The game's Xbox Game Pass update adds local co-op play

Key conclusions

Hit indie roguelite Brotato has added a local co-op mode.
The newly introduced cooperative multiplayer experience supports up to four players.
Brotato's local co-op mode is currently only available on PC and Xbox consoles, including the Xbox Game Pass version. In the future, it is planned to receive other versions of the game.

Indie hit Brother added local co-op mode. This big new feature is currently only supported by select versions of the game, including those available through Xbox Game Pass.

Made by French indie developer Thomas Gervaux, Brother is a popular top-down shooter with roguelite progression mechanics. It originally debuted as a Steam Early Access title in September 2022 before getting a full release the following June. As of October 2024, the game boasts “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews on Valve's storefront, based on over 77,000 player experiences. Brother has been part of the Xbox Game Pass library since January 2024.

9:15 a.m

Relatives

The best local co-op and split-screen games on Xbox Game Pass

For those looking for co-op fun on the couch while exploring the Xbox Game Pass library, here are some of the best split-screen games available.

The hit roguelite just got even better with the release of a local co-op mode that offers co-op multiplayer for up to four players. The feature is currently available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This applies to both its Steam and Microsoft Store versions, including releases available to Xbox Game Pass members. Since Brother was not a day one release on Microsoft's subscription service, it is available on all tiers except XGP Core.

Brotato's Local Co-Op will also be coming to PlayStation and Switch

BrotherLocal co-op mode is completely free. In a recent blog post, publisher Blobfish revealed that the new feature is also planned to be rolled out to other versions of the game. This suggests that local co-op is coming to at least PS4, PS5 and Nintendo Switch. Although Brother also available on mobile devices from early 2023, it is currently unclear whether its Android and iOS ports are suitable for local multiplayer.

Meanwhile, Blobfish confirmed it BrotherLocal co-op is compatible with Steam Remote Play Together, a self-explanatory feature designed to simulate local multiplayer online play. Only one person in a group of up to four should own it Brother to make it work. However, a decent connection is obviously a prerequisite for this makeshift multiplayer networking experience to work properly. The co-op update also includes four new characters, five more weapons and at least 15 additional items, as well as an availability option to retry failed enemy waves. Some additional music is also part of the package.

The launch of the free co-op update coincides with the release Brotato: Abyssal Terrors. Priced at $3.99, the game's first-ever DLC pack introduces 14 new characters, 16 new weapons, over 30 additional items, and even more music tracks. Curse and enchantment mechanics are also part of the paid DLC, going even deeper Brothergameplay loop.