Big Walk is an online cooperative adventure for 2–12 players, released August 4, 2026 on Windows, macOS, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. This guide covers what you need before your first session and how joining works.
Before your first session
- Gather your group. You need at least two people. Smaller groups create a more focused experience; larger groups are noisier but more playful.
- Choose a regular host. The host owns the save. That person must start the session whenever the group wants to continue the same walk.
- Pick a world version. The host chooses the 2-player, 3-player, or 4+-player version. Treat that choice as a commitment — the world adapts to the expected minimum group size.
- Know your role. There are no classes or hero picks — everyone plays a walker with the same toolkit. See the characters guide for what that means and how teams divide informal roles.
- Use a microphone or text chat. Both work with the same distance and environmental restrictions. A microphone is strongly recommended because voice is a core mechanic.
How joining works
Friends on the same platform can find the host in the in-game friends menu. Everyone else can use a short Join Code generated when the host starts a session.
Your first-walk checklist
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Same game version | Helps cross-platform players connect reliably |
| Host is available | The host starts the session and keeps the save |
| In-game chat enabled | Communication restrictions are a core game mechanic |
| Player mode agreed | The world adapts to 2, 3, or 4+ expected players |
| Time to wander | The game rewards exploration rather than rushing |
The game has no fail state — only lost hikers. If someone falls behind, use the flare instead of backtracking.