can i join a random player

[chals]

as a free version player instead of shared progression mode?

[Kaptain KFC]

only if the random player is a friend

[Konjiki no Inazuma]

Originally posted by chals:

as a free version player instead of shared progression mode?

If you know the "random player" and you always play with them, yes.

You always need to play with the same person and have the same progression.

[IchigoMait]

You can try using password with non friends (but you have to still talk and match up when you want to play) or shared-progress matchmaking.
https://www.reddit.com/r/LordsoftheFallen/comments/1k2o3vd/coop_and_free_friends_pass_faqs/

[chals]

preciate the info