- The Outlast Trials coop supports up to 4 players running trials together online
- Rig diversity wins: Stun, Heal, X-Ray, and Barricade cover every team need
- Communication beats gear: calling out enemy positions prevents most wipes
- Never rush revives: a second downed player usually ends the run
- Save Rig charges for objectives and the final extraction push
The Outlast Trials Coop Basics
The Outlast Trials coop is the core way to experience Murkoff's Cold War experiments: up to four Reagents drop into a Trial together, complete objectives under enemy pressure, and race to extraction. The game officially launched on March 5, 2024, supports single-player and 4-player online co-op, and holds a Very Positive rating across more than 43,000 Steam user reviews.
The fundamental rule of co-op is simple: trials are built for avoidance, not combat. Teams that treat every enemy encounter as a routing problem outperform groups that try to fight or outrun threats.
In solo play, self-sufficiency matters most. In co-op, specialization matters most. Split objectives across the map, but never let a teammate become isolated without a known escape route.
Video Highlights:
- Official launch trailer showcasing the 4-player co-op loop
- Quick look at trial environments and enemy pressure
- Great primer before your first group run
| Mode | Players | Difficulty Feel | Best Rig Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | 1 | Highest tension, no backup | Stun or X-Ray |
| Duo | 2 | Balanced, flexible | Stun + Heal |
| Trio | 3 | Strong coverage | Stun + Heal + X-Ray |
| Full squad | 4 | Most forgiving with roles | Full role spread |
Team Roles and Rig Pairings
The strongest The Outlast Trials coop teams distribute Rigs across four distinct roles instead of stacking duplicates. Each Rig covers a different failure point: getting caught, going down, losing information, or losing a room.
Crowd Control
- Rig: Stun
- Interrupts grabs and chases
- Creates revive windows
- Best for pressure-heavy trials
Field Medic
- Rig: Heal
- Restores team health
- Saves consumable items
- Ideal for 3-4 player squads
Scout
- Rig: X-Ray
- Spots enemies through walls
- Plans safer routes
- Great for learning maps
Anchor
- Rig: Barricade
- Locks down doorways
- Protects objectives
- Strong on defense tasks
| Rig | Tier | Best Party Size | Core Value | Upgrade Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stun | S | Solo, duo, 4P | Emergency control | High |
| Heal | S | Duo, 4P | Sustained survival | High |
| X-Ray | A | Solo, learners | Information | Medium-High |
| Barricade | A | Duo, 4P | Area denial | Medium |
Two players running the same Rig rarely doubles value. A Heal plus Stun combo covers recovery and control, while two X-Rays mostly waste charges on the same information.
Step-by-Step Coop Workflow
Follow this sequence in almost every trial to keep your squad organized from insertion to extraction.
Read the Objective and Split Tasks
Identify the main objective and optional tasks before moving. Assign zones so players do not double-search rooms, and mark key doors, hiding spots, and exits as you find them.
Loot as a Pair
Gather batteries, healing items, antidotes, bottles, and lockpicks in nearby pairs. Inventory is limited, so each player should carry a mix of utility and emergency items rather than duplicates.
Run Objectives With a Watcher
One player interacts while at least one teammate watches entrances and holds a distraction item. Loud interactions attract patrols, so clear nearby routes before starting.
Handle Downs Correctly
When a teammate goes down, break line of sight first, stun or distract the threat, then revive. Never revive into an active chase without control ready.
Extract Together
After the final objective, confirm everyone knows the exit direction and move as a group. Save at least one Rig charge and one throwable for the escape, since pressure often spikes near extraction.
Escaping alive with the whole squad earns a better trial rating than grabbing one extra optional item and losing a player. Rating is based on objectives, evidence, damage taken, and deaths.
Enemy Pressure in Coop
Co-op changes enemy behavior: Prime Assets like Mother Gooseberry, Sergeant Coyle, and Franco Barbi can pressure grouped teams hard, and special Ex-Pops punish disorganized movement.
| Enemy | Type | Coop Danger | Team Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leland Coyle | Prime Asset | High in corridors | Break sight, loop doors, Stun for rescues |
| Mother Gooseberry | Prime Asset | High when grouped | Use rooms with multiple exits, split briefly |
| Franco Barbi | Prime Asset | High indoors | Keep exits open, distract before he closes in |
| Pusher | Special Ex-Pop | Gas forces repositioning | Leave the cloud immediately, save Antidote |
| Berserker | Special Ex-Pop | Punishes noise stacking | Stealth, hide, manage stamina |
| Big Grunt | Heavy Ex-Pop | Blocks narrow routes | Wide loops, keep doors between you |
This psychological threat appears during high-stress moments and disrupts navigation. Stay calm, keep your route, and do not burn items reacting to every manifestation.
Coop Readiness Checklist
Run through this list before attempting harder programs like Program X or Ultra difficulty.
Before Your Next Group Trial:
- Confirm each player runs a different Rig
- Everyone carries at least one throwable distraction
- Team agrees on revive rules before insertion
- Scout calls out Prime Asset locations on sight
- One Rig charge and one item reserved for extraction
| Communication Call | Meaning | Response |
|---|---|---|
| "Enemy on me" | Active chase | Clear route, prepare stun or distraction |
| "Objective clear" | Task done | Regroup before next section |
| "Down at [room]" | Player needs revive | Break sight first, then control and revive |
| "Exit open" | Extraction available | Move together, no looting |
FAQ
Q: Does The Outlast Trials coop support 4 players?
Yes. The Outlast Trials supports single-player and online co-op with up to 4 players. Teams can mix public matchmaking with friends, and trial objectives scale around group play.
Q: Can I play The Outlast Trials co-op solo with AI teammates?
No. There are no AI companions. Solo play means entering trials alone with no backup, so self-sufficient builds using Stun or X-Ray Rigs are recommended.
Q: What is the best Rig setup for a 4-player team?
A balanced spread works best: one Stun for crowd control, one Heal for recovery, one X-Ray for scouting, and one Barricade for objective defense. This covers every major failure point in co-op trials.
Q: How do revives work in co-op?
When a teammate is downed, another player can revive them, but the revive leaves both vulnerable. Break enemy line of sight and use a stun or distraction before attempting the revive to avoid creating a second downed player.
Related Content
Explore more The Outlast Trials multiplayer guides or head back to the The Outlast Trials Wiki homepage for the latest coverage.