The PlayStation 5 (PS5) offers a range of features that enhance the gaming experience, and one of the most useful is the party voice chat functionality. This feature allows players to communicate with friends and teammates in real time, coordinating strategies and sharing the excitement of gameplay. Whether players are teaming up for competitive matches or just hanging out in a virtual room, party chat can make any session more social and immersive.
Using party voice chat on the PS5 is straightforward, but there are a few steps that users need to follow to make the most out of this feature.
How to Start a Party and Use Voice Chat on PS5
Here is a simple guide to get started with party voice chat on the PS5:
- Turn on your PS5 and sign in: Make sure you’re logged in to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account. Voice chat won’t work unless you’re connected online.
- Access the Control Center: Press the PlayStation button on your controller to bring up the Control Center at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the Game Base icon: From the Control Center, scroll to the Game Base icon, which shows your friends list and recent parties.
- Create or select a party: You can join an existing party or select “Start Party” to create a new one. You’ll have the option to make the party open to friends or private.
- Send invitations: Select friends to invite to the party. Once they join, you’ll all be able to talk using voice chat.
- Enable voice chat: When in a party, make sure your microphone is active. There’s a small icon next to your name that shows your mic status. If it’s crossed out, it’s muted — press the mute button on your DualSense controller or enable it from the party menu.
Adjusting Voice Chat Settings
Once you’re in a party, you may want to customize your settings to improve your experience. The PS5 offers several options:
- Adjust microphone level: Navigate to Settings > Sound > Microphone to set your mic level. You can also change the input device if you’re using a different mic.
- Change voice chat balance: In a party, use the slider to balance game audio and chat audio to your preference.
- Switch devices: The PS5 automatically detects connected audio devices, but you can manually select your input/output device in the sound settings.
Troubleshooting Common Party Chat Issues
If you’re having trouble using party voice chat, here are a few common fixes:
- Check your internet connection: A weak connection can cause audio lags or dropouts.
- Update your controller: Sometimes, an outdated DualSense firmware can cause mic issues. Go to settings and check for controller updates.
- Privacy settings: On your PSN account, navigate to Settings > Users and Accounts > Privacy to ensure your voice chat permissions are enabled.
Benefits of Using Party Chat on PS5
Utilizing party chat enhances the overall experience in numerous ways:
- Better team coordination: Voice chat is essential in games that require collaboration.
- Social interaction: Stay connected with friends even if you’re all playing different games.
- Customizable experience: From private conversations to wide-open chats, party controls let you tailor your experience.
Whether casual or competitive, using party chat on the PS5 helps gamers stay close while playing apart.
FAQ: Party Voice Chat on PS5
- Q: Do all PS5 games support party chat?
A: Yes, party chat is a system-level feature independent of the game being played. - Q: Can I mute specific members in a party?
A: Yes, you can select a user in the party and choose to mute only their audio if needed. - Q: Is voice chat available when playing with PS4 players?
A: Absolutely. PS5 voice chat is compatible with PS4 through cross-generation party support. - Q: How many people can be in a PS5 party?
A: A party can host up to 16 participants at the same time. - Q: Can I record or share party chat?
A: Yes, you can record party audio during gameplay recording if you enable the setting under capture options.