For console players in Call of Duty: Warzone, a long-standing frustration is finally being addressed with the arrival of Season 3 on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, at 9:00 AM PT (5:00 PM UTC). The ability to disable crossplay with PC players is now a reality for those gaming on PlayStation and Xbox, a change that many have passionately requested for years. Coupled with improvements to the game’s matchmaking system, Season 3 promises a potentially fairer and more enjoyable experience for a significant portion of the Warzone community.
For a considerable time, the debate around crossplay in Warzone has been a heated one. While the feature allows friends on different platforms to play together, it has also brought concerns, particularly for console players facing off against those on PC. The argument often revolves around the perceived advantages PC players have due to mouse and keyboard controls offering greater precision in aiming and movement. Furthermore, the specter of PC cheaters using unauthorized software to gain an unfair advantage has cast a shadow over the cross-platform experience for many.
Now, after what feels like an eternity for some, Activision has listened to these concerns. As confirmed in recent blog posts detailing the Season 3 patch notes, console players will find a new level of control over their matchmaking experience. The option to turn off crossplay will be available within the game’s settings, allowing players on PlayStation and Xbox to restrict their lobbies to only include others on the same console ecosystem.
How to Disable Crossplay on Consoles:
The process for disabling crossplay differs slightly between PlayStation and Xbox:
- PlayStation: Navigate to the in-game settings menu within Warzone. Go to the “Account & Network” tab. Here, you will find the “Crossplay” option. Toggle the slider from “On” to “Off” by pressing the X button on your controller.
- Xbox: The crossplay setting for Warzone on Xbox is managed through the console’s system settings. Open the Xbox Settings menu, go to “Account,” then “Privacy & Online Safety,” followed by “Xbox Privacy,” and then “View Details & Customize.” Under “Communication & Multiplayer,” find the option “You can join cross-network play” and set it to “Block.” Remember that this setting will apply to all games on your Xbox.
This addition provides a significant sense of relief for console players who have felt at a disadvantage in crossplay lobbies. The ability to opt-out offers a choice for those who prioritize a potentially more level playing field, even if it might lead to slightly longer matchmaking times due to a smaller player pool. Activision themselves have acknowledged this potential impact on queue times but suggest it is a worthwhile trade-off for a more secure and fair experience for those who choose to disable crossplay.
It’s important to note that if you are partied up with friends on a different platform, or specifically with a PC player, your crossplay setting will temporarily be overridden and set to “On” to facilitate playing together. Once your party consists only of players on the same console platform, your original crossplay preference will automatically be restored.
Beyond Crossplay: Improved Matchmaking on the Horizon
The ability to control crossplay isn’t the only welcome change arriving with Season 3. Activision has also promised improvements to the game’s matchmaking system. While specific details on the exact algorithms and tweaks haven’t been fully revealed, the intention is clear: to create fairer and more balanced lobbies for all players.
For many Warzone players, the feeling of being consistently matched against opponents with significantly different skill levels has been a source of frustration. Whether it’s newcomers struggling against seasoned veterans or highly skilled players facing off against seemingly less experienced lobbies, inconsistent matchmaking can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
The promise of improved matchmaking suggests that Activision is taking steps to address these concerns. This could involve refining the skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) system to create tighter skill brackets within lobbies, ensuring that players are more consistently matched against opponents of similar ability. It might also involve adjustments to how factors like ping and geographical location are considered during the matchmaking process to provide smoother and more responsive gameplay experiences.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Warzone?
The introduction of a crossplay toggle for consoles and the commitment to improved matchmaking in Season 3 signal a significant shift in how Activision is addressing player feedback and prioritizing the overall health of Warzone.
For console players, the ability to disable crossplay offers a sense of empowerment and the potential for a more enjoyable experience, free from the concerns of PC-specific advantages and potential cheating. While some may still choose to keep crossplay enabled to play with a wider range of friends or to maintain faster matchmaking times, the option to opt-out is a powerful one.
The improvements to matchmaking, if implemented effectively, could lead to more competitive and engaging matches for players of all skill levels. By creating more balanced lobbies, Activision aims to reduce the feeling of being constantly outmatched or, conversely, facing little challenge. This could contribute to a more positive and rewarding experience, encouraging players to stay engaged with the game for longer.
A New Era for Console Warzone Players?
Season 3 of Warzone appears to be a turning point for console players. The long-awaited ability to disable crossplay, combined with the promise of improved matchmaking, addresses two of the community’s most persistent pain points. While the full impact of these changes will only be truly felt once the season launches and players get hands-on experience, the initial signs are promising.
Will this finally be the era where console players feel they have more control over their Warzone experience? Will the improved matchmaking lead to more balanced and enjoyable matches? Only time will tell, but as the launch of Season 3 approaches, there’s a palpable sense of optimism within the console Warzone community. The ability to choose their battlefield is finally here, and many are eager to see how these changes will shape the future of their favorite battle royale game.
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