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Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online to Play Friday the 13th? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is: yes, you generally need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play Friday the 13th: The Game online on the Nintendo Switch. However, the situation is complicated by the game’s limited availability and the shutdown of dedicated servers. Let’s dive into the details and unravel the complexities, exploring what you can still do with the game.

The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Friday the 13th: The Game on Switch

The gaming world is ever-changing, and Friday the 13th: The Game is a prime example. Originally built around online multiplayer, the game’s life on the Nintendo Switch has been tumultuous. The initial requirement for Nintendo Switch Online stemmed from the core gameplay loop: asymmetric multiplayer where players took on the roles of counselors trying to survive Jason Voorhees, controlled by another player. This inherently requires an online connection, and thus, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

The Server Shutdown and Peer-to-Peer: A Temporary Reprieve

A key turning point was the shutdown of the dedicated servers in November 2020 due to licensing issues. The game transitioned to peer-to-peer matchmaking, where players connected directly to each other rather than through a central server. While this allowed for continued online play, it still relied on the Nintendo Switch Online service.

The Delisting and End of an Era

Adding another layer of complexity, the game was delisted from digital storefronts on December 31, 2023, meaning you can no longer purchase it digitally. Physical copies are also increasingly rare. What does this mean for your gameplay experience? It means access to new players is reduced, and finding matches can become even more difficult as the player base dwindles.

The Ghost in the Machine: The Offline Mode

While online play generally requires Nintendo Switch Online, Friday the 13th: The Game offers an offline mode where you can play against AI-controlled counselors as Jason. In this mode, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required. You can hone your Jason skills, explore the maps, and experience the game in a single-player setting. However, keep in mind that you can only play as Jason in this mode.

So, What Can You Do Now?

Here’s a breakdown of the current situation:

Online Multiplayer (Hypothetically): If you own the game and have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you might be able to find matches through peer-to-peer matchmaking. However, the player base is significantly smaller, making it difficult to guarantee finding a game. The original online features depended heavily on a stable player base, which is now diminished.
Offline Play: You can always play the offline mode against AI bots without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Game Delisting: The game is no longer available for purchase digitally. Physical copies may be available through resellers.

The Broader Context: Nintendo Switch Online and Online Gaming

Beyond Friday the 13th: The Game, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is generally required for most online multiplayer games on the Nintendo Switch. This subscription service provides access to:

Online play: Essential for playing games online with friends and other players.
Classic games: Access to a library of NES and Super NES games.
Cloud saves: Back up your save data to the cloud.
Smartphone app: Enhance your online experience with game-specific services and voice chat.
Exclusive offers: Access to special deals and promotions.

The need for online subscriptions has become commonplace for modern consoles. To learn more about the societal impact of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Friday the 13th: The Game and Nintendo Switch Online

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation:

Is Friday the 13th: The Game still active on Switch? While the game is still playable, the player base has decreased significantly. Gun Media has confirmed that Friday the 13th: The Game will no longer be for sale after 2023 and servers will shut down at the end of 2024.
Can I play Friday the 13th: The Game offline? Yes, the game has an offline mode where you can play as Jason against AI counselors. This mode does not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play Friday the 13th: The Game online? Generally, yes. Although the dedicated servers are shut down, peer-to-peer matchmaking still technically requires Nintendo Switch Online.
Why can’t I connect to Friday the 13th: The Game? Connection issues can stem from various reasons, including problems with your internet connection, server issues (though less relevant now with peer-to-peer), or problems with your Nintendo account.
Is Friday the 13th: The Game shutting down completely? The game was delisted from sale on December 31, 2023, and support including servers, will shut down at the end of 2024.
What happens if I don’t have Nintendo Switch Online? You won’t be able to play most online multiplayer games, including Friday the 13th: The Game (online component). You’ll also lose access to cloud saves and other benefits of the service.
Can I play Friday the 13th: The Game with friends offline? No, the offline mode is single-player only. You can only play as Jason against AI bots.
Is Nintendo Switch Online worth it? If you play a lot of online multiplayer games, Nintendo Switch Online is generally considered worth the cost. It also provides access to classic games and other benefits.
How much is Nintendo Switch Online? Nintendo Switch Online has several subscription options, including individual and family plans. Prices vary depending on the length of the subscription. Check the Nintendo website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Will Friday the 13th: The Game still be playable after 2024? Gun Media has stated that the game will be supported “at least” until the end of 2024. After that, its future is uncertain, especially considering the server shutdown.
Why are all players level 150 in Friday the 13th: The Game? As a final sendoff, the developers released an update that set all players to the maximum level (150) and unlocked all perks and kills.
Is Friday the 13th: The Game available on other platforms? Yes, it was available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
What are some games that don’t require Nintendo Switch Online to play online? Some free-to-play games, like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Rocket League, don’t require a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Can I get a refund for Friday the 13th: The Game due to the server shutdown? Refund policies vary, but it’s unlikely you’ll receive a refund, especially if you’ve owned the game for a significant amount of time.
Where can I find more information about gaming and learning? Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for resources and research on the intersection of gaming and education.

Final Thoughts: A Farewell to Camp Crystal Lake (Sort Of)

Friday the 13th: The Game‘s journey on the Nintendo Switch has been a rollercoaster. While the online multiplayer component is now a shell of its former self, the offline mode offers a way to still enjoy the game. Whether or not a Nintendo Switch Online membership is “worth it” depends on your gaming habits and whether you play other online multiplayer games. While the dedicated servers are gone, and the game has been delisted, it is important to remember the impact that gaming has on our society. The Games Learning Society dedicates themselves to researching the correlation between the two. So, grab your machete (or your Joy-Cons), and enjoy what’s left of your time at Camp Crystal Lake!

Do you need a Nintendo switch online membership to play Friday the 13th?