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Turn Off Cross-Play in Battlefield 2042 (PS5, Xbox & PS4)

Last Updated: November 14, 2025

Battlefield 2042 cross-play settings menu showing the option to disable cross-play.

Battlefield 2042’s signature all-out warfare was built on the foundation of massive player counts, a goal achieved through its robust cross-platform functionality. This system unites soldiers from PC, PlayStation, and Xbox into a single, chaotic battlefield. While essential for keeping lobbies full and letting friends squad up across different devices, a significant portion of the console player base continues to seek a more controlled, platform-specific experience.

Years after the game's launch, the core debate remains unchanged: the inherent advantage of mouse and keyboard (M&K) on PC versus controllers on console. The speed, precision, and customizability of an M&K setup can create a noticeable skill gap in a fast-paced FPS, prompting many controller-wielding players on PlayStation and Xbox to search for a more level playing field by disabling cross-play.

How to Disable Cross-Play From Inside Battlefield 2042

The simplest method is accessible directly through the game's menu and is identical on both PlayStation (PS5, PS4) and Xbox (Series X|S, One) consoles.

  1. Launch Battlefield 2042 and proceed to the main menu.
  2. Select Options in the bottom left of the screen (represented by a gear icon).
  3. Navigate to the General tab, which should be the default view.
  4. Scroll down through the settings until you locate the Cross-Play option.
  5. Toggle the setting from On to Off.
  6. A confirmation prompt will appear, warning you of potentially longer matchmaking times. Accept this to save your new setting.

With this setting disabled, the game will only search for matches with players on your console's ecosystem (e.g., PlayStation players with other PlayStation players). To reverse this, simply follow the same steps and toggle Cross-Play back to "On."

How to Disable Cross-Play on Xbox (System-Level)

For Xbox players seeking a more definitive solution that applies to all games, you can disable cross-network play at the console level.

  1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
  2. Navigate to Settings > General > Online safety & family.
  3. Select Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy.
  4. Choose View details & customize > Communication & multiplayer.
  5. Under the setting "You can join cross-network play," change the option from Allow to Block.

This will prevent Battlefield 2042 and any other game from connecting you with players outside the Xbox network. Remember to change this setting back if you want to use cross-play in other titles.

Should You Turn Off Cross-Play? The Pros and Cons

Disabling cross-play is a significant decision with a major trade-off. Here’s a breakdown of what you gain and what you lose.

The Advantages (Pros)

  • A Level Playing Field: This is the primary reason. Disabling cross-play ensures everyone in your lobby is using a controller, removing the input advantage held by skilled M&K users and creating what many feel is a fairer competitive environment.
  • Significantly Reduced Exposure to Cheaters: While no platform is immune, cheating and hacking are historically more rampant and accessible on PC. By isolating yourself within the closed console ecosystem, you drastically lower the odds of encountering cheaters.

The Disadvantages (Cons)

  • Drastically Longer Matchmaking Times: This is the most critical drawback and cannot be overstated. The overwhelming majority of the community plays with cross-play enabled. By turning it off, you are cutting yourself off from the largest player pool and asking the game to find others on your specific console family who have also opted out.
  • Empty or Incomplete Lobbies: The limited player pool can lead to more than just long waits. You may struggle to find full matches, especially in niche modes or during off-peak hours for your region. The game may be forced to start matches with bots to fill empty slots.
  • Inability to Play With Friends on Other Platforms: If you have friends on PC or the opposing console family, you cannot squad up with them while cross-play is disabled. The feature must be enabled for all party members to play together.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your priorities. If you value a controller-only environment above all else and are prepared for potentially long waits, disabling cross-play is a valid option. If you prioritize getting into full games quickly and playing with the widest possible community, you should leave it on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I turn off cross-play for just PC players but still play with other consoles?

A: No. The in-game setting is a simple on/off toggle. When "On," the game groups PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S players together. When "Off," you are limited to only your own console family (PlayStation with PlayStation, Xbox with Xbox). The older PS4 and Xbox One versions have their own separate cross-play pool.

Q: Why are my queue times so long after turning off cross-play?

A: Your matchmaking pool has shrunk dramatically. Instead of searching for players across three major platforms globally, the game is restricted to finding players on your console brand who have also manually disabled cross-play. This fraction of the community is incredibly small, leading to long waits or a failure to find a match at all.

Q: Does the process differ between PlayStation and Xbox?

A: The in-game process is identical. However, Xbox users have the additional option of disabling cross-network play at the system level, which affects all games, as detailed in the instructions above.

Q: Will disabling cross-play actually make me better at the game?

A: It won't directly improve your personal skill, but it will create a more consistent and predictable combat environment. By standardizing the input method to controllers for everyone in the lobby, engagements can feel more balanced, removing deaths where you may have felt outmatched by the speed of a mouse.