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Godlike.Host offers hosted The Forest servers with its own game panel, SFTP access and free DDoS protection, if you would rather not host it yourself.
The Forest supports cooperative play on Steam and PlayStation. On PC, you can host an online or LAN game through Steam; on PlayStation, online multiplayer requires PlayStation Plus and supports up to four people total. A normal hosted game uses the host’s world, while a PC dedicated server can keep a world running when the usual host is away.
Use the same platform ecosystem for everyone in your group. The cited official listings do not confirm cross-play between PC and PlayStation, so do not plan a mixed PC–console party unless a current official announcement specifically says it is supported.
Choose the right multiplayer method
Your best setup depends on where everyone owns the game and whether the world must remain available when one person logs off.
| Option | Platform | Party information | Online-service requirement | Does the host need to be present? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam online co-op | PC | Steam lists online co-op. The 2018 developer description says multiplayer was designed for the player and up to three other friends; the current Steam listing does not state a separate player cap. | Steam account, game ownership and an internet connection | Yes for a normal hosted save |
| Steam LAN co-op | PCs on the same local network | Steam lists LAN co-op | All computers must be on the same local network; Steam may still be needed for sign-in and launching | Yes for the ordinary host save |
| PlayStation online co-op | PS4; the PS4 version is playable on PS5 through backward compatibility | Up to four online players total, including the host | PlayStation Plus is required for online play | Yes for a normal hosted save |
| PC dedicated server | PC | Persistent server configurations exist; an example uses -serverplayers 8, but exact limits are version-sensitive |
Server software, a reachable PC or hosting provider, and configuration work | No, once the server is running |
For most groups, Steam online co-op or PlayStation’s four-player mode is the simplest route. LAN is useful when everyone is in the same home. A dedicated server is worthwhile only when your group wants a world that can be entered without the original host.
#1 Best Overall
- Strategic 2-Player Trick-Taking: Master the art of winning just enough tricks without overcommitting, using clever card play and tactical decision-making to outmaneuver your opponent
- New Module Variations: Three game modules (special cards, goal cards, poison cards) offer endless strategic combinations, keeping gameplay fresh and exciting for repeated plays
- Premium Deluxe Components: Foil-stamped cards, all-new fairy-tale illustrations, and acrylic scoring tokens deliver a visually stunning and tactile experience that enhances every game
- Quick 30-Minute Gameplay: Perfect for busy couples seeking quality time together, delivering strategic depth and meaningful competition in a compact, elegant format
- Complete Game Package: Includes 33 base cards, nine special cards, 16 goal cards, three poison cards, two reference cards, 17 scoring tokens, and comprehensive rulebook
Prepare every player’s account and installation
Use one platform ecosystem
Everyone should own The Forest in the same platform ecosystem: Steam players should join through Steam, and PlayStation players should use the PlayStation version. The cited official materials establish Steam co-op and PlayStation co-op separately, but they do not confirm PC-to-PlayStation cross-play. Treat cross-platform matchmaking as unavailable unless a current official source confirms otherwise.
Check the PC requirements before inviting friends
Steam’s listed minimum requirements for the PC version are:
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- Windows operating system (the game listing specifies Windows 7 as the minimum).
- Dual-core 2.4 GHz processor.
- 4 GB of RAM.
- GeForce 8800GT-class graphics hardware.
- DirectX 9.
- 5 GB of available storage.
These are minimum game requirements, not a guarantee of a smooth multiplayer experience. Steam also states that the Steam Client supports Windows 10 and later from January 1, 2024. A computer may meet the game’s older Windows 7 requirement while still being unable to run the current Steam client, so verify client compatibility before troubleshooting the game itself.
Check the PlayStation edition
The official PlayStation listing identifies the game as a PS4 title, requires PlayStation Plus for online play and allows up to four online players. The PS4 version is playable on PS5 through backward compatibility, although some PS4 features can be absent on PS5. Keep the console software and game updated, and confirm that every online participant has an active PlayStation Plus entitlement before testing invitations.
