REANIMAL is built from the ground up as a two-player survival experience, and the Friend’s Pass is the clearest signal of that philosophy. The game expects coordination, shared problem-solving, and real-time communication, especially once enemy patterns start overlapping and resources get tight. The good news is that you don’t need to convince both players to buy a copy just to get started.
How REANIMAL’s Friend’s Pass Actually Works
The Friend’s Pass lets one player who owns the full version of REANIMAL invite a second player to join the entire game for free. The invited player downloads a special Friend’s Pass edition, which functions as a client that connects directly to the host’s game session. There are no chapter limits, no time caps, and no content restrictions while playing together.
As long as the host is online and launching the session, the Friend’s Pass player gets full access to the campaign, including story progression, boss encounters, and co-op-specific mechanics. Think of it as a permanent co-op ticket rather than a demo, but only when paired with an owner.
Who Needs to Own the Game (And Who Doesn’t)
Only one person in the co-op pair needs to purchase REANIMAL. That player acts as the host and controls session creation, whether you’re playing locally or online. The second player can jump in using the Friend’s Pass without ever buying the full game.
However, the Friend’s Pass player cannot host sessions, play solo, or progress independently. All progression is tied to the host’s save, meaning your co-op partner is effectively joining your run rather than maintaining a parallel campaign. If the Friend’s Pass player later buys the full game, their unlocks and knowledge carry over, but story progression starts fresh unless they host.
Local Co-Op vs Online Co-Op With Friend’s Pass
For local co-op, the Friend’s Pass isn’t required at all. One owned copy of REANIMAL supports couch co-op on the same system, making it ideal for split-screen or shared-screen setups. This is the simplest way to play and avoids any network-related hiccups.
Online co-op is where the Friend’s Pass shines. The host sends an invite through the platform’s friend system, the invited player launches via the Friend’s Pass client, and both players are dropped into the same session. The experience is mechanically identical to local play, with synced enemy behavior, shared checkpoints, and coordinated combat systems.
Crossplay Ownership Rules You Need to Know
REANIMAL supports crossplay, and the Friend’s Pass fully respects it. The host can be on one platform while the Friend’s Pass player joins from another, as long as both accounts are linked through the game’s crossplay system. Ownership still only applies to the host, regardless of platform.
This means a console player can own the game and invite a PC friend for free, or vice versa. The only hard requirement is that both players have stable online access and the correct version installed, full game for the host and Friend’s Pass for the guest.
Common Misunderstandings That Trip Players Up
A frequent point of confusion is assuming the Friend’s Pass grants permanent solo access. It doesn’t. The pass is strictly a co-op gateway, not a free copy of the game. Another common issue is both players trying to host, which won’t work unless both own the full version.
If invites aren’t showing up, it’s almost always due to platform privacy settings, crossplay toggles being disabled, or mismatched game versions. The Friend’s Pass itself isn’t the limiter, but it does rely on proper account linking and a clear host-client setup to function correctly.
Supported Co-Op Modes Explained: Local Couch Co-Op vs Online Multiplayer
Understanding how REANIMAL handles co-op is critical before you even send an invite. The game supports two distinct co-op modes, and while they share core mechanics, the setup, requirements, and limitations are very different. Choosing the right mode upfront saves you from desyncs, failed invites, and wasted setup time.
Local Couch Co-Op: Zero Friction, One Copy
Local couch co-op is the most straightforward way to play REANIMAL together. One purchased copy of the game supports two players on the same system, no Friend’s Pass, no account linking, and no internet connection required. Plug in a second controller, select co-op from the main menu, and you’re in.
Gameplay-wise, both players share the same screen and progression state. Combat roles naturally split, with one player often pulling aggro while the other manages positioning, DPS windows, and environmental interactions. Because everything runs locally, there’s no input delay, no dropped frames from network spikes, and enemy hitboxes behave exactly as designed.
Online Multiplayer: Where the Friend’s Pass Comes In
Online co-op is built around a strict host-and-guest model. Only the host needs to own the full version of REANIMAL, while the second player joins using the free Friend’s Pass. The guest cannot start sessions alone and cannot progress solo, but they get full access to co-op gameplay while connected to the host.
