How to Set Up Multiplayer Overcooked!
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Setting up multiplayer in Overcooked! is a recipe for fun, albeit a potentially chaotic one! The setup varies slightly depending on which Overcooked! game you’re playing (Overcooked! 1, Overcooked! 2, or Overcooked! All You Can Eat) and your platform (PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox). Generally, you’ll need to navigate to the main menu, select a multiplayer option, and then invite your friends either locally or online. The specific steps are detailed below.
Local Multiplayer (Couch Co-op)
The beauty of Overcooked! lies in its frantic couch co-op. Here’s how to get it cooking:
- Launch the Game: Start your Overcooked! game of choice.
- Navigate to the Main Menu: Usually, this involves pressing a button to start.
- Select “New Game” or “Campaign”: If you’re starting a new game.
- Add Players: On most platforms, additional players simply need to press any button on their controller at the main menu or character selection screen. The game will recognize the new controller and add them as a player. In Overcooked! 1, to add a player, you might need to hold the L & R buttons of the controller you want to add.
- Select Characters (if applicable): Some games allow you to customize your chefs.
- Start Cooking! Choose your level and get ready for some culinary chaos.
On the Nintendo Switch, you can also use wireless multiplayer for up to four players, each using a Joy-Con.
Online Multiplayer
For those who can’t be in the same room, online multiplayer is a delicious alternative:
- Launch the Game: As always, start by launching your Overcooked! game.
- Select “Online” or “Multiplayer”: Look for an option that specifies online play.
- Create or Join a Lobby: You’ll likely have the choice to host a game (creating a lobby) or join an existing one.
- Invite Friends: The method for inviting friends varies by platform.
- Steam: Use the Steam overlay (Shift + Tab), right-click on a friend’s name, and select “Invite to Game” or “Invite to Remote Play.”
- PlayStation/Xbox: Use the console’s built-in friend system to send invites.
- Nintendo Switch: Add friends using their friend code or by linking your Nintendo account to social media. From the HOME Menu, select the icon of your user to access your user page. On your user page, select “Add Friend”. Select the method by which you want to add a friend and follow the on-screen instructions. You can bring consoles together and send a friend request to nearby Users.
- Wait for Friends to Join: Once your friends accept the invite, they’ll join your lobby.
- Start Cooking! Select your level or campaign and prepare for online culinary collaboration (or competition!).
Using Parsec for Online Play
If you’re playing Overcooked! 1 and want to play online, consider using Parsec:
- Host the Game: Head to the Parsec Arcade and choose to host Overcooked! (Make sure the game is already running).
- Share the Link: Share the generated link with your friends.
- Friends Download Parsec: Your friends will need to download and install Parsec.
- Play Together! Once everyone is connected, you’re ready to play.
Remote Play Together
Steam’s Remote Play Together feature lets you invite friends to play local co-op games online, even if they don’t own the game. To use Remote Play Together:
- Launch the Game: Launch Overcooked! on your computer.
- Open Steam Overlay: Press Shift + Tab to bring up the Steam overlay.
- Invite a Friend: Right-click on your friend’s name and click “Invite Remote Play”.
- Return to the Game: Go back to Overcooked! and start your local co-op game. Your friend will be able to join and play as if they were sitting next to you.
With Remote Play Together, you can invite your Steam Friends to join your local co-op sessions remotely, without having to own or launch the game themselves. By utilizing the Steam Link app, Remote Play access can be extended to any supported device with the app installed.
Split Controller
If you’re short on controllers, Overcooked! allows you to split a single controller between two players. Split controller is for two players to use a single controller. This can be a bit awkward, but it’s a fun way to play with more people using limited resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do both people need Overcooked! to play together?
It depends on how you’re playing. For standard online play, each player needs to own a copy of the game. However, with Steam’s Remote Play Together, only the host needs to own the game. For campaign mode, you’ll need to invite friends to play with you.
2. Can I play with my friend who has Overcooked! 2 if I have Overcooked! 1?
No, all players must own the same version of Overcooked! The games are not cross-compatible.
3. How do I add a second player to Overcooked!?
In local multiplayer, have the second player press any button on their controller at the main menu or character selection screen. In Overcooked! 1, you might need to hold the L & R buttons on the controller you want to add. To remove a player, press B on that controller at the home menu.
4. How do I play Overcooked! All You Can Eat multiplayer?
If you’re playing Arcade, you’ll be able to play with anyone via matchmaking or privately with your friends. You can also take multiple local players online and play with anyone. If you want to play through the campaign, you’ll need to invite friends to play with you.
5. Why won’t my controller work on Overcooked! 2?
Try the following:
- Unplug the controller.
- Launch the Steam client and click the controller icon at the top right to enter Big Picture Mode.
- Go to Settings > Controller Settings and make sure that “Playstation/Xbox/Generic Configuration Support” are all toggled on.
- Then simply plug your controller and retest the game.
6. What is a split controller in Overcooked!?
Split controller is for two players to use a single controller.
7. Is Overcooked! 2 only multiplayer?
No, while it’s designed for multiplayer, you can play the entire game solo.
8. Can 2 people play Overcooked! on the same Switch?
Yes, with up to three local players sharing a console or computer, it is then possible to also play with other players online.
9. Can you use two controllers on Overcooked!?
Yes, you can split two controllers to let four people play local, but everyone will have to share a controller with someone else.
10. How do you switch players in Overcooked!?
From the Suspend Menu, press the Y Button or select Swap P1 to swap between Player 1 and Player 2. If more than two players are part of the online game, you will be prompted to select which player will control Player 1. A brief notification will be displayed to indicate this change.
11. How many people do you need for Overcooked! 2?
You can play with 1-4 players, either locally or online.
12. Do all players need the DLC for Overcooked!?
Only the host needs the DLC for campaign with friends. Arcade & Versus modes are a little bit different: If you own the DLC then you can vote for those maps & there’s a chance they’ll be picked and everyone can play then. If you don’t own the DLC then you can’t vote for them.
13. Do I need 2 switches to play multiplayer?
The Nintendo Switch family of systems supports multiplayer gaming options of all kinds. You can play together online or in the same room using one system or multiple systems.
14. How do combos work in Overcooked 2?
If you’re playing for a high score in Overcooked! 2 then combos are key! Complete each recipe in the exact sequence they’re ordered and your score counter will burst into flames as you rack up the score multiplier! If you’re aiming to 3-star every stage then you’ll need to nail this skill.
15. Is Overcooked only coop?
In Overcooked players must journey through a variety of cruel and unusual kitchens on their quest to become master chefs capable of conquering an ancient edible evil which plagues the land. Play solo or engage in classic, chaotic couch co-op for up to four players in both co-operative and competitive challenge modes.
Overcooked! is a fantastic game for developing teamwork and communication skills, proving that games can be a powerful tool for learning. If you’re interested in exploring the educational aspects of gaming further, be sure to visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website. Learning through gameplay is engaging and can be incredibly effective, so take advantage of the resources provided by the Games Learning Society.