Punch Upon a Time Local Multiplayer Modes and Roadmap

Local play in Punch Upon a Time is an upcoming roadmap feature scheduled during Early Access development, with current multiplayer running through online matchmaking and custom lobbies. Players can form teams online across modes while developer Supersaurus builds couch play support.

When Will Local Play Arrive on the Roadmap?

The Early Access roadmap is the development schedule published by developer Supersaurus to outline upcoming features. On the Steam store page, the studio explains that the Early Access window will span approximately six months to one year following the October 26, 2026 launch. During this production phase, couch multiplayer ranks among the stated milestones alongside additions such as post-match stats, replays, and quick rematches.

Planned Features: Post match stats, Saga Rank, Local Play, Quick Rematch, Co-Op Challenge, Replays. — developer Supersaurus on the Steam store page

Developer commentary from the team's official Next Fest broadcast confirms that offline local multiplayer requires substantial network refactoring. Because the game's core architecture was built to synchronize twelve players over online rollback netcode, integrating multiple local inputs alongside online systems takes dedicated development time. Discussions on the official Steam Community hub mirror this timeline, reflecting player interest in offline multiplayer while the developers complete the planned feature list.

Which Multiplayer Options Are Available Right Now?

Online multiplayer is the current system supporting group battles across standard queues and private rooms. The title launched on Steam with full controller support, Windows PC compatibility, and twelve-player rollback netcode. Groups can connect across several distinct multiplayer formats:

• Public matchmaking queues for group or solo participants
• Private custom lobbies that let friends pick specific stages and rules
• Dedicated squad saga brackets pitting four teams of three against one another
• Direct 1v1 competitive showdowns
• Free-for-all Skirmish matches accessible directly while waiting in match queues

Built-in voice chat activates automatically inside lobbies and matches. Players can toggle between open microphones and push-to-talk in the settings menu, making it easy to coordinate strategies from team airships between competitive rounds.

Current Multiplayer Mode Comparison

Selecting the right match structure depends on squad size, preferred session length, and competitive focus. The following table contrasts the primary online formats currently playable:

Squad Saga remains the centerpiece of the game's design. In this mode, four teams compete across rotating mini-games such as sports contests, platform brawls, and obstacle challenges. Between rounds, teammates regroup aboard their flying galleon, choose pocket items, and target opposing airships until one squad remains standing.

How Do You Set Up Group Play Online?

Custom lobby setup is a built-in menu feature allowing friends to organize private sessions. A host creates a room directly from the multiplayer menu, configures the lobby parameters, and invites friends through the Steam client interface.

1. Launch Punch Upon a Time from your Steam library.
2. Select the multiplayer menu from the title screen.
3. Choose the option to host a custom lobby.
4. Set lobby visibility to either public matchmaking or private invitation.
5. Send Steam invitations to friends or share the room details.
6. Select your preferred game mode and launch the match.

Players waiting for additional squad members can queue directly into Skirmish or access training mode to test character attack angles and dash inputs. While offline couch play continues through the development pipeline, these online options provide complete cooperative and competitive access for squads of every size.