

Similarly, console players may prefer a more uniform experience.

Whatever your reason, this guide will walk you through the process of disabling crossplay on your preferred platform.

How Crossplay Works in Fortnite: A Deeper Dive

Having established a foundational understanding of what crossplay is, let’s delve deeper into how it actually functions within the Fortnite universe. This involves looking at the platforms supported, Epic Games’ specific implementation, and the critical role of Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM).

The Crossplay Ecosystem

Crossplay in Fortnite aims to break down the barriers between different gaming systems, allowing players on various devices to play together seamlessly.

This significantly broadens the player base and makes it easier for friends to team up, regardless of their chosen platform. This interconnectedness is a cornerstone of Fortnite’s widespread appeal.

The following platforms all support crossplay functionality within Fortnite:

• PlayStation (PS4 and PS5)
• Xbox (Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S)
• Nintendo Switch
• PC (Windows and macOS)
• Mobile (Android and iOS)

Epic Games’ Implementation of Crossplay

Epic Games has integrated crossplay into Fortnite in a way that is largely transparent to the player. In most game modes, players are automatically matched with others regardless of their platform.

However, there are nuances and considerations.

For example, players on PC often have a wider field of view and the precision of mouse and keyboard controls, which might offer a perceived advantage.

Epic’s approach strives for balance, though the debate about fairness continues within the community. This integration allows friends to easily party up, regardless of their chosen device.

If a player is partied up with someone on a different platform, they will then be placed into cross-platform lobbies. This seamless integration promotes inclusivity and connectivity.

The Role of Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM)

Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) plays a crucial role in the crossplay experience within Fortnite.

With SBMM enabled (as it usually is in core modes), the game attempts to place players into matches with others of similar skill levels.

The system considers factors like eliminations, placement, and overall performance to create balanced lobbies. This helps to mitigate some of the potential imbalances that could arise from cross-platform play.

When crossplay is enabled alongside SBMM, the matchmaking pool expands significantly. This can potentially lead to faster queue times and a more diverse range of opponents.

However, some players argue that it can also lead to less consistent matchmaking, as the system struggles to accurately assess skill levels across different platforms and input methods.

If crossplay is disabled, the matchmaking pool is limited to players on the same platform, which can result in longer queue times.

Despite the longer wait, the upside is that the matches are generally restricted to players using similar input devices.

In conclusion, understanding how crossplay and SBMM interact is key to navigating the Fortnite experience, providing both opportunities for broader connections and challenges in maintaining a balanced competitive environment.

Disabling Crossplay on PlayStation (PS4/PS5): A Step-by-Step Guide

Having established a foundational understanding of what crossplay is, let’s delve deeper into how it actually functions within the Fortnite universe. This involves looking at the platforms supported, Epic Games’ specific implementation, and the critical role of Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM).

The Cross-Platform Play setting, while designed to broaden the player pool and enhance the social gaming experience, might not always align with individual preferences. It’s crucial to understand the potential ramifications of altering this setting, particularly on PlayStation consoles. Disabling crossplay can result in longer matchmaking times, a reduced variety of game modes, and, in some cases, a noticeable shift in the skill level of opponents.

Proceed with caution and awareness of these potential trade-offs.

Accessing the PlayStation Settings Menu

The pathway to disabling crossplay in Fortnite on PlayStation involves navigating through the console’s system settings. Follow these carefully outlined steps:

1. Power on your PlayStation console (PS4 or PS5) and ensure you are logged in to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account. This is the first and most crucial step, as the following settings are tied to your user profile.

2. From the PlayStation home screen, navigate to the ‘Settings’ menu. This can be found by scrolling to the right on the top row of icons, represented by a toolbox or gear icon. Select it by pressing the ‘X’ button on your controller.

3. Within the Settings menu, scroll down and select ‘Account Management’. This option is typically located near the middle of the list.

4. Select ‘Privacy Settings’. This section governs your online presence and data sharing options, including crossplay.

Navigating to the Crossplay Setting

Once inside the Privacy Settings, finding the relevant crossplay option requires careful navigation.

1. Under ‘Privacy Settings’, look for an option related to ‘Games | Media’. This subsection manages settings specifically related to your gaming experience.

2. Within ‘Games | Media’, select ‘Cross-Platform Play’. In the settings, you’ll be able to adjust if you want to enable or disable cross-platform play.

3. Change the setting to ‘Disable’. This will restrict matchmaking to only other PlayStation players (PS4 and PS5).

Confirming the Change and Anticipating the Effects

After disabling crossplay, it’s essential to understand the immediate consequences.

• Confirm the change by pressing the ‘X’ button on your controller to save the new setting. The system will likely prompt you to confirm your choice.

• Be prepared for potentially longer queue times when searching for matches. With a smaller player pool, the matchmaking system may take more time to find suitable opponents.

• Note any changes in the skill level of your opponents. Some players report that disabling crossplay can lead to matches with players of a more consistent skill level.

