Into The Depths Co-Op Guide: How to Play with Friends

Is There a Co-Op Mode in Into The Depths?

As of its official release on June 10, 2026, Into The Depths is strictly a single-player experience. The game, developed by SmelJey, is designed around a solo journey of exploration, colony building, and strategic conquest in a procedurally generated underground world. There is no native local or online co-op mode available.

The tagline "explore mysterious underground worlds, build settlements, conquer deep caves, and obtain abyssal wealth" all point to a personal, isolated adventure. The game's Roguelite elements, where each run presents unique challenges and permadeath consequences, are tailored for a single commander making all the decisions.

For players searching for "into the depths co op," this guide will clarify the current limitations, explore potential workarounds, and look ahead at what the developer has planned.

Why Into The Depths is a Solo Game

The game's core mechanics are built around a single-player framework. As a colony sim and strategy hybrid, you manage resources, command units, and expand your settlement. The strategic layer, involving resource management and building placement, is designed for one player's vision.

The Roguelite progression system, where you unlock permanent upgrades between runs, also reinforces the solo nature. Each player's save file and progression are unique, making a shared campaign difficult to implement without a complete overhaul of the game's structure.

Can You Play Into The Depths Co-Op with Mods?

Currently, there are no official mods that enable co-op for Into The Depths. The game was released without modding tools or a public API that would allow for such complex modifications. While the community may eventually create mods, it is highly unlikely in the near future.

The technical challenges are immense. Implementing co-op would require:

• Networking Code: The game has no built-in multiplayer netcode.
• Synchronization: Both players would need to see the exact same world state, unit positions, and resource counts.
• Pause Functionality: The game likely pauses when menus are open, which is incompatible with real-time co-op.

For now, the only way to share the experience is through passive co-op, like taking turns on the same PC or using screen-sharing software like Discord to watch and advise a friend.

Workarounds for a Shared Experience

While true co-op isn't available, you can still enjoy Into The Depths with a friend using these methods:

1. Share Your Screen: Use Discord or Steam Remote Play Together to stream your game. Your friend can watch your colony grow, offer strategic advice, and celebrate discoveries with you.
2. Take Turns: Play on the same computer, switching after each in-game day or after completing a major objective. This turns the game into a shared campaign.
3. Parallel Play: Both of you buy the game and play your own solo runs simultaneously. Compare your strategies, base layouts, and which depths you've reached. This is a great way to learn from each other.

Future Co-Op Possibilities

The developer, SmelJey, has not announced any plans for a co-op update. The game's official Steam page and release date guide confirm the focus is on polishing the single-player experience.

If you are looking for a game to play with a friend, Into The Depths is currently not the right choice. However, if you enjoy deep strategy, base building, and a challenging solo journey, it is an excellent pick. For more on the game's mechanics, check our Beginner Guide and Mechanics Guide.

Final Verdict on Into The Depths Co-Op

To summarize the co-op situation for Into The Depths:

If you are determined to play with a friend, consider using the screen-sharing method. It allows for real-time discussion and shared decision-making, which can be almost as fun as playing together. For the latest updates on the game, keep an eye on the Patch Notes and Update History.