Join friends through friend matchmaking with a room code; co-op is online only. Ratatan multiplayer supports up to 4 players with an internet connection, and you join from the multiplayer menu. If you cannot match after an update, have everyone finish updating before trying again.
How do you play Ratatan online with friends?
Open the multiplayer menu, choose friend matchmaking, and enter the room code shared by the player who created the room.
- Ask the player who created the room for its room code.
- Open your multiplayer menu and choose friend matchmaking.
- Enter that code to join their room.
On Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, you can also join a room directly through your platform's invitation feature. For a planned session with friends, the room code gives you a direct route to their room instead of searching the Random Match list.
Console online co-op also needs the appropriate subscription:
| Platform | Online co-op requirement |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Nintendo Switch Online |
| PlayStation 5 | PlayStation Plus |
| Xbox Series X/S | Xbox Game Pass subscription that includes online multiplayer |
Welcome Mode is disabled during co-op. If you rely on it when playing alone, expect to lose those benefits when joining friends. For rhythm input trouble, adjust Options > Audio > Calibration; the Ratatan how to play page covers the basics before you head into a group run.
Does Ratatan multiplayer support local co-op?
No, Ratatan does not support local co-op for multiple players on one system. Playing together means online co-op, with up to 4 players.
Offline play is single-player, and you can play all content alone. Connecting another controller does not turn that mode into couch co-op. If your plan is to share one console with a friend, online matchmaking will not replace that setup.
On Nintendo hardware, distinguish the original Switch from Switch 2 before arranging a session. The current full release runs on Switch 2, while the original Switch edition is still in preparation. See Ratatan release date for the platform details.
Can you play Ratatan co-op across platforms?
As of October 16, 2026, crossplay between Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 is still being worked on and requires platform approval, with no promised launch date.
There are two dated descriptions to keep apart:
| Date | Crossplay position |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2026, with an October 13 update date | Steam, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S were listed as supported; PS5 support was planned for later. |
| October 16, 2026 | Crossplay across all four platforms was described as still in development and awaiting approval. |
Plan around the later position rather than assuming a room code will get you into a friend's game on another platform. A code is a way to join a room, not a way around crossplay availability.
Why is Ratatan multiplayer not working after an update?
Different game versions can prevent friends from matching, so update everyone's game and wait for every download to finish before launching.
| Platform | How to update Ratatan |
|---|---|
| Steam | Open View > Downloads and start the Ratatan update. Launching from Library also starts a required update. |
| PS5 | Highlight Ratatan on the Games home screen, press options, then select Check for Update. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Highlight Ratatan on the HOME Menu, press +, then choose Software Update > Via the Internet. |
| Xbox Series X/S | Open My games & apps > Manage > Updates, then check for and install the Ratatan update. |
Once everyone has finished, try friend matchmaking with the room code again. Updating only the host leaves the version mismatch in place if a guest is still using an older build.
What can you do about a Ratatan multiplayer disconnect or error?
There is no single fix yet: on October 16, 2026 the developers said connection failures and disconnects were still being fixed, with patches rolling out as they are ready. Until then, these steps clear most errors:
- Update the game on every player's system and wait for the download to finish. The October 14, 2026 patch already fixed progress stopping after a LAN cable disconnect and desyncs when 3 or more players use Aid.
- Fix a NAT warning. If the game says your connection is unsuitable for multiplayer, change your router's security settings or switch to another internet connection.
- Refresh the room list in Random Match. Some rooms may not show up at first, so pick a room and press Refresh instead of waiting.
- Stay active in the lobby. Random Match removes you after 4 minutes without input, which looks like a disconnect but isn't one.
- Report the error if it keeps happening. Note your platform, game version and what you were doing. Steam sends error details automatically when an error dialog appears; on consoles, use the platform's error-report screen or the official feedback form.
If the host leaves, room ownership can fail to pass to another player. That is a known issue, so start a new room rather than waiting.
Does Ratatan co-op progress save for everyone?
Yes, multiplayer progress also saves to your own save data, so a group session contributes to your own adventure. Save data cannot be shared between different platforms, though, so crossplay availability and moving your save are separate questions.
Once you can join your friend's room, you can progress together while keeping that progress on your own save. Before the next run, compare the Ratatan tier list if you want to choose who to bring.