Is Orbitals Online Multiplayer? Co-op Explained

Orbitals, the co-op adventure from Shapefarm and Kepler Interactive, is strictly two-player. Everything has been designed to make setting up a session easy - right down to a free Friend Pass that spares both players from having to buy the game. Whether local or online, you'll enjoy a split screen. Here are the four ways to get started.

Setting up local co-op

This is the simplest method. On launch, the home screen offers "Continue", then invites you to sign up for Nintendo Switch Online: skip this step (press B) to reach the main menu - NSO is only needed for online play.

Then choose "Play locally", and connect a second controller. Note: it's not possible to play with two separate Joy-Cons - each player needs two Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller. Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers from the original Switch remain compatible with the Switch 2.

Once the second controller is recognized, each player picks their character (Omura or Maki, more on this below). This is the recommended setup; otherwise, make sure you can communicate easily during the session.

Setting up online multiplayer

This option is for those who want to play each on their own Switch 2. Two requirements: both players must have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription (local co-op, on the other hand, doesn't need it), and your partner must either own the game or have downloaded the free Friend Pass.

In the main menu, select "Play online". The host player chooses to invite a friend: the console displays your friends list, where you pick the desired person. The invitation then appears for the other player under "Online Invitations", via the profile icon in the top left corner.

Using the Friend Pass

The Friend Pass is useful when only one player owns Orbitals and plays online with someone who doesn't. It can be downloaded free of charge from the Nintendo eShop, but it's not a copy of the game: its holder can only play if paired with a player who owns the title. Once the Pass is installed, simply wait for the invitation from the host.

It's an alternative to GameShare: the Pass avoids the black border and the potential connection issues of the latter. However, it does not work with a player on the original Switch. It also allows launching a demo version on a Switch 2 that doesn't have the full game.

Playing with an original Switch via GameShare

Last method: GameShare, the Switch 2 feature that shares a multiplayer game with a player who doesn't own it. It makes Orbitals playable on an original Switch, but with lower-quality visuals, so it should be a last resort.

With an original Switch, GameShare is only available locally: stay close to each other. The partner opens GameShare from the taskbar on the home screen, then chooses "Join a GameShare". On your side, select the GameShare option in the Orbitals menu: the consoles find each other quickly. A black border appears on both screens.

Between two Switch 2s, the process is identical, with the added bonus of online GameShare (no need to be in the same location) and access to GameChat.

Should you choose Maki or Omura?

Unlike Hazelight's games, no ability is tied to the character in Orbitals. The two protagonists are visually unique, but all the tools are found on the ship: when heading out on a mission, each player grabs the tool of their choice. During piloting sequences or boss fights, the roles of Pilot and Gunner simply depend on the seat occupied - feel free to switch with each mission.

In other words, whether you pick Omura or Maki, the choice has no impact on gameplay: it's entirely up to you and your partner's preferences.