- The Outlast Trials crossplay lets Reagents on different platforms team up for co-op Trials.
- Cross-progression is tied to your account, so check platform linking before you buy.
- Up to 4 players can complete a Trial together, solo play is fully supported.
- Platform versions may receive updates at different times, which can temporarily limit matchmaking.
- Verify settings first: crossplay must be enabled in the options menu before searching.
The Outlast Trials Crossplay: Current Status
The Outlast Trials crossplay determines whether you and your friends can enter Murkoff's experiments together when you own the game on different platforms. The game launched on PC via Steam on March 5, 2024, and Red Barrels later expanded the experience to additional platforms, bringing console players into the Reagent pool alongside the PC community.
Crossplay in The Outlast Trials follows a straightforward principle: players on supported platforms share a matchmaking pool, so a Steam player can queue with friends on other supported platforms. The co-op structure supports up to four players per Trial, and the game's design—divided objectives, revives, and enemy pressure that scales with team size—rewards a mixed group just as much as a same-platform squad.
Crossplay features and supported platform combinations can change with major updates. Always confirm the latest crossplay status on the official Steam page or the Red Barrels website before purchasing a second copy for another platform.
Platform Support Overview
| Platform | Co-op Support | Crossplay Pool | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | Up to 4 players | Yes | Primary platform, 43K+ user reviews |
| PC (other PC stores) | Up to 4 players | Yes (PC stores) | PC storefront players share matchmaking |
| Console editions | Up to 4 players | Yes, where enabled | Added after the 2024 PC launch |
| Cross-generation consoles | Up to 4 players | Yes | Same console family matches together |
If one platform receives a patch before another, crossplay matchmaking between them may be temporarily unavailable until all platforms are on the same build. Check the official patch notes if invites suddenly fail after an update.
How to Play With Friends Across Platforms
Setting up a cross-platform squad takes only a few minutes once everyone understands the flow. The key steps are enabling crossplay, adding friends through the in-game system, and launching the Trial from a shared lobby in the Sleep Room.
Enable Crossplay in Settings
Open the options menu and confirm that crossplay or platform matchmaking is turned on. If the option is disabled, you will only match with players on your own platform.
Add Your Friends In-Game
Use the in-game friends or invite system rather than platform-native friend lists. Each player should share their in-game name or ID so the host can send an invitation.
Form a Lobby in the Sleep Room
The host invites everyone into a lobby before selecting a Trial. A full lobby of four avoids random matchmaking and guarantees your squad stays together.
Select a Trial and Difficulty
Choose a Trial that fits your group's lowest-progress member. Trial availability is tied to host progression, so newer players should host to access their unlocked content.
Communicate and Divide Roles
Use voice chat to call out Prime Assets like Mother Gooseberry or Sergeant Coyle, assign objective roles, and coordinate revives during escapes.
A coordinated four-player team with a mix of Rigs—Stun for control, Heal for recovery, and X-Ray for scouting—handles high-difficulty Trials far better than four players running identical loadouts.
Crossplay Loadouts for Mixed Squads
Cross-platform teams often have players at different progression levels, because Prescription unlocks and Rig upgrades are per-account. Build your squad around role coverage rather than raw level.
Stun Rig Anchor
- Crowd control for chases and revives
- Best for the most experienced player
- Creates windows during objective interactions
Heal Rig Support
- Team recovery without burning consumables
- Ideal for mid-progress players
- Sustains long, difficult Trials
X-Ray Rig Scout
- Information gathering through walls
- Great for newer squad members
- Plans safe routes to objectives
Rig Value in Crossplay Teams
| Rig | Team Value | Best For | Upgrade Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stun | Excellent | Emergency control, revives | High |
| Heal | Excellent | Sustained co-op survival | High |
| X-Ray | Very good | Route planning, scouting | Medium to high |
| Barricade | Very good | Objective defense, duo teams | Medium |
Each player earns their own XP, Murkoff Dollars, and Therapy Tokens regardless of platform. Playing with a higher-level friend does not lock newer players out of rewards, though Trial difficulty should still match the group's ability.
Common Crossplay Problems and Fixes
Crossplay issues in The Outlast Trials usually fall into a few recognizable categories. Work through this table before assuming the feature is broken.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Friend invite not arriving | Crossplay disabled in settings | Both players enable crossplay, restart the game |
| Cannot find crossplay matches | Version mismatch after patch | Wait for the other platform's update, check patch notes |
| Lobby disbands after Trial | Host left or connection drop | Re-invite from the Sleep Room, same host |
| High ping or lag | Regional distance | Select the best region in network settings |
| Trial locked for a friend | Host progression too low | Have the newer player host the session |
Third-party tools claiming to "force" crossplay or unlock content are not supported by Red Barrels and risk account penalties. Use only official matchmaking and the in-game invite system.
For persistent issues, the official Discord community has dedicated support channels where players report platform-specific problems, and r/OutlastTrials tracks community-confirmed fixes.
Crossplay Squad Readiness Checklist
Before queuing into a high-difficulty Program X or Ultra Trial with a cross-platform squad, confirm the whole team is prepared:
Pre-Trial Checklist:
- Crossplay enabled on every squad member's account
- In-game friends added and lobby formed in the Sleep Room
- At least one Stun or Heal Rig in the team composition
- Voice chat tested across platforms
- Extraction route discussed before starting the objective
Save Rig charges and throwable distractions for the final escape. Enemy pressure typically increases near extraction, and a downed teammate on the exit route is the most common way crossplay squads lose an otherwise clean run.
Crossplay FAQ
Q: Does The Outlast Trials have full crossplay between PC and consoles?
Yes, crossplay is supported across the platforms where the game is available, allowing PC and console Reagents to share matchmaking and form lobbies together. Because platform support expanded after the March 2024 PC launch, always verify current combinations on the official Steam page or Red Barrels website.
Q: Can I play The Outlast Trials solo if my friends are on another platform?
Absolutely. The Outlast Trials fully supports solo play with all Trials completable alone, though difficulty is generally tuned around co-op. Solo players benefit most from the Stun Rig and stealth-focused loadouts.
Q: Why can't I invite my cross-platform friend after an update?
The most common cause is a version mismatch, where one platform received a patch before the other. Crossplay between affected platforms usually returns once all builds match. Check the official patch notes or Discord support channel for confirmation.
Q: Does my progress carry over between platforms?
Progression details depend on the account systems Red Barrels provides for each platform. Check the official documentation for the latest cross-progression status before purchasing the game on a second platform, and avoid unverified third-party transfer claims.
Seasonal programs and balance patches regularly adjust matchmaking, enemies, and Rig behavior. Follow the Red Barrels news page and the Steam news feed so your crossplay squad is never surprised by a mid-season change.
Related Content
Explore more The Outlast Trials platform guides or head back to the The Outlast Trials Wiki homepage for the latest coverage.