Tears of Metal Crossplay: Steam and PC Game Pass Status

Tears of Metal has cross-store multiplayer between its PC releases, but crossplay is temporarily disabled on the newest standard Steam version. As of version 0.11.57863, Steam players who need crossplay must select the optional Crossplay beta branch, which keeps the game on an older compatible build.

Use that branch when one player owns the Steam version and another is playing through Xbox on PC or PC Game Pass. Players who all use the same storefront should normally stay on the current standard build.

Current crossplay status

The tradeoff is important: the crossplay beta branch is an older version and may not contain the latest balance changes, performance work, bug fixes, or unlock changes.

How to enable the Crossplay branch on Steam

1. Close Tears of Metal.
2. Open your Steam Library.
3. Right-click Tears of Metal and select Properties.
4. Open the Betas tab.
5. Choose Crossplay from the beta participation list.
6. Close the Properties window and let Steam download the branch.
7. Launch the game only after the update is complete.
8. Finish the tutorial and create the lobby from the village.

Every Steam player joining the cross-store lobby should use the same branch. If one Steam player remains on the standard build, the group can end up on incompatible versions.

How to leave the Crossplay branch

When you no longer need cross-store multiplayer:

1. Close the game.
2. Return to Steam Library → Tears of Metal → Properties → Betas.
3. Select the option for no beta participation or the standard branch.
4. Let Steam update the game before launching it again.

This returns you to the newest balance and bug-fix version. Recheck Ruadh and other unlocks after changing branches, because the older crossplay build may use earlier requirements.

Crossplay lobby does not appear

Check these items before changing router settings:

1. Finish the tutorial on every account. In-game invites become available from the village.
2. Confirm the Steam branch. Steam players must be on Crossplay while the standard branch remains incompatible.
3. Restart after switching branches. Do not leave an old game process running during the update.
4. Create a fresh lobby. Do not reuse a listing created before everyone finished updating.
5. Invite from inside the game. The village multiplayer menu is the supported starting point.
6. Try a different host. Current multiplayer can desync more often through distant relay connections.

If the lobby connects but the run desyncs, continue with the co-op connection fixes.

Why is crossplay on an older branch?

Paper Cult fixed a launch-day problem that initially prevented crossplay, but later patches temporarily separated the standard version from the compatible crossplay build. The studio has kept the older branch available while newer performance, balance, and networking changes are developed.

The current 0.11.57863 notes still say crossplay compatibility is disabled on that version. There is no announced standard-branch restoration date yet.

Frequently asked questions

Can Steam play with PC Game Pass?

Yes, by using the Steam Crossplay beta branch while crossplay remains disabled on the newest standard build.

Does every Steam player need the beta branch?

Every Steam player joining a cross-store group should use the same compatible branch.

Should a Steam-only group use the Crossplay branch?

No. Stay on the current standard branch unless you specifically need to connect to another PC storefront.

Does the crossplay branch include the newest patch?

No. Its purpose is to preserve compatibility on an older version, so it can lag behind current fixes and balance changes.

Last updated August 2, 2026