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The Outlast Trials Solo vs. Co-op: Which Is Better for You?

Solo suits players who want to control the pace; co-op suits players looking for communication and shared scares. Here’s what to check before choosing.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Choose solo if you want to set your own pace and experience the trials without coordinating with a group. Choose co-op if you want to communicate, work with other players, and share the scares. Neither is a universal winner: both are supported, but the available evidence does not show that co-op is always easier or that every trial feels equally comfortable solo.

What changes between solo and co-op?

Solo: you control the pace

Playing alone means you can decide when to move, hide, or take a risk without waiting for a group. That makes solo a natural fit if you prefer an independent run and want to experience the horror on your own terms. This is a difference in how you play, not a promise that solo is easier or more manageable in every trial.

Co-op: communication is part of the experience

The Outlast Trials is built for cooperative PvE play for up to four players. With companions, you can communicate and coordinate as you take on the trials, and the scares become a shared experience. The game’s cooperative design does not mean teammates automatically make a run easier; your experience depends on the group and the situation.

Can you play The Outlast Trials solo?

Yes. PlayStation says players can go through trials alone or in teams, and Epic lists solo play as well as parties of two, three, or four. Epic’s description highlights stealth, hiding, escape, and tools that support stealth or fleeing. See the PlayStation listing and Epic Games Store listing for their current platform details.

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Solo support has also been a subject of balance changes. In developer notes, Red Barrels acknowledged feedback that difficulty increased after the tutorial and described changes made in response, including a three-chance system and solo-only Respawn Pills. Those are historical patch details, not a guarantee that every current trial or mode has the same balance. Check current in-game information for the rules that apply to your run. Red Barrels developer notes

How to choose based on your play style

If you value… A better fit Why
Setting your own pace Solo You can proceed without coordinating with a group.
Shared scares and teamwork Co-op The game supports cooperative PvE for groups of up to four.
Trying a particular difficulty Check the current Trial Details Difficulty options are documented for certain programs, but the cited announcement does not establish that all modes use the same options.
Playing a specific mode with a particular party size Check that mode’s rules Invasion has its own party-size and difficulty rules; they should not be assumed to apply to every trial.

Difficulty and mode rules are not all the same

A July 19, 2024 Steam announcement listed Introductory, Standard, Intense, and Psychosurgery difficulties for Program Genesis, Weekly Therapies, and Special Therapies. That documents the options for those named activities at that time; it does not establish that every mode uses the same settings today. Check the current Trial Details screen before choosing a difficulty. Steam announcement, July 19, 2024

Rank #2
The Quarry - PlayStation 5
  • When the sun goes down on the last night of summer camp, nine teenage counselors are plunged into an unpredictable night of horror.
  • The only thing worse than the blood-drenched locals and creatures hunting them are the unimaginable choices you must make to help them survive.
  • Play as each of the nine camp counselors in a thrilling cinematic tale, where every decision shapes your unique story from a tangled web of possibilities. Any character can be the star of the show—or die before daylight comes.

Invasion is a separate case. An official announcement says it supports solo and groups of two, three, or four, with difficulty scaling according to the number of Invasion matches played. Do not apply that scaling rule to other Trials. Official Invasion announcement

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Check platform requirements before playing online

Online access and multiplayer requirements vary by platform and can change by region. PlayStation’s listing describes online play as required and lists up to four online players. Xbox lists online co-op for two to four, cross-platform co-op, and a qualifying Game Pass subscription requirement for online multiplayer on console. Verify the current platform listing and regional terms before you set up a group. Xbox listing · PlayStation listing

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Choose your mode with three questions

  • Do you enjoy coordinating with other players? If so, co-op is the more natural fit.
  • Would you rather proceed at your own pace? Try solo.
  • Are you entering a mode with special party-size or difficulty rules? Check its current Trial Details rather than assuming the rules carry over from another mode.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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