How Brotato co-op works
Co-op was announced in April 2024 as a free update alongside the Abyssal Terrors DLC. It supports up to four players on the same screen. The Steam page lists local co-op for up to four players.
Each player picks their own character and weapons. You survive the same waves together and visit the shop between waves. A popular co-op video shows two players choosing Well Rounded and Ranger and trying to reach wave 20 together.
Where co-op is available
Local co-op is available on PC and was added to console versions as well. Nintendo's Switch 2 Edition page advertises four-player local co-op and GameShare with local users. Xbox players also received local co-op, including through Game Pass.
Co-Optimus lists the Switch version with local co-op but no online co-op support. Every official version we checked follows the same local-only design. Check your platform's store page for details.
Playing online with Steam Remote Play Together
Because co-op is local only, PC players use Steam Remote Play Together to play with friends who are not in the same room. The host runs the game and streams it to friends, who send their inputs back. Only the host needs to own Brotato.
Network conditions matter. Players on Steam forums note that Remote Play is not always smooth for everyone. A wired connection on the host's side usually helps.
Limits of co-op progress
Players on the Steam forums report that only the host receives achievements and unlocks in local co-op. Guests do not progress their own saves. If you are hunting unlocks, plan those runs on your own profile.
This is also why some players keep asking for real online co-op. As of our latest research, no native online mode has been announced. Watch official channels for any change.
Choosing characters as a team
Co-op works best when players cover different roles. One player can take a tanky melee character while another uses a ranged character like Ranger. Mixing roles helps the team handle crowds and bosses.
Popular creators often run head-to-head challenges, such as One-Armed against Multitasker. That shows how differently characters play side by side. Our best Brotato character page can help each player choose.
Co-op tips
Talk about builds before the first shop so you do not fight over the same weapon class. Keep an eye on each other's health, since a downed teammate weakens the whole team. Spread out to cover more of the arena.
Fixes for co-op bugs arrived in later updates, including Paws & Claws. Keep the game updated before a session. If something feels off, restart and rejoin.
- Plan builds before the first shop.
- Split melee and ranged roles.
- Do unlock runs on your own profile.
- Use Steam Remote Play Together for remote friends.
Community mods for online play
Some players use community mods to add networked multiplayer. Brotatogether is a Workshop mod that uses Steam lobbies. Mods are unofficial, can crash, and can stop working after updates.
Read the mod's Workshop page for compatibility before trying it. Back up your save first. See Brotato online and Brotato mods for more.
Co-op and progression
Because only the host's save receives unlocks, co-op is best for fun runs rather than progression. Players chasing Nightmare should do their Danger 5 wins solo. Use co-op to try new characters with friends.
Start on a low Danger level to learn how your teammates play. Then push the difficulty higher together. The accessibility options can also tune enemy health, damage and speed.
Choosing a difficulty together
Co-op is more fun when everyone survives to the end. Start on a Danger level where the weakest player feels comfortable. Raise it together once the team wins consistently.
Steam also lists accessibility options that adjust enemy health, damage and speed. These can help a mixed-skill group play together. They are a good alternative to dropping the Danger level.
Setting up local co-op
Co-op runs on one shared screen, so everyone plays from the same device. Each player picks their own character before the run starts. A popular co-op video shows two players choosing different characters and weapons right away.
Each player builds independently in the shop. Coordinate so you do not compete for the same weapon class. Steam lists co-op support for up to four players.
Co-op on Switch 2 and Xbox
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition supports four players locally and GameShare with local users. That lets nearby players join from another system. Online co-op is still not offered.
On Xbox, local co-op reached Game Pass players as well. Console updates usually arrive after PC. Check the console store page for the latest version.
Is co-op worth trying?
Co-op turns a solo roguelite into a chaotic party game. Popular videos of two-player runs have drawn hundreds of thousands of views, showing how fun it can be to watch and play. It costs nothing extra, since the mode was a free update.
If your friends live far away, Remote Play Together keeps the cost low too. Only the host needs the game. Start with an easy difficulty and work up together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brotato have co-op?
Yes. It has free local co-op for up to four players on one screen.
Does Brotato have online co-op?
Not natively. PC players use Steam Remote Play Together to play with remote friends.
Do all players need to own Brotato for Remote Play Together?
No. Only the host needs to own the game.
Do guests get unlocks in co-op?
Players report that only the host receives achievements and unlocks.
How many players can play Brotato co-op?
Up to four players on one shared screen.