Cross-play vs Cross-progression (don’t mix these up)

Cross-play and cross-progression sound similar, but they solve different problems:

• Cross-play = you and your friends can play together even if you’re on different platforms (PC, PS5, mobile).
• Cross-progression = you can keep the same character and progress across platforms by linking accounts correctly.

Why the difference matters:

You can have cross-play available and still lose cross-progression if you create a new character on the wrong platform before linking.

Supported platforms for cross-play and cross-progression (2025)

Multiple 2025 guides confirm cross-play and cross-progression across the major platforms:

• PC (Steam / Epic Games Store / Official PC launcher)
• PlayStation 5
• Mobile (iOS and Android)

The official account-linking guide specifically highlights cross-progression across Steam, Epic, the official PC launcher, and PlayStation, and the official Mobile Launch FAQ confirms mobile also supports cross-progression and cross-play.

What “cross-progression” actually shares

When account linking is done correctly, cross-progression is meant to carry:

• Your character and story progress
• Your world progression and unlocks
• Your inventory and progression systems tied to the linked account

The official Mobile Launch FAQ also states that mobile cross-progression is designed to allow seamless access to character data, game progress, and purchases—but that statement needs to be understood alongside the PlayStation purchase restrictions explained later (because “purchases” can be platform-bound depending on store policies).

The golden rules of account linking (these prevent 95% of disasters)

If you remember nothing else, remember these rules from the official linking guide and major 2025 explainers:

• Rule 1: Link BEFORE creating a character on the new platform.
• If you’re syncing an existing character (say, from PC to mobile), you must link first, or log in using the same linked account—otherwise you create separate character data that can’t be merged.
• Rule 2: You cannot link two accounts if both already have characters.
• The official guide says linking will not be possible if both accounts already have an existing character.

These two rules explain almost every “my cross-progression is broken” story.

How cross-progression linking works (the simple model)

Where Winds Meet cross-progression is built around the idea that one underlying game identity can be connected to multiple login channels.

The official guide explicitly says you can link multiple accounts together—examples include linking Steam, PSN, and Gmail—so you can play across platforms.

Practical interpretation:

• Your “main” character lives on the account you started with.
• You attach other platforms to it using the Link Account tool.
• Once attached, those platforms should open the same progression (as long as you didn’t create a separate character first).

Step-by-step: how to link accounts safely (official method)

This is the official path, summarized into a “do it without stress” flow.

Linking from PS5 / Steam / Epic (in-game menu path)

The official guide states PS5, Steam, and Epic players can link accounts inside the game via:

Settings → Other → User Center → Link Account

Use this if you already have a character and need to attach another platform to that character—just make sure you haven’t created a new character on the new platform you’re attaching.

Linking from the Official PC Launcher (title screen path)

The official guide gives a separate flow for the official launcher:

1. Log in to the game Title Screen
2. Go to User Center → Link Account
3. Link your accounts

This is often considered the cleanest “hub” route because it happens before you’re deep into gameplay.

Mobile linking rule (official)

The official Mobile Launch FAQ is very clear:

• If you’ve already played on PC or console, you must link your mobile account BEFORE creating a character on mobile, or log in on mobile using your current linked account.
• If both accounts have existing character data, you will not be able to link them.

So the safest mobile approach is:

• Don’t press “Create Character” on mobile until you’re sure you’re signed into the same linked identity you use on PC/PS5.

Common cross-progression scenarios (and the correct way to do each)

These examples match the official rules and are the situations most players actually face.

Scenario 1: You started on Steam and now want to play on PS5

Correct approach:

• On PS5, go to the account linking menu and link your Steam account to your PS account as described in the official guide.
• Avoid:
• Creating a new PS5 character first (this can block linking because you’d have characters on both sides).

Scenario 2: You started on PS5 and now want to play on PC

Correct approach:

• Use the Link Account tool (either from the in-game PS5 path or from the PC title screen path) and attach the other platform to your existing progression.
• Avoid:
• Starting a separate character on PC before linking.

Scenario 3: You started on PC/PS5 and now want to play on mobile

Correct approach:

• On mobile, link before character creation or log in using the same linked account so your existing character loads.
• Avoid:
• “Just trying mobile” by creating a new character first. This is the #1 cause of failed mobile linking.

Scenario 4: You already created a character on both platforms

This is the problem case. The official rule says linking won’t be possible if both accounts already have a character.

Realistic options usually are:

• Choose which character you truly want to keep as your “main”
• If support tools exist for character deletion/cleanup, you may need that route (some community guides mention support involvement for impossible links, but the official rule itself is the key reality).

Cross-play co-op: how to play with friends across platforms

Cross-play isn’t just “it exists”—you need the right invite method.

