Slime Rancher 2 multiplayer - Is Slime Rancher 2 co-op?

Monomi Park's sequel to their wholesome and innovative take on a farming simulator is here, and you're likely wondering: Is Slime Rancher 2 multiplayer? It's a contentious (and confusing) topic to get into. Here's what we know, and what we think could happen.

Slime Rancher, originally released in 2016, has its follow-up available in early access on Xbox and PC. As an early access release, not all features of the game are present, nor is the full story or catalogue of Slimes for us to ranch. Some players are wondering whether the second game will get different aspects than the first, with multiplayer ability being a top concern.

To get you started in the sequel, here are our expert Slime Rancher 2 tips, and a field guide to all the slimes in Slime Rancher 2 right now. For more, Here's where to find Primordy Oil, Radiant Ore, and Moondew Nectar for upgrades and Slime feeding times!

Is Slime Rancher 2 multiplayer?

Slime Rancher as a concept isn't exactly what comes to mind when 'multiplayer' games are mentioned, and it sticks true to that - Slime Rancher 2 does not have any multiplayer modes right now..

So far, representatives of Monomi Park have not hinted that multiplayer aspects may come to Slime Rancher 2 in any interview or Q&A. In fact, series director Nick Popovich had this to say on the topic in a recent Reddit post:

"We are currently focusing on Slime Rancher 2 being a great single player experience and do not have any plans for multiplayer at this time. Slime Rancher’s physics also make multiplayer a very challenging proposition at the level of quality we expect at Monomi Park. However, anything is possible in the future and if our plans change we will be sure to let the community know."

Simply put, Slime Rancher 2 multiplayer has never been part of the plan, and the game's jiggly phsyics would make it a nightmare from a server engineer's perspective. Lag is one thing, but having a physics-based game relay that kind of information back and forth between clients would likely cause all kinds of gameplay headaches whenever it inevitably trips up.

Was Slime Rancher multiplayer?

The sequel carries on from Slime Rancher, in that there were no multiplayer opportunities. Like a lot of simulation and farming games, the story follows a single character, and she - Beatrix - is the only playable option. The story of Slime Rancher didn't really open itself to the option of a multiplayer mode either.

There is, however, a mod for Slime Rancher that allows multiplayer. Given the studio heads specifically mentioned that their own attempts wouldn't live up to the team's quality standards, it's safe to say that even a third-party attempt couldn't convince the studio to run with the idea.

What could a multiplayer mode in Slime Rancher 2 entail?

There is potential for co-op modes in Slime Rancher 2, but it isn't looking likely from a technical perspective. Still, here are a few thoughts on which Slime Rancher 2 modes would make for a good co-op experience.

The first game contained mini-games (which we're sure will come back in the second), which could evolve to include more than one player,

Slime Rancher could follow in Stardew Valley's footsteps and add co-op farming, where a building for other players could be added, and they could assist on your ranch and help look after the Slimes.

It could also include players being able to visit each others' worlds to grab resources, though this may end in discourse if someone steals another's Radiant Ore!

If you are a fan of wholesome gaming, we recommend these games to you: upcoming titles Coral Island, Harvestella, and Haunted Chocolatier will have something for everyone. If you're into farming games, then we have a list of the best Android farming games right here.