The Best Cross-Platform Games for Casual and Hardcore Gamers Alike

30 April 2025

Let’s face it—gaming has come a long way. Gone are the days when your platform dictated what game you could play or who you could play with. Want to frag your buddy who stubbornly sticks to Xbox while you're on PC? No problem. Have a cousin playing on their Nintendo Switch while you're grinding on your PS5? Completely doable. Thanks to the rise of cross-platform games, gaming is no longer locked into separate ecosystems.

Whether you're a laid-back gamer who just wants to chill after a long day or a hardcore competitor chasing the thrill of victory, there’s a cross-platform game out there for you. In this article, we're diving into some of the best cross-platform games that cater to both casual and hardcore gamers alike. Buckle up; it’s time to level up your gaming experience!

What Are Cross-Platform Games, and Why Are They Popular?

Before we jump into the list, let’s quickly break it down for anyone new to the term. Cross-platform games, also known as cross-play games, allow players using different gaming platforms to hop into the same game together. Imagine your friend on an Xbox playing alongside you on a PC while another friend joins from a PS5. Pretty cool, right?

The beauty of cross-platform gaming lies in its flexibility. You’re no longer limited by hardware or software. Whether you’re a hardcore PC gamer with a tricked-out gaming rig or you’re kicking back on the couch with a console, you can join forces—or battle it out—with anyone, anywhere.

Why are they so popular? Simple. They bring people together. In a world where everyone seems to have a different gaming device, cross-play makes sure you don’t have to choose between your game and your friends.

Casual Gamers, Assemble!

Not every gamer is here for sweaty competitive lobbies or marathon gaming sessions. Some of us just want to have fun, unwind, and maybe share a few laughs with friends. If that sounds like your vibe, here are some of the best cross-platform games tailor-made for casual players:

1. Minecraft

Feel like building a castle? Or maybe digging a hole so deep it reaches the other side of the planet? Minecraft is your playground. This game is the epitome of creativity and freedom.

What makes Minecraft perfect for casual gamers is its simplicity. You can spend hours exploring, building, or just goofing around with friends. Cross-play works like a dream here—whether you’re on PC, console, or even a mobile device, you can team up with anyone.

And hey, if you want to step it up a notch, you can always dabble in survival mode or take on some custom challenges. Minecraft isn’t just a game; it’s a vibe.

2. Among Us

Remember when everyone couldn’t stop accusing their friends of being “sus”? Among Us exploded onto the gaming scene thanks to its simple yet addictive gameplay. It’s a social deduction game where you work together to complete tasks—unless you’re the imposter, of course.

The cross-play functionality makes it even better. PC players can team up with those on mobile, and no one’s left out of the chaos. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or someone who only ever plays on their phone, Among Us is a great way to have some light-hearted fun with friends.

3. Rocket League

Cars playing soccer. Do I even need to say more? Rocket League perfectly blends simplicity with excitement. You don’t need to be a master strategist to pick it up, but there’s still plenty of room to improve your skills.

The best part? It’s fully cross-platform. PS5, Xbox, PC, or even the Nintendo Switch—it’s all fair game. Rocket League is one of those rare titles that’s just as fun for casual gamers as it is for pros.

Hardcore Gamers, We Got You

If you’re the type of player who thrives on competition, grinds for hours to perfect your skills, and lives for that sweet taste of victory, don’t worry—we didn’t forget about you. Here are some cross-platform games that’ll scratch that hardcore itch:

4. Call of Duty: Warzone

Where are my battle royale fans at? Call of Duty: Warzone is a juggernaut in the gaming world, and for good reason. It’s fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled, and packed with content to keep you on your toes.

Warzone is fully cross-platform, so whether you’re on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, you can squad up with friends or take on rivals from across the globe. Hardcore gamers love the tactical edge, customizable loadouts, and intense firefights.

If you’re in it for the long haul, Warzone also offers a progression system that will keep you coming back for more. Just be ready—for every win, there are plenty of near misses that’ll have you shouting at your screen.

5. Fortnite

Sure, Fortnite might have cartoony visuals, but don’t let that fool you. Underneath the bright colors and goofy emotes lies one of the most competitive games out there. From building battles to strategic firefights, Fortnite rewards quick thinking and fast reflexes.

Its cross-platform capabilities are seamless. PC, consoles, and even mobile players can all jump into the action together. If you’re a hardcore gamer, you’ll appreciate Fortnite’s ranked modes and constant updates that add new weapons, skins, and events to keep the gameplay fresh.

6. Apex Legends

Apex Legends sits somewhere between Fortnite and Warzone, offering a unique hero-shooter experience within the battle royale genre. Each character (or “Legend”) has its own abilities, making teamwork and strategy key to winning.

The cross-play feature lets you partner up with friends on any platform, creating an even playing field for everyone involved. Apex’s skill ceiling is high—perfect for hardcore gamers who crave a challenge. Plus, the movement mechanics in this game are Chef’s Kiss. Smooth, fluid, and oh-so-satisfying to master.

For Everyone In Between

What if you’re somewhere between casual and hardcore? You want a game that offers depth but doesn’t feel like it’s punishing you for being a normal human with, you know, responsibilities. Don’t worry, I got you.

7. Sea of Thieves

Picture this: You’re a pirate. You’ve got a crew. You’re sailing the open seas, digging up treasure, and occasionally getting into cannonball-heavy fights with other crews. That’s the magic of Sea of Thieves.

This game hits the sweet spot between casual and hardcore. You can spend a quiet evening fishing and exploring islands, or you can team up with friends to go full pirate mode. The cross-play between PC and Xbox is seamless, and the open-world gameplay means it’s always a good time.

8. Destiny 2

Destiny 2 is the ultimate mix of story, action, and community. You can play casually, soaking in the story missions and co-op experiences, or you can dive into hardcore PvP modes or challenging raids.

Bungie’s recent updates mean Destiny 2 has fully embraced cross-platform play. Now, you can raid with your friends regardless of the platform they’re on. If you’re looking for a game that feels rewarding no matter how much—or how little—you play, Destiny 2 has got your back.

The Future of Cross-Platform Gaming

As technology continues to evolve, the boundaries between platforms are becoming blurrier. Developers are leaning heavily into cross-play functionality because, frankly, it’s what gamers want.

The dream? A gaming world where your hardware choice doesn’t matter. Just boot up the game, invite your friends, and have fun. And judging by the direction gaming is heading, it looks like we’re well on our way there.

Final Thoughts

Cross-platform games are the future—and the present—of gaming. They break down barriers, bring people together, and offer something for everyone, whether you’re a casual gamer who just wants to have a good time or a hardcore competitor chasing glory.

The list above is just the beginning. New cross-platform titles are constantly being developed, so stay tuned for even more amazing options in the months and years to come. Whatever your play style, there’s a cross-platform game out there that’s perfect for you.

So grab your controller, keyboard, or whatever you game on, and let the good times roll. Game on, friends!