Once invited, both players experience the full co-op rule set. Enemy AI, damage scaling, checkpoints, and scripted events are fully synchronized, meaning timing-based mechanics and coordinated I-frame usage still matter. If you’ve played local co-op, online multiplayer feels mechanically identical, assuming a stable connection.
How Online Co-Op Invites Actually Work
Invites are handled through your platform’s native friend system, not an in-game lobby browser. The host launches a co-op session, sends an invite, and the Friend’s Pass player joins directly into that instance. If the invite doesn’t appear, the issue is almost always platform-side, not the Friend’s Pass itself.
Both players must be logged into their respective platform accounts and have crossplay enabled if they’re on different systems. A mismatched game version, disabled crossplay toggle, or restrictive privacy settings will block invites instantly. The game won’t always surface a clear error, so checking these manually is essential.
Crossplay Differences Between Local and Online Co-Op
Local couch co-op bypasses crossplay entirely since both players are on the same hardware. Online multiplayer, however, fully supports crossplay, including Friend’s Pass users. A PC host can invite a console player using the pass, and the reverse works just as reliably.
The only requirement is that both players link their accounts through REANIMAL’s crossplay system before attempting to connect. Once linked, platform differences disappear, and matchmaking treats both players as equals within the session. Ownership still stays with the host, but gameplay parity remains intact.
Which Mode Is Better for Your Playstyle
If you want zero setup and maximum stability, local couch co-op is unmatched. It’s ideal for partners, siblings, or friends in the same room who want a frictionless experience. You trade convenience for flexibility, but the moment-to-moment gameplay is rock solid.
Online multiplayer is better for long-distance play and cross-platform groups. The Friend’s Pass removes the cost barrier, but it demands correct setup and a clean host-client relationship. Once configured properly, it delivers the same tactical co-op depth, just without sharing the couch.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Friend’s Pass to Invite a Friend (Online Co-Op)
With the differences between local and online co-op clear, the actual invite process is refreshingly straightforward. The Friend’s Pass doesn’t introduce extra menus or hoops to jump through; it simply piggybacks on your platform’s native multiplayer flow. As long as one player owns the full game, the rest is about clean setup and correct order of operations.
Step 1: The Host Launches REANIMAL and Starts an Online Co-Op Session
The player who owns the full version of REANIMAL must be the host. From the main menu, select Online Co-Op and create a new session or load an existing save that supports multiplayer. The game won’t allow a Friend’s Pass user to host, so ownership here is non-negotiable.
Once the session is live, the host’s game instance becomes the anchor. All progression, unlocks, and save data are tied to this session, even though both players have full mechanical control during gameplay.
Step 2: The Friend Downloads and Launches the Friend’s Pass
The invited player needs to download the REANIMAL Friend’s Pass from their platform store. This is a standalone client, not a trial, and it doesn’t expire. After launching it, they should reach the main menu without needing to purchase the full game.
At this point, the Friend’s Pass player should stay idle in the menus. They can’t browse lobbies or start sessions on their own, so joining always happens through an invite, not matchmaking.
Step 3: Confirm Crossplay and Account Linking
Before sending the invite, both players should double-check that crossplay is enabled in the settings menu. This is critical if you’re playing across PC and console, but it’s still worth verifying even on the same platform. A disabled toggle here will silently block the connection.
Both accounts also need to be linked through REANIMAL’s crossplay system. If this was skipped during first boot, the game may show both players online but refuse to connect them. Linking once permanently fixes this for future sessions.
Step 4: Send the Invite Through Your Platform’s Friend System
Invites are sent using your platform overlay, not an in-game invite list. On console, this usually means opening the system friends menu while the game is running. On PC, it’s handled through Steam or the relevant launcher’s friends interface.
Send the invite while the co-op session is already active. The Friend’s Pass player accepts it and loads directly into the host’s game world, bypassing menus entirely. If everything is configured correctly, the connection is nearly instant.
