Baldur’s Gate 3 cross-play not working? Check accounts, versions and mods

First confirm that everyone has a linked Larian account, cross-play enabled, a compatible game version and matching mods. Then try a new unmodded lobby to separate an account or connection problem from a problem with one save or mod list.

Larian introduced cross-play in Patch 8 for PC, Mac, PlayStation 5 and Xbox. This guide focuses on PC, PS5 and Xbox; check the current game and platform information if you use another configuration. Interface wording can differ with platform and language.

Set up the lobby

1. Each player links the game to a Larian account. From the main menu, open Options, find Allow Cross-play under Gameplay and enable it.
2. Add each other using Larian account names. Everyone joining must enable cross-play as well.
3. The host opens Multiplayer → Cross-Play → Create, chooses the lobby settings and invites friends. Players accept the invitation; when everyone is shown as ready, the host launches the game.

For an existing campaign, Larian says the host can select the save under Load Game, enable CrossPlay for it, load the game and invite friends from Multiplayer. Keep a separate backup save before changing a modded campaign; do not overwrite your only copy while troubleshooting.

Joining without an invitation: from the main menu choose Multiplayer → Cross-Play, then select your friend’s lobby from the list on the left.

Compare the game and mod versions

All players should update to a compatible game build and compare the version shown on each device. If one device cannot yet install the same update, record the difference and check the platform's update status before repeatedly trying the lobby.

For a modded session, Larian requires the exact same mods and mod versions for everyone. When the verification window appears, read which mods need downloading, enabling, updating or downgrading. A mod available on PC may not be available on a console; the host can check the in-game availability labels. Agree on the desired set before changing it.

Do not assume that simply disabling a mod makes an existing modded save safe to load. Keep the original save and use a separate test campaign if you need to isolate the problem.

Find which part is failing

1. No friend or invitation: confirm both accounts are linked, names match and both players enabled cross-play. Reopen the multiplayer menu and try the invitation again.
2. Mod verification mismatch: compare every listed mod and version, including extras. Follow the verification window and check platform availability.
3. Only one campaign fails: without changing the original, create a separate unmodded test lobby. If that connects, investigate the saved campaign's mod requirements. It is a clue, not proof of a single faulty mod.
4. Even the unmodded lobby fails: record platform, game version, error text and when the failure occurs. Check Larian's multiplayer support and platform network status; try a stable connection and provide the recorded details if contacting support.

Once the test lobby works, return to the intended campaign with its required matching mods and confirm each player can join before continuing the adventure.

Sources: Larian: hosting or joining cross-play · Synchronising mods · Patch 8 cross-play platforms