This is how Returnal’s co-op actually works

techradar.com:

PS5 roguelike Returnal will be getting a free expansion on March 22, introducing two-player co-op to the sci-fi, time-looping shooter.

The new gamemode was revealed in an announcement trailer (watch it below) during March’s State of Play, with a follow-up blog post detailing exactly how co-op will work in the game.

At the start of each cycle, you’ll be able to access co-op mode through a Chronosis portal, choosing to either host your own game for public players to join, host a private cycle if you’d rather play with your friends, or hop into someone else’s playthrough. Chronosis portals will also pop up “at other select parts of the game”, suggesting you’ll be able to request co-op help at certain times midway through a run, such as before a boss or a new biome.

Returnal’s co-op mode mostly follows the game’s core gameplay loop beat for beat, but it throws another player in the mix. You and your partner will traverse the alien world as you normally would but will be tethered back together if you stray too far apart. Developer Housemarque says this is intended to “ensure that the focus remains on cooperative gameplay and both players feel connected to the fates of each other.”

Players will have separate life pools and the option to revive their partner if they’re downed. But to maintain Returnal’s punishing difficulty, getting them back into the fight won’t be easy, as you’ll have to spend a big chunk of time reviving your fallen comrade while navigating the bullet-hell around you.

All progression will be tied to the host player. That means you can call on a friend or a random buddy to help you get past a particularly challenging boss, while both players will get to keep any collectible logs or xenoglyphs they discover.

Alongsi