Resident Evil 5: Double the Trouble, Double the Fun (with a Friend, Obviously)
So, you want to dive into Resident Evil 5? That’s a smart move. But bring a friend. This game introduced exciting two-player co-op. For the first time in a main Resident Evil, you fight alongside another player. Trust us; misery loves company in this nightmarish world.
Teaming Up Locally: Split-Screen Mayhem
Want to enjoy RE5 co-op from your own couch? Use local split-screen. It’s easy across various platforms, though it might feel tricky initially for newbies navigating the chaos.
The General How-To (Because Zombies Aren’t Known for Patience)
The rules are the same on any console: launch a chapter in single-player mode. Once in control and the ‘Saving…’ screen vanishes, player two taps ‘Start’ on their controller. It’s simple. The game reloads the inventory screen, ready for double stress and firepower.
PlayStation Power-Up (PS3 & PS5)
For PlayStation fans, PS3 and PS5 methods are similar. On PS3, wait for ‘Saving…’ to disappear. Then player two hits ‘Start’. Voilà! Co-op mode activated. On PS5, start normally, pass the inventory, and begin the first level. After the cutscene with Chris Redfield meeting Sheva Alomar, player two presses ‘Start’. The level resets, returning to the inventory screen, now in split-screen.
Xbox Activation (Button Mashing Not Required, But Encouraged)
XBOX users follow a similar path. Hitting the ‘Start’ button on the second controller leads to character selection. Player two picks their avatar and gears up for action. Yes, the split-screen may not be perfect, but you won’t face the Majini alone, right?
Going Global: Online Co-op Adventures
Prefer teaming up over long distances? Resident Evil 5 supports online co-op, with setup differing by platform.
Steamlined Co-op (Literally, on Steam)
For PC players on Steam, the original setup was complicated. The host had to be in the pre-mission lobby and open the Steam overlay to invite friends. It was tricky if not in the right spot in-game. Luckily, Capcom fixed this. Now, just open your Steam friends list, right-click, and select “Invite to Game” or “Join Game.” Easy!
PlayStation Network Party (PS3 Online)
On PS3 online co-op, channel your inner host. Create a game and set it to “invite only” or “no limits.” At the item screen (again), hit the PS button for the XMB menu, navigate to your friends list, highlight your friend, and press triangle to invite them. Then wait for them to accept.
Steam Remote Play Together: Local Co-op, Globally
Want local split-screen with a distant friend? Use Steam Remote Play Together. It streams your local co-op session to them. Only the host needs to own the game. Your friend just accepts your invite. It’s like magic, minus the smoke and mirrors.
Reality Check: Co-op Caveats
Before venturing into Africa, check these limitations that could affect your co-op gaming experience.
Cross-Platform? Cross Out That Dream.
Want to play with a friend on a different console? Too bad. Resident Evil 5 is not cross-platform. PlayStation players can team with PlayStation friends, and Xbox players with their own kind. But cross-console play? It won’t happen.
PS3 Player 2 Problems: Upgrade Woes
In PS3 local co-op, player two can’t upgrade weapons. If they wish to upgrade, player one must remove the weapon, then upgrade with their resources. Why? No one knows. It’s a bizarre design choice for the PS3 co-op experience.
Nintendo Switch Split-Screen: Proceed with Caution
The Switch offers split-screen versus mode, but watch out. Performance often suffers. The framerate can stumble when two screens render simultaneously. This slowdown can make the experience frustrating. If smooth gameplay matters, think twice before using Switch split-screen.
Beyond RE5: Co-op in the Resident Evil Universe
Resident Evil 5 wasn’t the only co-op experience in the series. Fans of co-op zombie action can enjoy titles like Resident Evil Outbreak, which allowed up to four players to team up for survival. Resident Evil Revelations 2 also featured co-op play across chapters for a more story-driven adventure.
Multiplayer Mayhem: Campaign and Beyond
Resident Evil 5’s core campaign supports solo or two-player co-op in its four chapters. But the fun doesn’t end there. Some missions involve random matchmaking. This pairs you and your partner with another duo for epic 4-player boss battles. Because blasting a giant monster is better with friends.
