Dead Island 2 multiplayer co-op: How to play with friends

Joseph Pascoulis
dead island 2 key art character with blade and zombies

Dead Island 2 is the sequel to the popular zombie game from 2011, and here’s everything you need to know about its co-op multiplayer including how to play with your friends.

Dead Island 2 is the exciting new sequel to the popular zombie game from 2011. Fans have been waiting for over a decade to see another installment in Deep Silver’s hectic zombie series, and it finally arrives on April 21, 2023.

One of the most popular aspects of the original was its multiplayer experience, which allowed up to four players to experience the game’s immersive story.

As it was so popular, of course, those interested in playing Dead Island 2 are wondering if the sequel will also feature multiplayer co-op in hopes that they can play through the campaign with their friends. Here’s everything you need to know about Dead Island 2’s co-op, including how to play with your friends.

Does Dead Island 2 feature multiplayer co-op?

Jacob in Dead Island 2

Dead Island 2 will feature multiplayer co-op, in which up to three players can get together to fight hordes of zombies and play through the main story. Unfortunately, however, the game does not feature crossplay so you’ll have to team up with those on the same system.

According to the devs, the co-op adventure brings “plenty of exciting quests, a crazy cast of characters, and a thrilling pulp story, to truly immerse you in its twisted universe.”

How to play co-op in Dead Island 2

To unlock multiplayer co-op in Dead Island 2, you’ll need to reach Emma’s Mansion during the ‘Call the Calvary’ mission. The devs say this should take around 20 to 30 minutes of playtime.

Once you’ve unlocked co-op, it’s as simple as creating a lobby or joining one of your friends in their session. Do note that you won’t be able to join a friend who’s ahead of you. Instead, they can join you and return to where they left off afterward.

Who can host a Dead Island 2 lobby?

Only players on the following platforms will be able to host a Dead Island 2 multiplayer lobby:

  • PC
  • Xbox One X
  • PlayStation 4 Pro
  • PlayStation 5
  • Xbox Series X|S

If you’re on the standard Xbox One or PlayStation 4 then you won’t be able to host a session, but you can join a friend provided they’re on one of the platforms listed above. The devs are working on bringing the option, though.

Is there local co-op split-screen in Dead Island 2?

Unfortunately, local co-op, also known as couch co-op, is not available for Dead Island 2. There will be no way for players to enjoy the game in split-screen, as the game is only one player per system much like the original.

If you wish to play with a friend in close vicinity, you must have more than one system and play together online.


For more Dead Island 2 guides, check out some of these other pieces:

Dead Island 2 pre-order bonuses: All editions & prices | All Dead Island 2 Slayers & abilities: Every playable character | Is Dead Island 2 coming to Xbox Game Pass? | All Dead Island 2 voice actors: Confirmed cast list | How long is Dead Island 2? | Dead Island 2 PC requirements: Minimum & recommended specs

Image Credits: Deep Silver

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About The Author

Joseph is a Senior Writer at CharlieIntel specializing in shooters - Call of Duty, Apex Legends, Fortnite, and Overwatch. He also enjoys Souls-likes, the Resident Evil franchise, and Tekken. After writing for KeenGamer, he joined CharlieIntel in 2021. If Joseph isn't writing about games, then he's most likely playing them. You can contact him at [email protected].