Platforms Overview
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 launches on five platforms, with staggered release dates. The PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S versions launch simultaneously on August 25, 2026. The Nintendo Switch 2 version follows in Fall 2026.
| Platform | Release Date | Crossplay | Cross-Progression | Game Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | Aug 25, 2026 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| PC (Epic Games) | Aug 25, 2026 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| PlayStation 5 | Aug 25, 2026 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Xbox Series X|S | Aug 25, 2026 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❓ TBD |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Fall 2026 | ❓ TBD | ❓ TBD | ❌ No |
Crossplay Explained
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 features full cross-platform play between PC (Steam and Epic), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This means you can team up with friends regardless of which system they own.
How Crossplay Works
- Create or link a Daybreak Account: Crossplay requires a free Daybreak Game Company account.
- Link Your Platform Account: Link your Steam, Epic, PSN, or Xbox account to your Daybreak Account in settings.
- Add Friends Via Daybreak ID: Send friend requests using your friends' Daybreak IDs.
- Invite to Squad: Invite friends to your squad directly from the in-game friends list.
- Matchmaking: By default, matchmaking includes players from all platforms. You can restrict to your platform only in settings.
If you're having trouble joining a friend's game across platforms, make sure both players have the latest game update installed and that your Daybreak Accounts are properly linked. Restarting the game after linking accounts often resolves connection issues.
Cross-Progression
Cross-progression allows you to carry your progress, unlocks, and cosmetics across platforms. This is linked to your Daybreak Account.
| Item | Cross-Progression | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Account Level | ✅ Yes | Shared across all linked platforms |
| Class Levels | ✅ Yes | All class progress and unlocks carry over |
| Weapon Unlocks | ✅ Yes | All unlocked weapons and attachments |
| Cosmetics / Skins | ✅ Yes | All character and weapon cosmetics |
| In-Game Currency | ✅ Yes | All earned currency (not premium currency) |
| Horde Mode Records | ✅ Yes | High scores and wave records |
| Premium Currency (paid) | ❌ No | Platform-specific; does not transfer |
| Platform-Exclusive Items | ❌ No | PS5/Xbox exclusive cosmetics stay on that platform |
Cross-progression is one-way per session. If you play on PC and then switch to PS5, your progress will sync when you launch the game. However, you cannot play the same account simultaneously on two platforms — doing so may cause progress conflicts. Always fully exit the game on one platform before launching on another.
Game Pass Status
As of launch (August 25, 2026), Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 has not been confirmed for Xbox Game Pass. The game is available as a standalone purchase on Xbox Series X|S.
What We Know
- The first Aliens: Fireteam Elite was added to Xbox Game Pass in 2022, approximately 8 months after its August 2021 launch.
- Daybreak Game Company has not announced any Game Pass plans for the sequel.
- There is a possibility the game may join Game Pass post-launch, similar to the first game, but this is not guaranteed.
If you're an Xbox player deciding whether to wait for Game Pass, we recommend purchasing the game if you want to play at launch. Based on the first game's timeline, a Game Pass addition could take 6-12 months, if it happens at all. The Premium Edition includes early access and bonus content that may not be included in a potential Game Pass version.
PC (Steam & Epic Games Store)
System Requirements
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended | High/4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10/11 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel i5-6600K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 | Intel i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | Intel i9-12900K / AMD Ryzen 9 5900X |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| GPU | GTX 1060 6GB / RX 580 8GB | RTX 2070 / RX 6700 XT | RTX 4070 Ti / RX 7900 XT |
| Storage | 50 GB HDD | 50 GB SSD | 50 GB NVMe SSD |
PC-Exclusive Features
- Uncapped Framerate: Play at whatever framerate your hardware can handle
- Full Graphics Settings: Customize texture quality, shadows, anti-aliasing, DLSS/FSR, ray tracing, and more
- Mouse & Keyboard Support: Full keybinding customization, raw input option, adjustable sensitivity
- Ultra-Wide Support: Native support for 21:9 and 32:9 ultrawide monitors
- Steam & Epic Crossplay: Both PC storefronts support crossplay with each other and consoles
PlayStation 5
PS5 Features
- DualSense Haptic Feedback: Feel weapon recoil, Xenomorph impacts, and environmental effects
- Adaptive Triggers: Different weapons have distinct trigger resistance
- 3D Audio: Tempest 3D AudioTech lets you pinpoint Xenomorph locations by sound
- Fast Loading: Near-instant mission loads and respawns thanks to the PS5 SSD
- 4K Resolution: Dynamic 4K at 60 FPS in Performance Mode; 4K/30 in Quality Mode with ray tracing
- Activity Cards: Jump directly to specific missions and Horde Mode waves from PS5 home screen
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox Features
- Series X: 4K/60 FPS in Performance Mode; 4K/30 with ray tracing in Quality Mode
- Series S: 1440p/60 FPS in Performance Mode; 1440p/30 in Quality Mode
- Quick Resume: Switch between games and resume Fireteam Elite 2 without reloading
- Xbox Play Anywhere: Digital purchase includes both Xbox and PC (Microsoft Store) versions
- Spatial Audio: Support for Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic for headphone 3D audio
Nintendo Switch 2
The Switch 2 version is scheduled for Fall 2026, several months after the other platforms.
What We Know
- Release Window: Fall 2026 (exact date TBD)
- Resolution: Targeting 1080p docked / 720p handheld at 30-60 FPS
- Content: All content from other platforms, including Horde Mode and all post-launch updates up to that point
- Crossplay: Not yet confirmed — Nintendo's online infrastructure may limit cross-platform play
- Controls: Full Joy-Con and Pro Controller support; gyro aiming option
- Physical Release: Confirmed physical cartridge version available
Playing With Friends
How to Invite Friends (All Platforms)
- Launch the game and complete the tutorial mission
- Navigate to the Social menu from the main hub
- Select Add Friend and enter your friend's Daybreak ID
- Once they accept, they appear in your friends list
- Select their name and choose Invite to Squad
Matchmaking Options
| Mode | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Squad Invite | Invite friends directly to your lobby | Playing with known friends |
| Quick Match | Auto-match with players looking for the same mission | Finding random teammates quickly |
| Search by Mission | Browse open lobbies for specific missions/difficulties | Finding a specific mission or difficulty |
| Horde Matchmaking | Dedicated queue for Horde Mode with wave preferences | Horde Mode with random players |