Step 5: Sync In-Game and Verify the Connection
Once connected, both players should see each other fully synced in the session, with no restricted abilities or locked mechanics. Combat, puzzles, checkpoints, and enemy aggro behave exactly the same as if both players owned the full game. There’s no hidden DPS penalty, latency-based I-frame loss, or content gating.
If desync or rubber-banding appears, the host should check their connection stability first. REANIMAL is host-authoritative, so the host’s network quality directly impacts moment-to-moment gameplay for both players.
Common Invite Problems and How to Fix Them Fast
If the invite doesn’t appear, restart the game on both ends and resend it. This clears most platform-side hiccups, especially after putting the system into rest mode. Also verify that both players are marked as online and visible in their platform privacy settings.
If the game loads but immediately disconnects, check version parity. A pending patch on either system will hard-block online co-op, even with the Friend’s Pass. Once both versions match and crossplay is enabled, invites typically work without further friction.
Setting Up Crossplay: Playing REANIMAL Together Across Different Platforms
Once standard invites are working, crossplay is the final layer that lets REANIMAL’s Friend’s Pass really shine. This is where PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players can all drop into the same session without worrying about who owns what or where they’re playing. The setup is simple, but missing one toggle can silently block the connection.
Confirm Crossplay Is Supported on Both Platforms
REANIMAL supports full crossplay between PC and consoles for online co-op, including Friend’s Pass sessions. There’s no platform-based matchmaking split, and content parity is identical across systems. If one player can load the area solo, they can host it for any other supported platform.
Local co-op is still platform-locked, meaning both players must be on the same system for split-screen. Crossplay only applies to online sessions, where one player hosts and the other joins remotely.
Enable Crossplay in REANIMAL’s Network Settings
Crossplay isn’t always enabled by default, especially on first launch. Both players should open the Network or Online settings menu and confirm that crossplay is toggled on. If one side has it disabled, the game may show friends as online but never allow an invite to connect.
After toggling crossplay, back out to the main menu once to force the setting to refresh. This avoids a common bug where the option looks enabled but isn’t actually active server-side.
Link Accounts for Cross-Platform Identification
REANIMAL uses an internal account layer to translate platform IDs across ecosystems. This is why linking accounts is mandatory for crossplay, even when using Friend’s Pass. Without this link, the game can’t resolve who’s inviting whom across platforms.
Account linking only needs to be done once per system. After it’s completed, future sessions recognize both players instantly, regardless of who hosts or which platform they’re on.
Understand Host Rules and Ownership Requirements
For crossplay, the host must own the full version of REANIMAL. The joining player can use Friend’s Pass on any supported platform, with no time limits or feature restrictions. All progression, unlocks, and checkpoints are saved on the host’s file.
The Friend’s Pass player doesn’t earn solo progress, but nothing is disabled during the session. Damage output, aggro generation, puzzle interactions, and revive mechanics all function exactly like a full-owner co-op run.
Crossplay Voice Chat and Communication Tips
REANIMAL’s in-game voice chat works across platforms, but platform-level party chat does not. If you’re on different systems, use the in-game chat or a third-party option like Discord. This is especially important for timing-based puzzles or coordinated combat.
If voice chat cuts out, check microphone permissions at the system level. Consoles are particularly aggressive about muting apps that don’t have explicit access enabled.
Performance and Stability Across Platforms
Crossplay sessions are host-authoritative, so the host’s hardware and connection matter more than the guest’s. A stable upload speed is more important than raw download bandwidth. If combat feels off, with delayed hit confirmation or missed I-frames, switch hosts and test again.
PC players should avoid heavy background downloads, while console players should disable rest mode downloads. Small network spikes can cause noticeable rubber-banding in tight encounters.
Fixing Crossplay-Specific Connection Issues
If crossplay fails while same-platform co-op works, recheck version parity first. Certification delays can leave one platform a patch behind, hard-blocking crossplay without a clear error message. Updating both systems usually fixes this instantly.
If problems persist, unlink and relink the REANIMAL account on both ends, then restart the game. It’s a blunt fix, but it clears most cross-platform ID conflicts that block Friend’s Pass sessions.
