Rise of the Ronin has emerged as a significant hit for Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo Games, captivating audiences with its unique premise of a masterless samurai. Recently, this engaging title expanded its reach by being ported to PC, allowing players to immerse themselves in its story either solo or with friends.
This guide will delve into the co-op functionalities available within the game, along with essential lobby requirements. It’s important to note that players cannot join random lobbies filled with others unless granted permission.
Co-op Options in Rise of the Ronin

To kickstart a co-op session with friends or fellow ronins, navigate to the Longhouse, which players can access after completing a few introductory missions. Once there, select the “cooperate”option from the menu.
A new menu will appear that highlights the online multiplayer features available. Here’s a breakdown of the options you can choose from when joining or hosting a co-op session:
- Recruit: As a host, this option allows you to create a lobby, inviting other players to join you in completing various missions.
- Match: This more selective option enables you to join a lobby that meets your specific preferences, making it ideal for private sessions.
- Join: This straightforward option allows for quick connections with other ronins.
This co-op feature proves invaluable, particularly when facing challenging missions. By forming a small team in advance, you’ll significantly enhance your odds of success and survival. Although Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo did not design the game to be overwhelmingly difficult, its atmosphere and mechanics draw inspiration from the Soulslike genre.
There’s no harm in seeking assistance. In fact, your fellow ronins may one day return the favor, helping you through tough challenges. Moreover, engaging in combat alongside friends can offer a more enjoyable experience than battling NPCs alone.
Crossplay Capabilities: PS5 and PC
As of now, there’s no official confirmation regarding crossplay between PlayStation 5 and PC players. However, given the trend of cross-platform features in many recently ported games, there’s potential for Rise of the Ronin to adopt this functionality soon.
While opting to play solo can still yield a fulfilling experience, partnering with friends brings advantages like shared story progression and rewards. Assisting a friend with a mission that you’ve already completed can lead to valuable in-game rewards.

The most sought-after reward is undoubtedly the Silver Coins, a rare currency that can be quite elusive when playing alone. Collaborating with friends or meeting new players online can serve as an effective strategy for acquiring this invaluable resource early in the game. With sufficient Silver Coins, you could purchase every item available in the Longhouse or equip high-tier gear.
Despite the expansive and intricately designed world, traveling alone can sometimes feel uninviting. By teaming up with friends, you not only enhance immersion but also enrich your overall gaming experience with shared adventures.
If you’re inclined to challenge other players, it’s worth mentioning that Rise of the Ronin does not feature direct combat between ronins. This design choice by Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo helps foster a more positive gaming environment, steering clear of hostility and toxicity common in some online settings. After all, the world is filled with plenty of foes to combat together.
Rise of the Ronin is currently available on both PlayStation 5 and PC, inviting players to discover its rich narratives and cooperative gameplay.