Windrose on Flux › Guides › Play With Friends
How to Play Windrose Co-op With Friends (Invite Codes)
Windrose is best with a crew. This guide explains how Windrose co-op multiplayer works, how invite codes connect your friends to your world, and why a dedicated server makes playing together far smoother. Windrose supports up to 8 players in co-op.
How Windrose multiplayer works
Windrose multiplayer is invite-code based. Whoever runs the world - either a player hosting from their game, or a dedicated server - generates an invite code. Friends enter that code to join. There is no need to add each other on a friends list first, and on a properly hosted server there is no manual port forwarding for the people joining.
Joining a Windrose server, step by step
- Get the invite code from the host or, on a dedicated server, from the hosting dashboard.
- Open Windrose and choose to join a game / multiplayer.
- Enter the invite code (or the server IP and port if provided).
- Drop into the world and start sailing with your crew.
Why use a dedicated server for co-op?
If you host from your own game, the world closes when you leave and everyone's progress pauses. A dedicated server keeps the world online 24/7, so friends in other time zones can log in whenever they want and the world is always exactly as you left it. It also gives the host admin tools - live map, rate multipliers and backups - for a smoother group experience. You can spin one up in about 30 seconds; see the setup guide.
Co-op FAQ
How do I invite friends to my Windrose server?
Share your server's invite code. Friends open Windrose, choose to join, and enter the code.
Why can't my friends connect?
Usually an incorrect invite code, the server still booting, or a version mismatch. Confirm the code, wait for the server to report online, and make sure everyone is on the latest Windrose build.
How many friends can join?
Up to 8 players total in co-op; around 4 is recommended for the best late-game performance.