Can Different Versions of Overcooked Play Together? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: it depends on which Overcooked games you are referring to and how you want to play. While the Overcooked franchise offers a chaotic and fun cooking experience, not all versions can play together due to platform limitations and game design choices. Let’s break down the specifics to clarify which Overcooked pairings are compatible for multiplayer madness.
Understanding Overcooked Multiplayer Compatibility
The Overcooked series consists of several iterations, namely: Overcooked!, Overcooked! 2, and Overcooked! All You Can Eat. The core gameplay remains consistent – cooperatively preparing meals in increasingly challenging kitchens – but the way multiplayer functions differs significantly between each title.
- Overcooked!: This original title is largely focused on local co-op, meaning you play together with friends on the same console. While there is no online multiplayer, PC versions do have cross-platform play between the Epic Games Store and Steam. However, this is a limited form of crossplay, as it does not include other consoles.
- Overcooked! 2: The sequel expanded the multiplayer options by introducing online co-op, allowing you to play with friends remotely. Cross-play was later added to this game, which means players on different platforms can team up, including Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X / S, and PS5.
- Overcooked! All You Can Eat: This is a remastered compilation of both Overcooked! and Overcooked! 2, along with all the downloadable content (DLC). It has full cross-play support, meaning you can play with friends on any of the supported platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
It’s crucial to note that you can’t mix and match games. For example, if you are playing Overcooked! 2, you won’t be able to join a friend playing Overcooked! All You Can Eat, and vice versa. Each game operates independently and requires everyone in the multiplayer session to be using the same version.
Overcooked 1 vs Overcooked 2: A Key Difference
A crucial point of distinction is the lack of online multiplayer in the original Overcooked. While it’s a fantastic couch co-op title, those seeking online play need to move to the sequel, Overcooked! 2 or Overcooked! All You Can Eat, which includes both games, and offers cross-platform play for both.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further elaborate on Overcooked’s multiplayer capabilities:
1. Can I play Overcooked 1 with friends online?
No, the original Overcooked! does not feature online multiplayer. Its multiplayer is restricted to local couch co-op, where players are on the same console or PC (crossplay is only between Steam and Epic Games Store).
2. Can players on different platforms play Overcooked 2 together?
Yes, Overcooked! 2 features cross-play between all supported platforms, including Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X / S, and PS5.
3. Can I play Overcooked! All You Can Eat with friends on different consoles?
Yes, Overcooked! All You Can Eat has full cross-play support, allowing players on Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC to play together.
4. Can I play Overcooked 2 with someone who only has Overcooked 1?
No. Overcooked 1 and 2 are different games with different multiplayer infrastructures and are not compatible. Players must be on the same game to play together.
5. Is the campaign mode in Overcooked 2 playable with cross-play?
Yes, the entire campaign/story mode in Overcooked! 2 is fully playable with friends across different platforms, as long as everyone is playing the same game.
6. How can I play Overcooked 2 with my friends online?
You can use the in-game lobby or matchmaking system for arcade and versus modes. For story/campaign, you will need to invite friends from your friend list on the relevant platform to your game session.
7. Does everyone need to own Overcooked 2 to play together online?
Yes, each player must own a copy of the game they want to play in order to participate in the online multiplayer sessions.
8. Can I play Overcooked 2 with only one other person?
Yes, Overcooked 2 is designed for one to four players, meaning two players can play together. It’s also possible to play solo, though the game is designed around team play.
9. Can I play Overcooked 2 on two different Nintendo Switches?
Yes, you can play Overcooked 2 wirelessly across multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. Up to four players can team up using a Joy-Con™ controller or wireless play.
10. Does Overcooked Special Edition have crossplay?
No. Overcooked Special Edition is a version of the original Overcooked! with DLC included, and it does not offer cross-play. Multiplayer is local only, with crossplay only between Steam and Epic Games Stores.
11. What is the difference between Overcooked and Overcooked Special Edition?
Overcooked Special Edition includes both of the expansions, “The Lost Morsel” and “Festive Seasoning,” along with the core game content. Otherwise, it offers the same experience as the original Overcooked.
12. Is Overcooked Special Edition good for couch co-op?
Yes, Overcooked Special Edition is excellent for couch co-op, allowing one to four players to play together on the same console.
13. Is Overcooked 2 harder with two people?
Overcooked 2 can be more challenging with fewer players (two people instead of three or four), but it’s still doable. The game scales its difficulty to a degree based on player count.
14. Which Overcooked game is better for multiplayer: Overcooked 1 or Overcooked 2?
Overcooked 2 is superior for multiplayer due to its online multiplayer capabilities and expanded features. However, the original game is a worthwhile experience, especially for couch co-op enthusiasts. Overcooked! All You Can Eat is the best choice for multiplayer, combining both games into a single offering with full cross-platform play support.
15. Can I play Overcooked 2 with Overcooked! 2 Gourmet Edition?
Yes. The Gourmet Edition includes the base game and all DLC for Overcooked! 2. Therefore, you will be playing Overcooked! 2, meaning you can play with anyone who owns Overcooked! 2, no matter if they do or do not have DLC’s, and it will have all the crossplay capabilities.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Overcooked series offers great opportunities for cooperative gaming, cross-play compatibility depends heavily on the specific title you choose. Overcooked! 2 and Overcooked! All You Can Eat are your go-to options for playing across different platforms, offering the most seamless and flexible multiplayer experiences. Just remember that you need to own the same game as your friends and check which options support cross-play before starting your culinary adventures. Happy cooking, chefs!