Local Co-Op Setup Guide: Split-Screen, Controllers, and Platform-Specific Requirements
If crossplay feels like overkill for your setup, REANIMAL’s local co-op is the fastest way to get two players into the same session with zero network friction. This is true couch co-op: one system, one copy of the game, and no Friend’s Pass download required for the second player. Everything runs off the host profile, with full mechanics intact.
Local play also bypasses most connection headaches entirely. No NAT issues, no invite desyncs, and no voice chat dropouts. What you do need, though, is the right controller setup and a quick understanding of how REANIMAL handles split-screen by platform.
How to Start Local Split-Screen Co-Op
Boot up REANIMAL on the host account and load into the main menu or an active save. Once Player One is in control, power on a second controller and press the prompted button to join. The game will instantly shift into split-screen and spawn Player Two at the nearest safe point.
There’s no separate profile creation for the second player. All checkpoints, story flags, and unlocks are tied to Player One’s save file, just like online Friend’s Pass sessions. Combat balance, enemy aggro, and puzzle logic scale exactly the same way as online co-op.
Controller Requirements and Input Rules
Local co-op requires two controllers, regardless of platform. REANIMAL does not support shared keyboard or keyboard-plus-controller play, so PC players will need at least one gamepad, and realistically two for a clean experience. Player One can’t split inputs across devices.
For best results, use matching controller types. Mixing input standards can cause minor UI quirks, like mismatched button prompts during QTEs or revive windows. This doesn’t break gameplay, but in high-pressure encounters, clear prompts matter for timing I-frames and coordinated DPS bursts.
Platform-Specific Local Co-Op Notes
On supported consoles, split-screen is fully native and requires no additional downloads. Just sign in the second controller as a guest or secondary profile and jump in. System-level account permissions don’t restrict gameplay, since everything runs under the host license.
On PC, local co-op works best in fullscreen or borderless windowed mode. If the second player doesn’t register immediately, open the input settings and confirm both controllers are detected. Steam Input or similar overlays can help, but disabling custom layouts can prevent double-input bugs.
Performance Tips for Split-Screen Sessions
Split-screen naturally taxes the system harder than solo play. If frame pacing feels inconsistent, lower post-processing effects before touching resolution. Stable framerate matters more than visual fidelity when both players are dodging, reviving, and managing enemy hitboxes in tight spaces.
If one side of the screen stutters or drops inputs, pause and reconnect the affected controller. Local co-op is extremely stable overall, but controller sync issues can masquerade as performance problems if left unchecked.
Progression, Saves, and Limitations When Playing With Friend’s Pass
Once you’re comfortable with performance and input quirks, the next thing players always ask is what actually carries over when using Friend’s Pass. REANIMAL is generous in some areas and deliberately strict in others, and knowing the boundaries upfront prevents a lot of mid-campaign frustration.
Who Owns Progression and Story Unlocks
In any Friend’s Pass session, progression is locked to the host. That means story checkpoints, world state changes, boss clears, and puzzle completions are all written to Player One’s save file only. If the host advances the campaign, that progress persists whether the guest is present or not.
The guest player does not advance their own campaign save, even though they fully participate in combat, exploration, and cutscenes. Think of Friend’s Pass as temporarily inhabiting the host’s timeline, not running two parallel saves.
Character Progression, Gear, and Power Scaling
Combat progression is session-based for the guest. Any temporary upgrades, weapons, or ability unlocks earned during the session are usable for the duration of that playthrough, but they do not persist once the guest disconnects. When the session ends, the guest’s loadout resets the next time they join.
REANIMAL avoids classic co-op power creep by scaling enemy health, aggro behavior, and stagger resistance dynamically. This keeps DPS checks and revive windows fair, but it also means a highly skilled guest can’t permanently over-level by riding along with an endgame host.
Checkpoints, Deaths, and Save Behavior
Checkpoints function exactly as they do in solo play, but only for the host’s save. If the session wipes, both players respawn at the last checkpoint, preserving resources and cooldown states as designed. The guest doesn’t create a parallel checkpoint or fallback save.
If the host quits mid-session, progress up to the last autosave is retained. If the guest disconnects unexpectedly, the host can continue solo without losing progress, and the guest can rejoin later with no penalties beyond losing any session-only upgrades.
