Dead Island 2 players on PS4 and Xbox One can’t host co-op sessions at launch

After a decade of delays, Dead Island 2 is launching in a week’s time. The zombie action game will launch on April 21, 2023, with limited cross-gen support on different platforms. A recent blog post by the developers clears the air regarding co-op and what’s possible. Here’s a full breakdown.

Dead Island 2 players on last-gen can’t host co-op at launch

Co-op in Dead Island 2 unlocks after the ‘Call the Cavalry’ mission, but has certain restrictions. PC players will easily be able to play with others on the same platform. However, for users on PS4 and Xbox One, co-op is a little more limited.

PS4 and Xbox One users cannot host co-op gameplay sessions for others. These players can join other users on the same platform. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• PS4 pro/PS5 users can host sessions that other PS4/PS4 Pro/PS5 users can join
• Standard PS4 users cannot host sessions but can join PS4 Pro or PS5 sessions
• Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One X users can host sessions that other Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One X/S can join
• Xbox One S users cannot host sessions but can join Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One X/S sessions

The developers have quoted “graphical limitations” as the reason for the restrictions. They have also iterated that making co-op hosting available on last-gen is a focus and could be a reality in the future. The game supports co-op up to 3 players with progress and achievements being shared.

Players on earlier missions will not be able to join a player that has progressed further. The player with more progress will instead have to join the other player’s session and help them progress, till they reach parity. Achievements unlocked on the way will be awarded to all players in the party.

Dead Island 2 launches April 21, 2023, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One X/S, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.