A 2025 multiplayer guide explains you can invite friends through your platform network (Steam/PSN), or generate a co-op code to share with cross-platform players. It also notes a maximum of five players in a session including yourself (so up to four friends).

That lines up with PlayStation’s description of being able to open your campaign to up to four friends.

How to invite same-platform friends (Steam or PSN)

• Use the normal friend invite flow inside the co-op interface
• These invites are usually the smoothest because the platform overlay handles identity and acceptance

How to invite cross-platform friends (co-op code method)

• Host a co-op session
• Generate a co-op code in the invite menu
• Send the code to your friend (PC ↔ PS5 ↔ mobile)
• They enter the code to join your session

This is the best method when you and your friend are not on the same platform network.

Cross-play expectations (what usually works and what can feel confusing)

Cross-play works best when you align three things:

• You are in the correct mode/session type for co-op
• You’ve linked accounts correctly (so your identity is consistent)
• You understand server/local region matchmaking behavior (explained below)

Even when cross-play is supported, multiplayer systems can still prefer nearby players for smoother latency.

Servers and regions: how they affect cross-play and your friend list

Where Winds Meet may route players to a local server for latency, even while still operating under a broader global structure.

A 2025 server guide states:

• The game can automatically direct you to a local server for better latency
• There is currently no confirmed option to change servers
• You can still play on different local servers by visiting another player’s world located in a different region

What this means for cross-play:

• Cross-play can exist while still having “local server” behavior behind the scenes
• Playing with a far-away friend may feel different (latency, matchmaking pool)
• Visiting a friend’s world can effectively place you into their region environment for that session

Cross-progression and purchases: the part most guides don’t explain clearly

This is where many players get surprised: even if your character progress is shared, some purchases and premium rewards can be platform-bound, especially on PlayStation.

The official PlayStation Store notice explains several key restrictions:

• Echo Beads purchased on PlayStation (top-ups and monthly passes) are only visible and usable on PlayStation Network, and not visible/usable on other platforms.
• Echo Beads purchased on other platforms are only visible/usable on those platforms, and not on PlayStation Network.

So you can think of premium currency as having separate “wallets” depending on where it was purchased.

First purchase bonus: one-time across all platforms

The official notice also states:

• The first purchase bonus for Echo Jade is available once per account across all platforms.
• If you get the Echo Jade bonus via the PlayStation Store, that bonus becomes unavailable on other platforms.

This matters if you were planning to “claim the bonus twice” on different stores—officially, it’s one-time.

Battle pass purchase and reward-claiming restrictions (very important)

The same official notice says battle pass reward claiming is also platform-restricted:

• Premium battle pass rewards purchased on PlayStation Store can only be claimed on PlayStation Network.
• Premium battle pass rewards purchased elsewhere can only be claimed on those platforms; they may be visible on the other platform but not claimable.
• It also describes a workaround: purchasing different tiers on different platforms can allow claiming rewards on both, depending on which tier you buy where.

Practical advice:

• If you want the least headache, buy your battle pass on the platform you play on the most
• If you play 50/50 across platforms, read the purchase/claim rules carefully before buying anything premium

(And if you’re not an adult, always ask a parent/guardian before spending money in any game.)

Pre-order and beta rewards: how claiming works with cross-progression

The official linking guide includes several reward-claiming notes that matter if you played beta, pre-registered, or pre-ordered:

• Milestone rewards are delivered via in-game mail once your character reaches Level 5.
• Pre-registration rewards are received after completing the main quest “Homecoming.”
• If you purchased a PlayStation preorder bundle, you need to log in on PlayStation 5 at least once to claim the bundle bonuses.
• For beta testing: log in with the same account channel used during beta, and if switching platform, link before creating a character.

In short:

• Progress can be shared, but some reward eligibility and claiming can still depend on where you log in at least once.

Mobile differences you should know before switching devices

Cross-progression is not just about your character loading—it’s also about how the game feels and what the mobile client changes by default.

The official Mobile Launch FAQ lists several mobile-specific adjustments:

• New characters created on mobile can initially select only Story or Recommended difficulty; Expert becomes available after reaching Lv. 30.
• If you want to experience the current highest difficulty (Legend), the FAQ recommends creating an account on PC first; characters created on PC at Legend difficulty retain that status when you log in on mobile.
• Assist Deflection is turned on by default for new mobile characters (you can turn it off in settings).
• Mobile skill key layouts are currently not customizable (custom key settings planned for a future update).
• Some cutscenes may switch from real-time rendering to video playback on mobile for stability on certain devices, which may increase data usage.

What this means for cross-progression:

• Your character can transfer, but your comfort and difficulty experience can change depending on where the character was created and what defaults the client uses.

Best practices for smooth cross-device play (PC ↔ PS5 ↔ mobile)

These tips are designed to prevent the most common friction points.