• Be aware that you will be unable to play with friends on other platforms, such as Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, or Mobile, while crossplay is disabled.

Turning Off Crossplay on Xbox (Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S): The Definitive Method

Having established a foundational understanding of what crossplay is, let’s delve deeper into how it actually functions within the Fortnite universe. This involves looking at the platforms supported, Epic Games’ specific implementation, and the critical role of Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM). Now, we shift our focus to the Xbox platform and how to effectively disable crossplay within its ecosystem.

Accessing Privacy and Online Safety Settings on Xbox

Disabling crossplay on Xbox consoles (Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S) requires navigating through the Xbox system settings.

This is achieved through the privacy and online safety controls. The following steps outline the process.

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.

2. Navigate to the "Profile & system" tab, usually located at the far right.

3. Select "Settings."

4. Within the Settings menu, choose "Account," then "Privacy & online safety."

5. Select "Xbox privacy."

6. Choose "View details & customize."

7. Finally, select "Communication & multiplayer."

Blocking Cross-Network Play

Once you have reached the "Communication & multiplayer" settings, you’ll find the option to control cross-network play.

Here’s how to adjust the setting:

1. Look for the setting labeled "You can join cross-network play."

2. Change the setting from "Allow" to "Block."

By selecting "Block," you are effectively disabling crossplay on your Xbox console. This prevents you from matching with players on other platforms while playing Fortnite.

Limitations and Drawbacks of Disabling Crossplay on Xbox

While disabling crossplay can provide a more homogenous console-only experience, there are potential limitations to consider.

Reduced Player Pool: One of the most significant drawbacks is a smaller pool of available players. This could result in longer matchmaking times, especially during off-peak hours or for less popular game modes.

Limited Game Mode Availability: Depending on player activity, some game modes might become less frequently available when crossplay is disabled. This is because the matchmaking system has fewer players to draw from.

Potential Skill Discrepancies: While the aim of disabling crossplay is often to create a more balanced playing field, you might encounter situations where the reduced player pool leads to wider skill discrepancies within matches.

It is important to weigh these drawbacks against the perceived benefits before deciding to disable crossplay permanently on your Xbox console.

Crossplay Considerations for Nintendo Switch and Mobile

Turning off crossplay on PlayStation and Xbox offers relatively straightforward paths to platform exclusivity, but the situation becomes more nuanced when considering Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms. These versions of Fortnite operate under distinct constraints and matchmaking considerations. Let’s explore these differences.

The Nintendo Switch Conundrum: Limited Options

Disabling crossplay on the Nintendo Switch presents a unique challenge. Unlike PlayStation and Xbox, Fortnite on the Switch doesn’t offer a direct in-game or system-level setting to completely disable cross-platform play.

The Reality of Matchmaking Pools

The Switch version primarily operates within a mixed matchmaking pool, often pairing players with others on mobile devices and, under certain circumstances, with players on other consoles or PC. This design choice likely stems from the Switch’s hardware capabilities and player base size.

The absence of a dedicated crossplay toggle means that Switch players have limited control over their matchmaking experience. While some believe that playing during off-peak hours might reduce encounters with players on other platforms, this remains largely anecdotal.

Switch players seeking a purely isolated experience are, unfortunately, left with few official options.

Mobile Crossplay: A Balancing Act

Fortnite on mobile platforms (Android and iOS) presents a somewhat different crossplay landscape. While not offering the same level of granular control as consoles, understanding its matchmaking behavior is crucial.

Primarily Mobile Matchmaking

Mobile players are generally matched against other mobile players by default. This ensures a level playing field, given the shared input method (touch controls) and similar device performance characteristics.

However, crossplay does come into play under specific circumstances:

• Partying Up: If a mobile player joins a squad with friends on other platforms (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, PC), the entire squad will be placed in the matchmaking pool corresponding to the party leader’s platform.

• Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM): While Epic Games doesn’t explicitly detail the intricacies of SBMM, it’s plausible that, under certain conditions, mobile players with exceptionally high skill ratings might encounter players from other platforms to ensure balanced matches at the highest levels of play.

The Limitations of Mobile Crossplay Control

Similar to the Nintendo Switch, there is no explicit in-game setting to completely disable crossplay on mobile. Players are largely subject to the matchmaking dynamics described above. This means that mobile players seeking to avoid cross-platform matches need to be mindful of who they party up with.

[Crossplay Considerations for Nintendo Switch and Mobile
Turning off crossplay on PlayStation and Xbox offers relatively straightforward paths to platform exclusivity, but the situation becomes more nuanced when considering Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms. These versions of Fortnite operate under distinct constraints and matchmaking considerations.]

The Real Impact: Unveiling the Consequences of Disabling Crossplay

Disabling crossplay in Fortnite is a significant decision that profoundly alters the game experience. It’s not merely a cosmetic change; it directly affects matchmaking dynamics, the diversity of the player pool, and perceptions of competitive fairness. Let’s delve into the tangible consequences of severing connections with other platforms.

