Best cross-platform games for PC and mobile

How cross-platform games work

Cross-platform gaming allows people to access compatible gaming experiences on different devices. However, when discussing multiplayer, the most important feature is cross-play: the ability for PC and smartphone users to participate in the same online sessions. For example, someone using a Windows computer can team up with a friend playing on Android without needing to purchase another device.

Not every game available on multiple platforms supports shared multiplayer. Some developers maintain separate servers for desktop and mobile versions, while others release simplified smartphone adaptations with different mechanics. Two games may share a name and visual style without allowing their players to interact. That's why checking cross-play compatibility matters more than simply seeing the title in both stores.

Cross-progression is another useful feature, but it works differently from cross-play. It allows players to retain their character development, achievements, and certain purchases when switching devices. A game might offer shared multiplayer without synchronizing progress, or it may support a unified account while restricting particular multiplayer activities.

Availability also varies between platforms. Many mobile games are free-to-play with optional purchases, while other titles require separate purchases for PC, Android, and iOS. Regional store restrictions and hardware requirements can affect which versions are available. Before choosing a new game, it's worth checking whether all participants can install compatible editions.

Overall, cross-platform gaming offers greater freedom. You can enjoy detailed graphics and comfortable controls at home, then continue playing on a smartphone when you're away from your computer.

How PC and smartphone players play together

Most cross-platform multiplayer games connect players through shared servers and account systems. Each device communicates with the same online environment, allowing participants to interact regardless of their hardware. After creating an account, players can usually add friends, exchange invitations, and join a shared session.

Different games use different connection methods. Fortnite relies on Epic Games accounts, while Minecraft: Bedrock Edition uses Microsoft accounts for cross-platform features. Other titles provide friend codes, room identifiers, or shared servers. Once everyone has joined, the experience generally works like ordinary online multiplayer.

The biggest difference between PC and mobile gaming involves controls. Computer players typically use keyboards and mice, which provide precise aiming and access to numerous commands. Smartphone users rely on touchscreen interfaces adapted for smaller displays. Developers sometimes introduce controller support, customizable buttons, or matchmaking adjustments to make the experience more comfortable.

Performance can also vary considerably. A powerful gaming computer may display complex environments with high graphics settings, while a phone uses reduced visual effects to maintain a playable frame rate. These differences don't necessarily prevent players from completing the same missions, although competitive games may feel different depending on the device.

A stable internet connection remains essential. High latency can make aiming difficult, delay movement, and interfere with coordinated actions. For longer sessions, reliable Wi-Fi is often preferable to an unstable mobile connection. Battery consumption and device temperature are also worth considering when playing demanding games on a smartphone.

Popular genres of cross-platform games

Cross-platform multiplayer is available across numerous genres, from competitive shooters to relaxing sandbox adventures. Choosing the right type of game depends on whether you prefer intense matches, exploration, creative construction, or long-term character development.

Shooters and battle royale games

Shooters are among the most recognizable cross-platform multiplayer experiences. Players form squads, collect weapons, and compete against other teams while coordinating their movements and strategies. Fortnite is a strong example, combining accessible team-based action with different modes suited to casual and competitive players. These games reward quick reactions, accurate aiming, and effective communication.

RPGs and cooperative adventures

Role-playing games offer a more relaxed approach to multiplayer. Players explore large environments, develop characters, unlock abilities, and defeat challenging enemies together. Games such as Genshin Impact and Warframe provide progression systems that encourage players to return regularly. Cooperative gameplay can be especially rewarding when teammates combine different abilities.

Survival and sandbox games

Sandbox games allow players to create their own objectives instead of following a fixed storyline. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition lets friends construct settlements, gather materials, and explore dangerous environments together. Such games are ideal for long-term projects because different participants can specialize in building, crafting, or exploration.

Arcade games and fighting games

Arcade games and fighters are excellent for shorter sessions. Their basic mechanics are usually easy to understand, but mastering them can take considerable practice. Brawlhalla focuses on competitive platform fighting, while Among Us offers an unusual combination of social deduction and teamwork. Both can create memorable multiplayer moments without requiring a lengthy campaign.

