Cross-progression means your progress in a game, such as levels, items and unlocks, is tied to one account and carries over between platforms.
If a game has cross-progression, you can start on a console, continue on PC and keep your character and cosmetics. It is also called cross-save, though the two words are used a little differently from game to game.
How players use it
- "Does this game have cross-progression? I play on PlayStation and PC."
- "Cross-progression is on, my skins showed up on PlayStation."
- "No cross-save, so I am staying on one platform."
- "Link your account and your progress follows you."
How it works
Most games that offer it ask you to link your platform accounts to a single publisher account, such as an Epic Games account or an account from the game's studio. After linking, the account stores your progress on the publisher's servers and shows it on every platform you sign in from. Fortnite and Rocket League tie progress to an Epic Games account, and recent Call of Duty games share progression across platforms through an Activision account.
Details differ per game. Some carry over everything, others only some items, levels or currencies, and purchases made on a platform may follow store rules. Check the game's official support page before you buy something on a new platform.
Cross-progression versus crossplay
These are two separate features, and a game can have one without the other:
- Crossplay lets you play in the same match as players on other platforms.
- Cross-progression lets you keep the same account progress across platforms.
A game can have crossplay but no cross-progression, which means you can play together but your characters stay separate on each platform. Another game can have cross-progression but no crossplay, which means you can move your account between platforms but not play with friends on them.
Why it matters when you pick a platform
Check cross-progression before you buy a game on a platform. It lets you switch later without losing what you earned, and it helps if friends play on another system. Once you know where your friends are, you can find players for the same game and region and start playing together.
Related terms
FAQ
Is cross-progression the same as crossplay?
No. Crossplay is about playing together in one match. Cross-progression is about keeping your progress when you change platform.
Do all games with crossplay have cross-progression?
No. Many games offer one but not the other. Check each game's official information.
Does cross-progression include purchases?
It depends on the game. Many publishers link purchased cosmetics to your account, but store rules and exceptions exist, so read the game's FAQ first.