Steam Local Co-Op: Guest Saves & Crossplay Explained

Steam local co-op (couch co-op) guest saves and crossplay work differently depending on the game, but the short answer is: guest saves are usually stored on the host’s machine under the host’s Steam account, and crossplay between Steam and other platforms is only possible if the specific game supports it. This article explains exactly how guest profiles, save data, and cross-platform play function in Steam’s local multiplayer, so you know what to expect before inviting a friend over.

How Guest Saves Work in Steam Local Co-Op

When you play local co-op on a single PC, all players share the same computer and typically the same Steam account. The game sees the “guest” as a second controller, not a separate Steam user. As a result, guest progress is almost always saved to the host’s local save file, mixed with the host’s own progress. For example, in Overcooked! 2 or Cuphead, the guest’s unlocked levels or achievements are written into the same save slot as the host’s. If the guest later plays on their own PC, they cannot carry that progress over unless the game offers a cloud-based guest profile system, which is rare.

Some games, like Borderlands 3 or Diablo III, let a guest log in with their own platform account (e.g., a second Steam account or an Epic account) even on the same machine. In that case, the guest’s save is tied to their own account and can sync via the cloud. But for most couch co-op titles, the guest is just a temporary player with no persistent identity.

Steam Remote Play Together vs. Local Co-Op

Steam Remote Play Together is not the same as local co-op, but it often gets confused with it. Local co-op requires all players to be in the same room using the same screen. Remote Play Together lets you invite a friend over the internet to play a local co-op game as if they were sitting next to you. The host streams the game and the guest sends controller input. The guest does not need to own the game, but they do need a stable internet connection and a Steam account. Guest saves under Remote Play Together work exactly like local co-op: the guest’s progress is saved to the host’s machine and account, unless the game has its own online profile system.

Crossplay: Steam, Epic, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch

Crossplay means players on different platforms (e.g., Steam and Xbox) can play together online. It is not a feature of Steam itself; it is entirely up to each game’s developer. Some games support full crossplay across all platforms, some only between certain ones, and some have no crossplay at all. For local co-op, crossplay rarely matters because all players are on the same screen. But if you want to continue a game online with a friend who owns it on another platform, you need to check that specific game’s crossplay support. For example, Rocket League supports crossplay between Steam, Epic, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch, while Stardew Valley supports crossplay between PC and mobile, but not with consoles in all cases.

How to Check if a Game Supports Crossplay or Guest Saves

The most reliable way is to check the game’s Steam store page. Look for the “Cross-Platform Multiplayer” tag in the right-hand sidebar. If it’s present, click it to see which platforms are supported. For guest saves, read the game’s description or visit its official FAQ. Many developers also list this information in the game’s community hub on Steam. A quick search for “[game name] crossplay” or “[game name] guest save” will usually give you a definitive answer. Remember that a game can have crossplay for online multiplayer but still not allow guests to keep their own save files.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

• “My friend’s progress didn’t save” – This is normal if the guest is playing as a second controller without their own account. Their progress is saved into your save file, not a separate one.
• “We can’t play online together even though the game says local co-op” – Local co-op only works on one screen. For online play, you need a game with online co-op or use Remote Play Together.
• “Crossplay is broken” – Sometimes crossplay requires linking accounts (e.g., an Epic account for Fortnite). If you haven’t linked, you won’t see your friend.
• “Guest can’t earn achievements” – On Steam, achievements are tied to the account that is logged in. A guest playing on your account will earn achievements on your account, not theirs.

How to Set Up Local Co-Op with Separate Accounts

If you want each player to have their own saves and achievements, you can set up multiple Steam accounts on the same PC. Here’s how:

1. Create a second Steam account for the guest.
2. Log out of your account and log into the guest’s account on the same PC.
3. Install the game on that account (or use Family Sharing to share your library).
4. Launch the game with the guest’s account, then have the host join as a second player using a controller.

This works for games that support multiple accounts on the same machine, but not all games do. Some games only allow one account per PC at a time. Also, Family Sharing has restrictions: the owner’s account cannot play the same game at the same time as the shared account, so this method is not ideal for two players who both want to play simultaneously.

Alternatives to Steam for Local Co-Op

Other platforms have different approaches. On consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, guest accounts are common and each player can have their own profile with separate saves. On the Nintendo Switch, each player can use their own user profile, and some games support per-profile saves. Epic Games Store also supports local co-op, but it has fewer features than Steam, and crossplay support varies by game. If guest saves are critical to you, console platforms often handle this better than PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a guest save their progress in Steam local co-op?

Usually no, unless the game specifically supports multiple profiles on the same PC. In most couch co-op games, the guest’s progress is saved to the host’s save file and cannot be transferred. Check the game’s settings for a “guest profile” or “local profile” option.

Does Steam Remote Play Together support crossplay?

Remote Play Together is not crossplay. It streams the host’s game to the guest, so the guest is effectively playing on the host’s machine. The guest does not need to own the game, but they must have a Steam account and a good internet connection.

How do I know if a game supports crossplay between Steam and Xbox?

Look for the “Cross-Platform Multiplayer” tag on the Steam store page. It will list which platforms are supported. You can also check the game’s official website or community forums for confirmation.

Can two players use the same Steam account for local co-op?

Yes, most local co-op games allow two players to play using the same Steam account. The second player just needs a controller. However, achievements and save data will be shared under that single account.

Is there a way to transfer a guest’s save to their own account?

Generally no, because the guest’s save is not stored separately. If the game has a built-in cloud save for individual profiles, then yes, but this is rare. You would need to manually copy save files, which is often not straightforward and may not work due to encryption.

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