Fortnite crossplay lets you play across compatible platforms, but the wrong account can leave you with a level 1 profile or an apparently empty Locker. Check which Epic account holds your progress before creating a party from the lobby.
Crossplay brings together players on different devices. Cross-progression lets you keep progress when platforms are linked to the same Epic Games account, but it does not combine histories that were created separately.
Key points
- Add friends using their Epic display name, not only their PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo ID.
- Keep the same Fortnite progress linked to one Epic account.
- Progress created on two different Epic accounts cannot be merged.
- On PlayStation, check “Allow Cross Platform Play” before inviting a friend on another platform.
- If a problem occurs, check the Epic account and crossplay setting before reinstalling the game.
Platforms that can play together
Fortnite lets you play with friends on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile where the game is available. Each player signs in to an Epic account, adds the others in Fortnite and joins the same party. To keep up with the game after your session, also check the latest jeu.vidéo news and our selection of gaming articles.
Crossplay applies to the shared match, while cross-progression applies to items tied to the account. Playing with an Xbox friend from a PlayStation does not transfer items between separate Epic accounts.
| Situation | What to do | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| PC and console | Link the console account to the Epic account used on PC. | Creating a second Epic account when first launching the game on console. |
| Two different consoles | Add your friend through their Epic name, then form a party. | Searching only for their platform ID. |
| Different progress on two devices | First identify the Epic account containing the progress you want to keep. | Assuming the two inventories will be combined. |
| Invitation declined | Check crossplay and party status for each player. | Changing account links without knowing where the items are. |
Link the right Epic account first
Sign in to the Epic website using the method that matches the platform where your skins, level and purchases are located. Then check the linked accounts. Epic states that only one account of each type can be linked to a single Epic account: one Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox and Steam account at a time.
If your PC has your main progress, keep that account as your reference. If you played for a long time on PlayStation or Xbox, identify the account that actually displays your inventory. Do not unlink an account just to test it: a wrong link can put you in Fortnite at level 1 with an apparently empty inventory.
- Sign out of the Epic Games website in your browser.
- Sign back in using the platform icon where your main progress exists.
- Check the email address and Epic display name on the open account.
- View the linked accounts and note those already connected.
- Only after this check, link the second platform to the same Epic account.
- Launch Fortnite on each device and check the level, Locker and friends list before making any purchases.
Fortnite progress is stored on the Epic account, not on the console account alone. If your data disappeared after linking, reconnect the console to the Epic account containing your main progress rather than opening a new account.
Invite your squad from the lobby
In the lobby, open your profile, choose to add a friend, enter the exact Epic display name and send the request. Once it is accepted, the friend appears in your list whether online or not. The host then chooses Duos or Squads, and the other players use the host’s name to join the party.
Your console friends list does not replace the Epic friends list. Two players can be friends on the same console network and still not appear in Fortnite if the Epic friend request has not been accepted. A console nickname that is close to, but different from, the Epic name will return no result.
Before starting the match, check that every member is visible in the party and has selected the same mode. This prevents one player from staying in the lobby while the others enter matchmaking.
Check crossplay settings on PlayStation and Xbox
On PlayStation, open the lobby menu, go to Settings, then Account and Privacy. Under Gameplay Privacy, set “Allow Cross Platform Play” to Yes. Epic states that the option is configured on Xbox through the console’s privacy and cross-network play settings.
On Nintendo Switch, PC and mobile, Epic states that it is not currently possible to disable crossplay. That limitation explains why the option does not appear on those devices. Disabling cross-platform play can also lengthen queues and limit some modes to solo play, so do it only if you accept that consequence.
If the “Denial reason code 9” error appears when joining a party, Epic links it to members playing on different platforms while at least one has disabled crossplay. The whole squad should check this setting, not just the host.
Progress, V-Bucks and cosmetics stay with the account
The safest choice is to protect the account that already owns your items. Epic does not allow manual transfers of Fortnite cosmetics or items between accounts, nor does it allow two Epic accounts to be merged. Items remain on the account where they were bought, earned or claimed.
If you have an old Xbox account and another PC account with separate progress, linking the Xbox to the PC account will display the PC progress on the console. The old Xbox progress will not be added. Keeping two separate accounts is the only way to retain two distinct histories, but they will not progress together.
Before buying V-Bucks, a Battle Pass or a pack, launch Fortnite on the relevant device and check your Epic name in the lobby. For more multiplayer essentials, also visit jeu.vidéo’s esports section.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play Fortnite between PS5, Xbox, Switch and PC?
Yes, players can form a party through their Epic accounts and Epic display names. However, check that crossplay is allowed on devices where this setting exists.
Why does my friend not appear in Fortnite when we are console friends?
Add the friend from the lobby using the Epic display name. The PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo friends list does not automatically replace the Epic friend request.
I returned to Fortnite at level 1 after linking a console: what should I do?
You are probably signed in to an Epic account without your progress. Identify the account containing your items, unlink the console from the wrong account, then link it to the right one; do not buy anything before checking.
Can you merge two Fortnite accounts to recover all skins?
No. Epic does not merge accounts or transfer cosmetics, V-Bucks or items between two Epic accounts. Keep the account containing the progress you want to use.
Where can you check Fortnite crossplay rules and progression issues?
Consult Epic’s crossplay support and Epic’s progression synchronisation help before changing your linked accounts.
To keep following the subject, also read our article on Crossplay or cross-platform: check these points first and our article on PS4 crossplay games: check the edition before playing.
Verified sources
These links let you verify the key information used in this article.
- store.epicgames.com: Epic Games Store, official source provided for the Fortnite cover illustration.
- epicgames.com: Epic’s Fortnite support, for the crossplay setting path on PlayStation, Xbox settings and the current inability to disable crossplay on Switch, PC and mobile.
- epicgames.com: Epic’s Fortnite support, for adding friends from the lobby through the Epic display name and the need to allow crossplay outside PC/Mac.
- epicgames.com: Epic Accounts support, for the link between Fortnite progress and the Epic account, the inability to combine two accounts and displaying progress from the wrong account after an incorrect link.