Matchmaking Times: A Test of Patience

One of the most immediate effects of disabling crossplay is a potential increase in matchmaking times. When you limit your pool of potential opponents, the game has fewer players to draw from when creating matches.

This is particularly noticeable during off-peak hours or in less popular game modes. Be prepared for longer waits before entering a match, especially if you are playing on a platform with a smaller player base.

The severity of this impact can vary depending on your region, platform, and the time of day. Players should experiment to determine whether the trade-off is acceptable.

The Shrinking Player Pool: A More Homogenous Experience

Disabling crossplay significantly reduces the diversity of the player pool. Instead of encountering players from PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, and mobile, you’ll primarily face others on your own platform.

This can lead to a more homogenous gameplay experience, with players potentially adapting to similar play styles and strategies. The variety of opponents decreases, potentially stifling opportunities for skill development against diverse tactics.

However, some players might prefer this more predictable environment, especially if they feel it levels the playing field in terms of input methods or hardware capabilities.

The Competitive Advantage Debate: Perception vs. Reality

The desire for a competitive advantage is a common reason cited for disabling crossplay. Players often believe that certain platforms, particularly PC with mouse and keyboard, offer an inherent edge over console players using controllers.

Whether this perception is accurate is subject to debate. While mouse and keyboard input may offer precision in aiming and building, console players often possess superior movement and control thanks to aim assist.

Epic Games has implemented SBMM in an attempt to level the playing field, so the impact of input method may be less significant than perceived. It is worth mentioning that these systems constantly evolve.

Ultimately, the competitive advantage gained or lost by disabling crossplay is highly subjective and dependent on individual skill and playstyle.

Input Methods: Controller vs. Mouse & Keyboard

One of the main perceived advantages is the difference between input methods. Fortnite allows controllers and mouse & keyboard inputs.

Those using a mouse and keyboard enjoy a high degree of precision when it comes to aiming. Controller players usually rely on aim assist to help them stay on target.

For this reason, some players feel at a disadvantage. Fortnite uses SBMM to try to balance these factors, which means that the impact of input methods will vary depending on how the system works in the current version of the game.

Re-Enabling Crossplay: Getting Back in the Game

Turning off crossplay on PlayStation and Xbox offers relatively straightforward paths to platform exclusivity, but the situation becomes more nuanced when considering Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms. These versions of Fortnite operate under distinct constraints and matchmaking considerations.

This section will guide you through the process of re-enabling crossplay and will remind you of the numerous benefits associated with cross-platform play. Sometimes, the initial reasons for disabling crossplay might change, or the desire to play with a wider circle of friends becomes more compelling.

PlayStation (PS4/PS5): Restoring Crossplay Functionality

Re-enabling crossplay on PlayStation consoles is a relatively simple procedure. Follow these steps to restore cross-platform connectivity:

1. Navigate to the Settings menu from the PlayStation home screen.
2. Select "Account Management."
3. Choose "Privacy Settings."
4. Look for the option related to "Cross-Platform Play" or similar wording.
5. Set this option to "Enabled" or "Allowed."
6. Confirm your changes.

Xbox (Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S): Re-Activating Cross-Network Play

To re-enable crossplay on Xbox, you’ll need to adjust your console’s privacy settings:

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
2. Go to "Profile & System" > "Settings" > "Account" > "Privacy & Online Safety" > "Xbox Privacy."
3. Select "View details & customize."
4. Choose "Communication & multiplayer."
5. Set "You can join cross-network play" to "Allow."
6. Save the changes.

The Advantages of Crossplay: Expanding Your Fortnite Universe

Re-enabling crossplay opens up a world of possibilities within Fortnite. The most significant advantage is the ability to play seamlessly with friends, regardless of their chosen gaming platform.

Playing with Friends Across Platforms

Crossplay eliminates the barriers that previously restricted players to interacting only with those on the same console family.

This means that you can squad up with friends on PlayStation while you’re on Xbox, or team up with PC players for a more diverse gaming experience.

Reduced Matchmaking Times

With a larger pool of players to draw from, matchmaking times are typically reduced when crossplay is enabled. This means less time waiting in lobbies and more time engaging in the action-packed gameplay that Fortnite is known for.

A More Dynamic and Competitive Environment

Crossplay can lead to more varied and challenging matches. Facing opponents from different platforms can expose you to new playstyles and strategies, ultimately improving your own skills and adaptability.

Access to a Wider Community

Enabling crossplay connects you to a broader Fortnite community. This expanded social network can enhance your overall gaming experience through new friendships and opportunities for collaboration.

So, that’s pretty much all there is to it! Now you know how can you turn off crossplay in Fortnite and hopefully have a better experience, whether you’re looking for fairer matches or just want to stick with your console buddies. Go give it a shot and see what works best for you. Good luck and have fun!