Guide coverage: patches through 1.0.9

Co-op

The Steam store recommends 1–4 players. The lobby can support up to 8 players, but the game’s encounters and general balance are intended for groups of up to 4. For the most stable and readable experience, use 1–4 players.

Create a lobby

1. The host should start a multiplayer lobby and choose Invite-only or Public. Do not start in Single-player mode if friends may join later, because a single-player lobby cannot be opened to other players afterward.
2. For an Invite-only lobby, create the lobby first and then send invitations through Steam. Friends can accept the Steam invitation to join the host.
3. Make sure every player is running the same game version. Players on different patches may fail to connect.
4. The game does not automatically find teammates for you. If you need other players, use a Public lobby or look for a group through the Steam discussions or the developer’s Discord.

Cannot join or see only a black screen

1. Confirm again that the host and every joining player use the same game version.
2. Close the game and restart Steam for everyone, then try the invitation again.
3. Ask the host to close the old lobby and create a new Invite-only or Public multiplayer lobby.
4. If the problem continues, let another player become the host and create the lobby.

See the full black-screen and save troubleshooting page.

Quest items and rewards in co-op

• Boss quest items are physical objects. The player carrying the shell, skeleton, fin, or head should give it to the required NPC. If another player needs to hand it in, press Q to pass or drop the item first.
• A slot-machine cosmetic skin is unlocked only for the player who throws the accepted item into the machine. Other players in the lobby do not receive that skin automatically.
• Seagulls can steal catches and can also carry away a downed player. Kill nearby seagulls or move important catches indoors before starting a boss fight.

Friendly fire

Friendly fire is a lobby setting. When it is enabled, guns, melee attacks, and dynamite can damage teammates. Check the setting before starting, and keep distance from other players when using explosives during a boss fight.

Difficulty settings

Difficulty is selected in the lobby. It changes creature health and the damage players receive; it does not change the basic quest route.

Difficulty	Creature health	Damage received
Easy	75%	50%
Normal	100%	100%
Hard	125%	125%

Lighthouse opening route Quest progression troubleshooting Controls

How to Fish © Dazed Games. This guide combines community walkthroughs with currently confirmed in-game values. Prices and weights can change with patches.