Cooperative multiplayer
No legend is forged alone
Warm light against a cold sea. The best part of any voyage is who is on deck.
The crew
A voyage in five parts
From a single invitation to a shared legend.
Step 1: Gather your crew
Ships and Shanties is built to be shared. Bring friends into the same world and divide the work of survival, construction and exploration between you.
Step 2: Host your world
Games are hosted by players. Start a world of your own and invite others to join it. The design target is up to 16 players, including the host; full-capacity support is still being tested.
Step 3: Join the adventure
Friends can join through Steam, or by direct connection. Both are part of the intended multiplayer experience.
Step 4: Build and explore together
Raise a camp, lay a keel, make ready a ship and take it to sea. The satisfying parts of the game are better with a crew.
Step 5: A voyage that belongs to your crew
A ship built together carries a shared history: the repairs, the close calls and the places only you have been.
Better by the fire
Survival is easier with someone to share it, and a good deal more memorable.
Multiplayer questions
What we can say today
Can I play with friends?
Yes. Cooperative multiplayer is part of the game: you can host a game, invite friends, and join other players.
How do friends join my game?
Joining through Steam and by direct connection are both part of the intended multiplayer experience. Exact steps will be published once the workflow is final.
Is there a player limit?
The design target is up to 16 players, including the host. Full-capacity support is still being tested, so this figure may change.
Questions such as dedicated servers and access controls are answered here only once they are confirmed. For everything else, see the full FAQ.
Bring your crew
Follow the development of Ships and Shanties and prepare for the journey ahead.