Cassette Beasts is a Pokemon-esque monster-catching game with a style and flavor all its own, including the option to do cool things that (most) Pokemon games don't come equipped with. Co-op mode's a prime example. Cassette Beasts played via co-op is a groovy experience, but getting started with the system can feel daunting.
Here's how to swap the CPU with a real-life friend and double the fun in Cassette Beasts' local multiplayer mode.
Getting Started With Cassette Beasts Co-Op
Cassette Beasts' multiplayer isn't an option right from the get-go, but don't worry - it doesn't take too long for you to unlock the feature. Players must begin the game alone, witnessing the initial events of the story in which you design your protagonist, and they wash ashore on New Wirral. You'll soon meet Kayleigh, whose tutorials on the basics of the game must be completed.
Head west from your initial location on the beach, and you'll pretty quickly find the gal. She gives you your starter monster and guides you to Harbourtown. Speaking with her at the east gate sends you on your inaugural mission, where she teaches you the ropes. Fight the monster with her and then hit the elevator switch, at which point Kayleigh's officially a companion, and you can start your co-op experience.
Once she's done showing you stuff, enter the menu and find the 'Local Multiplayer Drop In/Out' prompt at the top of the screen, pressing whichever button corresponds to the practice for you. (We use an Xbox controller, so our prompts reflect that.)
You'll need some form of device to support the second player if you're playing locally, of course, whether that be a second controller, or another keyboard, or what-have-you. Have the second player 'drop in' via the button prompt.
How Co-Op Works In Cassette Beasts
Co-op is technically a local-only affair, meaning there's no big online multiplayer option. However, Steam's built-in Remote Play Together feature works with Cassette Beasts, so you can click on a friend on your list in Steam's overlay and invite them to do just that.
Whether you're seated by side-by-side or in wholly separate houses, co-op functions identically: the second player takes control of the currently selected companion. If Kayleigh's with you, that means Kayleigh. If it's somebody else, your partner takes their reins instead.
Each of the story's companions has a pretty cool speciality monster for your friend to enjoy, but you can swap them out with anybody else in the party at any time, too (just like you can while playing solo).
If you're playing via Xbox PC Game Pass, Steam's Remote Play Together will (obviously) be unavailable. We reckon many players will be checking the game out while it's available for free via Game Pass subscription, so we'd be remiss not to mention that there are third-party tools out there worth looking into to enable remote co-op.