How to Play Necesse Multiplayer — Co-op & Server Guide
Want to play Necesse with friends? Here's everything you need to know about starting a multiplayer world, joining friends, and deciding between self-hosting and renting a server.
The Easiest Way: In-Game Hosting
Most friend groups should start with in-game hosting. It's free and takes under a minute to set up.
Host side — open your world to friends:
- From the title screen, select Play Multiplayer
- Choose Host new world (fresh start) or select an existing solo world to host
- Configure settings before starting:
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Player slots | Your group size + a few extra (max 25) |
| Server visibility | Private or invite-only |
| Password | Use one if the session is more public |
| Allow outside characters | On — lets friends bring their own characters |
- Press Host. Once the world loads, invite friends from the pause menu via Steam invite.
Join side — enter a friend's world: Accept the Steam invite, or go to Play Multiplayer → Join server → Friend server. If the host set a password, you'll need it.
⚠️ Limitation: When the host closes the game, the world goes offline. If your group plays at different times, a dedicated server is the solution.
Dedicated Servers: Always Online
A dedicated server keeps the world available 24/7 without relying on one player staying online.
When to consider a dedicated server:
- Your group plays at different times
- You want the world available while the usual host is offline
- You have a larger group and want a more stable connection
Necesse provides a dedicated server program. You can run it on a PC or VPS. Server files are available from necessegame.com/server.
Self-hosting tradeoffs: You need a machine that stays online, and may need to handle port forwarding and network settings.
Renting a Server
For groups that want always-online play without maintenance, renting is simpler. Necesse includes a Rent a server option in the multiplayer menu pointing to its official partner host, Shockbyte.
💡 Recommendation: Start with in-game hosting. If the group keeps playing and wants 24/7 access, then consider renting or self-hosting. Don't rent before you know the group is committed.
Playing Solo and Co-op Together
Players commonly use this approach:
- Each person has a solo world for individual progress
- A shared world is the group hub — build a base together, pool resources, bring gear discovered in solo worlds
- Save files can be transferred between players if the host changes
FAQ
Can I continue a solo world with friends? Yes. Choose an existing world from the multiplayer host menu and friends can join it.
Do players need new characters? Not if Allow outside characters is enabled — players can bring characters they leveled in their own worlds.
What's the max player count? In-game hosting: up to 25. Dedicated servers: configurable up to 250.
Do bosses get harder in multiplayer? Yes. Boss HP scales with nearby players — roughly 1.8x for two players. The group still needs enough damage and gear.
Can I play Necesse on Switch or mobile? No. Necesse is PC-only (Steam) as of 2026. Steam Deck is the only handheld option.
Ready to start? Check the Beginner Guide for your first steps in Necesse.