- We Were Here Forever co-op: Both players need their own copy and their own system.
- Free trial option: One partner can download the free companion app to join a host.
- Crossplay works: PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players can connect across platforms.
- No split-screen: The game is online-only co-op with exactly two players.
- Voice required: Walkie-talkie communication is a core mechanic, so use a mic.
Do Both Players Need the Game? The Short Answer
Yes — in the standard setup, both players need their own copy of We Were Here Forever on their own system. The game is built entirely around two-player asymmetric cooperation: each explorer sees different clues, different puzzle pieces, and different parts of Castle Rock. There is no single-player mode, no AI partner, and no way to complete the campaign alone.
However, there is one important exception worth knowing before you buy. Like other games in the series from Total Mayhem Games, We Were Here Forever supports a free companion application approach for one player. One person purchases the full game and hosts, while the second player can download a free trial version that allows them to join a hosted session. This makes the game much more accessible for pairs where only one person owns the title.
Here is how the requirements break down:
| Setup | Player One (Host) | Player Two (Guest) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard co-op | Full game copy | Full game copy | Two copies |
| Host + trial | Full game copy | Free companion/trial version | One copy |
| Single player | Not supported | Not supported | N/A |
Confirm which version your platform offers before assuming the free option is available. The companion trial model is used across the We Were Here series, but availability and naming can vary by storefront and platform.
Crossplay and Platform Requirements
We Were Here Forever supports cross-platform multiplayer across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. This means the two copies of the game do not need to be on the same platform — one player can be on Steam while the other plays on a console, and they can still connect for the full adventure.
| Feature | Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online co-op | Supported | Designed for exactly two players |
| Cross-platform play | Supported | PC, PlayStation, and Xbox can connect |
| Local split-screen | Not supported | Online co-op only |
| Player count | 2 players | Two distinct explorer roles |
| Voice communication | Core mechanic | Built-in walkie-talkie style system |
| Internet connection | Required | Broadband needed for sessions |
Console players should also remember that playing online typically requires an active online subscription for their platform (such as PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core), in addition to owning the game itself.
PC (Steam)
- Full game and companion option
- 64-bit system required
- Crossplay with consoles
PlayStation
- PS4 and PS5 supported
- Online subscription may be needed
- Crossplay with PC and Xbox
Xbox
- Xbox One and Series X|S supported
- Online subscription may be needed
- Crossplay with PC and PlayStation
Both players should verify their cross-platform multiplayer settings before starting a session. Mismatched privacy or network settings are one of the most common reasons invitations fail.
How to Invite Your Partner: Step-by-Step
Once both players have access to the game, connecting is straightforward. Follow this sequence to get into Castle Rock together:
Get the Game or Trial
One player purchases and installs the full game on their platform. The second player installs either their own copy or the free companion version, depending on the platform's offering.
Test Your Microphones
Voice communication is essential. Both players should test their mic and audio output before starting, since nearly every puzzle depends on describing what only one player can see.
Create or Find a Session
The host starts the game and creates a co-op session. The game generates an invitation method that the partner can use to join.
Join and Confirm Roles
The guest joins through the invite or session code. Once connected, both players confirm they can hear each other clearly.
Begin the Escape
Start the adventure. Both explorers wake up separated inside Castle Rock and must communicate from the very first puzzle onward.
Before the first puzzle, agree with your partner on naming conventions for symbols, directions, and positions. A few minutes of setup saves hours of confusion later.
Why Asymmetric Co-op Requires Two People
The reason both players must be present — whether through two copies or the host-plus-trial model — comes down to the game's core design. We Were Here Forever deliberately splits information between the two explorers. One player might see a set of symbols while the other holds the controls that must match those symbols. Neither player has enough information alone.
This asymmetric structure is why:
- No solo mode exists: A single player cannot see both sides of most puzzles.
- Voice is mandatory: The walkie-talkie system is how clues travel between players.
- Timing matters: Some sequences require both players to act in coordinated moments.
- Two roles, one goal: Each explorer experiences a different version of Castle Rock.
| Puzzle Type | Player One Sees | Player Two Sees |
|---|---|---|
| Symbol matching | Symbols and markings | Selectable matching controls |
| Navigation | Route or map information | The physical path to cross |
| Paired mechanisms | Controls that alter the environment | The results and required configuration |
| Timed actions | One activation point | The corresponding control or window |
This two-player model has defined the entire We Were Here series since its beginnings. We Were Here Forever is the fourth main entry and expands the formula into the series' largest adventure yet.
Pre-Session Checklist
Run through this checklist with your partner before diving into Castle Rock. Most failed sessions trace back to something on this list being skipped.
Before Starting Your Escape:
- Both players have the game or companion version installed
- Microphones tested and working on both sides
- Stable broadband connection confirmed
- Crossplay and privacy settings checked
- Online subscription active (console players only)
FAQ
Q: Do both players need to buy We Were Here Forever?
For the standard setup, yes — both players need their own copy. However, the series supports a free companion version that lets one player join a session hosted by someone who owns the full game, so many pairs only need one purchase. Check your platform's store for availability.
Q: Can I play We Were Here Forever solo?
No. The game is designed for exactly two players, and its puzzles deliberately split information between two explorers. There is no single-player mode or AI partner.
Q: Does We Were Here Forever support crossplay between PC and consoles?
Yes. Cross-platform multiplayer is supported across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, so the two players do not need to be on the same platform.
Q: Is there split-screen or local co-op?
No. We Were Here Forever is an online co-op experience only. Each player participates from their own system over an internet connection, with voice communication acting as the core link between them.