Apex Legends could be about to pitch Xbox One and PS4 gamers head-to-head

(Image credit: Respawn Entertainment)

Apex Legends could finally be getting cross-play that will allow PS4, Xbox One and PC players go head-to-head in the Battle Royale.

That's according to a recent leak by reliable dataminer That1MiningGuy (via GameRant), who found 'Nucleus' strings in Apex Legends' code that suggests developer Respawn Entertainment has found a way to standardize player identification across Xbox One, PS4 and PC. 

This would allow players to match-make across these three major platforms, likely through their Origin login - something the game hasn't supported to date.

Check out the tweeted leak below:

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Maybe cross-progression too?

(Image credit: Respawn Entertainment)

Not only does this leak suggest that cross-platform play is coming to Apex Legends, it hints that cross-progression could be on the way too. 

Cross-progression allows players to continue their progress across a range of platforms so, for example, you would remain the same level in Apex Legends on PS4 as you are on PC.

That1MiningGuy points to player PINs found in the game's code. These PINs are used to track a player's performance in a game. The fact that this code is mentioned beside both the platform identification and the "Nucleus" string we seen previously suggests that Respawn Entertainment is also looking into cross-progression. 

It's always worth taking these leaks with a pinch of salt, but it would make sense for Apex Legends to finally implement cross-play and cross-progression, especially as competitor Fortnite already boasts these features.  

Even if this leak is to be believed, we don't expect cross-play or cross-progression to land soon, but fingers crossed it's something we will see in the future.

Vic Hood
Associate Editor, TechRadar Gaming

Vic is TechRadar Gaming's Associate Editor. An award-winning games journalist, Vic brings experience from IGN, Eurogamer and more to the TechRadar table. You may have even heard her on the radio or speaking on a panel. Not only is Vic passionate about games, but she's also an avid mental health advocate who has appeared on both panels and podcasts to discuss mental health awareness. Make sure to follow her on Twitter for more.