Can You Still Play Army of Two: The 40th Day Online?

Sadly, the straightforward answer is no, you cannot play Army of Two: The 40th Day online anymore. Electronic Arts (EA) officially shut down the servers for the game on October 20, 2022. This closure affected not only the ability to engage in online multiplayer matches but also rendered certain in-game achievements unattainable.

This situation is a common, though often lamented, occurrence in the lifecycle of many video games. As player bases dwindle and maintaining server infrastructure becomes less economically viable, publishers often make the difficult decision to sunset online services. This decision, while understandable from a business perspective, leaves fans who enjoyed the online component of the game disappointed.

The Rise and Fall of Army of Two: The 40th Day Online

Released in 2010, Army of Two: The 40th Day built upon the cooperative gameplay mechanics that defined its predecessor. It emphasized strategic teamwork and aggressive co-op as players navigated a chaotic Shanghai under siege. A significant draw was its advanced weapon customization, upgrade systems, and the allure of explosive online multiplayer.

The game offered four online multiplayer modes, each tailored to encourage unique cooperative play. Players could team up with friends or strangers to tackle challenging objectives, making communication and coordination crucial for success. These online elements added significant replay value to the game and fostered a vibrant community.

However, as time passed, player interest gradually waned. While the game’s core mechanics remained enjoyable, newer titles with more modern features and updated graphics inevitably attracted players. The decision by EA to shut down the servers in 2022 marked the end of an era for Army of Two: The 40th Day‘s online community.

The Impact of Server Shutdowns

The closure of online servers has implications beyond simply preventing players from engaging in multiplayer matches. In many games, achievements and trophies are tied to online activities. For Army of Two: The 40th Day, several achievements required players to participate in public matches, invite friends to play, and complete specific objectives online. With the servers offline, these achievements are no longer obtainable, potentially frustrating completionists who strive to unlock all in-game accolades.

Furthermore, the shutdown highlights the inherent ephemerality of digital gaming experiences. Unlike physical media, which can be preserved and played indefinitely (assuming the hardware remains functional), online games are reliant on the continued support of publishers and developers. When that support ceases, the online aspects of the game become inaccessible, effectively erasing a significant portion of the overall experience.

Alternative Ways to Experience Army of Two: The 40th Day

While online multiplayer is no longer an option, Army of Two: The 40th Day can still be enjoyed in other ways. The game features a robust single-player campaign where players can team up with an AI companion. Local split-screen co-op is also available, allowing two players to experience the game together on the same console.

Although the absence of online multiplayer is undoubtedly a loss, the core gameplay mechanics that made Army of Two: The 40th Day enjoyable remain intact. Players can still immerse themselves in the game’s storyline, customize their weapons, and engage in tactical co-op combat, albeit in a more localized setting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Army of Two: The 40th Day and its online status:

1. Is Army of Two: The 40th Day online on Xbox? No, online co-op is no longer functional on Xbox due to server shutdowns.

2. Are the Army of Two: The 40th Day servers still up? The servers for Army of Two: The 40th Day were shut down on October 20, 2022.

3. Why won’t Army of Two connect to EA servers? The game cannot connect to EA servers because the servers have been shut down by EA.

4. Can you still play Army of Two with a friend? Yes, you can still play locally with a friend via split-screen co-op.

5. What can I play Army of Two: The 40th Day on? You can play Army of Two: The 40th Day on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

6. Where can you play Army of Two: The 40th Day? Army of Two: The 40th Day can be played on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

7. Can you still play Army of Two online Xbox? No, online co-op is no longer functional. Local split-screen only.

8. Are the servers for Army of Two still up? The servers for Army of Two: The 40th Day and Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel were shut down on October 20, 2022. The original Army of Two servers were shut down even earlier, in 2011.

9. Is there a second Army of Two game? Yes, Army of Two: The 40th Day is the second game in the series. The third game is Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel.

10. Why was Army of Two 40th Day delisted? The cause for the delisting is uncertain but may have been related to licensed content featured in the title.

11. How long does it take to beat Army of Two: The 40th Day? When focusing on the main objectives, Army of Two: The 40th Day is about 7½ hours in length.

12. Can you play Army of Two with one person? Yes, players can team up with an AI companion in single-player mode.

13. Is Army of Two available on PlayStation? The first game in the series, Army of Two, was released on PlayStation 3. Army of Two: The 40th Day was also released on PlayStation 3.

14. Is Army of Two fun? Many players find Army of Two to be a fun and engaging cooperative experience, despite some flaws.

15. What to do if you can’t connect to EA servers (generally)? If you’re experiencing connectivity issues, try restarting your router, restarting your platform, or trying a different Domain Name System (DNS). However, for Army of Two: The 40th Day, the servers are permanently offline, so these steps will not resolve the issue.

The Broader Context: Game Preservation and Online Services

The situation with Army of Two: The 40th Day raises important questions about game preservation and the responsibility of publishers to maintain online services. While it’s unrealistic to expect companies to support every game indefinitely, the loss of online functionality can significantly diminish the value and longevity of digital titles.

Efforts are being made by various organizations and individuals to address this issue. Emulation projects aim to preserve classic games by recreating the original hardware environment. Archival initiatives seek to document and preserve game code, assets, and related materials. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores the educational and cultural significance of games and supports efforts to preserve their legacy. These efforts are crucial for ensuring that future generations can experience and appreciate the rich history of video games.

Ultimately, the closure of online servers is a reminder that digital gaming is a dynamic and evolving landscape. While the loss of online multiplayer in Army of Two: The 40th Day is disappointing, the game’s core mechanics and local co-op remain enjoyable. By embracing alternative ways to experience the game and supporting game preservation efforts, we can ensure that classic titles continue to be appreciated for years to come.