Slay the Spire 2 launched into Steam Early Access on March 5, 2026 with brand new 4-player online co-op, and one of the first questions players are asking is whether crossplay is supported. If you are trying to team up with friends across different platforms or devices, here is exactly what the game supports right now.
Is Slay the Spire 2 Crossplay?
Not in the traditional sense, no. Crossplay typically refers to players on different platforms, such as PC and console, playing together in the same session. Because Slay the Spire 2 is currently a Steam Early Access exclusive, it is only available on PC right now. There are no console versions yet, so there is no cross-platform gap to bridge at this stage.
However, within the PC ecosystem, all Steam players on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Steam Deck share the same player pool and can play co-op together without any restrictions. So if one friend plays on a gaming PC and another plays on a Steam Deck, they can absolutely team up with no issues.
Platform Co-Op Compatibility Right Now
| Platform | Can Play Co-Op? | Can Play With Other Platforms? |
| Windows (Steam) | Yes | Yes, with macOS, Linux, Steam Deck |
| macOS (Steam) | Yes | Yes, with Windows, Linux, Steam Deck |
| Linux / SteamOS (Steam) | Yes | Yes, with Windows, macOS, Steam Deck |
| Steam Deck | Yes | Yes, with Windows, macOS, Linux |
| PS5 | No (not yet available) | N/A |
| Xbox Series X/S | No (not yet available) | N/A |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | No (not yet available) | N/A |
How Does Co-Op Work in Slay the Spire 2?
Slay the Spire 2 supports online co-op for up to 4 players, which is a completely new addition to the franchise. The original game had no multiplayer whatsoever, so this is one of the biggest changes the sequel brings to the table.
Here is how the co-op system works in the current Early Access build:
- All players must own a separate copy of Slay the Spire 2 on Steam. There is no shared access, friend pass, or Family Sharing option for co-op. Even if two players are in the same room, each person needs their own device and their own purchased copy to play together.
- There is no local or couch co-op. Co-op is online only, so playing side by side on one screen is not an option in the current build.
- Co-op runs through private lobbies only. There is no public matchmaking, so all players need to be on each other’s Steam friends list.
- The host creates the lobby via Main Menu > Co-op > Create Lobby, sets the Ascension level and Seed, then invites friends through the Steam Overlay.
- Each player manages their own character independently, including their own hand, energy, and deck choices. Players do not share a deck or resources, however they work together in the same combat encounters.
- The in-game UI displays each teammate’s health, energy, and hand size in real time so the whole party stays informed without leaving their own view.
- All players act simultaneously during combat rather than taking turns.
- Enemy health and damage scale with the number of players in the session.
- The game includes multiplayer-specific cards and team synergies that only appear in co-op sessions.
- Players share the same map and can annotate and vote on routes together.
- At rest sites, each player chooses their own option independently, so the party is never locked into a single action.
- Dead players revive at the end of combat as long as at least one teammate survives.
- Early patches have already addressed initial co-op bugs, including a softlock that prevented players from starting new runs or accessing the Timeline after a multiplayer session. Always check Steam for the latest update before jumping in.
Does Slay the Spire 2 Support Cross-Save?
Mega Crit has mentioned cross-platform saving as a target for when the game releases on consoles and additional platforms at full 1.0 launch. However, the studio has not confirmed the full details of how this will work, and cross-save is not a feature that applies during the current Steam-only Early Access period. This is something to watch for closer to the 1.0 release window.
Will Slay the Spire 2 Have Crossplay When It Comes to Consoles?
This is the key question for the future, and the answer is that Mega Crit has not confirmed crossplay between PC and consoles at this stage. Console versions for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 are planned for the full 1.0 release, currently estimated for around 2027. However, no official statement on whether those console players will be able to co-op with PC players has been made.
In a pre-launch Q&A, Mega Crit confirmed the game will come to as many platforms as possible after Early Access, and cross-platform saving has been mentioned as a goal. However, cross-platform play specifically remains unconfirmed for the console release window.
What You Need to Play Co-Op Right Now
If you want to jump into co-op on Steam today, here is what every player in your group needs:
- A separate purchased copy of Slay the Spire 2 on Steam ($24.99 USD each). Family Sharing does not substitute for an individual purchase in co-op.
- Their own device, whether that is a PC, Mac, Linux machine, or Steam Deck. Local co-op on a shared screen is not supported.
- A Steam account with the other players already added as Steam friends.
- The host needs to create the lobby and send Steam invites to each player before the run begins.
You can purchase Slay the Spire 2 via Steam for $24.99 USD. Mega Crit has confirmed the price will increase once Early Access ends, so buying now secures the lower rate.
Does Slay the Spire 2 Support Controllers in Co-Op?
Yes. Slay the Spire 2 confirms full controller support across the board, including:
- Xbox controllers
- DualSense controllers via USB
- Steam Input API
This means players using a Steam Deck with its built-in controls, a DualSense plugged into a PC, or an Xbox controller on Windows can all participate in co-op sessions together without any compatibility issues.
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