Wolfenstein: Youngblood puts a fresh spin on the franchise by going all-on on co-op gameplay. The title can be played with an AI partner, but it's clear that the developers really want gamers to experience to Nazi-slaying sisters with a friend. With that in mind, the game is really pushing online play and even offers a Buddy Pass to help hook other players and get them invested.
Playing Wolfenstein: Youngblood online is fairly straightforward and the game is great about drop in and drop out experiences. Since the whole campaign is built around the two sisters always being together, it's very easy to transition from playing with the AI to a real friend and vice versa. Any Fallout 76 launch veterans who are nervous about this one can set their fears aside. The online component to the game is pretty seamless if you have a strong internet connection.
One problem to watch out for involves Steam Private Profile Settings. Some players are reporting that they had to change their Steam Privacy settings from Friends Only to Public in order to join a game with a buddy. Keep this in mind for troubleshooting if you run into issues with the following instructions.
How To Play Co-Op
You can play Wolfenstein: Youngblood co-op but only online with friends or random players. Sorry, no split screen this time around. Here are the options for starting a game when you login:
Host a Match: When hosting a match, players can choose to play with a friend or allow a random online player join in. Note: Players who purchased the Deluxe Edition can also use the Buddy Pass system to invite a friend who doesn't own the game.
Quick Match: Use this option to join a co-op game via matchmaking with a random player online.
Join a Game: This option allows players to join a co-op game that a friend is hosting.
How To Use The Buddy Pass
Keep in mind that the Buddy Pass can be used to invite a friend who has not purchased Wolfenstein: Youngblood to your game. The friend will not earn Trophies or Achievements. Obviously, the friend will also have to install a trial version of the game.
First, select Host a Match. From here, if you own the Deluxe Editon, you will see an option to Use Buddy Pass. As long as your buddy is online and has a trial version of Wolfenstein: Youngblood and a linked account, their name will appear on your available friends list.
Be sure to check back in the near future for more Wolfenstein: Youngblood strategy guides, news, and updates.
Wolfenstein: Youngblood releases July 26 for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One. Game Rant was provided a PC version for this review.