How to Add a Second Player to Remote Play
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The process for adding a second player in a remote play session depends heavily on the platform and service you’re using. Whether you’re using Steam Remote Play Together, PlayStation Remote Play, or Xbox Remote Play, the methods vary. However, the core concept involves allowing another player to connect to your game or console remotely, effectively acting as a local player. Here’s a breakdown:
Steam Remote Play Together:
With Steam Remote Play Together, you can easily bring in a second, third, or even fourth player to your game. The setup is straightforward:
- Launch your game. Make sure it’s a title that supports local multiplayer.
- Confirm your friend is logged in to Steam on a compatible device.
- Open the Steam Overlay in-game by pressing Shift+Tab.
- Navigate to your friends list, right-click on the friend you want to invite, and select “Remote Play Together.”
- Once your friend accepts the invite, their inputs will be recognized in-game as if they were playing locally. They’ll even be able to use their own controllers, even if they’re different types.
Using this method, the game runs on your machine, but your friend’s controller and inputs are streamed to your game, allowing them to play as if they were sitting next to you. The key here is that only the host needs to own the game. Your friends can play along even if they don’t have a copy of the game.
PlayStation Remote Play:
PlayStation Remote Play is designed primarily for single-player remote gaming, allowing you to stream your console’s output to another device, such as a phone, tablet, or another computer. While primarily used for single-player experiences, you can have a second player through Share Play, which acts as a co-op solution through streaming:
- Start by enabling Remote Play on your PS4 or PS5 in Settings.
- Connect your desired remote device to your console via the PS Remote Play app.
- Once successfully connected, press the PS button to access the control center.
- Choose the party voice chat card, and from there, select Start Share Play.
- Invite a friend from your friends list, and select the play mode. This usually means letting them take control of the game.
- Your friend joins, and you can both interact with the game, with controls typically alternating.
It’s important to note that you can’t use Share Play at the same time as traditional Remote Play. The user using Share Play will essentially be taking control of your PS5 through a stream. Share Play sessions are usually limited to 60 minutes at a time.
Xbox Remote Play:
Xbox Remote Play, like PS Remote Play, primarily facilitates single-player remote access. It’s not really designed for sharing with a second player directly, although you could utilize Share Play options through console’s feature (if available and supported in your desired game) and this would not be technically remote play. If you and your friend are both connected to the same network, you might find local multiplayer to be an easier solution. It’s not straightforward to add a player 2 to a traditional Xbox Remote Play session. The Xbox is designed to stream single player sessions remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the maximum number of players for Steam Remote Play Together?
A maximum of four players can use Steam Remote Play Together simultaneously, assuming your internet connection and game support it.
Does only one person need to own a game for Steam Remote Play Together?
Yes, only the host needs to own a copy of the game. Other players can join the session without purchasing the title themselves, making it incredibly cost effective for group play.
Can you play 2-player local co-op games using Steam Remote Play Together?
Absolutely! Steam Remote Play Together is specifically designed for sharing local co-op experiences. If your game features local multiplayer, this feature lets remote players join as though they were there in person.
Does Remote Play require a good internet connection?
Yes, a stable and relatively fast internet connection is crucial for a smooth Remote Play experience. Latency and dropouts can occur with weaker connections, hindering gameplay. Both the host and the remote players need decent bandwidth for the stream to work effectively.
Can you use controllers with remote play?
Yes! With Steam Remote Play Together and PlayStation Remote Play, players can typically use their own controllers. With Steam, they can be any type of controller. With PlayStation, the controller needs to be paired and registered for each user.
Does local multiplayer mean split-screen?
Not always. Local multiplayer can mean split-screen, but it could also mean hotseat gaming, where players share a single controller and take turns, or simultaneous play on the same screen without a split view. The interpretation of what is considered “local” is context based and can be different from game to game.
Can you use Remote Play and Share Play on PlayStation at the same time?
No, you cannot use Remote Play and Share Play simultaneously on PlayStation. They are separate functions and you can only utilize one of the features at a time.
Can two players play on the same PS5?
Yes, up to four players can play locally on the same PS5 offline. When connected to the PlayStation Network (PSN), up to two players can play together.
How do you add a second controller to PS5?
To add a second controller to your PS5, hold the Create button (the small button next to the touchpad) and the PS button on the new controller simultaneously. Your existing paired controller will show a prompt asking you to select the new controller from the list.
Can you do 2-player on Remote Play on Xbox?
Xbox Remote Play is primarily designed for single-player sessions, and doesn’t really facilitate a second player joining directly in the same remote session. There are workarounds utilizing Share Play features, or the other party joining as local on their own machine, but no direct support for two players on an Xbox Remote Play connection.
Can two players play on the same PlayStation via Share Play?
Yes, you can use Share Play to play with a friend as if you’re both in the same room. Share Play allows the host to hand over the controller to a visitor who can then play, view, or take control of the game.
How does PS5 Remote Play work?
The PS5 Remote Play app connects to your PS5 console over a network, allowing you to stream your console’s display to a connected device. The console does the processing and your device just receives the data to display the image and send controller inputs.
Is Pico Park free?
Pico Park is not free. It’s a paid game on Steam that supports 2-8 players and features both local and online multiplayer. As of the writing of this article the game costs $4.99
Can you play Pico Park with friends on your phones?
Yes, you can control PICO PARK with your iPhone/iPad/Android, which is good for multi-player sessions that are remote.
What does Steam Remote Play allow you to do?
Steam Remote Play Together allows you to stream a local co-op game from your computer to your friends who are playing on their own machines. It effectively bridges local multiplayer games over the internet.