Can you play Chained Beasts together on one screen?

Yes, Chained Beasts supports local co-op for up to four players. For the Steam version, you need at least one gamepad for same-screen co-op, so a group planning to use only keyboards should prepare a controller before starting. This Chained Beasts local co op guide covers the confirmed requirements and the teamwork that matters once everyone reaches the arena.

The official Chained Beasts Steam page lists shared-screen co-op, full controller support, and Remote Play Together. The developer also recommends playing with a controller.

Local play means sharing the game on the same machine. Remote Play Together is listed separately, and online co-op is another supported feature; those labels should not be confused with a requirement to use an online service for people already sitting beside you.

Prepare your controllers before the first run

The Steam requirements for both Windows and macOS state that same-screen co-op needs at least one gamepad. The listing identifies support for Xbox and PlayStation controllers. That is useful hardware guidance, but it does not document every possible keyboard-and-controller combination.

For a straightforward preparation check:

  • Keep the group within the four-player local limit.
  • Have at least one gamepad available and check that the game recognizes your intended input devices.
  • Let each participant confirm which character they control before beginning a serious run.
  • Read the game's current on-screen prompts for joining and starting the session.

The collected official material does not document an exact join button or menu sequence. Follow the prompts shown by your current version instead of assuming that a particular keyboard key or controller button adds another player.

If a controller is not recognized, checking its connection and recognition before launching another run is a sensible first diagnostic step. The available sources do not identify a specific local-join bug or a verified universal fix.

Understand the four-player limit and mixed sessions

Co-Optimus lists four-player local co-op and four-player online co-op for the PC version. It also lists combination co-op with up to four players participating locally or online, while marking LAN or system-link play as unsupported.

Read that combined limit as four players total, rather than four people on one machine plus another four online. If your group is larger, plan to rotate players between runs.

For a session that mixes the couch with remote friends, the feature listing establishes that combination play is supported. It does not establish the exact invitation sequence, supported account arrangements, or device allocation for every setup. Check the options available in the current game before promising a specific configuration to your group.

Move as a group before attempting chain tricks

The official description explains that players can become tangled around a pillar when they move without coordination. It also describes using the chain to trip enemies when the group works together. Co-Optimus notes that players are not linked together in exactly the same way throughout every encounter.

Start by choosing a shared direction around obstacles. Announce when you need to retreat or change sides, and pause the pursuit of a target when someone is caught on scenery. Two players trying to reach opposite sides of the arena can create a movement problem for everyone connected to them.

Once movement feels predictable, experiment with bringing the chain across an enemy's path. Avoid treating it as a separate trick that ignores the rest of the group's positioning. A successful trip is less valuable if the attempt leaves your teammate unable to move safely.

Discuss injuries between fights as well. The developer describes afflictions that change movement and vision, so a teammate's new limitation may affect where the whole group can comfortably fight. Clear communication remains useful even when everyone can see the same screen.

FAQ

How many people can play local co-op?

The PC co-op listing supports up to four local players. A combined local-and-online session is also listed with a four-player total.

Can everyone play with keyboards?

Do not plan on an all-keyboard same-screen session. Steam explicitly requires at least one gamepad for same-screen co-op and does not document every input-device combination.

Which button adds another local player?

The collected sources do not document a specific join button. Use the current game's displayed join prompts after connecting your input devices.

Is LAN play the same as couch co-op?

No. Couch co-op uses the same machine, whereas LAN play connects separate machines over a local network. Co-Optimus lists local co-op as supported and LAN/system-link play as unsupported for the PC version.