Rank #2
- Strategic Trick-Taking Gameplay: Master unique character abilities and special powers that let you change the trump suit, lead after losing tricks, and outwit your opponent with clever card play
- Compact Travel-Friendly Design: Perfectly portable for date nights, vacations, and weekend getaways with its small box that fits easily in bags and luggage without sacrificing quality components
- Beautiful Illustrated Cards: Stunning fairy tale character artwork with intricate botanical details and elegant brushwork makes analyzing your options quick and enjoyable during each game
- Quick 30-Minute Sessions: Ideal for busy adults seeking meaningful screen-free connection without long rulebook learning curves or extended play commitments on weeknights
- Balanced 2-Player Experience: Expertly designed trick-taking mechanics ensure neither player gains unfair advantage, rewarding strategic thinking and creating intense memorable moments every game
Make the session plan before launching
Decide who will host, whether the group is playing online or on a LAN, and whether the host’s save should be the long-term world. In a normal hosted game, the host’s save and settings are the foundation of the session. If that player is unavailable later, the group cannot treat the ordinary session as an always-on server; use a dedicated PC server instead.
How to host and join online co-op on Steam
Steam’s listing supports both online co-op and LAN co-op. The exact wording of menu buttons can change between game updates, but the flow is the same: one player creates a multiplayer session and the others join through Steam.
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- Open the multiplayer menu. From the main menu, choose the game’s multiplayer/online-co-op option rather than starting a solo game. Select the host option when prompted.
- Configure the host’s session. Choose the save or start a new world, then set any available gameplay and privacy options. The host should select the save that the group intends to continue using; friends’ progress is tied to that hosted world rather than creating an independent copy for each player.
- Invite friends through Steam. Use Steam’s normal friend invite or game-join flow. If the game exposes an in-game invite command, use it after the host session has loaded. Friends can accept the Steam invitation or select the host from Steam’s friends interface and choose the available join command.
- Wait for the lobby to fill. Keep the game running while players connect. If an invitation appears to do nothing, have the recipient confirm that Steam is online, the correct account owns the game and the game is not blocked by a second launch or an incompatible update.
- Start or resume the world. Once the intended group is present, load the world. The host should avoid quitting or suspending the game during the join process; a partially loaded session can make the lobby appear unavailable to friends.
- Save deliberately. Use the game’s save controls before the host leaves. Because the host owns the ordinary hosted world, agree in advance on who will host future sessions and which save slot is the group’s current version.
- End the session cleanly. Save first, then leave through the game’s normal menu. Force-closing the game or shutting down the host computer while saving can leave players uncertain about which progress was written.
What friends need to know
Joining a Steam game does not transfer ownership of the host’s save. A friend can play in the hosted world while the host is online, but should not expect the same world to appear as an independent, joinable server when the host is offline. Keep a shared agreement about the host, save slot and restart time to avoid people entering different versions of the story.
How to play over a LAN on Steam
LAN co-op is designed for PCs connected to the same local network, such as computers using the same home router. It avoids sending the game session across the public internet, but it still depends on local network discovery and compatible game versions.
Rank #3
- EPIC FOREST ADVENTURE: Journey through the Ancient Forest as courageous animal heroes competing to become the next Guardian of the Green Valley in a story-driven strategy board game.
- RICH STRATEGY & COMPONENTS: Explore a modular game board with 12 location tiles, gather resources, complete legendary deeds, encounter mysterious creatures, and use dozens of cards, tokens, and unique player boards to shape every adventure.
- YOUR CHOICES SHAPE THE STORY: Every moral decision influences your reputation as a noble hero or cunning villain while affecting your path through the forest and your race for fame and victory.
- HIGH REPLAYABILITY: Variable locations, encounters, expeditions, and strategic choices create a unique adventure every game, making it perfect for family game nights and tabletop gatherings.
- FOR FANTASY & STRATEGY FANS: Designed for families, teens, and adults who enjoy adventure games, storytelling, exploration, resource management, and immersive fantasy board game experiences.
- Put every PC on the same network. Connect all computers to the same router or network segment. A guest Wi-Fi network, isolation mode or separate wired and wireless segments can prevent devices from seeing one another.
- Launch Steam and the game on each PC. Sign in normally and confirm that every installation is updated to the same version.
- Choose LAN co-op on the host PC. From the multiplayer menu, select the LAN option and create or load the intended world.
- Join from the other PCs. Each friend opens the multiplayer browser and selects the LAN session when it appears. If discovery is delayed, wait a moment after the host finishes loading before refreshing the list.
