One of the best things about Rocket League is that it supports playing with friends across different platforms. Whether you're on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch, you can party up and enjoy matches together easily. However, setting up cross-platform play can seem daunting at first for newcomers. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know to get started with Rocket League cross-play.

Understanding Rocket ID

The foundation that allows Rocket League to link accounts across platforms is Rocket ID. This unique ID associated with your Psyonix account serves as your universal identifier regardless of which system you're using. All progress, items, stats, etc are tied to your Rocket ID rather than individual platform profiles.

To link platforms, you'll need to sign in with the same Epic Games account credentials on every version of Rocket League you want connected. This hooks them up behind the scenes. Ensure you always log into the same Epic account when booting up on different systems.

Adding Friends Across Platforms

Once linked, you can start adding friends no matter their platform: Open the friends list, select "Add Friend," and enter their Rocket ID including the #tag. For example, "MonkeyMan420#1234". Make sure to add the # and full number string.

Check that the person has also accepted your invite for it to take effect. Then they will appear in your friends list even if using a separate system for easy inviting to matches.

Partying Up & Voice Chat

To play together, simply invite friends to your party as normal through the in-game menu. For voice chat, services like Discord provide the best option for cross-platform communication since Rocket League does not feature built-in crossplay voice.

Be aware that Nintendo Switch users cannot join console party systems, so Discord is necessary there. You can still play matches together normally once in a lobby however.

Input Differences

One consideration for cross-platform play is input differences between controller types. While everything is viable, steering with sticks can be more challenging than keyboard/mouse for some. Communicate any input players use so teammates can adjust expectations accordingly.

Platform-Specific Tips

Here are some tips specific to pairing accounts on different systems:

PC to Console

PC players typically have an advantage given precise keyboard controls and higher framerates. Let teammates know your platform to avoid surprises.

Console to Switch

Switch frame rates are lower than consoles/PC. Inform partners so they don't blame any missed hits on latency differences.

PS4 to Xbox

Controllers are nearly identical, so no real adjustment needed between these platforms when mixing lobbies.

Playing Ranked Cross-Platform

You can queue for ranked playlists together no matter the platform combinations. However, your ranks will be specific per platform due to small differences. Also, certain modes like extra modes may not have a large player base across all devices.

For the most balanced matches, play extra and casual cross-platform while sticking to your native platform's playerbase for ranked modes focused on your skill level.

Awareness of Latency Differences

Cross-continent gameplay can introduce noticeable lag depending on both players' connection qualities and distances involved. Communicate any latency issues immediately to avoid frustration. Small stopgaps like reducing graphic quality may help if lag is specific to certain cross-platform pairings.

Dealing with Limitations

Cross-progression has a few current limitations too. Custom training packs you create cannot be accessed cross-platform yet. And the Switch version lacks features like bakkesmod plugin support or 60fps performance that PC players enjoy.

Be flexible with partners using less powerful systems – outcomes may vary slightly. Focus should remain on fun rather than minor perceived disadvantages due to specific platform features.

Finding Teammates Online

Feel free to use the Rocket League official Discord or third party LFG sites to look for cross-platform teammates. Specify your platform(s), preferred modes, languages, communication tools, and whether you welcome beginners when recruiting.

Being upfront avoids assumptions or compatibility issues down the road. Teamwork across all systems together is what Rocket League cross-play is all about once you get the hang of it!

In Summary

With a bit of setup knowledge shared here, Rocket League truly becomes an experience that unites the global community regardless of platform preferences. Mastering the ins and outs of cross-play opens the door to matches, tournaments, events and ranked grinding alongside the entire player base rather than a subset. So go ahead – add friends across systems, coordinate on Discord, and most importantly just have fun playing Rocket League together!