Table of Contents

Is It Possible to Play Cuphead Multiplayer? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is a resounding yes! Cuphead, the visually stunning and notoriously challenging run-and-gun game, absolutely supports multiplayer. While the game doesn’t feature native online multiplayer right out of the box, there are several ways to team up with a friend and tackle the Devil’s debtors together. This article will delve into the specifics of how to play Cuphead multiplayer, addressing various platforms and methods, and answering some frequently asked questions.

Understanding Cuphead Multiplayer

Cuphead shines as a co-op experience, allowing two players to control Cuphead and his sibling Mugman. Working together is often essential to overcome the game’s punishing difficulty. However, the implementation of multiplayer varies depending on the platform you’re playing on.

Local Co-op: The Classic Approach

The most straightforward way to experience Cuphead multiplayer is through local co-op. This simply means playing with someone sitting next to you, using two controllers connected to the same console or PC. This is how Cuphead was originally designed to be played, and remains a popular option for its ease of setup and shared couch experience.

How to set up local co-op: Simply connect two controllers to your console (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) or PC. Load up the game, and player two presses any button on their controller. Mugman will appear, ready to join the adventure! You can also play with one controller and a keyboard on PC, but controller mapping can sometimes be tricky.

Online Multiplayer: Bridging the Distance

While Cuphead doesn’t have built-in online multiplayer, there are workarounds that allow you to play with friends remotely. These methods typically involve using third-party software to stream your game to another player, effectively simulating a local co-op experience.

Parsec: This is a popular option for playing Cuphead online. Parsec allows you to host a local game and stream it to a friend. They will need to download Parsec as well, but the setup is relatively straightforward. Keep in mind this requires a good internet connection for both players.
Steam Remote Play Together: If you own Cuphead on Steam, you can utilize Steam’s Remote Play Together feature. This function similarly allows you to stream your game to a friend, letting them control Mugman as if they were in the same room.
PlayStation Share Play: On PlayStation 4 and 5, you can use Share Play to invite a friend to join your game. This streams your gameplay to them and allows them to take control of Mugman. However, Share Play can sometimes be unreliable depending on internet connection speeds.
Nvidia GeForce Now (with Parsec or similar): You can use Nvidia GeForce Now to stream the game, and then use Parsec or Steam Remote Play Together to stream the game to a second player.

The Impact of Co-op on Gameplay

Playing Cuphead in co-op can significantly alter the gameplay experience. While having a second player can provide a tactical advantage, it also introduces new challenges.

Increased Boss Health: Bosses generally receive a health boost in co-op mode, making battles longer and more demanding.
Screen Clutter: With two characters dashing and shooting, the screen can become quite chaotic, making it harder to track enemy projectiles.
Revive Mechanics: Players can revive each other by parrying their ghostly forms before they float off-screen. This adds a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay, but can also lead to risky maneuvers and potential deaths.
Shared Coins: Any coins collected as Cuphead will be available to Mugman when they join in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cuphead Multiplayer

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Cuphead multiplayer, designed to address common concerns and provide additional information:

Is Cuphead local only? No, while Cuphead was initially designed with local co-op in mind, you can use third-party software like Parsec, Steam Remote Play Together, or PlayStation Share Play to play online with friends.
How many players can play Cuphead together? Cuphead supports a maximum of two players in co-op mode. There is no support for three or more players.
Does Cuphead get harder with 2 players? Yes and no. Bosses have increased health, but having a partner can provide a strategic advantage. Ultimately, the difficulty is subjective and depends on your play styles and coordination. Some players believe that the screen clutter from a second player makes co-op harder.
Can two people play Cuphead on the same PC? Yes, you can play on the same PC using two controllers, or one controller and the keyboard.
Can you play two different Cuphead games on two computers? Yes, each player would need to own a copy of Cuphead to play two completely separate games on two different computers. The discussed co-op methods stream one game to the second player.
Do you need Nintendo Online to play Cuphead co-op on the Switch? No, Nintendo Online is not required for local co-op on the Nintendo Switch. However, it might be required for some online streaming methods, depending on the software you use.
Is Cuphead DLC playable in co-op? Yes! The Delicious Last Course DLC is fully playable in co-op, allowing you to experience the new levels, bosses, and character, Ms. Chalice, with a friend.
Can both players be Ms. Chalice in Cuphead? No, only one player can be Ms. Chalice at a time. One player must equip the Astral Cookie charm to swap places with her.
How do you revive your partner in Cuphead co-op? When a player dies, their ghost floats upwards. The remaining player must parry the ghost before it disappears to revive their partner.
Does Cuphead on PS4 support local co-op? Yes, Cuphead on PS4 supports local co-op. Two players can team up on the same console.
Is Cuphead cross-platform? Cuphead does not offer cross-platform play. You can only play with friends who are on the same platform as you (e.g., PC with PC, Xbox with Xbox, etc.).
Can you play Cuphead online without Parsec or Steam Remote Play Together? Without any third-party software, you are unable to play Cuphead online with others, but it’s worth checking back with the developers, as they may introduce this feature in a future update.
What if my internet connection is bad? If your internet connection is poor, you might experience lag or disconnects when using online streaming methods. Local co-op is the best option for playing with a stable connection.
Is it easier to beat Cuphead with two players? Some players find it easier to beat Cuphead with two players as the game is a co-operative experience. However, there are reports that increased health from the bosses and screen clutter can make the game harder.
Can you play Cuphead multiplayer on mobile? Cuphead isn’t officially available on mobile platforms. However, you may be able to stream the game to your mobile device using services like Steam Link or GeForce Now, and then use a third-party co-op streaming method.

Embracing the Co-op Challenge

Playing Cuphead in multiplayer amplifies both the fun and the frustration. The shared victories are even sweeter, and the defeats are a little less bitter when you have a friend by your side. Whether you opt for the classic couch co-op experience or brave the world of online streaming, Cuphead’s multiplayer mode offers a unique and rewarding way to experience this challenging and beautiful game. Remember to check resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for further insights into the social and collaborative aspects of gaming.

Conclusion

Cuphead’s multiplayer mode allows you to work with others to traverse through Inkwell Isle and repay your debt to the Devil. Whether through local co-op or online streaming, Cuphead’s multiplayer offers a unique and rewarding gaming experience, and is one that many enjoy!

Is it possible to play Cuphead multiplayer?