Rise of the Ronin features online multiplayer just like previous Team Ninja RPGs, and you canteam up with two other playersto take on the game’s missions in co-op. There are some frustrating limitations to multiplayer though.
Because Rise of the Ronin changes up the traditional Team Ninja formula by moving away from a mission-based structure in favor of an open world,the co-op system doesn’t work like it used to. If you’re trying to play the entirety of Rise of the Ronin with friends, you’ll likely end up disappointed with the new co-op implementation.
How to Play Co-Op in Rise of the Ronin
Co-op play in Rise of the Ronin isonly available during missions. When preparing for a main story mission or major side quest, you’ll see an option to“Cooperate”with other players. Choose that option and you’ll be able to invite up to two other players to help you out. You can also invite players during a mission by visiting aVeiled Edge Banner.
If you want tojoin a random online mission or replay old missionswith friends, then head to yourLonghouseand choose the Cooperate option. From there, you can invite friends to a party and select any mission that you’ve previously completed or search for a random in-progress mission to join. This is a great way to experienceAnti-Shogunate and Pro-Shogunate missionsthat you may have missed during your playthrough.
In the Cooperate menu, you’re able to alsoset the co-op mode to openso players can join you during your missions. People candrop in and drop outat any time if you leave co-op open, so make sure to turn it off if you want to experience the story solo.
As players come and go from your session, anyAI allies in your party will despawn and reappear as needed. Playing with friends is also a great way to ensure that your party is prepared for all sorts of enemy encounters since you can bringmultiple types of weaponswith you.
Is There Open World Co-Op in Rise of the Ronin?
Sadly,there is no way to play co-op in the open-worldparts of Rise of the Ronin. Unless you’re doing a big mission that has a prep screen beforehand, you won’t be able to invite anyone to play with you. Thankfully, most main story missions have online support and some side quests are big enough to allow for co-op.
It’s super disappointing that you can’t explore Yokohama and the rest of Japan with friends, but there’s still a ton of co-op content in Rise of the Ronin for those who want a new game to play with friends. Especially after you’ve gotten far enough in the main story, there are a ton of missions that you canreplay to farm for better gear and equipment. Buildcrafting is a huge part of Team Ninja RPGs and Rise of the Ronin is no exception, so friends can make the grind much more bearable and even make higher difficulties easier to conquer.
Diego Perez
Currently serving as a Senior Staff Writer at PC Invasion, Diego Perez has been writing about video games since 2018, specializing in live service games like Destiny and Final Fantasy XIV. His work is featured at publications like Game Rant and Attack of the Fanboy (where he served as Associate Editor), but PC Invasion is home to his best work. When he’s planning content or writing guides, he’s yelling about Ape Escape or grinding Lost Sectors in Destiny. Plus, he has a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Media Studies for Texas A&M University.