Crossplay Saves and Platform Limitations
Friend’s Pass works seamlessly across platforms, but saves do not sync between accounts. A PC guest joining a console host, or vice versa, is always playing off the host’s platform-specific save file. There’s no cross-progression for the guest, even if both players own the full game on their respective platforms.
This also means platform-specific features, like system achievements or trophies, only unlock for the host. Guests won’t earn platform rewards during Friend’s Pass sessions, even though in-game challenges and encounters still play out normally.
What You Can’t Do With Friend’s Pass
Friend’s Pass does not allow two players to progress separate campaigns at the same time. You also can’t host sessions, start a new save, or access solo-only modes as a guest. All session control, difficulty settings, and chapter selection remain in the host’s hands.
For players looking to experience the full narrative together from start to finish, this setup works perfectly as long as one person commits to hosting. If both players want independent progression, owning two copies of REANIMAL is the only workaround.
Common Friend’s Pass & Co-Op Issues (Invites, Crossplay, Connection Errors) and Fixes
Even when Friend’s Pass is working as intended, REANIMAL’s co-op stack can throw friction at players who just want to jump in and start clearing encounters together. Most problems come down to platform permissions, crossplay toggles, or mismatched session states between host and guest. The good news is that nearly every issue has a consistent fix once you know where to look.
Friend’s Pass Invite Not Showing Up
If the guest can’t see the invite, the most common cause is that the Friend’s Pass version hasn’t been launched at least once. The guest must download and boot the Friend’s Pass build, agree to the EULA, and reach the main menu before invites will register.
Make sure the host is already loaded into their save file before sending the invite. Invites sent from the main menu are less reliable, especially across platforms, and can silently fail without an error message.
If you’re playing crossplay, both players also need to be logged into their platform’s linked online account. On console, that means PlayStation Network or Xbox Live; on PC, it’s the game’s required backend account. Being “online” isn’t enough if the account link is incomplete.
Crossplay Not Working or Greyed Out
Crossplay must be manually enabled in the settings menu on both sides. If even one player has it disabled, invites will fail or default to same-platform matchmaking without warning.
Console players should double-check system-level crossplay permissions. Some platforms block cross-network play by default, especially on child or restricted accounts, which overrides in-game settings entirely.
After toggling crossplay, fully restart the game on both systems. REANIMAL doesn’t hot-refresh crossplay flags mid-session, so backing out to the menu isn’t enough.
Connection Errors, Lag, or Random Disconnects
REANIMAL uses host-based networking, meaning the host’s connection quality directly impacts stability. If enemies rubber-band, hits desync, or revives feel delayed, the host should be the player with the stronger, more stable connection.
NAT type issues are another silent killer. Moderate or strict NAT can block peer-to-peer traffic, causing frequent disconnects even if matchmaking works initially. Opening ports or enabling UPnP on the host’s router resolves most of these cases.
If disconnects happen during checkpoints or loading transitions, both players should lower background bandwidth usage. Streaming, downloads, or system updates running in the background can spike latency at the worst possible moments.
Guest Can’t Rejoin After a Disconnect
If a guest drops and can’t rejoin, the host may have passed a save trigger or transitioned zones. In this case, the host should return to the main menu and reload the save before resending the invite.
Make sure the guest is accepting the invite from the platform-level notification, not the in-game friends list. Platform invites are prioritized and more reliable, especially for crossplay sessions.
If rejoining still fails, both players should restart their game clients. This clears stuck session IDs that can prevent reconnects even though the game appears idle.
Local Co-Op Not Detecting Second Player
For local co-op, the second controller must be connected and recognized by the system before launching REANIMAL. Plugging in or pairing a controller after the game is already running can cause the game to ignore it entirely.
On console, confirm that the second controller is assigned to a guest or secondary profile. On PC, disable virtual controllers or input wrappers that can confuse device detection.
If the join prompt never appears, back out to the main menu with both controllers active, then reload the save. Local co-op initialization only checks inputs at specific menu states.
