Microsoft updated Gears of War 4 to support cross-play between Xbox One and PC players earlier this year. Initially, this update only applied to social matches but developer; The Coalition announced on it’s website this week that the cross-play feature will expand to ranked matches as well. The developer stated that it is aware that some players are concerned of certain advantages that players on one platform might have over the other. Stating that players that are using a mouse and key board seem to have the upper hand. However, these cross-play matches will not be forced.
On the Xbox One, players can choose whether they would want to play with or without Windows 10 players in Core or Competitive playlists. On Windows 10 there won’t be a toggle available to the players, however “As we want to make sure Windows 10 players experience any Ranked Playlists, the toggle will not be available on Windows 10.”
said The Coalition. The new ranked cross-play toggle will be available for Xbox One later this year although a specific release date has not been announced. The Social, Competitive War Up, and special events playlists will always support cross-play.
The Coalition also stated in their post that Windows 10 players have experienced difficulties with finding matches in the Core and Competitive playlists. The new cross-play update should not only improve this but give a more immediate solution to the problem. The Coalition has also made some changes to the playlists in order to improve the situation. Given that there are fewer playlists for Gears of War 4 on Windows 10 now, the Ranked And Filed as well as serious 4.0 achievements are unattainable. Currently players must place in every playlist in order to earn them. The Coalition is addressing this issue in the games May update, “As both of these achievements will be updated for players on both platforms to only require replacement in one Core and one Competitive playlist.”