Crossplay

Crossplay

Complete crossplay guide for Big Walk — Join Codes, hosting sessions, platform differences, and troubleshooting for PC, PS5, and Switch 2

4
Platforms
Join Code
Free Day 1
PS Plus

Introduction

Crossplay in Big Walk allows seamless multiplayer between PC (Steam/Mac), PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2. The Join Code system makes cross-platform sessions simple: the host generates a code, shares it with friends on any platform, and anyone can connect. Understanding hosting responsibilities is crucial since the host is the sole keeper of the save game — when they disconnect, everyone must leave. Platform-specific differences exist, particularly for Mac App Store users who lack a built-in friends list.

Platform & Session Features

FeatureDetailsNotes
Join CodeCross-platform session joiningHost shares code, anyone connects
Platform FriendsAuto-discovery via friends listSteam/PS5/Switch 2 friends lists
Session PasswordAdjustable mid-gameVia Session Details in menu
Host SaveHost is sole save keeperChoose host carefully for continuity
PS PlusFree on PlayStation Plus day oneLaunch window promotion

Session Setup

S

Join Code

badge-new

Cross-platform session joining

How It WorksHost generates a code in Session Details; anyone on any platform can use it to connect
Best ForCross-platform play between PC, PS5, and Switch 2 players
Pro TipGenerate the code before friends ask and share it through your preferred messaging app
A

Platform Friends

Auto-discovery via friends list

How It WorksSteam/PS5/Switch 2 friends lists provide automatic session discovery
Best ForSame-platform players who already have each other on their friends list
LimitationDoes not work cross-platform — use Join Codes for cross-play sessions
B

Host Save System

Host is sole keeper of save

How It WorksOnly the host's platform account stores the save; session ends when host disconnects
ImpactSame person must host every session to continue the adventure; choose host carefully
Pro TipPick the most reliable person in your group as host — availability matters
A

Session Password

Adjustable mid-game security

How It WorksSet or change a session password through Session Details in the in-game menu
BenefitPrevents unwanted players from joining mid-session
Pro TipAdjust the password if you need to switch from private to open session
S

PS Plus Free Day One

badge-new

Launch window promotion

How It WorksPlayStation Plus subscribers can access Big Walk free on launch day
ImpactDramatically reduces barrier for PS5 players to join the community
WindowAvailable during the launch promotion period

Core Mechanics

Crossplay mechanics in Big Walk center on the Join Code system — a simple alphanumeric code that the host generates and shares with players on any platform. The host system assigns one player as the session's anchor: they maintain the save state and their disconnection ends the session for everyone. Platform friends lists provide automatic session discovery for same-platform players, while Join Codes bridge the cross-platform gap. Session passwords can be adjusted mid-game through the in-game menu's Session Details.

Advantages

Big Walk's crossplay system is remarkably simple thanks to the Join Code mechanism. Unlike many games that require account linking or platform-specific friend systems, Big Walk's Join Code works universally across all platforms with no additional setup. The host-based save system also simplifies session management — everyone knows who to contact to continue their adventure. PlayStation Plus day-one availability dramatically reduces the barrier for PS5 players.

Challenges

Crossplay weaknesses center on the host-dependent save system, which creates a single point of failure. If the host loses interest or becomes unavailable, the entire group's progress is inaccessible. The lack of random matchmaking means players must coordinate externally to find groups, which can be challenging for players without existing friend groups. Mac App Store users face a specific disadvantage with no built-in friends list, requiring Join Codes for all sessions. Xbox's absence from the platform lineup limits the potential player pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Join Codes work for crossplay?+
The host generates a Join Code from the Session Details menu in-game. Share this code with friends on any platform — PC, PS5, or Switch 2. Anyone with the code can join the session regardless of platform. The code is session-specific, so a new code is needed if you start a new session. Platform friends lists also provide automatic session discovery for same-platform connections.
What happens when the host disconnects?+
When the host disconnects, the session ends and all players must leave. The host is the sole keeper of the save game, so to continue your adventure, the same person must host again. This is why choosing your host carefully is important — pick someone reliable who can commit to being available for future sessions. The save is tied to the host's platform account.
Is Big Walk on Xbox?+
No, Big Walk is not available on Xbox. The game is currently available on PC (Steam), macOS (Steam and Mac App Store), PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2. House House has not announced any plans for an Xbox release. For cross-platform play, you can connect between any of the available platforms using Join Codes.

Quick Tips

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Generate your Join Code before friends ask for it. Open Session Details in the in-game menu and note the code. Share it through your preferred messaging app — the code works across all platforms (PC, Mac, PS5, Switch 2).

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If you're on Mac App Store, you won't have a platform friends list. Always use Join Codes for session joining. Steam users can use either platform friends (auto-discovery) or Join Codes for cross-platform play.

💡

Test your connection before a long session. Have one friend join first and verify voice chat is working before inviting the whole group. This prevents wasting everyone's time troubleshooting when you could be solving puzzles.

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