Supported games
Which games work with Nucleus Co-op, which version of a game you need, whether you need the internet, and what to do when your game is missing.
On this page
A game works with Nucleus Co-op when someone has written a handler for it. The hub lists every public handler: more than 600 games, from Left 4 Dead 2 and Terraria to Valheim, Stardew Valley and Elden Ring. Inside the app, the same catalogue is under Get games.
Each game page tells you how many players the handler supports, which inputs work (controllers, one keyboard and mouse, several keyboards and mice), who made it, when it was last updated, and the author's notes.
What makes a game splittable
Nucleus Co-op runs several copies of a game and connects them together, so the game needs a way to connect copies:
- LAN multiplayer: the easiest case.
- Online multiplayer through Steam, Epic or GOG: Nucleus replaces the store's network layer with an emulator (such as the Goldberg emulator for Steam), so the copies find each other on your PC.
- A multiplayer mod: some single-player games have a community mod that adds co-op.
Single-player games without any of these can't be split. Neither can most games that need their publisher's servers to connect players, unless each player has their own account.
Which version of the game
- The Steam version is what most handlers are made and tested with. Use it unless the handler notes say GOG, Epic or another version works too.
- Keep it up to date and unmodded. A handler is written for a version of the game; mods that change the game files can break it. If a game update breaks a handler, report it.
- Xbox app and Game Pass versions don't work: their protection stops Nucleus from running several copies.
- Free, fan-made and open-source games work too when a handler exists.
Do I need the internet?
Only to download Nucleus Co-op, handlers, covers and screenshots. Most handlers then work fully offline: the copies connect through a real or emulated local network. A few connect to the game's own servers or need one account per player, and their notes say so.
Verified handlers
A verified badge means a hub moderator checked that version of the handler. Unverified handlers can be fine (new versions start unverified), but prefer verified ones when you have the choice, and read the notes.
Your game isn't there?
- Search the catalogue under another name: the hub uses the official game names from IGDB.
- Ask for it. Handler authors take requests on Discord and on r/nucleuscoop: give the game's name, the store you have it on, and how it does multiplayer (LAN, online, dedicated servers). Authors can only work on games they own.
- Write the handler yourself. It's a small script, and games on the same engine often share most of it. Start with Write a handler.