Join a friend: check these in order
- Agree on the platform and version. Start with players on the same platform, and have everyone finish available updates. Different versions can prevent matchmaking. This is a sensible first test, not a guarantee that same-platform sessions are trouble-free. [1][2]
- Have one player create the room. Share the room code directly with the group. Other players choose friend matchmaking from the multiplayer menu and enter that code. Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S also support their platform invitation feature according to the FAQ. [1]
- Check console access. Online play needs Nintendo Switch Online, PlayStation Plus, or an Xbox Game Pass plan that includes online multiplayer, depending on the console. [1]
- Test joining before starting a long run. A room code identifies a room; it does not establish that cross-platform connectivity is live. Up to four players can play online. There is no shared-system local co-op. [1][2]
Why the crossplay answers conflict
| Official statement | What it says | How to use it now |
|---|---|---|
| 13 October FAQ | Lists Steam, Switch 2 and Xbox crossplay, with PS5 to follow. [1] | Historical launch guidance, not enough to promise a connection today. |
| 16 October update | Crossplay among all four platforms is being worked on and requires platform approval; no date committed. [2] | Use this newer statement when planning a mixed-platform group. |
Buying specifically to play across platforms? Wait for a newer explicit confirmation covering your pair of platforms. We have not tested any platform pairing and cannot reconcile the two statements into a supported-platform matrix.
A failed join and a mid-run disconnect are different
| Symptom | Useful check | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot find or join the room | Recheck code, selected platform and each player’s installed version. [1] | Neither a valid code nor matching versions proves crossplay availability. |
| Same-platform join still fails | Check the console online subscription and network prerequisite. Steam lists non-symmetric NAT, such as open or moderate. [1][3] | Ask your network administrator or ISP if the prerequisite is unclear; this is not a reason to disable your firewall. |
| Connection succeeds, then players disconnect | Record host/guest role, platform, version and exactly when the session fails. [2] | Developers are investigating multiple issues. A PS5 discussion also reports room-code disconnects, but does not prove a cause or universal fix. [4] |
For an unresolved failure, use the feedback-form entry in the official Steam bug notice ↗ (external site, opens in a new tab). Include whether everyone was on one platform, what joined successfully, and the last action before disconnection. Do not post account credentials or full receipts publicly.
Progress, saves and difficulty
The FAQ says co-op progress is saved to your own save, but saves are not shared across platforms. Offline solo supports all content, and Welcome Mode is disabled while playing co-op. A group that wants the easiest early learning environment may therefore prefer to practice solo first. [1]
Missing purchase rewards after an update is a separate issue: use the DLC ownership and delivery checklist, not network troubleshooting.
Sources & verification
- Ratatan team · Full Release FAQ ↗ (external site, opens in a new tab)13 October 2026. Platform, controls, progression and multiplayer instructions; the later crossplay notice takes precedence.
- Ratatan team · Upcoming Bug Fixes and Updates ↗ (external site, opens in a new tab)16 October 2026. Confirmed progression display issue, multiplayer investigation and crossplay approval status.
- Ratatan · Steam store ↗ (external site, opens in a new tab)Checked 19 October 2026. Game description, supported languages, PC requirements and network prerequisite.
- r/ratatan · Online mode not stable ↗ (external site, opens in a new tab)17 October 2026 discussion. PS5 room-code disconnection reports; does not establish a single cause or repair.