Chained Beasts does not feature a PvP (Player vs. Player) mode. The game is developed by Featherweight Games as a 1-4 player cooperative gladiator roguelike, built exclusively around PvE arena survival where teammates are physically chained together to fight computer-controlled enemies and bosses.
Developer Response on PvP and Duels
Community interest in competitive modes surfaced frequently during the game's playtests and demo periods on the Steam forums, with players requesting 1v1 duels, 2v2 matches, and hybrid PvPvE arenas.
Featherweight Games developer FW_Eren officially addressed these community requests on the Steam discussion boards:
- The team noted that they can see why competitive or PvPvE modes could be exciting given the game's physics and arena setting.
- The studio clarified that their primary focus remains on the cooperative experience and refining core gameplay.
- Feedback regarding PvP was relayed to the broader development team, but no competitive mode has been developed or announced for release.
Confirmed Multiplayer Modes and Features
According to official Steam platform details, Chained Beasts supports cooperative multiplayer across several formats, but excludes competitive matchmaking:
| Feature Category | Official Support Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PvP / 1v1 Duels | Not supported | The title is built strictly as a cooperative PvE roguelike |
| Online Co-op | Supported | 1–4 players |
| Shared / Split Screen Co-op | Supported | Local same-screen play (requires at least one gamepad) |
| Cross-Platform Multiplayer | Supported | Steam, Game Pass, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch |
| Remote Play Together | Supported | Steam Remote Play enabled |
| Single-player | Supported | Solo gladiator runs |
Core Gameplay: Why Co-op Takes Priority
The central combat mechanic of Chained Beasts relies on mutual coordination rather than opposing competition. Players enter Roman-style colosseums tethered by chains. Success depends on shared spatial awareness:
- Chain Physics: Teams must synchronize movement to trip incoming waves of gladiators. Poor coordination results in getting tangled around arena pillars.
- Environmental Hazards: Players use spikes, snake pits, and thrown urns cooperatively to defeat heavy units and survive arena traps.
- Shared Afflictions: Characters accumulate physical and psychological injuries across a run, such as limps, lost eyes, and combat hallucinations, requiring team compensation during boss encounters.
Because these mechanics are calibrated for team synchrony against hostile arena crowds and boss monsters, the developer has centered all design efforts on the cooperative PvE loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fight your friends in Chained Beasts?
No. There are no friendly duel settings or PvP arenas in the game. Friendly interactions revolve around chain movement, shared weapon throwing, and team revives against AI enemies.
Will PvP or PvPvE be added in a future update?
Featherweight Games has acknowledged the community's interest in 1v1, 2v2, and PvPvE modes, but confirmed that PvP is not currently on their active roadmap, as the team is focused on delivering and refining the core co-op PvE experience.
What platforms support multiplayer co-op?
Chained Beasts supports co-op on Windows PC, macOS, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Game Pass, featuring cross-platform multiplayer support.
