Does NHL 23 Support Crossplay?
Since its release on October 14th, NHL 23 has sparked ongoing questions among fans, particularly regarding the possibility of cross-platform play.
Let’s dive into the latest installment of the EA Sports hockey franchise and uncover what awaits the eager fans.
Is NHL 23 Crossplatform?
Absolutely! NHL 23 marks a milestone as it becomes the first game in the franchise to support cross-platform play. This groundbreaking feature allows players on PlayStation and Xbox consoles to engage in competitive matches across platforms.
Whether you’re on an Xbox One or PS4, or wielding the power of an Xbox Series X|S or PS5, the game now offers the opportunity to face off against opponents from different gaming ecosystems.
While the inclusion of cross-platform matchmaking enhances the online gaming experience, there’s a minor limitation. Despite the ability to compete against players on different consoles, the game currently lacks the functionality to invite friends or other players from alternate platforms to join squads within the game.
However, Electronic Arts (EA) has indicated that they’re exploring avenues to incorporate additional crossplay features in forthcoming iterations of the NHL series.
Read: Rust Crossplay
NHL 23’s introduction of cross-platform play signifies a momentous leap forward for the franchise, fostering a more inclusive gaming environment where console boundaries blur.
Although certain restrictions persist, such as the inability to form cross-platform squads, the potential for further integration of crossplay functionality hints at a promising future for NHL gaming enthusiasts.
Regarding its rollout, NHL 23’s cross-platform matchmaking features were released in phases. Phase 1, which introduced ‘Ones Eliminator’ and ‘HUT Rush’ crossplay modes, commenced on November 17th.
This was followed by Phase 2 on November 21st, bringing ‘3v3 Drop-In’ and ‘6v6 EASHL’ modes. Phase 3 debuted on November 23rd, introducing ‘Threes Eliminator’, ‘HUT Champs’, ‘3v3 EASHL’, and ‘6v6 Drop-In’.
Finally, Phase 4, set for Monday, November 28th, will unveil ‘HUT Rivals’, marking the last cross-platform matchmaking release.
The World Of Chel and Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) now feature larger matchmaking pools. As a result, wait times for opponents have significantly reduced, benefiting the NHL 23 community.
Additionally, leaderboards vary across different consoles, and the Hockey Ultimate Team auction house remains separate on each platform.
Must Read: Is Overcooked 2 Cross Platform
Potential Opponents
When considering gaming options across different platforms such as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, understanding the available playing options and potential opponents is crucial for an engaging gaming experience.
The following table outlines the various playing options and the corresponding opponent platforms for each gaming console:
Platform | Opponents |
PS4 |
|
PS5 |
|
Xbox One |
|
Xbox Series X|S |
|
Acknowledging the challenge of consolidating players onto a single server for NHL 23, EA Sports has diligently and effectively addressed synchronization issues between the two console platforms, which were previously segmented.