Massively multiplayer online games

MMOs connect large numbers of players in persistent online worlds. Instead of completing isolated matches, participants develop characters, join guilds, trade resources, and take part in large community activities. Albion Online demonstrates how a shared world can function across desktop and mobile devices, allowing players to continue their adventures at home or on the move.

Best cross-platform games for PC and mobile

Our selection includes eight games that support shared multiplayer between compatible PC and smartphone versions. We've considered gameplay variety, online features, accessibility, and the experience of switching between devices. The ratings below use our editorial ten-point scale rather than official scores from Steam, Google Play, or the App Store.

Fortnite — free cross-platform battle royale

Platforms: PC, Android, iOS and consoles. Editorial rating: 9.5/10. Availability: Free-to-play, online multiplayer with optional purchases; mobile availability depends on device and region.

Fortnite is one of the most recognizable examples of cross-platform multiplayer. Players can form squads across supported devices, enter battle royale matches, collect equipment, and compete to become the last surviving team. Traditional Battle Royale includes building mechanics, while Zero Build focuses on movement, positioning, and gunplay without requiring players to construct defensive structures.

The main appeal is how easily friends can join the same party. An Android player can coordinate with someone using a PC, share supplies, and participate in the same battles. Regular updates and additional experiences provide plenty of variety beyond traditional competitive matches. Fortnite is an excellent option for gamers seeking fast action without paying for the core game.

Minecraft: Bedrock Edition — build a shared world

Platforms: Windows PC, Android, iOS and supported consoles. Editorial rating: 9.7/10. Availability: Paid, with single-player and multiplayer; separate platform purchases may be required.

Minecraft: Bedrock Edition offers almost unlimited opportunities for creativity. Players can explore enormous worlds, gather materials, construct buildings, and survive encounters with hostile creatures. Cross-play makes it possible for a computer user to collaborate with friends on Android or iPhone, turning even a simple building project into a shared adventure.

The game is particularly enjoyable when everyone contributes differently. One player can explore caves while another develops farms or designs a large settlement. Over time, these smaller achievements become an impressive shared world. However, PC users should choose Bedrock Edition for ordinary cross-play with phones, since the standard Java Edition uses a separate multiplayer system.

Genshin Impact — explore a fantasy world together

Platforms: Windows PC, Android, iOS, PlayStation and Xbox. Editorial rating: 9.4/10. Availability: Free-to-play, with optional purchases and cooperative multiplayer.

Genshin Impact is an open-world action RPG set in the fantasy world of Teyvat. Players travel through diverse regions, uncover stories, collect characters, and develop powerful combat abilities. Exploration includes solving environmental puzzles, discovering hidden locations, and facing enemies with different strengths and weaknesses.

Cooperative multiplayer lets friends join compatible worlds and tackle selected activities together after unlocking the feature. Elemental abilities create opportunities for teamwork, particularly during challenging encounters. The game also supports account-based cross-progression, allowing players to continue their adventures between PC and mobile devices. Some story content remains primarily single-player, so it's best viewed as an RPG with cooperative features rather than a completely shared campaign.

Warframe — cooperative sci-fi action

Platforms: PC, Android, iOS and supported consoles. Editorial rating: 9.3/10. Availability: Free-to-play, online multiplayer with optional purchases.

Warframe is a fast-paced science-fiction action game where players control powerful warriors known as Tenno. Missions involve fighting hostile factions, collecting materials, unlocking equipment, and improving combat abilities. Its movement system encourages fast action, while the wide variety of weapons and character builds creates different ways to approach battles.

Cross-platform multiplayer allows PC and mobile users to participate in shared missions on supported devices. Friends can coordinate their abilities, complete objectives, and develop equipment through cooperative gameplay. Warframe also offers account-linking features for cross-platform progression. Its extensive content makes it particularly attractive to gamers who enjoy combat-focused adventures and long-term character development.

Among Us — teamwork, deception, and suspicion

Platforms: PC, Android, iOS and supported consoles. Editorial rating: 9.0/10. Availability: Free on Android and iOS with optional purchases; generally paid on PC and consoles.

Among Us is a social deduction game where players attempt to complete tasks while identifying hidden impostors. Ordinary crewmates work to maintain their surroundings, while impostors secretly sabotage operations and eliminate other participants. The result is a multiplayer experience built around observation, discussion, and carefully timed decisions.