Decide your “main platform” first

Because purchases and premium rewards can be platform-bound (especially PSN), picking a main platform helps you avoid splitting your premium currency and pass claims.

Link accounts before you experiment

If you plan to try a new platform “just to see how it feels,” do the linking first and log in carefully—don’t create a second character.

Use mobile as a “continuation device,” not a new start

Mobile is perfect for:

• daily chores
• quick exploration
• light farming
• casual co-op

But if you care about the highest difficulty or PC-first control mastery, the official FAQ’s guidance is clear: create the highest-difficulty baseline on PC and then carry it to mobile.

Treat co-op codes as your cross-platform “friend connector”

If you’re trying to co-op with someone on another platform, don’t waste time searching menus—use the code invite method described in co-op guides.

Troubleshooting: fix the most common cross-progression problems

This section covers what most players experience without turning into a wall of technical jargon.

Problem: “I can’t link accounts anymore”

Most likely cause:

• You created a character on the new platform first, so both accounts now have character data. The official rules say linking won’t be possible in that case.

What you can do:

• Decide which character matters most (your main)
• Avoid creating further characters on other platforms
• Look for official support options if they exist, because the official rule prevents self-fixing in many cases

Problem: “My character progress transfers, but my purchases don’t”

This is expected in some cases, particularly on PlayStation:

• Echo Beads purchased on PSN are only usable on PSN, and non-PSN purchases are only usable where they were bought.
• Battle pass premium rewards can be visible cross-platform but only claimable on the purchase platform.

Fix:

• Claim rewards on the platform you purchased them on
• Plan future purchases around your main platform

Problem: “Mobile difficulty options look limited”

This is normal for new mobile characters:

• Mobile initially limits new characters to Story/Recommended, with Expert at Lv. 30.
• If you want Legend difficulty, the official FAQ suggests creating the account/character on PC first and then using cross-progression to carry it over.

Problem: “Cross-play party feels laggy with far-away friends”

Local server routing can prioritize latency. A server guide says you’re more likely to match with nearby players and you may be assigned a local server, while still being able to visit players in other regions by joining their world.

Best approach:

• Let the host be the player with the strongest/most stable connection
• Prefer co-op sessions over matchmaking if you’re playing cross-region
• Keep expectations realistic if you’re playing across very distant regions

BoostRoom: make cross-play and cross-progression painless

If you want cross-device play to feel smooth—especially when you’re juggling platforms, co-op sessions, and platform-bound reward rules—BoostRoom helps you stay focused on the fun parts.

How BoostRoom helps

• Clean guidance on account linking so you avoid the “two characters can’t link” trap
• Co-op session support (including cross-platform party setup and code-based joining)
• Progression planning that accounts for platform-bound purchases and battle pass reward claiming rules (especially PSN)
• Mobile/PC playstyle adjustments so your build and settings feel good across devices (including mobile’s default Assist Deflection and difficulty differences)

BoostRoom is for players who want consistent progress and clean coordination—without wasting sessions troubleshooting menus.

FAQ

Is Where Winds Meet cross-play between PC, PS5, and mobile?

Yes. 2025 guides and official mobile communication confirm cross-play across PC, PS5, and mobile (iOS/Android).

Is cross-progression supported across all platforms?

The official linking guide confirms cross-progression across Steam, Epic, the official PC launcher, and PlayStation, and the official Mobile FAQ confirms mobile also supports cross-progression.

What’s the biggest mistake that breaks cross-progression?

Creating a character on the new platform before linking. The official rules say you must link before creating a new character, and accounts with characters on both sides cannot be linked.

How many friends can join my co-op session?

A multiplayer guide states you can have a maximum of five players in a session including yourself (so up to four friends). PlayStation also describes opening your campaign to up to four friends.

Why can’t I use my premium currency on another platform?

The official PlayStation notice explains that Echo Beads purchased on PSN are only visible/usable on PSN, and purchases made on other platforms are only visible/usable on those platforms.

Are battle pass rewards shared across platforms?

Not always. The official notice says premium battle pass rewards can be claimable only on the platform where the pass was purchased (even if visible elsewhere).

Why does mobile feel different even with the same character?

The official Mobile FAQ lists mobile-specific adjustments: initial difficulty limits for new mobile characters, default Assist Deflection settings, non-customizable key layouts (for now), and performance-driven cutscene changes.

Final takeaway

Cross-play and cross-progression in Where Winds Meet are powerful—and officially supported across PC, PS5, and mobile—but the system demands correct setup: link accounts before creating characters on new platforms, use co-op codes for cross-platform parties, and understand that purchases and premium reward claiming can be platform-bound, especially on PlayStation Network. Follow the golden rules once and you’ll be able to move freely across devices without losing your journey.