Beginner route · Verified August 5, 2026
How to Play Big Walk
Set up the host and shared save correctly, bring at least one friend, then let communication and discovery drive the session.
Before you start
Big Walk has no full single-player mode. One person can enter the world and look around, but the official FAQ says a solo player will not get far because the challenges are designed around cooperation. Arrange a group of at least two and decide who can host consistently over multiple sessions.
- Supported systems: Windows, macOS, PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
- Online access: console players need the relevant paid online service; PC and Mac players need an internet connection.
- Audio or text: a microphone is optional. Built-in text chat carries the same intentional distance limits as voice chat.
- Time: this is a start-to-finish cooperative adventure intended for the same group across multiple sessions.
Your first session, step by step
Organize a group and choose a host
Big Walk is designed for 2 to 12 players. Pick a reliable host because that player keeps the save and must host future sessions.
Choose the world size
The host selects a 2-player, 3-player or 4-plus-player version. Choose for the minimum number expected to stay for the session.
Invite the group
Friends on the same platform service can see an active host game. Cross-platform groups can connect with the host's Join Code.
Use the built-in chat
Play with the in-game voice or text chat so distance, walls and communication tools remain part of the puzzle design.
Explore, solve and resume with the same host
Follow discoveries at your own pace. The host saves automatically; that same host must start the next session to continue the shared journey.
Let the communication rules do their work
Big Walk treats conversation as part of the world. Voices and text fade with distance, walls can block or muffle communication, and walkie-talkies can reconnect separated players. Some challenges deliberately remove normal speech and ask the group to point, gesture or find another shared vocabulary.
House House strongly recommends avoiding Discord or another always-on group call while playing. The game does not technically punish external chat, but bypassing its communication limits removes a designed part of the challenge. If voice is uncomfortable or unavailable, use the complete in-game text option.
Nearby
Use direct voice or text while the group can hear or read one another.
Far apart
Use tools such as walkie-talkies and visual signals to coordinate across distance.
Speech blocked
Point, wave, carry another character or agree on simple gestures.
Common beginner mistakes
- Letting a temporary player host: progress belongs to the host's save, so the group needs that host again.
- Selecting too large a world: choose the setting for the minimum reliable attendance. Other friends can still join later.
- Expecting matchmaking: there are no public random lobbies. Arrange players first, then use a friends list or Join Code.
- Using an outside voice call: it flattens the distance and communication puzzles that define the game.
- Assuming every challenge is mandatory: the host can enable challenge skipping from the accessibility menu when starting a session.
Settings worth checking
Controls can be rebound. The official FAQ also documents field-of-view adjustments, several motion-reduction overlays, alternate crosshairs, hold/toggle choices and a challenge-skip option. Set these before the group spreads out so nobody has to rush through setup.
If the PC version runs slowly, House House recommends lowering Render Scale first, then lowering the Quality setting, and finally raising Render Scale gradually until image quality and performance feel balanced.