Does Windblown Have Local Coop
Windblown is a thrilling actionroguelike created by Motion Twin, known for Dead Cells, that invites intense cooperative gameplay but it does not support local couch coop. Players looking to team up need to connect online, as local splitscreen or sharedscreen multiplayer simply isn’t available. This design choice has sparked discussion among fans hoping to enjoy the game sidebyside, prompting developers to focus on online experiences and optimize for up to three players collaborating through internet connections rather than physical proximity.
Official Confirmation on Local CoOp
Motion Twin has confirmed that Windblown does not support local coop. As stated in the official FAQ, Does Windblown have local (splitscreen) coop? No, solely online coop. This clear statement from the developers leaves no room for assumptions local multiplayer simply isn’t part of the game’s design
Steam Community Reactions
Players on Steam have also asked whether Windblown supports local coop, to which community members repeatedly confirmed that the answer is no. One user said simply, No local coop. Another noted that there are no plans for it, adding that splitting two to three players on the same screen would likely hurt visibility
Online CoOp: The Heart of Windblown’s Multiplayer
Although local play isn’t available, Windblown places heavy emphasis on online coop. The game allows up to three players to team up and take on the dangerous Vortex together. This feature encourages social gameplay and cooperation in a roguelike setting, making it a shared adventure rather than a solitary challenge.
Community and Coop Gameplay
CoOptimus confirms that Windblown offers online coop for up to three players, with no support for local or LAN gameplay
Why Local CoOp Isn’t Included
Multiple sources from developers and community members point out the practical reasons behind excluding local coop:
- The fast-paced, frenetic gameplay would struggle on a split-screen display.
- Players can separate far enough in the game world that shared screens wouldn’t keep everyone in view.
- Implementing splitscreen could introduce performance issues and visual clutter.
As one Reddit user noted, There is a lot going on… Adding local coop with splitscreen would hardly be an enjoyable experience. These logistical obstacles likely informed the developers’ decision to keep multiplayer strictly online
How Online CoOp Works
Online coop is structured to support both casual dropin gameplay and longer cooperative runs. Here’s what to expect:
- Players unlock multiplayer features early in the game.
- Up to three players can join a run, either by invitation or joining public lobbies.
- Communication via ingame chat or voice helps coordinate strategies.
Polygon highlights how Windblown transforms roguelike fatigue into friendly engagement, emphasizing that playing with friends makes the highintensity gameplay more enjoyable and sustainable
Alternative Solutions for Local Play
Some players have experimented with creative setups to make local coop work unofficially:
- Using two PCs connected via an HDMI splitter and surround software to mimic splitscreen.
- Connecting two separate controllers to the same system and forcing online coop locally.
- Streaming through local servers or using tricks like remote desktop combined with controllers.
While these workarounds can be fun, they aren’t officially supported and may require technical knowhow
Comparing to Other Roguelikes
Windblown distinguishes itself by embracing multiplayer, unlike many roguelikes such as Hades or Dead Cells, which are singleplayer focused. The cooperative aspect sets a new benchmark for the genre, though the lack of local coop separates it from games like Gauntlet or Magicka that thrive on couch multiplayer experiences.
Impact on Players and Expectations
The online-only coop model appeals to players who enjoy teaming up with friends remotely. However, those hoping for a couch experience may feel let down. Despite some hoping for future split-screen support, community feedback suggests it’s unlikely due to gameplay constraints
Still, for many, the social benefits of online play outweigh the absence of local options. Shared progression, combined with responsive multiplayer combat, keeps Windblown engaging and socially rewarding
In answer to the original question: does Windblown have local coop? No it does not. The game supports online coop for up to three players but excludes local split-screen and LAN play. This choice stems from the practical challenges of managing a fast-paced, action-heavy roguelike on shared screens and is confirmed by both developer statements and community discussions. Online coop remains the game’s core multiplayer experience, transforming what could be a solitary challenge into a cooperative blast of strategic teamwork. For players seeking couch coop, Windblown won’t satisfy that need unless they’re willing to experiment with unofficial setups. Still, for those who enjoy connecting online, the game offers a vibrant, shared adventure through the Vortex.