Sid Meier’s Civilization VI (Civ 6) is one of the most popular strategy games of all time. Originally launched in 2016, it continues to captivate players across the globe. With its wide availability on different platforms, including Steam and the Epic Games Store, a common question arises:
Yes, you can play Civilization 6 crossplay between Steam and Epic Games, but only if all players use the same version with the same updates and DLCs. Crossplay is available through a 2K account, not the game clients themselves. Make sure everyone links their 2K accounts before starting.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about crossplay between Steam and Epic for Civ 6.
Understanding Cross-Play in Civ 6:
First, let’s understand what crossplay means.
Crossplay allows players using different platforms (like Steam and Epic) to play together online. It breaks the barriers between different stores, enabling friends who purchased the game from different places to join matches without any hassle.
In the case of Civ 6, crossplay has been partially implemented but has some limitations you should be aware of.
Can You Play Steam Epic Game Civ 6 Cross-Play?
The short answer is: Yes, but with conditions.
When Epic Games offered Civilization VI for free for a limited time, many new players joined the community. Firaxis and 2K Games worked on enabling crossplay between Steam and Epic Games Store versions of Civ 6 to accommodate the larger player base.
However, the crossplay support between these two platforms is limited to the base game and certain DLC compatibility. Let’s break it down:
- Base Game Crossplay: Players using Steam and Epic can play the base version of Civilization VI together.
- DLC Mismatch Issues: If one player has DLCs (like Rise and Fall, Gathering Storm, New Frontier Pass) and the other doesn’t, compatibility issues may occur.
Both players must have the same expansions enabled or disabled. - Mods and Custom Content: Crossplay does not support mods easily. If you’re using mods on one platform, it might not work properly across platforms unless manually matched.
How to Enable Crossplay Between Steam and Epic Games Civ 6?
If you want to play Civilization VI with friends across Steam and Epic, follow these steps:
1. Update the Game
Ensure both players have the latest version of the game. Updates are critical because they fix crossplay bugs and ensure compatibility.
2. Create a 2K Account
Both players must create and log into a 2K Account (the publisher account for Civilization VI).
- You can do this from within the game.
- After logging in, you can link your account to Steam or Epic.
3. Add Friends Using 2K Friends List
You won’t be using Steam friends or Epic friends. Instead:
- Open Civ 6.
- Navigate to the Multiplayer menu.
- Click on 2K Friends.
- Send friend requests using your 2K account names.
4. Host and Join Games
Once you’re friends on 2K:
- One player can host a game (make sure you set visibility to “private” or “friends”).
- Other players can join the hosted game through the 2K friends list.
This system bypasses the platform restrictions, making crossplay between Steam and Epic possible.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips:
While crossplay between Steam and Epic for Civ 6 is possible, it’s not always smooth. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Connectivity Errors
- Fix: Make sure both players are using the same game version and have their firewall settings allowing Civ 6 multiplayer connections.
DLC Mismatch
- Fix: Disable DLCs before starting a multiplayer match unless everyone owns the same expansions.
Friends Not Showing
- Fix: Log out and back into your 2K accounts. Restart the game if needed.
Mods Causing Problems
- Fix: Disable all mods. Mods are not reliably cross-compatible between Epic and Steam.
Is Crossplay Supported on Other Platforms?
Civilization VI is also available on other platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
However, crossplay between PC and consoles is NOT supported at this time.
The crossplay functionality discussed here only applies between PC players on Steam and Epic Games Store.
Can Epic and Steam cross-play?
Yes, many games support cross-play between Epic Games and Steam. Developers must enable it. Titles like Rocket League, Fortnite, and Dauntless offer full cross-play functionality, allowing players on both platforms to join each other without restrictions or major issues.
Can you transfer Civ 6 from Epic Games to Steam?
No, you cannot directly transfer Civilization VI from Epic Games to Steam. Each platform uses separate licenses. You would need to purchase Civ 6 on Steam to play it there, even if you already own it on Epic Games.
Are any Civ games crossplay?
Yes, Civilization VI supports cross-play between Steam and Epic Games versions, allowing players from both platforms to join the same multiplayer games. However, both players must have the same game version and compatible DLCs for a smooth multiplayer experience.
Can you crossplay satisfactorily between Steam and Epic?
Yes, crossplay between Steam and Epic Games can be very satisfactory for supported titles. Games like Civilization VI and Rocket League offer smooth cross-platform multiplayer, provided all players are updated to the latest versions and use compatible settings or accounts.
Future of Crossplay in Civilization VI:
While the current system works for the most part, players are hoping that Firaxis will implement full cross-platform and crossplay mod support in future updates or even in Civ 7 (if it gets announced soon).
Developers have been increasingly moving toward better cross-platform experiences, so there’s hope that crossplay will only get better.
Conclusion:
So, to answer once and for all:
Yes, you can play Steam Epic Game Civ 6 cross-play — with a few important considerations!
Make sure you and your friends are using the same version, handle DLCs properly, disable mods, and use your 2K accounts.
With these steps, you’ll be building empires together across platforms in no time.
Whether you’re plotting world domination or forging alliances, Civ 6 crossplay between Steam and Epic makes it easier than ever to enjoy this classic strategy masterpiece with friends.
FAQs:
1. Can Steam and Epic players play Civilization 6 together?
Yes, players who own Civilization 6 on Steam and Epic Games Store can play together, but they must both use the same game version and connect through a 2K account for multiplayer.
2. Do I need to have the same DLCs to crossplay Civ 6 between Steam and Epic?
Yes, if players want to use DLCs during crossplay, all participants must own and enable the same DLCs. Otherwise, you should disable all expansions to avoid compatibility issues.
3. Can I use mods when playing cross-platform Civ 6 multiplayer?
No, mods are not reliably supported across Steam and Epic crossplay. It’s recommended to disable all mods before starting a cross-platform game to prevent crashes and connection problems.
4. Why can’t I see my friend in Civilization 6 multiplayer?
If you cannot see your friend, ensure you are both logged into your 2K accounts and have added each other through the 2K friends list, not through Steam or Epic friends.
5. Is Civilization 6 crossplay available between PC and consoles like PS4, Xbox, or Switch?
No, crossplay is only supported between the Steam and Epic Games Store PC versions. Console versions of Civ 6 cannot connect to PC players for multiplayer.