Grounded: How to Enable Crossplay and Link the Correct Xbox Account

Prepare the account before enabling crossplay

Grounded uses a free Xbox Live account for cross-platform multiplayer, Shared Worlds, and uploading or downloading Playgrounds. The account requirement covers those features even when you play through a different supported platform. [1]

Obsidian’s setup page also reminds players about their platform’s online-service subscription requirements. Check the requirements of the platform you are actually using; the free Xbox account does not by itself replace a console’s online subscription. [1]

Find the crossplay switch

Before linking, the top-right identity under the game version may show your Xbox Gamertag, PlayStation Online ID or Nintendo nickname. That is where the final confirmation will also appear, so note the displayed identity before beginning. [1]

Steps

1. Open Options, scroll to Enable Crossplay and switch it on. [1]
2. Read the explanation that appears. Use the back-out option if you need to check the account first; choose Continue when ready to proceed. [1]

Complete the code-based sign-in

After Continue, follow the additional instructions for linking the Microsoft/Xbox account. This is an account-linking step, not merely a graphics or multiplayer preference. [1]

Steps

1. On the device used for sign-in, enter the code the game provides and log into the Microsoft/Xbox account you intend to use. [1]
2. Wait for the successful-login confirmation screen, then return to the game’s main menu. [1]
3. Check the top-right main-menu identity for your Xbox Gamertag. The developer identifies this as the completion signal. [1]

Choose a host for mixed-platform play

When friends use different platforms, Obsidian recommends that a player other than the Nintendo player host for the best experience. Use that recommendation when the group decides who starts the session. [1]

What this enables for Shared Worlds

A Shared World is stored in the cloud and can be shared with friends so they can host while the owner is offline. Linking the account enables the feature’s account requirement; it does not mean every existing local world has automatically been shared. [2]

The developer’s Shared Worlds instructions place conversion from a Standard World in the Save/Load menu. This is separate from enabling crossplay in Options. [2]