Gotham Knights allows players to patrol the streets of Gotham City alongside a partner, but cooperative play is not available immediately when you start. New players must complete a brief section of the single-player campaign before unlocking multiplayer capabilities. Understanding when and how this feature becomes available ensures you can jump into online sessions with friends without unnecessary delays.
Unlocking Co-Op Mode in the Main Campaign
To access multiplayer in Gotham Knights, players must advance through the initial story missions. Specifically, you need to complete Subcase 1.2, titled The Langstrom Drive, and return to the Belfry headquarters. Once you finish this mission and interact with the main computer terminal, a notification will confirm that cooperative features are now active.
This introductory period serves as a basic tutorial for combat, movement, and investigation mechanics. Finishing Subcase 1.2 takes approximately one hour of regular play depending on your exploration speed. After completing the necessary cutscenes at the Belfry, you gain full freedom to host or join online sessions.
How Multiplayer Hosting and Session Privacy Work
Once co-op is unlocked, players can manage their session settings through the in-game options menu or the social wheel. You can configure your lobby privacy to Public, Friends Only, Friends of Friends, or Invite Only depending on your preferences. Adjusting these settings prevents unwanted players from dropping into your active story campaign.
If you prefer matchmaking with random partners, the game provides a Quick Match feature from the multiplayer interface. Players can also send direct invites to friends on the same gaming platform. Navigating these options allows for quick setup whether you want a private session or casual matchmaking.
Campaign Progression and Character Level Scaling
Cooperative play in Gotham Knights utilizes dynamic level scaling to keep combat balanced between players. When joining a host with a different level, the visiting player's stats automatically adjust to match the host's current power tier. However, any experience points, gear drops, and blueprint rewards earned during the session are permanently saved to your profile.
Story progress is tied directly to the host's game world. If you complete main campaign missions in another player's lobby, Gotham Knights offers an option to skip those same missions when returning to your individual game. This feature prevents redundant playthroughs while allowing both players to advance together smoothly.
