In Ashen, a game known for its atmospheric world and cooperative gameplay, players can explore the land together, but the multiplayer mode comes with some unique features and requirements. Here’s everything you need to know about getting started with multiplayer in Ashen.
Starting Multiplayer Mode
To enable multiplayer in Ashen, you first need to make it through the initial stages of the game, which include setting up Vagrant’s Rest, your town. This is where you’ll gather resources, accept missions, and develop the storyline. Once Vagrant’s Rest is established, the multiplayer option becomes available, allowing you to connect with other players and explore the world beyond your town’s borders.
Passive Multiplayer System
Ashen uses a passive multiplayer system, meaning that other players will randomly appear in your game world once you leave Vagrant’s Rest. This is similar to the mechanics of games like Journey, where players you meet in the game blend seamlessly into your story. You won’t see every player who is online; instead, the game connects you with those who are at a similar story progression and location. While in this passive multiplayer, you won’t need to set up a session manually—players simply appear when conditions are met.
However, if you’d like to play directly with a friend, Ashen offers an option for you to join each other’s games more specifically by using a unique code.
Setting Up Direct Multiplayer with Friends
Playing with friends in Ashen takes a few additional steps:
- Access the Multiplayer Menu: Open the game’s pause menu, go to the System settings, and select Multiplayer.
- Create a Multiplayer Filter Code: This six-digit code will act as a key to connect with your friend. Both players need to set the same code in their Multiplayer settings, ensuring they have also selected the “Disable AI Companion” option, which prevents the game from automatically assigning an AI partner.
- Sync and Meet Outside Vagrant’s Rest: Both players should be at similar progress levels and leave Vagrant’s Rest to connect. Once outside, one player can use the D-pad up button to signal, which should help you locate each other. If successful, your friend will appear as an NPC character in your game, a feature designed to blend the co-op experience smoothly with the game’s aesthetic.
Staying Connected and Handling Disconnections
Once you’re connected, you can play through the entire game in co-op mode with your friend. However, be prepared for a few quirks in the multiplayer experience. For example, you might get disconnected if one of you dies or enters a specific area like Vagrant’s Rest. In these cases, you’ll need to repeat the steps for setting up multiplayer to reconnect. As long as both players stay within proximity and avoid the town, the connection should be stable, although occasional reconnections might still be necessary.
Communication and Cooperation
Since Ashen lacks traditional voice chat options, it provides an in-game signaling system for communication. By pressing up on the D-pad, a beacon appears, which serves as a “Follow Me” signal to your friend. This is essential for coordinating movements and tackling enemies together, especially when navigating difficult areas.
Multiplayer Tips for Ashen
Playing Ashen with a friend can make for a more manageable and enjoyable experience, especially since the game’s bosses and enemy mobs are challenging. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Choose a Balanced Approach: Each player can adopt different combat styles and abilities, which can be advantageous in combat. One player might focus on melee combat, while the other takes a supportive or ranged approach, enhancing teamwork during difficult battles.
- Stay Close: The multiplayer system can disconnect players if they stray too far from each other, so stick together to avoid losing connection mid-battle.
- Prepare for Boss Fights: Boss encounters in Ashen can be intense, especially if you’re both relatively new to the game. Share your resources, coordinate your strategies, and remember that you can still revive each other if one player falls during a fight.
