The Outlast Trials is the third title in the series and serves as a prequel to the first two games. Unlike its predecessors, it has multiplayer capabilities and follows a custom-made character as they try and survive inside an experimental testing facility. Players will increase their character level by completing trials that unlock abilities and skills.
Players are thrown straight into the chaos at the start of The Outlast Trials, but they will get a chance to regroup and decide how they want to progress after the tutorial. The trials can be played solo, but co-op makes things more manageable and less terrifying if players have trouble surviving against the facility's monsters. Here's everything players need to know about multiplayer in The Outlast Trials.
How to Play Multiplayer in The Outlast Trials
After completing the tutorial, players are dropped into a lobby-type area with others called the Sleep Room. From there, they can find the main terminal that allows them to pick a trial, change their online settings, invite a friend, and alter their loadout. Online play can be private, friends only, or open to all. Players can also edit their online settings from the "Group" menu when the game is paused.
Four is the maximum number of players that can be a part of a group. Steam friends can be invited directly, or players can invite random players in the Sleep Room. When cross-platform becomes available, players can use an Outlast Trials Friend Code to join each other's groups. Alternatively, there is a way to be placed into a random duo, trio, or quad by using the "Group Finder" feature at the terminal.
It will take a little time for the group finder to match up players, but the selected trial automatically starts when the appropriate number of players is available. Once in a game, players can use voice chat, ping, or quick comms to communicate with others. The trials are intense and typically involve a puzzle to complete, so the better the teamwork, the more success is likely.
The Outlast Trials stays true to the franchise's non-combative gameplay, and players can only run and hide from the monsters while trying to figure out how to solve the trials. If someone is attacked to the point they are bleeding out, they will die unless another player revives them. Players can leave the match and group from the start menu anytime.
The Outlast Trials is available in Early Access on PC.