Co-op Lobby Guide - Invites & Version Fixes
Setting up Kernel Hearts co-op: creating lobbies, sending invites, fixing version mismatches and the drop-in rules.
Published September 18, 2026 · Last updated September 18, 2026
Quick Answer: How Do I Play With Friends?
Invite from your platform friends list (or share a lobby code from the pause menu), make sure everyone runs the same game version, and drop in at any checkpoint. There is no matchmaking for the story — co-op is friends-first by design; the version-mismatch connection error is the most common issue and is fixed by updating.
- Host: pause menu → Co-op → Create lobby. Friends join via invite or lobby code.
- Version mismatch: everyone verifies their game is updated before connecting.
- Disconnects: the world persists on the host — rejoining resumes wherever the host is.
- Both boss fights support co-op; see the boss tactics page for group strategies.
Lobby Rules That Surprise New Players
- Progression is host-based: floor unlocks earned in a friend’s world do not carry to yours.
- Loot is personal: chip fragments and drops you pick up are yours alone — no roll-offs.
- Drop-in works at any checkpoint, but mid-boss joins wait for the attempt to end.
Summon items are consumed per attempt, not per player — one Divine Crown covers the whole party for the Floor 2 Guardian attempt.