Embarking on the battlefield of Call of Duty: Vanguard's multiplayer on your PS5 is an exhilarating experience, but sometimes, getting there can feel like navigating a minefield. Worry not, soldier! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you're ready to deploy and dominate in no time.
Ready for Deployment, Soldier? Let's Get You In The Fight!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's make sure you're properly equipped for online warfare. Playing Call of Duty: Vanguard's multiplayer on your PlayStation 5 isn't just about owning the game; there are a few essential components you'll need to have in place. Think of these as your pre-mission briefing – crucial for a successful operation!
Step 1: Pre-Combat Checks – Essential Requirements
First things first, let's confirm you have everything necessary to jump into the online fray. Missing any of these could halt your progress before you even start.
Sub-heading: The Game Itself and Its Latest Intel
- Call of Duty: Vanguard (PS5 Version): This might seem obvious, but ensure you have the PlayStation 5 version of the game installed. While the PS5 can play PS4 games, for the best performance and features, you'll want the native PS5 version. If you have the Cross-Gen Bundle, ensure you've selected and installed the PS5 version.
- Latest Game Updates: Call of Duty titles are constantly updated. Before you attempt to play multiplayer, make sure your game is fully updated to the latest version. This often resolves compatibility issues and ensures you have access to all the latest content and bug fixes.
- To check for updates, highlight Call of Duty: Vanguard on your PS5 Home screen, press the Options button on your DualSense controller, and select "Check for Update."
Sub-heading: Your Lifeline to the Online World – PlayStation Plus
- Active PlayStation Plus Subscription: This is a non-negotiable requirement for playing almost all online multiplayer games on PlayStation consoles, and Call of Duty: Vanguard is no exception. If your PS Plus subscription has expired, you won't be able to connect to the online servers.
- You can check your PS Plus status by going to the PlayStation Store, navigating to the "PlayStation Plus" section, or checking your account settings on your PS5.
Sub-heading: Stable Connection and Console Readiness
- Reliable Internet Connection: Multiplayer gaming demands a stable and reasonably fast internet connection. While Wi-Fi can work, a wired Ethernet connection directly to your PS5 is always recommended for the most consistent and lowest-latency experience.
- Sufficient Storage Space: Call of Duty games are notorious for their large file sizes. Ensure you have ample free storage space on your PS5's SSD. Insufficient space can lead to installation issues, crashes, or prevent the game from launching properly. You might need upwards of 100GB of free space for all game modes.
- Updated PS5 System Software: Just like the game itself, your PlayStation 5's system software should always be up to date. Sony frequently releases updates that improve system stability, performance, and online connectivity.
- Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings to check for and install any available updates.
Step 2: Launching and Navigating the Vanguard Menus
With your pre-combat checks complete, it's time to fire up Call of Duty: Vanguard and prepare for action!
Sub-heading: Booting Up and Initial Login
- Start the Game: From your PS5 Home screen, select Call of Duty: Vanguard to launch it.
- Activision Account: Upon launching, the game will likely prompt you to log in with your Activision account. If you don't have one, you'll be guided through the process of creating one. This account is crucial for cross-progression and keeping your stats across platforms.
Sub-heading: Entering the Multiplayer Lobby
- Main Menu Selection: Once the game loads past the initial splash screens, you'll be presented with the main menu. You'll typically see options like "Campaign," "Multiplayer," "Zombies," and "Warzone." Select Multiplayer.
- Navigating the Multiplayer Hub: The multiplayer hub in Vanguard is where all the magic happens. Here, you'll see various modes, playlists, and options to customize your loadouts and settings.
- Familiarize yourself with the layout. You'll see things like "Play," "Weapons," "Operators," "Challenges," and "Store" along the top or side of the screen.
Step 3: Choosing Your Multiplayer Experience
Call of Duty: Vanguard offers a variety of multiplayer modes to suit different playstyles. Let's explore how to select and join a match.
Sub-heading: Core Multiplayer Modes
- Quick Play: This is your fastest route into a game. Selecting "Quick Play" will allow you to choose from a selection of game modes you want to play (e.g., Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed). You can filter these modes to match your preference. Once you've selected your desired modes, hit Start Search.
- Featured Playlists: Activision often rotates special event playlists, new maps, or specific game modes in the "Featured" section. Keep an eye on these for fresh experiences.
- Ranked Play (if available): For competitive players, Vanguard often features a Ranked Play mode where you can test your skills against others and climb the ranks. This typically has its own dedicated section.
Sub-heading: Combat Pacing – Tailor Your Chaos
A unique feature in Vanguard is Combat Pacing, which allows you to control the intensity of your matches:
- Tactical: Slower-paced, more measured gameplay with lower player counts, akin to classic Call of Duty.
- Standard: The classic Call of Duty experience with typical player counts and moderate pacing.
- Blitz: High-octane, chaotic matches with increased player counts on larger maps, leading to constant action.
- You can set your preferred Combat Pacing in the Quick Play menu. Experiment with all three to find what suits your style!
Step 4: Teaming Up with Friends – Squad Up!
Call of Duty is always better with friends. Here's how to invite your squad or join theirs.