- Check local firewall prompts. Allow the game to communicate on the trusted private network when the operating system asks. Blocking local-network traffic can make a working LAN session invisible.
- Save and close as a group. LAN uses the same ordinary host-save model: the host should save the world before exiting, and everyone should leave after the save completes.
LAN is not a way to let a remote friend join from another city. That player needs the online co-op route, and the group should use the same platform ecosystem.
How to host and join on PlayStation
The PlayStation version has a clearly stated online limit: four players total. That means one host plus up to three friends, not four friends in addition to the host.
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- Confirm PlayStation Plus for every online participant. The official listing requires PlayStation Plus for online play. Check each account rather than assuming the host’s subscription covers every player.
- Install the PS4 version and update it. On PS5, launch the compatible PS4 version and remember that some PS4 features may not be present through backward compatibility.
- Open the game’s multiplayer mode. Choose the option to host an online game, then create a new world or load the host’s existing save.
- Invite or select friends through PlayStation’s multiplayer flow. Use the console’s normal game invitation and join controls. Friends should accept the invitation from the account that owns the game and has PlayStation Plus enabled.
- Keep the group within four players. If a fourth online slot is already occupied, another invitation cannot join until someone leaves.
- Save before the host leaves. The host’s world remains the reference save for a standard session. Friends should not assume they can open that same world when the host’s console is powered off.
PS4 and PS5 expectations
A PS5 owner can play the PS4 version through backward compatibility, but the PlayStation listing warns that some PS4 features may be absent. The available materials do not promise a separate native PS5 edition or a different player limit, so use the PS4 game’s multiplayer flow and the stated four-player online limit.
How many people can play together?
For PlayStation online play, the official listing says up to four players total. A 2018 statement from Endnight Games developer Anna Terekhova described multiplayer as “the best way to experience The Forest, playing with up to three other friends,” which also describes a four-person group including the player hosting the game.
Rank #4
- Cooperative Trick-Taking Mechanics: Win together by collecting gems through strategic card play and special character abilities that let teammates exchange cards and support each other throughout the game
- Perfect Two-Player Game: Designed specifically for 2 players aged 10 and up with 30-minute gameplay, making it ideal for couples, parents with kids, or anyone seeking meaningful one-on-one connection
- Portable Travel Card Game: Compact design fits easily in bags, backpacks, or carry-on luggage, bringing engaging entertainment to vacations, road trips, or gatherings without bulky components
- Beautiful Hand-Illustrated Cards: Featuring stunning artwork inspired by forest themes with quality card stock that holds up to repeated play while looking attractive displayed or stored
- Easy to Learn, Challenging to Master: Familiar trick-taking foundation makes it instantly approachable for newcomers while unique powers and strategic decision-making keep every game fresh and engaging
Steam’s current support information confirms online co-op and LAN co-op but does not state a separate current player-cap number in the cited listing. Do not infer that a server configuration or a third-party guide changes the supported limit for ordinary matchmaking. If your group needs more than the standard co-op arrangement, a dedicated-server configuration must be checked against the game version and the current server documentation.
Can friends play when the host is offline?
Not in the usual hosted-session model. The host’s save, settings and running game process provide the world that friends join. When that host exits, the session is no longer available in the ordinary way.
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For an always-available PC world, use a dedicated server. A dedicated server runs separately from an individual player’s normal game session, so friends can connect while the original host is away, provided the server computer or hosting service remains online and reachable. This is a different setup from simply leaving the game open on a desktop.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Using a dedicated server on PC
Dedicated servers are a PC-focused option. The server documentation identifies The Forest App ID as 242760 and describes persistent servers that can run on a computer at home or through a server provider. An example configuration includes -serverplayers 8. Treat that number as an example from version-sensitive documentation, not a guaranteed current player limit.
Best Value
- Beautiful Hidden Object scenes
- Lushly detailed and unique landscapes to discover
- Meet characters that explore the world along with you
- Use your unique magical ability to solve puzzles and uncover clues
When a dedicated server is worth the effort
- The group plays at different times and needs the world to remain online.
- No single friend wants to be the permanent host.
- You are comfortable maintaining a PC, network access and server settings.
- You can back up the world and monitor the server when updates are released.
