Is Civilization VI Cross Platform? Crossplay Guide 2026
Sarah Chen|No, Civilization VI isn’t fully cross-platform. Multiplayer is restricted to PC platforms only (Steam, Windows, Mac, and Linux), with no crossplay between PC and consoles or PC and mobile.
Civilization VI Cross-Platform Breakdown
Civilization VI is available on several platforms — PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, macOS, and Linux. However, don’t be fooled into thinking you can play with friends on all of them. The truth is much more limited. The only cross-platform multiplayer connects players within the PC ecosystem. If you’re on Steam, Windows, Mac, or Linux, you can play together. That’s where the crossplay options stop.
Console players on Xbox One or PlayStation 4 can’t join PC sessions. Nintendo Switch players are completely cut off from multiplayer. Plus, mobile players on iOS can’t play with anyone on other platforms. These barriers are firm, and as of 2026, Aspyr Media hasn’t announced any plans to change that.
Which Platforms Can Play Together?
| Platform | Can Play With | Cross-Platform? |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes (PC only) |
| macOS | Steam, Windows, Linux | Yes (PC only) |
| Linux | Steam, Windows, Mac | Yes (PC only) |
| Xbox One | Xbox family only | No (console-only) |
| PlayStation 4 | PlayStation family only | No (console-only) |
| Nintendo Switch | No multiplayer crossplay | No |
| iOS | No crossplay available | No |
Console Cross-Gen Play
There is one exception to this rule. Players within the same console family — like two people on PlayStation or two on Xbox — can play together within their ecosystem. This feature is standard for cross-gen play, but it’s not true cross-platform. A PS4 player can’t connect with an Xbox player, and neither can connect with PC players.
Does Civilization VI Have Cross-Save?
Cross-save isn’t supported across different platform families in Civilization VI. Your save files stay tied to the platform you’re using. If you own the game on both PC and console, you can’t carry progress between them. This limitation shows that the game’s multi-platform availability doesn’t create a cohesive experience.
How to Set Up PC Multiplayer
If you and your friends are all on PC, setting up a multiplayer session is easy:
- Launch Civilization VI and select Multiplayer from the main menu.
- Choose Internet to connect with friends online across Steam, Mac, or Linux builds.
- Create or join a lobby, set your game rules, and invite players.
- All PC players using compatible builds can join without any extra configuration.
Can PS4 and Xbox One players play Civilization VI together?
No. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One players can’t play Civilization VI together. Each console operates in its own multiplayer environment, with no crossplay between them.
Can mobile players play with PC players in Civilization VI?
No. iOS players can’t access crossplay with PC or console platforms. The mobile version of Civilization VI is completely separate from all other multiplayer environments.
Will Civilization VI ever get full cross-platform support?
As of 2026, Aspyr Media hasn’t made any official announcements about adding cross-platform multiplayer between PC, consoles, and mobile. Based on the current state of the game, full crossplay isn’t available and remains unconfirmed for future updates.
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is the Reviews and Guides Editor at Explosion.com. With a background in game design studies and 6 years of gaming journalism, Sarah brings technical insight to her reviews and creates comprehensive guides that help players get the most out of their games. She has reviewed over 200 titles across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms. Her current obsessions include FromSoftware titles and indie roguelikes.
