You not must hyperlink a Microsoft and Steam account to play Grounded‘s multiplayer on Valve’s platform. Should you’ve already linked these accounts to play the sport, now you can delink them and select to simply play with others on Steam as an alternative. Whereas options like crossplay nonetheless require each accounts to be linked, Microsoft’s choice to provide gamers the selection is available in stark distinction to PlayStation’s Steam technique. This comes as video games like Helldivers 2 and God of Struggle Ragnarok have come underneath hearth this 12 months for his or her PSN hyperlinks, with solely the previous eradicating the requirement.
As of Monday September 30, you not want a Microsoft account to play Grounded on Steam. You possibly can log in to the Valve storefront and play multiplayer periods of the survival game with anybody in your pal record, with none additional account linking. You continue to want a Microsoft account for crossplay, shared worlds, and playgrounds, however Obsidian is supplying you with extra management over the way you play. Actually, you’ll be able to even unlink your Microsoft and Steam accounts in Grounded for those who’ve been taking part in since 2022. Should you don’t do that, there’s a crossplay and Steam native toggle in the primary menu, so you’ll be able to play with pals who’ve determined to unlink their accounts.
Whereas it might sound innocuous, Microsoft and Obsidian’s choice to delink now appears like a direct response to PlayStation. All year long PlayStation has come underneath hearth, on a number of events, for forcing gamers to hyperlink their PSN and Steam accounts to play video games.
Gamers review bombed Helldivers 2 into oblivion after account linking was introduced up post-launch, and it took PlayStation’s complete reversal to resolve the issue. Ghost of Tsushima’s PC port solely requires PSN for on-line play, however the newer God of Struggle Ragnarok (which is totally single-player) requires a PSN account.
So whereas Grounded initially required a Microsoft account since launch, the participant disdain for third-party linking solely actually kicked off with Helldivers 2. Many different video games had it beforehand however it was PlayStation’s insistence, after the sport had launched, that PSN was required on Steam that tipped individuals over the sting.
Different Xbox-published video games like Halo Infinite’s free multiplayer, the 2023 Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon 5, and Minecraft Legends all nonetheless require a Microsoft account in some kind. Among the video games simply want them for on-line multiplayer, whereas others, based on Steam, can’t be performed with out first having a free Microsoft account. Both approach, Grounded is now freed from third-party account linking.
We’ve additionally put collectively all of the best co-op games on PC if you wish to play with pals, alongside some large building games if you wish to get inventive.
You can too observe us on Google News for day by day PC video games information, critiques, and guides, or seize our PCGN deals tracker to web your self some bargains.