If you’re a fan of arcade racing and love the thrill of high-speed chases, you’ve probably heard of Need for Speed Payback. But if you’re hoping to play online with friends who own different gaming systems, you might be wondering: Is NFS Payback cross platform?
What Does Cross-Platform Mean?
Cross-platform play (or cross-play) allows gamers to play online together even if they’re using different platforms. For example, someone on PlayStation could race against a friend on Xbox or PC. It’s a fantastic feature for connecting with friends regardless of their preferred console.
Why No Cross-Play in NFS Payback?
Need for Speed Payback was released in 2017, before cross-play became the widespread feature it is today. Unfortunately, the game wasn’t designed with cross-platform compatibility in mind, so even though many gamers crave this feature, it’s simply not available.
But Wait, There’s Good News for NFS Fans!
While Payback might be a no-go for cross-platform action, the good news is that newer NFS titles have embraced cross-play. Starting with Need for Speed Heat (released in 2019), all major NFS releases have included cross-platform support, so you can finally race against your buddies regardless of their platform.
What if I Still Want to Play Payback?
If you’re set on playing NFS Payback, you’ll only be able to play online with others using the same platform as you. So, if you’re on PlayStation, you can only play with other PlayStation players, and the same goes for Xbox and PC.
A Look to the Future
While it’s disappointing that NFS Payback missed the cross-play train, the future of the franchise looks bright. With more and more games embracing cross-platform compatibility, it’s likely that future NFS titles will continue to offer this feature, expanding the possibilities for online racing fun.
Alternative Games to Consider
If cross-platform play is a must-have for you, several other fantastic racing games offer this feature, including:
- Need for Speed Heat
- Need for Speed Unbound
- Forza Horizon 5
- The Crew 2
These games deliver exhilarating racing experiences and let you connect with friends across different platforms, so you’re not limited to playing with others who own the same console. If cross-platform play is a priority, you might want to consider games like Conan Exiles, which offers seamless gameplay across Xbox and PlayStation.
The Bottom Line
Need for Speed Payback remains a thrilling racing game, but its lack of cross-platform play might be a dealbreaker for some. Thankfully, the franchise has evolved, and newer NFS titles embrace cross-play, ensuring a more inclusive and connected racing experience. So, if cross-platform is your jam, it might be time to upgrade to a newer NFS title or explore other racing games that offer this feature. Happy racing!