High-level setup process
- Check the current official server tutorial. The available documentation has been reproduced by The Forest Wiki, but server commands and supported limits can change with game updates. Compare the reproduced instructions with the current Steam tutorial before installing.
- Install the server files for App ID 242760. Keep the server installation separate from a player’s everyday game files when possible, so maintenance and backups are easier.
- Set the server’s player and world options. The example
-serverplayers 8demonstrates where a player-count setting can appear. Do not assume that eight players is supported in every current build. - Make the server reachable. A home server may require router and firewall configuration; a hosted machine requires its provider’s network and security settings. Expose only the ports and services required by the current official instructions.
- Start the server and test locally. Join with one account first, confirm that the world loads and verify that saves persist after a controlled restart.
- Share the connection details privately. Give friends the server address or listing information required by the current tutorial. Do not post administrative credentials or management ports publicly.
- Back up the world before updates. Server updates can change compatibility. Keep a copy of the save and configuration so you can restore the previous state if the new version does not load correctly.
The cited PlayStation materials do not establish dedicated-server support on console. Plan this option for PC groups only, and expect more maintenance than with a normal Steam invitation.
Cross-play: what is and is not confirmed
Do not promise that a Steam player can join a PlayStation player. The official materials cited for this guide establish co-op within Steam and within PlayStation, but they do not confirm cross-play between those ecosystems. A PC group should use Steam; a console group should use PlayStation. If a future platform update adds cross-play, verify it in a current official announcement before changing your setup.
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The friend cannot see or accept the invitation
- Confirm that both players own the game on the same platform ecosystem and are signed in to the correct account.
- Check that both installations are fully updated and that the host has already loaded the multiplayer session.
- Have the joining player restart Steam or the PlayStation network connection, then send a fresh invitation.
- On PC, check the operating system firewall prompt and allow the game on the trusted private network.
- On PlayStation, recheck PlayStation Plus on the specific account attempting to join.
The LAN session does not appear
- Verify that every PC is connected to the same home network, not a guest network or an isolated access point.
- Temporarily test with wired connections or the main router network to rule out wireless isolation.
- Allow local-network communication through the firewall and restart the host after changing the rule.
- Confirm that all copies show the same game version before creating a new LAN lobby.
Players disconnect or cannot stay connected
- Use a wired connection for the host when possible and stop heavy downloads or uploads during the session.
- Restart the host’s router and game, then create a new session rather than repeatedly joining a stale lobby.
- For a home dedicated server, check that the machine remains awake and that router or firewall changes have not blocked the configured service.
- If only one player is affected, have that player test another network or console connection to isolate a local problem.
The group cannot find yesterday’s progress
Return to the same host and the same save slot used previously. A friend joining the session does not automatically create a portable copy of the host’s world. If the group needs independent availability, move to a properly configured PC dedicated server and maintain regular backups.
The PC meets the game requirements but Steam will not run
Compare the computer with both sets of requirements: the game’s listed minimums and the current Steam Client requirement. Steam’s client support changed to Windows 10 and later on January 1, 2024, so an older Windows installation can be the blocker even when it meets the game’s Windows 7 minimum.
Quick Recap
Which setup should your group choose?
| Your situation | Recommended method | Why | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friends are on PC and play at the same time | Steam online co-op | Fastest setup using Steam invitations | The host must run the ordinary session and manage the save |
| Everyone is in one home | Steam LAN co-op | Uses the local network and avoids an internet-hosted game session | All PCs must share a discoverable local network |
| Everyone is on PlayStation | PlayStation online co-op | Official four-player online support | Every online participant needs PlayStation Plus |
| Players join at different times | PC dedicated server | Can keep a persistent world available without the usual host | Setup, networking, backups and version maintenance are your responsibility |
| Some players are on Steam and others on PlayStation | Separate platform groups | Matches what the cited official support confirms | Cross-play is not confirmed |
Practical checklist before the first night
- Everyone owns the game in the same platform ecosystem.
- The host is chosen and has the intended save available.
- PC players meet the game’s minimums and can run the current Steam Client.
- PlayStation players have PlayStation Plus on every online account.
- All installations are updated to the same version.
- The group knows whether it is using Steam online, Steam LAN or PlayStation online mode.
- The host understands that a normal session is unavailable when that host is offline.
- A dedicated server is treated as a separate PC project, with version checks and backups.
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