UPDATE: Codemasters confirms cross-gen multiplayer for F1 22

New F1 22 details are starting to emerge after yesterday’s official announcement. While we know F1 22 will feature a new F1 Life mode, adaptive AI, and sprint races, no online multiplayer details were shared.

However, an online FAQ shared by EA has revealed new details about F1 22's online multiplayer.

Codemasters confirms cross-gen multiplayer for F1 22

F1 2021 featured cross-gen multiplayer, allowing PS4 and PS5 players to race online together. Likewise, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One players could also race online with each other.

Originally, EA's FAQ stated F1 22 will not have cross-gen multiplayer. "If you are playing the PlayStation 5 version of F1 22, you will only be able to match up with and play against other players who are playing the PlayStation 5 version," the FAQ originally read.

"The same is true for the Xbox Series X|S version of F1 22, where only players on Xbox Series X|S will be able to play with each other."

However, this section has since been removed and now reads: "You will be able to match up with and against other players based on the version of F1 22 that you are playing."

"If you are playing the PlayStation 4 version of F1 22 you will be able to match up and play with and against other players who are playing on the same version of F1 22, regardless of whether they are playing on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5."

"The same is true for the Xbox One version of F1 22, where you will be able to match up and play with and against other players who are playing the same version on Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S."

EA's amendment is still ambiguous. Thankfully, Codemasters has clarified the confusing situation. Over on the Codemasters forum, a staff member confirmed that F1 22 will have cross-gen multiplayer after all.

"If you own the PS5 version of F1 22 then you will be able to play with players on both the PS4 and PS5 version of the game. You will not need to switch between versions," the moderator wrote.

The same is true on Xbox: "If you own the Xbox Series version of F1 22 then you will be able to play with players on both the Xbox One and Xbox Series version of the game."

To be clear, F1 22 crossplay multiplayer for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC still isn't unconfirmed. There is no mention of crossplay in EA's FAQ, so F1 22 likely won't have crossplay multiplayer at launch. Instead, this long-requested feature will reportedly be added in a post-launch update.

Limited next-gen upgrade options

EA has also revealed how F1 22’s next-gen upgrades work.

Owners of the PS4 and Xbox One versions can upgrade to the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions at no extra cost. There is a catch, however.

Next-gen upgrades are only included with the F1 22 Champions Edition, which costs £79.99. So, if you buy the standard edition, you won’t get a free next-gen upgrade.

The Champions Edition is also digital-only, so you won’t get a free next-gen upgrade if you buy a physical copy of the standard edition either.

F1 22 release date

F1 22 races onto PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One on 1 July. Buying the Champions Edition also gives three days early access.