Machine Party supports 2–4 players both online and in local couch co-op. Update to the current v2.1.2 build before setting up Local: v2.1.1 fixed Local achievement registration and a potential controller-disconnect crash in the local lobby, while v2.1.2 fixed the Original/Local vessel-intro cutscene. Built-in public matchmaking remains unavailable.
01 / START HERE
CHOOSE YOUR
PLAY ROUTE.
Private online group
Use the official online co-op flow when two to four friends each have a supported PC and Steam account.
Set up online play →Local couch co-op
Open Local in v2.0. One person may use keyboard and mouse, so a four-player group can use three controllers.
Set up local play →Official LFG Discord
The developers provide a looking-for-group server because the base game has no public matchmaking list.
Verify invite & build an LFG post →Community server browser
MachineParty+ can list public modded lobbies, but it is third-party software and still caps sessions at four.
Review the mod first →02 / VERIFIED MODES
SUPPORT MATRIX
| Online co-op | AvailableOfficial Steam feature for private groups. |
|---|---|
| Local / couch co-op | AvailableShared-screen play shipped in v2.0 and received Local fixes in v2.1.1–2. |
| Player count | 2–4 playersThe same official limit applies online and locally. |
| Custom Shuffle | Available in v2.1.1Enable Shuffle in the Custom Playlist UI to randomize simulation order after the session starts. |
| Single-player / bots | Not advertisedLocal mode still requires at least two humans. See the single-player status guide. |
| Public matchmaking | Not plannedThe developers direct players to their official LFG Discord instead. |
| Community public lobbies | UnofficialMachineParty+ adds a server browser through third-party software. |
| Controller support | SupportedThe Steam page lists full controller support and Remote Play Together. |
03 / SAME ROOM
SET UP LOCAL
COUCH CO-OP.
- Update Machine Party to the current build.
Local play was added in v2.0, and v2.1.1–2 fixed Local controller, achievement, and Original-intro issues. Steam should show v2.1.2 or later before you troubleshoot an older symptom. - Connect your inputs.
The official instructions allow up to four controllers. One player can instead use keyboard and mouse, meaning four people need only three controllers. - Open Local from the main menu.
Choose Original, Custom, or Arcade. Custom also offers the v2.1.1 Shuffle option in its Playlist UI. - Join from the lobby.
Each controller player presses any button, then enters a name and chooses cosmetics before readying up. - Let everyone ready up.
Once all joined players are ready, a five-second countdown begins. Changing the lobby interrupts that countdown.
Shared-screen support does not add AI opponents or a one-person campaign. You still need at least two human players.
04 / V2.0 CHANGES
WHAT CHANGES
ON ONE SCREEN?
Most simulations play like their online versions, but v2.0 adjusts several rounds so everyone can share one display.
05 / SEPARATE PCS
SET UP
ONLINE PLAY.
- Confirm a two-to-four-person group.
Four remains the official maximum. - Check every PC.
Each player needs a supported Windows or Linux setup with Vulkan support. - Create a private game and invite the group.
Follow the current in-game labels; launch-period updates can change menu wording. - Choose a voice channel if your group needs one.
The official store listing does not document built-in voice chat. Steam or your normal group channel is the lower-risk option. - Test controls before the first round.
Control schemes change between simulations, so follow each on-screen prompt.
06 / NO GROUP YET
HOW TO FIND
PLAYERS.
Use the developer-provided LFG Discord
The August 4 announcement links this server specifically for players looking for a Machine Party group. It is the official alternative to a native matchmaking list.
Open Discord guide →Review MachineParty+ before installing
The mod adds worldwide public-lobby discovery, voice and text chat, and moderation. Public listings only work for people using the mod, and all mod risks remain yours to evaluate.
Read safety guide →Do not confuse discovery with capacity. MachineParty+ helps people find a lobby but does not raise the verified four-player limit.
07 / INPUT
CONTROLLERS & STEAM DECK
Steam currently lists full controller support, Shared/Split Screen Co-op, Shared/Split Screen, and Remote Play Together. Steam Deck is also marked Verified in the current compatibility metadata.
On Steam Deck or SteamOS, external Bluetooth or USB controllers may need to be made active manually through the Quick Access Menu. Test every input in the lobby before starting a long session.
08 / FAST ANSWERS
COMMON QUESTIONS
How many players can play Machine Party?
Two to four players, online or in local couch co-op.
Does Machine Party have local co-op?
Yes. v2.0 added local shared-screen play on August 12, 2026. Update to the current build, open Local, and choose Original, Custom, or Arcade.
What did v2.1.1 and v2.1.2 change for multiplayer?
v2.1.1 added Custom Shuffle and fixed Local achievement registration plus a potential controller-disconnect crash in the local lobby. v2.1.2 fixed the vessel-insertion intro in Original while using Local Mode.
How many controllers are needed for four people?
Three if one player uses keyboard and mouse, or four if everyone uses a controller.
Does Machine Party have public matchmaking?
No built-in public matchmaking or native random-lobby list is planned. Use the official LFG Discord or review the unofficial MachineParty+ server browser.
Can five people play?
No verified option covered by this guide raises the current maximum above four.
Can I play solo in local mode?
No. Couch co-op changes where the group plays, not the minimum human player count. The game still does not advertise bots or a solo campaign.
09 / EVIDENCE
SOURCES
- Official v2.1.2 hotfix — Original/Local vessel-insertion intro fix.
- Official v2.1.1 patch notes — Custom Shuffle and Local controller, achievement, localization, and Filter fixes.
- Official Machine Party Steam page — 2–4 players, online co-op, shared/split-screen co-op, controllers, and Remote Play Together.
- Official v2.0 announcement — local-mode setup, controller count, lobby flow, and simulation-specific changes.
- Official August 4 v1.5 announcement — public-matchmaking decision and official LFG Discord.
- MachineParty+ source — community server-browser behavior, room-code compatibility, and four-player cap. Third-party and change-sensitive.
- SteamDB app record — secondary cross-check for controller and Steam Deck metadata.