Co-op
Run the night shift with 1-2 friends. Lobby setup, proximity chat, multiplayer bug fix branch, and the free demo.
Introduction
Playing with 1-2 friends changes how the closing shift feels. This section covers lobby setup, proximity voice chat, role split, and the multiplayer bug-fix beta branch for connection issues. Co-op is the easiest way to clear late shifts, and it is also the only way to unlock the Co-op Victory achievement. Multiplayer adds a social layer that solo play cannot match — coordinated teams regularly clear shifts that solo players find impossible.
Co-op Quick Reference
| Role | Players | Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Counter Clerk | 1 | Greet customers & ID checks |
| Delivery Runner | 1 | Stock shelves & take orders |
| Lookout | 1 | Watch for monster spawns |
Co-op Role Index
Counter Clerk
Greet customers and handle ID checks.
Delivery Runner
Stock shelves and manage inventory between customers.
Lookout
Watch for monster spawns and warn the team.
Core Mechanics
Co-op runs best with role split — counter clerk, delivery runner, lookout. Proximity voice chat lets you coordinate interrogations without alerting doppelgangers or monsters. If you hit connection issues, opt into the networkissues beta branch for the latest fix. The host client controls difficulty and shift selection, and lobby privacy settings determine whether random players can join. Roles can rotate between shifts to prevent fatigue.
Advantages
Co-op play makes the hardest shifts feel manageable. With 2-3 clerks splitting duties, you can survive multi-doppelganger nights and full monster hunts without losing anyone. Co-op also unlocks achievements like Co-op Victory and makes the Perfect Shift achievement far more achievable through coordinated reads. The social element adds replay value beyond the mechanics — coordinated runs feel like shared storytelling.
Challenges
Connection drops, lobby bugs, and input lag have all been reported. The official networkissues beta branch is the current workaround. Some players report shutdown issues that the dev team is actively patching. Multiplayer also requires coordination — players who do not communicate tend to do worse than solo runs. The host connection quality matters most; a poor host means rubber-banding for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can join?+
Is there a free demo?+
How do I fix multiplayer bugs?+
Quick Tips
Split roles early: one clerk on the counter, one running deliveries, one on lookout. Rotation after each shift prevents fatigue and keeps everyone sharp. The role split also makes interrogations easier because the counter clerk is not distracted by deliveries or monster spawns. Communicate role changes at the start of every shift.
Use proximity voice chat — yelling across the station alerts doppelgangers and monsters to your position. Proximity chat keeps coordination private and avoids giving away your strategy. Most monsters respond to loud sounds, so voice discipline is a survival skill in itself. Mute players who cannot keep the volume down.
If you hit connection issues, opt into the networkissues beta branch via Steam Properties Betas. The beta branch includes the latest multiplayer stability patches that have not yet shipped to the default branch. Connection drops are the most common multiplayer complaint, so this branch usually fixes the worst offenders.
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