PSO2 players can enjoy cross-progression, however, they first have to link their account to both versions.
In this adventurous video game, Phantasy Star Online 2 (PSO2), gamers can enjoy real-time battles with strategy elements. Since the game is part of the classic series, Phantasy Star Online, you can expect similar mechanics and gameplay.
However, PSO2: New Genesis was released a decade after its predecessor, and thus, you can enjoy updated graphics.
The game was released for Windows in 2012, however, PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 versions were released shortly thereafter.
A spin-off game, Phantasy Star Online 2, was released for Android and iOS in 2014. As there are many versions of PSO2, players wondered if it featured a cross-platform progression system.
What is cross-platform play?
In video games with online game functionality, players can use different video game hardware to play with each other. When an application, game, or software is cross-platform, it can be supported on many platforms without any additional preparation from users.
Essentially, you can play a cross-platform game with anyone, no matter which console or device they are using. This means that if your friends are playing on an Xbox Series X, and you are playing the game on a personal computer (PC), you can still play online with each other.
Is PSO2 cross-progression?
It is worth noting that cross-platform play, and cross-progression are two dissimilar gaming terms. Cross-progression allows players to progress in a specific game, on the same account, on 2 different platforms.
Simply put, you can play a video game on a PlayStation 5, log out and then log into the same account on your mobile device without losing any of your progress. Even if a video game has cross-platform play, it is not guaranteed that you will benefit from cross-progression.
Since PSO2 is a ‘play anywhere’ video game, you can progress in the game regardless of the platform. However, players may discover that a specific version of PSO2 is not available in their region.
It is also noteworthy that not all devices support PSO2, and as such, you cannot to play the game on those devices that do not.
Luckily, there are numerous platforms that you can enjoy the game on, namely:
- PlayStation 4
- Nintendo Switch
- Xbox One
- Microsoft Windows
- Android
- iOS
- Xbox Series
- Xbox Series S
- PlayStation Vita
Although you have the cross-progression option, it is not mandatory for advancing in the game on different platforms. The cross-progression feature was added so that players can benefit from convenience.
For instance, while traveling, you can advance in the game by playing it on your mobile phone, however, if you are at home, you can enjoy the game on another platform.
Keep in mind that you have to log into the same account if you want to use the cross-progression feature. If you do not log into the account, your character progression will not be saved.
Is PSO2 free-to-play on PC?
PSO2 is free-to-play for all players, however, there are additional content packs available for purchase. Bear in mind that these packs do not alter the game’s story arc, but it can make your gameplay easier. The table below lists the packs that you can purchase:
| Content | Approximate price |
| Beginners! Rappy Pack | ＄6.93 |
| Fiery Dunes Retem Type 1 Pack | ＄13.81 |
| Fiery Dunes Retem Type 2 Pack | ＄13.81 |
| Aelio Nager Renewal Pack | ＄10.35 |
| Silver Peaks Kvaris Pack | ＄13.81 |
Sega identification number
When you log into PSO2 on a new device, you may be required to enter your Sega identification number, which is an online service used by Sega as an all-in-one solution to linking their gaming services, be it on PC, Console, or Arcade.
However, the Sega ID is allegedly only applicable to players who play PSO2 on the Japanese server. If you are playing the game on another server, you may be required to link your account before you can play PSO2 on another platform.
How to link your PSO2 account
In order to link your PSO2 to another account, you have to download the second version of the game on the platform that you want to play it on. However, it is advisable that you do not log into the second version of PSO2.
Instead, you should return to the initial platform before you start the game. After selecting a ship, to open the support menu, which will give you the option to issue an account link code. On the pop-up menu, you will find a code which is only active for a certain duration of time.
Once you have the code, you can close the main version of the game and open the second version on the other platform. Players can then enter the account link code to link their account to the other platform.