Friend’s Pass Version Mismatch or Store Errors
Both players must be on the same game version. If the host updates but the Friend’s Pass build doesn’t auto-update, invites will fail with vague connection errors.
Have the guest manually check the store page and force an update if available. On some platforms, Friend’s Pass builds don’t auto-patch unless launched.
If the store claims the guest needs to purchase the full game, confirm they downloaded the Friend’s Pass edition specifically. Downloading the standard trial or demo version will not work for co-op sessions.
By understanding how REANIMAL’s Friend’s Pass hooks into hosting, saves, and platform infrastructure, most co-op issues become quick fixes instead of session-ending roadblocks. Once everything is synced correctly, the system is surprisingly stable and lets you focus on positioning, revives, and surviving the game’s nastier DPS checks together.
Best Practices for Smooth Co-Op Sessions and What to Know Before You Start
Once your Friend’s Pass setup is working and both players can connect reliably, the real co-op experience begins. REANIMAL is built around tight coordination, shared risk, and punishing mistakes, so a little prep goes a long way toward avoiding unnecessary wipes and disconnects.
Decide Who Hosts and Stick With It
REANIMAL’s co-op model is host-authoritative, meaning the host’s connection and system stability directly affect hit detection, enemy behavior, and revive timing. For online sessions, the player with the most stable internet should always host, even if they’re using the Friend’s Pass.
Swapping hosts mid-session isn’t supported and can corrupt progress or desync enemy states. If you need to change hosts, fully exit to the main menu and reload the save before starting a new session.
Understand How Progression and Saves Work
All progression is saved to the host’s file, not the guest’s. The Friend’s Pass player is effectively along for the ride and won’t retain story progress, unlocks, or checkpoint data after the session ends.
This is especially important for long play sessions. If you’re planning to push through multiple chapters, always load the host’s save and avoid jumping between different campaign files in one sitting.
Communicate Like the Game Expects You To
REANIMAL’s encounters are designed around coordination, not raw DPS. Call out aggro shifts, stagger windows, and revive opportunities, especially during multi-enemy fights where overlapping hitboxes can down a player instantly.
Voice chat is strongly recommended over text, particularly for crossplay sessions where platform latency can already introduce slight delays. Even a half-second warning can mean the difference between a clean dodge and a forced revive.
Optimize Your Network and System Settings
For online co-op, both players should avoid background downloads, streaming, or bandwidth-heavy apps. Packet loss hits REANIMAL hard, causing rubber-banding enemies and inconsistent I-frame timing during dodges.
If possible, use a wired connection on console or PC. Wi-Fi works, but unstable latency can create situations where enemies appear to hit outside their visible hitbox, which is brutal in later encounters.
Local Co-Op Still Benefits From Setup Checks
Even in local co-op, performance matters. On console, close suspended games to free system memory and prevent input delay. On PC, make sure both controllers are mapped correctly before launching to avoid mid-session input drops.
Split focus encounters can get chaotic fast, so sit where both players can clearly see the screen. Missed visual cues are one of the most common causes of avoidable downs in couch co-op.
Know the Limits of the Friend’s Pass
The Friend’s Pass is generous, but it’s not a shared license. Only the host needs to own the full game, and only while they’re actively hosting. The moment the host leaves, the session ends for the guest.
Crossplay works seamlessly as long as both players are online and on matching versions, but platform features like party chat and invites still rely on system-level services. Always send invites through the platform UI for the cleanest connection.
Plan Sessions Around Checkpoints
REANIMAL’s checkpoints are intentionally spaced to maintain tension. Ending a session mid-area can mean replaying a tough encounter next time, even if you were close to clearing it.
Before quitting, push to the next checkpoint or safe zone if possible. It saves time, reduces frustration, and keeps co-op momentum strong across multiple play sessions.
Final Tip Before You Dive In
REANIMAL’s Friend’s Pass is at its best when both players treat the session like a shared run, not a carry. Respect the host structure, communicate constantly, and don’t rush encounters just to save time.
Do that, and REANIMAL delivers one of the cleanest, most generous co-op experiences available right now, letting you and a friend survive its brutal world together without needing two copies of the game.