Chained Beasts Local Coop: Players, Platforms, and Tips

Chained Beasts turns couch multiplayer into a chaotic gladiator spectacle where teamwork can be just as dangerous as the enemies. That matters because the game combines shared-screen combat, physics-driven arena hazards, and roguelike progression instead of offering a simple button-mashing brawler. If you are searching for Chained Beasts local coop, here is what the current listings confirm about player count, platforms, and how to get the most from a run.

Does Chained Beasts Have Local Co-Op?

Yes. Chained Beasts supports local co-op for up to four players, with shared or split-screen play listed on Steam and Xbox. The developer also confirms couch co-op alongside solo play and online multiplayer with cross-play.

• Local player count: 1–4 players
• Mode: Couch co-op with shared or split screen
• Online option: Up to four players, including cross-play according to the developer
• Genre: Co-op gladiator roguelike
• Core objective: Defeat enemies, impress the crowd, earn rewards, and survive successive battles

The defining feature is that players are physically chained together during fights. Coordination can help the team trip or overpower enemies, but poor movement can also pull a teammate into danger or leave everyone tangled around arena objects.

For the most current feature list, see the official Chained Beasts Steam listing.

Platforms That Support Couch Multiplayer

Chained Beasts launched on October 15, 2026, with availability across PC and consoles. Platform listings specifically identify local or shared-screen support where noted below.

Platform	Local multiplayer information	Official source
Windows and macOS	Steam lists shared/split-screen co-op	Steam store page
PlayStation 5	The PlayStation listing describes a 1–4-player game; the supplied listing does not specify its local co-op presentation	PlayStation Store listing
Nintendo Switch	Digital Switch release listed; the supplied Nintendo page does not provide additional local-mode details	Nintendo listing
Xbox Series X|S and PC	Xbox lists local co-op and shared/split-screen support	Xbox store listing

The developer’s release announcement also lists Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox/Windows PC Game Pass as launch platforms. Check the relevant storefront before purchasing, since multiplayer features, subscriptions, and regional availability can change.

Why Local Co-Op Is the Main Attraction

The game is built around cooperation rather than simply placing several independent characters in the same arena. Your chains affect positioning, movement, attacks, and escapes, so the group needs to develop a shared rhythm.

Players can use several approaches during a fight:

• Attack enemies directly with gladiator weapons.
• Throw weapons at enemies from a distance.
• Use urns, walls, spikes, and snake pits as environmental hazards.
• Ram enemies into obstacles to stun them.
• Coordinate movement to trip or control targets.
• Revive or protect teammates when someone is down.

Friendly fire is also part of the player experience shown in community gameplay. In the CamGoesHam local co-op gameplay video, players accidentally hit one another with thrown weapons and attacks while learning how the chain system works. This is community-sourced player experience rather than a complete official mechanics guide, but it illustrates why communication is important.

Tips for Your First Chained Beasts Co-Op Run

Agree on movement before attacking

Because the team is linked, one player’s dodge or charge can affect everyone nearby. Avoid rushing in different directions, especially around pillars, walls, or hazards. Move together first, then attack once the group has a clear angle.

Treat friendly fire as a real hazard

Thrown weapons and melee attacks can hit teammates. Call out before launching a weapon, and avoid attacking through allies when the arena is crowded. A missed throw can also leave the attacker without a weapon until another one is found.

Use the environment deliberately

The arena is more than a backdrop. Players can throw enemies into objects, push them toward spikes, or use pits and other hazards to deal damage. Stunning an enemy against a wall can create a safer opening for the rest of the team.

Watch stamina and downed teammates

Community gameplay shows players running out of stamina, being knocked down, and crawling while waiting for help. If a teammate falls, the remaining players may need to stay close rather than spreading out, since the chain can limit how far they can move from one another.

Balance healing against afflictions

Between fights, players can heal with potions, but the healing comes with permanent negative effects. The available gameplay explanation describes stronger healing as carrying harsher afflictions. Consider whether the immediate recovery is worth the long-term drawback before committing to a potion.

Coordinate special objectives

Some encounters include conditions beyond defeating every enemy. In the demonstrated gameplay, one objective required the group to kill exactly four enemies. Assign one player to track the count while the others weaken targets, since an accidental final hit can invalidate the objective.

Progression, Difficulty, and Replay Value

Chained Beasts uses roguelike progression between arena fights. Victories can earn gold based partly on how pleased the crowd is, while later choices can provide permanent stat improvements, new skills, equipment, or healing.

The developer’s launch information lists:

• Nine battles across three acts
• Ten difficulty levels
• More than 70 afflictions
• More than 70 skills
• More than 40 items
• Eight beasts plus variants
• Three arena chapters: Carthage, Germania, and Rome

That structure gives local groups reasons to replay runs and experiment with different builds. However, injuries and afflictions mean a successful run is not only about dealing damage. Players must also decide when to spend money, when to accept a drawback, and how aggressively to pursue crowd-pleasing attacks.

The Steam page currently shows an introductory offer of $12.99, reduced from $19.99, with the listed offer ending October 29, 2026. Prices and promotions are time-sensitive, so verify the current Steam purchase details before buying.

Chained Beasts Local Coop FAQ

How many people can play Chained Beasts locally?

Chained Beasts supports up to four players in local multiplayer. Steam and Xbox list shared or split-screen co-op, while the developer describes the mode as couch co-op.

Is Chained Beasts local coop available on PC?

Yes. Steam lists shared/split-screen co-op for Windows and macOS, and Xbox lists local co-op for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Check the specific storefront for controller and system requirements.

Does Chained Beasts support online multiplayer too?

Yes. The developer says the game supports up to four players online with cross-play. PlayStation’s listing also describes up to four online players with PlayStation Plus.

Is friendly fire enabled in Chained Beasts local coop?

Community gameplay demonstrates players damaging one another with attacks and thrown weapons. Treat friendly fire as part of the player experience, but check the in-game settings and current version for the latest options.

Continue exploring

For the next step, read Gameplay, Bosses, and Platforms.