Giants Software has just announced a real bombshell! This had been mentioned during the Farmcon 21, but Giants Software could not yet say. It is now confirmed via this post on the game's blog, the Farming Simulator 22 multiplayer will be Cross-Platform. This means that console and PC players will be able to play the same online game together.
What platforms are supported?
Giants Software leaves no one on the sidelines. Everyone can play together: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S / X players, and even Google Stadia players!
Up to how many players?
If the server hosting the game is a PC (PC player or dedicated server), a total of 16 players will be able to connect simultaneously. If it is a console that hosts the game, then only 6 players will be able to play together, which is already a very good number.
Can we turn off crossplay?
Yes, you will be able to use filters to prevent players from another platform from joining your server. For PlayStation and Xbox players, you can deactivate the crossplateform in user preferences.
What about backups?
Nothing visibly changes. It is always the server which saves the game. Players who join the game will not have access to the save after the game is over.
Mods and DLC
Like Farming Simulator 19, players will need to have the same versions of DLC and mods to start a multiplayer game. Mods which have 2 versions (one for PC with personalized scripts, and a version for consoles without script) cannot therefore be used a priori. In any case, it will be necessary to go through the official mods to fully and calmly benefit from the crossplay.
Dedicated server, finally for console players
This is ultimately a giant leap for PS and Xbox players since they will now be able to rent a dedicated server, at verygames for example, to enjoy the game at 16, like PC gamers.
Regarding the slots available on consoles
The platform that hosts the game defines the initial limit of available slots. If a player with fewer slots available on their platform joins the game, they will set the new slots limit for everyone based on their platform.
If a server already has more slots occupied than slots available on your console, then it will not be possible to join the server. Note that old and new generation consoles do not have the same number of slots available. Which further complicates matters.
Colors to see more clearly
Giants Software also posted 2 screenshots of the PDA in multiplayer mode. You can see a pretty cool color scheme that shows at a glance who owns the machines and plots. Take a look for yourselves.