Is The Forest Cross Platform? Crossplay Guide 2026
Marcus Webb|No, The Forest isn’t cross-platform. The game offers co-op multiplayer, but players can only team up with others on the same platform. PC players can’t connect with PS4 players, and there’s no crossplay available between any platforms.
The Forest Cross-Platform Status Explained
Endnight Games hasn’t added cross-platform play to The Forest. The game’s cooperative survival mode, a key feature, only allows players on the same platform to join sessions. If you’re on PC, you’re in a PC-only lobby. On PS4, you can only play with other PS4 users.
However, there’s one exception: cross-gen compatibility between PS4 and PS5. The Forest runs on PS5 through backward compatibility, so players on PS4 and PS5 can enjoy the game together without any issues. This isn’t traditional crossplay; it’s just how Sony’s backward compatibility works.
So far, Endnight Games hasn’t announced any plans to introduce crossplay between PC and PlayStation platforms. Given the current game status and the developer’s shift in focus to its successor, Sons of the Forest, it seems unlikely that this will change.
Which Platforms Can Play Together?
| Platform | Plays With | Cross-Platform? |
|---|---|---|
| PC | PC only | No |
| PlayStation 4 | PS4 and PS5 (via backward compatibility) | No (same platform family only) |
| PlayStation 5 | PS4 and PS5 (via backward compatibility) | No (same platform family only) |
| PC + PS4/PS5 | Not compatible | No |
Does The Forest Have Cross-Save?
No, The Forest doesn’t support cross-save. Your save files are tied to the platform you’re using. If you buy the game on both PC and PS4, your progress won’t carry over. You’ll need to start fresh on each platform.
What This Means for Co-Op Play
Planning to play The Forest with friends? Make sure everyone’s on the same platform. Before anyone buys the game, check that you’re all aligned. The co-op mode allows up to 8 players in a single session, but everyone needs to be on the same system. Here’s a quick summary of the limitations:
- No PC-to-PS4 or PC-to-PS5 multiplayer
- PS4 and PS5 players can connect due to backward compatibility
- No cross-save between PC and PlayStation
- Co-op sessions require all players on the same platform
Can PC and PS4 players play The Forest together?
No. The Forest doesn’t allow crossplay between PC and PS4. Multiplayer sessions must happen on the same platform. A PC player can’t join a PS4 lobby, and the same goes for the other way around.
Can PS4 and PS5 players play The Forest together?
Yes. PS5 supports backward compatibility with PS4 games, and The Forest is included. PS4 and PS5 players can connect and play co-op together without issues. This is the only example of cross-generation play in the game.
Will The Forest ever get full cross-platform support?
Endnight Games hasn’t made any official statements about adding crossplay to The Forest. Given their focus on developing Sons of the Forest, it seems that a crossplay update for the original game is unlikely. If cross-platform play is important to you, consider checking if Sons of the Forest fits your needs better.
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Marcus Webb
Marcus Webb covers esports, competitive gaming, and community stories for Explosion.com. A former semi-professional Counter-Strike player, Marcus transitioned to journalism 5 years ago and has since covered major tournaments including The International, League of Legends Worlds, and the Valorant Champions Tour. He brings a player's perspective to competitive gaming coverage and is known for his data-driven analysis of player performance and meta shifts.
