Crossplay & Co-op — how squads actually work
Everything documented about playing together: cross-platform support, the jump to four-Marine fireteams, and the AI teammates who fill empty seats. Sources: Wikipedia, GamingBolt, official site.
Cross-platform play at launch
The sequel supports cross-platform play and voice chat at launch across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S (Wikipedia; official site). This was one of the most-requested features in the community's pre-launch wishlists (r/AliensFireteamElite), so PC and console friends can finally share a fireteam.
Four Marines, not three
Fireteams now field up to four players instead of the first game's three (Wikipedia). The extra seat changes squad math: you can run a dedicated support without sacrificing a damage slot, and compositions get meaningfully deeper — see squad composition.
AI teammates: Alpha, Beta, Gamma
Empty seats are filled by AI allies (Wikipedia), and GamingBolt documented their distinct loadouts:
| AI Marine | Loadout role |
|---|---|
| Alpha | Mid-range fighter |
| Beta | Sniper |
| Gamma | Shotgun / close range |
Solo players effectively get a balanced three-bot squad: Beta covers long lanes, Gamma watches your personal space, Alpha flexes. It's a genuine upgrade for players who found the first game's bots indistinct.
Matchmaking anxiety, answered
The recurring forum worry — "will I find games?" — is exactly what crossplay addresses by merging the PC/PS5/Xbox pools. Add AI backfill and you can always play, even off-peak. If you'd rather vet teammates first, the Steam discussions hub is the game's busiest LFG spot.
Sources: Wikipedia, GamingBolt — 15 Things, official site, r/AliensFireteamElite wishlist thread.