Online play / platform status
Machine Party crossplay: who can play with whom
Machine Party supports online co-op through Steam on Windows, Linux and Steam Deck. Cross-store and console crossplay is not officially documented, and cross-device room compatibility has not been independently verified.
There is no documented console version or console-to-Steam crossplay. If you are together, try local co-op on one PC.
Platform matrix
Crossplay support by platform
| Platform | Same room? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Windows | Steam online co-op available | Use the Steam release and a private room. |
| Steam Linux | Not independently verified across devices | Steam lists Linux support and online co-op. |
| Steam Deck | Not independently verified across devices | Steam lists the game as Deck Verified. |
| Epic or GOG | Not documented | An official cross-store release or crossplay is not confirmed. |
| PS5 | Not documented | No official console crossplay is documented. |
| Xbox | Not documented | No official console crossplay is documented. |
| Steam not initialized | Cannot connect until resolved | Restart Steam and launch the official game from its library. |
Quick test
How to check crossplay in five minutes
- Update both Steam copies to the latest build and check that their versions match.
- Have one player create a private room and note its room ID.
- Invite the other player through Steam; if the invite fails, try the room ID.
- Start a short simulation and confirm both players appear in the same session.
- Record both version numbers and devices if the test fails.
Choose a setup
Crossplay vs local co-op vs online rooms
| Mode | Devices | Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Steam online room | Separate game instances | Host a private room and invite friends. |
| Local co-op | One PC | Use the local co-op setup. |
| Cross-store or console | Different platforms | Not officially documented. |
| Question | Online | Local |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 2–4 | Up to 4 |
| Screen | One per device | Shared or split, depending on simulation |
See the player count guide for the limits.
Stream a local session
Using Remote Play Together instead of crossplay
Steam lists Remote Play Together for Machine Party. It streams the host’s local game to friends on supported devices, so it is a different setup from joining an online room on separate game copies. The host needs the game; invited friends do not need to own or launch it.
- Launch Machine Party from the host’s Steam library and open the Local mode.
- Have your friend sign in to Steam on a supported device.
- Open the Steam Overlay with Shift+Tab, right-click your friend in the friends list, and select Remote Play Together.
- After your friend accepts, join the local lobby and test each player’s controls in a short simulation.
Streaming quality and input latency depend on the connection; controller assignment may need adjustment. See Steam’s Remote Play instructions and the local co-op guide.
Troubleshooting
Crossplay errors and what they mean
Steam is not initialized
If the game says “Steam is not initialized,” close the game and restart Steam; launch the game from the Steam library; then verify installed files if the message persists. See the online fix guide for further checks.
Black screen
Use the black-screen guide to isolate a display or launch issue.
Second controller does not join
For local play, follow the second-controller checklist.
The official Steam listing documents the supported operating systems, online co-op and Deck status. The official Steam announcements cover updates. This guide is an editorial summary; cross-device rooms were not tested on every device.