Chained Beasts co-op supports one to four players on PC and consoles, with online multiplayer, couch co-op and cross-platform play. The gladiator roguelike launched October 15, 2026, on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox and Nintendo Switch, and joined Game Pass for Xbox and Windows PC.
You’ll fight alongside teammates while literally chained together. Those links can trip enemies or swing you towards danger, so coordination matters. Solo runs are supported too, but the group mode brings a very different challenge when everyone has to move through the arena together.
How to start Chained Beasts co-op with friends
Use the game’s multiplayer menu to start an online or local co-op session, then assemble your group before entering an arena run. The official Xbox listing confirms online and local co-op for two to four players, while Steam supports online co-op, shared-screen co-op and Remote Play Together.
The exact buttons for inviting someone depend on your platform’s current interface. Online multiplayer on Xbox consoles requires an eligible Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate subscription, according to Microsoft. Local shared-screen mode lets players participate on the same machine without everyone needing a separate online account.
Chained Beasts co-op maximum players and crossplay
The maximum party is four, including the host. Featherweight Games advertises online crossplay, letting players on different supported systems enter the arena together. Xbox’s own listing also identifies Xbox cross-platform co-op and Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning eligible Xbox purchases can be used across supported Xbox and Windows devices.
For Chained Beasts co-op, you can also choose solo play. You don’t have to find a party to start the game, but you won’t have the same opportunity to trip an enemy using another player’s movement or rely on teammates when things go wrong.
How do the chains work?
Every fighter’s movement affects others in the party. If one player sprints around a pillar, the chain can become tangled; if everyone moves in sync, the links can knock enemies down or interfere with their attacks. You can also use environmental hazards such as spikes or snake pits against the gladiators facing you.
The main Chained Beasts co-op skill is communicating before anyone makes a sudden move. A chain that helps one fighter land a hit can pull another player into danger. Keep enough space to dodge, and warn teammates before throwing weapons or charging at a group of enemies.
How many bosses and arenas?
The full game has nine battles across three acts, starting in Carthage, continuing through Germania and finishing in Rome. Praefectus and his Praetorian Guard feature in the final chapter. The developers also offer ten difficulty levels, so teams can return for more challenging runs after surviving the basic campaign.
There are eight unlockable beasts with variants, more than 70 skills, over 70 afflictions and upwards of 40 items to buy. The Chained Beasts co-op progression system means the characters you choose and the injuries you suffer can change how your group fights in the next arena.
Can you revive or heal an injured fighter?
Injuries persist and can make the arena more dangerous. Fighters can limp, lose an eye or experience hallucinations, with each affecting their ability to fight and move. Potions may relieve an injury but can have side effects; surgery offers another option, depending on your character’s condition.
The developers have not published a universal instant-revive rule for every injury. Treat healing and recovery as part of the run’s progression rather than assuming every downed teammate can return without a cost. Spend rewards on equipment and skills that help your party survive harder bosses.
Is Chained Beasts co-op available on Game Pass?
Yes. Chained Beasts launched into Game Pass for Xbox and Windows PC on October 15, alongside the wider multiplatform release. Players on Xbox Series X|S can also purchase it separately. Steam lists online co-op, shared-screen multiplayer and Remote Play Together, giving PC players several ways to connect.
If you’re on Game Pass, look for Chained Beasts in the current Xbox library and install it before inviting your friends. Players on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch should check their respective store editions and online service requirements.
Survival tips for Chained Beasts co-op
Talk through the route before moving as a group, pay attention to arena hazards and keep spare weapons ready. Throwing your weapon can help you reach a difficult opponent but leaves you without it until another is picked up. A teammate suffering from an affliction may move more slowly or see a different set of threats.
The Chained Beasts co-op experience is designed to be unpredictable, so expect the first few runs to end badly. Learn how your chains interact with the environment, build your crowd reputation and take time to invest in stronger skills before facing the later bosses.
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Official sources: Featherweight Games’ release announcement, Steam and Xbox’s game listing.