Sub-heading: Inviting Friends to Your Party
- Accessing Your Friends List: From the multiplayer lobby, press the R1 button on your DualSense controller to tab over to your "Social" menu (or friends list).
- Selecting a Friend: Find the friend you wish to invite from your list. They must also be online and ideally in Call of Duty: Vanguard.
- Sending the Invite: Highlight their name and select "Invite to Party" (or similar phrasing). A notification will be sent to them.
- Party Privacy Settings: If your friends are having trouble joining, check your party privacy settings. Press Square in the party screen (or similar button to access party options) and ensure your party is set to "Public," "Friends Only," or "Invite Only," not "Closed."
Sub-heading: Joining a Friend's Party
- Accepting an Invite: If a friend invites you, a notification will pop up on your screen. Press the PS button and navigate to the notification, then accept the invitation.
- Joining from Friends List: Alternatively, you can go to your "Social" menu (R1) and look for friends who are currently in a party playing Vanguard. You should see an option to "Join Game" or "Join Party."
Step 5: Split-Screen Multiplayer (Local Play)
Yes, Call of Duty: Vanguard does support split-screen multiplayer on PS5 for both local and online play, allowing you to game with a friend on the same console!
Sub-heading: Setting Up Local Split-Screen
- Connect Second Controller: Turn on a second DualSense controller.
- Sign in Second Account: Have the second player sign in to a separate PlayStation account. They don't necessarily need PS Plus for local split-screen with bots.
- Enter Multiplayer Menu: From the main menu of Vanguard, select "Multiplayer."
- Create Local Game: Once in the Multiplayer menu, the second player should press the Triangle button on their controller to join the lobby.
- Select Mode and Bots: The first player (host) can then select a game mode and add bots if desired, then start the match. Both players will have access to all weapons and attachments.
Sub-heading: Setting Up Online Split-Screen
- Connect Both Controllers & Sign In: Both players need to be signed into their respective PlayStation accounts with active PS Plus subscriptions.
- Enter Multiplayer Menu: From the main menu of Vanguard, select "Multiplayer."
- Second Player Joins Lobby: The second player presses the Triangle button on their controller to join the lobby.
- Host Selects Game Mode: The host player then selects the desired online multiplayer mode and starts searching for a match.
Troubleshooting Common Multiplayer Issues
Sometimes, even with all the steps followed, issues can arise. Here are some quick fixes for common problems:
- "PS Plus Required" Error: Double-check your PS Plus subscription. If it's active, try restarting your PS5 and then the game. Sometimes signing out and back into your PSN account can also help.
- Endless Loading Screens/Crashes: Ensure you have enough free storage space on your PS5. Deleting unused games or media can often resolve this. Restarting your PS5 can also clear temporary glitches.
- Connection Errors: Check your internet connection. Restart your router/modem. Ensure your PS5's network settings are correct (e.g., DNS settings). If the issue persists, check the official Call of Duty server status and PlayStation Network status.
- Game Files Corrupted: If you suspect corrupted game files, you might need to delete and reinstall Call of Duty: Vanguard. This is a last resort due to file size, but often effective.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my PlayStation Plus subscription status?
You can check your PlayStation Plus subscription status by navigating to the PlayStation Store on your PS5 and selecting the "PlayStation Plus" tab, or by going to "Settings" > "Users and Accounts" > "Account" > "Payment and Subscriptions" > "Game & App Services."
How to update Call of Duty: Vanguard on PS5?
Highlight Call of Duty: Vanguard on your PS5 Home screen, press the Options button on your DualSense controller, and select "Check for Update."
How to invite friends to a party in Call of Duty: Vanguard on PS5?
From the multiplayer lobby, press R1 to go to the "Social" menu, select the friend you want to invite, and choose "Invite to Party."
How to change party privacy settings in Call of Duty: Vanguard?
While in your party, press the Square button (or the button indicated for "Party Options") and adjust the "Party Privacy" setting to Public, Friends Only, or Invite Only.
How to set up local split-screen multiplayer in Call of Duty: Vanguard on PS5?
Connect a second DualSense controller, have the second player sign into a separate PSN account, go to the Multiplayer menu, and the second player presses Triangle to join.
How to set up online split-screen multiplayer in Call of Duty: Vanguard on PS5?
Both players need active PS Plus subscriptions and separate PSN accounts. Connect both controllers, have both players sign in, go to the Multiplayer menu, and the second player presses Triangle to join the lobby.
How to fix "PS Plus required to play online" error in Vanguard?
Ensure your PS Plus subscription is active. If it is, try restarting your PS5, signing out and back into your PSN account, or checking the PlayStation Network status.
How to free up storage space on my PS5 for Call of Duty: Vanguard?
Go to Settings > Storage and identify large games or media files you no longer need. Highlight them and select "Delete" to free up space.
How to improve my internet connection for Call of Duty: Vanguard multiplayer?
Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi, restart your router/modem, and ensure no other devices are heavily consuming bandwidth during gameplay.
How to find out if Call of Duty: Vanguard servers are down?
Check official Call of Duty social media channels, the Activision support website, or third-party websites like DownDetector that monitor server status for popular games.