Coop or singleplayer on the first run?

[Chris]

Asking since I wonder if it impacts gameplay like it does with system shock 2 where it's meant for solo play while coop play is optional/for fun.

[SergeTroy]

Definitely SinglePlayer. If you want, you can absolutely do MultiPlayer first, but be aware that it is designed for singleplayer and you will run into more issues beyond that. MultiPlayer is sadly not optimized for more than one player, so even with just another Survivor in the mix, you'll want to crank the difficulty up to Hard Survival on even a Newb Blind Playthrough. There's a channel I follow on twitch and the two players sigh in irritation when they see a mob of twenty of the most savage enemies bearing down on them. Enemies for even the suboptimal player become more of a chore than any kind of threat or insurmountable obstacle.

[Iranna]

I started on MP and I must say that sometimes, enemies will come in hordes just looking for us. Actually, it could be that we are on day 50, but +20 cannibals and one or two mutants is a lot to bear with 3 people. You need to maximize every resource, and you can hit your friends easily, so battling together is not advised. Water is your frend, as cannibals drown in water (but you may loose those tasty resources). Beating the story is totally doable on MP, and building is faster, or exploring, or getting things, but if you do not play with your friends, go to single player.

Ps: we built tirolines and fun things and now we are just not going to play the story because the "weeeeee" factor. Find a turtle shell and use it as your personal sled. Fun assured.

[MekaDovah]

I play more cautiously when alone and more recklessly with a team. Even just one good partner at your side is a huge boost so yes, it impacts gameplay a lot even though you're going through the same beats.

I remember once a friend and I came out of a wave right in the middle of a mutant horde. Must have been like 10 big mutants around us. There was a lot of explosions, fire, and running around, but we defeated them all eventually.

Definitely more exciting with friends. On the flip side, I do feel the narrative comes out much better in single player. And if you prefer a more stealthy, methodical approach in general, single player is also better.

In either case though, learning how to fight the regular cannibals and keeping situationally aware so you don't get surrounded is very important or you're gonna have a bad time either way.

[eclipse]

Single Player.
I suggest to beat the game in single player first, make sure to be taking your time and exploring everything in the game before heading to the end game. Easily couple to a few dozen hours i would say.

This is how the game was meant to be played. More atmospheric and somewhat creepy in single player as well.
You will not regret it.

(train your fighting skills asap)

[{SNS}HeroFallenVillain]

I completely agree with what's already been explained very well. Do note that like stated it is actually exactly the same as far as maps and mechanics, etc. The only thing that changes is the balance of more people, which mostly, makes it easier.

At the end of the day you should understand you literally only need 3 items to finish the ending sequence of the story. Otherwise it's up to you how much you want to explore and build.

You could also start sp and play for a stretch to get a handle on the game, then jump in to MP for fun and do the story later. Unless you want help with the basics. I'm usually down to help.

[Namaride]

I received many achievements once i hosted my first multiplayer game. Seems like actions of other players count for me aswell. Couple of minutes later with a modder that joined my game and i become expert with dynamite.. haven't used a single dynamite yet.

[eclipse]

Yes only 2 items are needed to reach end game if you are wise enough. However playing a game in such a way is a total waste. You will miss all of the lore explaining various things in the game. If you want to experience the game you payed for then take your time and collect every single piece of lore in game :P. 90% of more of this is limited to just the cave systems.

If you want co-op make sure you use the forum and host private games with friends only.

[Iranna]

Remember, the best thing about MP is that you can blame others even if it was your fault.
You can't hace that on SP. That's why I play with my friends, I made a suicide tiroline, and obviously it was their fault, they were driving me crazy :3

[{SNS}HeroFallenVillain]

Originally posted by eclipse:

Yes only 2 items are needed to reach end game if you are wise enough. However playing a game in such a way is a total waste. You will miss all of the lore explaining various things in the game. If you want to experience the game you payed for then take your time and collect every single piece of lore in game :P. 90% of more of this is limited to just the cave systems.

If you want co-op make sure you use the forum and host private games with friends only.

I was just trying to point out that the story part of the game is a relatively small portion, which can be tackled basically at any time(SP or MP). Personally I have made many playthroughs for many reasons. I played my own way first, then beat it for story, then creative, achieve run, Vegan/speed run and now I'm mostly just messing around and testing various things in creative and MP in addition to creative builds just for art sake :P I highly suggest playing as many playthroughs as you want.

Also not quite sure "wise" is the word I'd use for shelling down the sinkhole :P Though I get your point haha I don't add that in the quick descript cause IMO that's cheesing and when the game is already this short.... theres really no need to save 5 minutes :P Now Shelling in general is highly advised however lmao

[eclipse]

Actually i didnt mean using the shell to get down, that skips alot of the game so i would never suggest it.

What im referring to is how to scale and jump down the end game cave without a climbing axe.

Not sure how others would do it but i make sure to have a stick bag and then only need to create 1-2 meat racks near ledges so you can jump onto them and then make the wide jump across.
I have never fallen using this technique.
Also if you learn where to jump you can dive into the small pocket of water with no jumping
ledges or maybe one jump being made. I forget its been awhile. However tiny mistake = death.

[{SNS}HeroFallenVillain]

Fair enough :P I did my speed run with vegan so no bags, but interesting idea. Either way, same questionable item. I simply consider the 3 because that way you do everything naturaly... matter of opinion, I suppose^^

I always forget building in caves... need to scope out a few spots :P

[jexxor]

Multiplayer is for goofing around and not taking things seriously. Single player is the proper way to experience the game. Maybe if you play with a group of people you know multiplayer might be fun, but if you play with strangers it is going to be a ridiculous mess 9 times out of 10.

[Syncourt]

It depends what appeals to you the most.

If it's the atmosphere, then play it SP.
If it's for the survival challenge (which is barely even there) SP.
If you don't care about those, Co-op. Just make sure you can trust the people you play with.

The game was originally designed for SP. Co-op just makes it easier and makes building faster. It was added due to popular request.