Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (BO3) remains one of the most beloved titles in the Call of Duty franchise. With its futuristic setting, unique movement mechanics, and iconic Zombies mode, BO3 continues to have a strong player base years after its release.
However, as gaming trends evolve, cross-platform play (crossplay) has become an essential feature for many players, allowing friends on different consoles and PCs to play together. In this article, we’ll explore whether Black Ops 3 supports crossplay and what that means for players across different platforms.
What is Cross-Platform Play?
Cross-platform play, or crossplay, allows players using different gaming systems, such as PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, to join and play in the same multiplayer sessions. In recent years, crossplay has become a highly requested feature, as it expands player pools, enhances social gaming experiences, and provides flexibility for gamers who use different platforms.
Is Black Ops 3 Cross-Platform in 2024?
Unfortunately, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 does not support cross-platform play. Whether you’re playing on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or PC, you are restricted to playing only with other players on the same platform. This means that if your friends are on PlayStation while you’re playing on Xbox, you won’t be able to join the same multiplayer matches or Zombies sessions.
Why Doesn’t BO3 Support Crossplay?
Black Ops 3 was released in 2015, a time when cross-platform play was not as common or technically feasible as it is today. The game was designed with platform-specific servers, and integrating crossplay would require significant updates to its infrastructure. Additionally, earlier Call of Duty titles were often separated by platform, with different content updates and performance capabilities for each system, further complicating the potential for crossplay integration.
Does Any Call of Duty Game Support Cross-Platform Play
While Black Ops 3 lacks crossplay, more recent Call of Duty titles have embraced the feature. Starting with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), the franchise began supporting full cross-platform play across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Games like Warzone, Black Ops Cold War, and Vanguard all include crossplay, allowing players to team up with friends regardless of their gaming platform.
This shift towards crossplay reflects the growing demand for cross-platform compatibility in modern multiplayer games, enhancing the social aspect of gaming and reducing the limitations of platform-specific matchmaking.
Alternatives to Cross-Platform in BO3: Playing Together with Friends
Even though Black Ops 3 does not offer crossplay, there are still ways to make the most of the multiplayer experience:
1. Sticking to the Same Platform
If you and your friends want to play Black Ops 3 together, the only option is to ensure you’re all using the same platform. Whether that’s PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, having everyone on the same system will allow you to enjoy multiplayer matches, Zombies, and campaign co-op modes.
2. Other Call of Duty Games
If cross-platform play is a priority for you, consider playing more recent Call of Duty titles like Modern Warfare or Warzone. These games fully support crossplay, giving you and your friends the freedom to play together across different systems.
The State of Cross-Platform Play in Black Ops 3
As of 2024, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 does not support cross-platform play, meaning players are limited to interacting with others on the same platform. While this is a disappointment for fans looking to play with friends across different systems, it reflects the technical limitations of the game’s original release.
For those who are keen on crossplay features, newer Call of Duty games like Warzone offer full cross-platform support. Despite the lack of crossplay in Black Ops 3, the game still holds a special place in the hearts of many players, continuing to offer engaging multiplayer modes and unforgettable Zombies experiences on each respective platform.