Check both copies
This check combines the exact stores, Steam crossplay settings and console generation. It reports what the reviewed documents establish; unconfirmed is not the same as impossible. It does not check saves, mods or server reachability. Nothing you select is stored. [1][2]
Documented pairs and limits
| Copies | What the documentation supports | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Steam + Epic on PC | Supported cross-store route. Steam must opt in. [1] | Enable crossplay, restart, then use the documented invitation/lobby route. |
| Steam + Steam, same setting | Both opted in can connect; both opted out can keep normal Steam play. [1] | If settings differ, agree on one mode and restart. |
| PS4 + PS5; Xbox One + Series | Generation split announced; timing tied to the next console update. [2] | Check both installed editions and their patch notes. This guide does not verify whether that split has reached your copies. |
| PC + console; PlayStation + Xbox; Switch + another family | No cross-family route established by these sources. [1][2] | Do not purchase a second copy on the assumption that a room code enables it. |
| Same exact console edition | Use that edition’s online multiplayer; cross-generation and cross-family are separate questions. [3] | Match the actual game edition and version; check any platform online-service requirement. |
| Switch 2 or an unspecified edition | Not established here as a native Switch 2 release or new crossplay route. [2] | Identify the running edition before relying on backward compatibility or a store listing. |
Connect Steam and Epic
- On Steam, open the game and check its crossplay preference in settings or the first multiplayer prompt. Choose ON when an Epic player is joining.
- Restart after changing that preference. Other Steam friends must also opt in to join that crossplay session.
- To invite Epic friends, use the account-linking choice in Options. The publisher describes a browser step linking Steam and Epic accounts.
- Use the in-game invitation, Epic overlay, or the other player’s copied Lobby ID where that lobby is public.
These are the publisher’s instructions, updated 4 September 2025 and rechecked 5 November 2026. They establish the supported route, not a guarantee that a particular network session works. [1]
If only Steam friends are playing, both may choose OFF instead. Turning it off on one PC while the other stays ON separates them; turning it off also removes the Steam-to-Epic route. Treat “disable crossplay” advice according to who actually needs to join. [1]
PS4, Switch and newer consoles
2K’s console notice, updated 8 October 2026, says future content and updates focus on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Xbox One, PS4 and the original Switch can still play the content they have, but a newer DLC appearing in a bundle does not establish that it runs on an older console. [2]
The same notice says PS4–PS5 and Xbox One–Series multiplayer will separate with the next console update, while retaining conditional wording about when it happens. Check the actual installed version on both machines before planning cross-generation play. We have not tested console matchmaking or confirmed the rollout on each platform. [2]
For PlayStation, the official product page grants PS4 and PS5 versions to the purchaser’s same PSN account. That entitlement is different from two players being able to connect across versions. [3]
A compatible pair still cannot join?
- Confirm the store and installed edition on both devices. A Windows PC does not identify its storefront.
- Compare Steam settings, restart after changes, then try the publisher’s lobby/invite route again.
- Record both versions and the exact point of failure: missing lobby, failed join or disconnect after the run begins. Those are different symptoms.
- If the documented pair still fails, send those details to 2K · support request ↗. Avoid deleting saves or removing game DLLs based on an unrelated old post.
This page gives confirmed compatibility checks, not a universal disconnect fix. The check does not install mods or change your game. [1]
Sources & checks
- 2K · Crossplay and You ↗ · Little Sister; updated 4 September 2025. Steam/Epic, matching preferences and invitations; rechecked 5 November 2026. No live session test
- 2K · Gen 8 console notice ↗ · Updated 8 October 2026; read 5 November. Future content and conditional cross-generation split; rollout not tested
- PlayStation · Risk of Rain 2 ↗ · PS4/PS5 product entitlement and online product information; read 5 November 2026. Not evidence for cross-family matchmaking
- Steam · Risk of Rain 2 ↗ · Official multiplayer game screenshot © Hopoo Games / Gearbox. Marketing capture, build unspecified; not a settings screenshot or our session