Start With Multiplayer on the Main Menu
You do not have to finish the October demo's tutorial before joining your friends. For GRAVHOUNDS how to play with friends, start with Multiplayer on the main menu and use the Host/Join flow to get your crew together. The game supports solo play or online co-op with up to four players total, so a full group is one host and three teammates.
The official October 7 development log explains that Multiplayer was moved to the first menu position and made available without tutorial completion. Finishing the tutorial instead takes you directly to the Host/Join screen.
Choose Whether to Host or Join
Use the game's hosting and joining options to establish the session:
- Agree which friend will host the group.
- Open Multiplayer from the main menu.
- Use the hosting or joining side of the Host/Join flow for your role.
- Get your group together before tackling a planetary job.
The developer's description confirms that entry flow, but does not specify an invite-code system, lobby privacy controls, or a universal friend-invite shortcut. Follow the actual options shown in your version rather than looking for a code or button that has not been documented.
If you are learning the game together, skipping the tutorial is an option rather than a requirement. Playing through it first gives you an introduction to pipelines, the fabricator, resource handling, and protecting the Collector before your crew starts improvising.
Know the Tutorial and Platform Limits
The tutorial rule differs between modes. October's demo lets players enter Multiplayer immediately, while Single Player still requires completing a tutorial. If your solo option is unavailable, that does not mean you must finish the tutorial to play with an existing group.
The Steam store listing confirms online co-op and the one-to-four-player format. Xbox also lists multiplayer capabilities, but availability on both storefronts does not by itself prove that a Steam copy can join an Xbox session. Confirm your group's exact platform combination before choosing where everyone will play.
The information here describes the demo available ahead of the planned November 2, 2026 Early Access release. Keep later menu or compatibility changes separate from the October instructions.
Give the Crew Jobs Beyond Shooting
Once you are together, make use of the game's cooperative systems. The developer's official gameplay overview describes transporting resources and useful items to teammates with the Grav Beam, coordinating defenses, and helping crew members who get into trouble.
Player experience in narrated co-op sessions shows why dividing attention helps. One player can support the base while others gather materials or operate a mission objective. These roles can change as danger builds; they are not locked classes or mandatory assignments.
Before splitting up, agree on who is watching the Collector and when everyone plans to return. Being able to play with friends is most useful when the group notices which part of the operation needs help.
Playing With Friends FAQ
How many friends can join me?
Online co-op supports up to four players total, including the host. That means three additional teammates in a full group.
Do we all have to finish the tutorial first?
No. The October demo permits direct access to Multiplayer. Tutorial completion is still required for Single Player.
Where does finishing the tutorial take me?
The developer says it takes you directly to the Host/Join screen. You can also enter Multiplayer from the main menu without completing it first.
Can Steam players join friends on Xbox?
The sources confirm online co-op and Xbox-specific cross-platform capabilities, but do not establish Steam-to-Xbox joining. Check that exact compatibility before assuming your group can mix storefronts.