Cross-play makes it easy to bring together friends using computers and smartphones. Players can enter the same lobby through room codes and participate in discussions regardless of their device. The controls are straightforward, making Among Us suitable for casual gaming sessions. However, it requires a larger group rather than just two players to deliver its full social deduction experience.

Brawlhalla — competitive fighting across devices

Platforms: PC, Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. Editorial rating: 9.2/10. Availability: Free-to-play, online and supported local multiplayer, optional cosmetic purchases.

Brawlhalla is a colorful platform fighting game where players compete to knock opponents out of the arena. Each playable fighter has different weapons and movement characteristics, allowing players to develop their own combat style. Matches are fast, and success depends on positioning, timing, and learning how opponents behave.

The game supports cross-play between desktop, mobile, and console users, making it convenient for friends who prefer different hardware. Its accessible rules make the first few matches enjoyable, while competitive modes offer a substantial challenge for experienced players. Brawlhalla is a particularly good pick for short online sessions and players who enjoy improving their skills over time.

Roblox — discover multiplayer worlds with friends

Platforms: Windows PC, macOS, Android, iOS and supported consoles. Editorial rating: 9.1/10. Availability: Free platform with optional purchases; individual experiences may have additional requirements.

Roblox is a platform containing an enormous variety of community-created experiences rather than a single traditional game. Players can discover obstacle courses, racing competitions, role-playing environments, survival adventures, and countless other activities. This variety makes it easy to switch between different gameplay styles without downloading a separate game for every session.

Many Roblox experiences support interaction between PC and mobile players. Friends can join compatible servers, explore locations together, and participate in shared activities. However, not every individual experience provides the same controls or platform support. Roblox is best suited to players who enjoy experimenting with new multiplayer ideas and exploring creative worlds.

Albion Online — a persistent cross-platform MMORPG

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and Xbox Series X|S. Editorial rating: 9.0/10. Availability: Free-to-play, online multiplayer with optional premium features.

Albion Online is a sandbox MMORPG focused on character development, crafting, trading, and large-scale conflicts. Unlike traditional RPGs with fixed character classes, equipment determines many of your abilities. Players can specialize in different activities, from gathering materials and manufacturing equipment to exploring dangerous territories and participating in organized battles.

Its shared online world connects desktop and mobile users, allowing them to interact with the same communities and participate in guild activities. Economic development and player-driven markets add considerable depth, while dangerous regions introduce meaningful risk. Albion Online is a strong option for anyone looking for a persistent fantasy adventure that can continue across multiple devices.

About our game: WarForGalaxy

Looking for a cross-platform experience where your decisions shape the future of an entire civilization? WarForGalaxy is a free online multiplayer 4X space strategy game where players develop planetary colonies, research advanced technologies, and compete for control of valuable territories across the galaxy. Instead of focusing on short matches, the game offers long-term empire development and strategic interaction with commanders around the world.

Your journey begins with a small planetary settlement. By gathering resources, constructing infrastructure, and upgrading production systems, you gradually transform your colony into a growing interstellar power. As your empire expands, new opportunities emerge through exploration, technological research, and fleet development. Careful planning becomes essential when deciding which planets to develop and how to defend your territory.

Multiplayer interaction is an important part of WarForGalaxy. You can establish alliances, cooperate with friends, coordinate military operations, and participate in wars for control of strategic locations. Other empires are managed by real players, so diplomacy and cooperation can be just as valuable as having a powerful fleet. Every alliance creates new possibilities, while every conflict can change the balance of power.

The game also features Hermes, an AI assistant designed to help players analyze strategic situations and handle routine empire-management tasks. This additional support allows commanders to focus more attention on expansion, research, and cooperation with their allies.

WarForGalaxy is cross-platform and accessible on computers and mobile devices. On PC, you can play directly in a web browser without downloading or installing a separate client. Mobile versions make it convenient to manage your empire from Android smartphones or iPhones, allowing your galactic ambitions to continue beyond your desktop.

Ready to establish your own interstellar civilization? Play WarForGalaxy for free and begin developing your first planet. Build powerful fleets, join alliances with players from around the world, and prove that your strategy can change the future of the galaxy.