Does The Forest have split-screen multiplayer?

The Forest continues to be one of the most popular first-person open-world co-op survival out there, with its simple but engaging narrative and hand-crafting world full of perils and adventure. Boasting co-op for up to four players, fans can partake in the island's mystery and fight together to face the horrors on and beneath its surface. However, those who wish to have a more traditional co-op experience will be disappointed as there is no split-screen option in the game.

Here's everything about how co-op works in The Forest.

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The Forest does not have a split-screen co-op multiplayer option

On top of facing the elements, players must contend with the dangerous natives of the island (Image via Endnight Games)

As mentioned, developer Endnight's acclaimed 2018 game doesn't feature a split-screen mode, regardless of whether it's played on PC or console. This popular co-op option would allow two or more players to enjoy multiplayer on one system using multiplayer controller inputs. However, only online multiplayer is an option for anyone looking to enjoy co-op with their friends.

In other words, players must create an online session and have friends join their lobby, after which they can progress through the campaign on a game save file. Here is how to establish a co-op lobby in the game on PC:

1. Select Multiplayer from the main menu.
2. Select the Host Game option.
3. Choose whether to start a New Game or use an existing save by pressing Continue. The former option starts a save file afresh from the beginning while the latter allows picking from any existing save slots.
4. Establish the lobby name on the next screen. Players can also tweak other parameters like the number of players who can join the game (up to eight) and whether the lobby is Public or Private, then hit "Create Lobby."
5. Here, select the Invite Friends option to invite players to the lobby and then select Start Game when all things are finalized.

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What is The Forest about?

Work together and survive in co-op multiplayer (Image via Endnight Games)

While traveling in a plane with his son Timmy, a freak accident causes the protagonist to crashland onto a mysterious island. This leads to Timmy being kidnapped by cannibals, so the protagonist must explore the harsh wilderness and overcome countless horrors to track down his son while uncovering the island's truth.

Players must gather resources from the environment and find new tools to craft various things, from makeshift tools to log sleds and shelters, as they explore the meadows, caves, and underwater locations. The sandbox hides a variety of different challenges from a day/night cycle to an assortment of mutants and monsters that will take co-operation and effort to take down.

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The Forest is available on PC and PS4 platforms