A co-op game gets announced, and the first thing people want to know is whether they can squad up with friends on different platforms. Dying Light: The Beast is launching soon, and that same question is popping up again.

Dying Light: The Beast Crossplay

This game is built for co-op. The Dying Light series has always leaned into playing together, and The Beast sticks to that formula. It’s up to four players teaming up, exploring Castor Woods, scavenging, and facing the nightmare together. So yeah, naturally people want crossplay.

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Dying Light: The Beast will not support crossplay at launch. Everyone needs to be on the same platform. Techland has confirmed this is how it’s going to be for now.

The game drops on September 18, 2025. Platforms include PC (Steam and Epic), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, and Xbox Series X and S. Older-gen versions for PS4 and Xbox One are planned for late 2025, but cross-generation play isn’t likely. There’s no official statement confirming it either way, but expectations should be low.

Will It Ever Happen?

Will crossplay come later? Maybe. The game’s director, Tymon Smektala, said it’s being considered for the future. That’s not a yes, but it’s not a no either. It’s disappointing not to have it from day one, especially for a co-op-first game in 2025, but right now that’s the situation. Players shouldn’t get their hopes up too high.

The lack of crossplay might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but it limits flexibility. These days, plenty of multiplayer games support it at launch, and it feels like an expected feature more than a bonus. Not including it splits the player base and makes it harder for friends to group up.

Co-op Structure and Progression

At least there’s some good news on how co-op works. The game sticks to the classic model: up to four players all playing as Kyle Crane. Shared progression is in. That means when you and your friends play together, everyone keeps their progress. No more solo replays just to catch up. This is a big shift from Dying Light 2, where only the host kept story progress. Players were vocal about that, and it looks like Techland listened.

Shared progression makes a huge difference. It turns every session into meaningful playtime for the whole group. You level up, collect loot, unlock story progress, and it all stays with you. Nobody has to pick between helping a friend and making progress in their own game.

Gameplay, Setting, and Features

You’ll once again take control of Kyle Crane, this time after he’s been experimented on by the Baron. He’s half man, half beast, and that duality drives the gameplay. Expect two distinct playstyles depending on the time of day, plus brutal combat, parkour, and open-world vehicle traversal. The setting is Castor Woods, inspired by the Swiss Alps, complete with creepy towns, swamps, and industrial ruins.

The game keeps the signature day and night cycle. During the day, you scavenge, explore, and build up resources. At night, the danger level spikes. Enemies become more aggressive, and your character’s beastly powers become more relevant. Managing this balance adds tension and forces tactical decisions.

Is It Worth It Without Crossplay?

That depends on your setup. If your friends are all on the same platform, it’s not a problem. But for mixed-platform groups, it is a limitation. The lack of crossplay doesn’t ruin the game, but it does feel behind the times.

On the other hand, the promise of shared progression, better co-op structure, and a refined story experience makes it worth considering. If you enjoyed the first two Dying Light games, this is shaping up to be a strong continuation.

The upgrade in co-op systems is a standout feature. It addresses real complaints from the last entry and fixes what didn’t work. That alone might be enough for returning players to give it a shot.

Final Thoughts

Dying Light: The Beast may not have crossplay at launch, but it’s still aiming to deliver a tight, story-driven co-op experience. With shared progression, strong traversal, and a new take on Kyle Crane, there’s plenty to look forward to. The platform limitations are a letdown, but not a deal-breaker for everyone.

In a crowded release schedule, this one stands out because it knows its identity. It’s about survival, movement, and group gameplay. If Techland follows through on its promise of a better multiplayer experience, that will carry a lot of weight.