Plan local multiplayer or an online match

Player counts and console online requirements

Local four-player support does not mean four-player online support. Store features are platform declarations, not our own test of every controller combination or connection route.

Set up a same-system local match

1. Confirm the people and controllers are local

   For two people on one PS5, the official 1–4 local listing supports that player count. Connect a compatible controller for each participant using the console's normal controller/user setup.

2. Open Custom Battle

   GamesHedge's PS5 review describes selecting monsters and adding local participants or CPU opponents. Choose the intended rule set and replace unwanted CPU slots with the actual people. Exact join prompts are not verified here for every platform, so follow the displayed prompt.

3. Choose roster access versus progression

   Normal play keeps earned unlocks relevant. For full-roster local access now, read the Switch 2 Tournament route and accept the Research/Level pause. We have not verified the toggle on PC/PS5.

4. Start one match and check participation

   Confirm every local player controls the intended monster. That is the useful completion check; a controller connected to the system is not alone proof the player joined the game.

Choose a compatible online route

1. Confirm both players are using the same platform and current compatible game version. No cross-platform route was supported in the cited November 2 reviews.
2. Turn Tournament off. Confirm the monster you want is normally unlocked.
3. Check the console subscription listed above, plus each participant's normal online access.
4. Enter Online. Respec's actual Switch 2 session used Quickplay for random opponents or a system friend invite. Use your platform's displayed online/invite route; we do not claim the same menu sequence was tested on all systems.
5. Confirm both players reach and finish the intended match. For a research goal, inspect the current Project afterward rather than assuming every online result levels the character too.

Steam's Remote Play Together label describes another supported feature, but it is not proof of native console-to-PC crossplay or a tested setup guide here.

If friends cannot play the match you planned

We own different platforms

The cited reviews report no cross-platform multiplayer. Use compatible copies on the same platform; we have no verified setting that enables crossplay.

We expected four online players

Console listings specify two online. The up-to-four figure applies to same-system play; choose a local session if that is the supported format you need.

Online is disabled after enabling the full roster

This matches Tournament's local-only restriction on Switch 2. Turn it off and use normal research unlocks for online fighters.

A second local controller is connected but not playing

Check the game's join prompt and the Custom Battle player slot, then the console's controller/user assignment. No universal button or account workaround has been tested here.

A supported same-platform online route still fails

Record platform, version, subscription state, exact message and whether the problem is joining or matchmaking. Check the platform's service status and current publisher notices; the cited reviews do not prove a fix for every connection error.

Your setup is ready when…

Every participant controls the intended monster in the intended local or same-platform online match. Keep the local/online player limit, normal unlocks and progression goal separate when changing modes.