Big Walk

Big Walk Co-op Guide

Complete guide to playing Big Walk with friends - setting up 2-12 player sessions, crossplay join codes, puzzle communication methods, proximity chat, and common mistakes that ruin the experience.

2-12 players Crossplay Proximity chat

The core goal

Getting your group into one session

Big Walk is a co-op game for 2-12 players. Solo is not viable for real progress. The host keeps the save, so pick one consistent host. Crossplay is supported across Steam (PC/Mac), PS5, and Switch 2 via join codes.

Step 1

Setting up a session

1Pick one consistent host. Progress saves only on the host's side. Switching hosts mid-campaign loses progress.
2Host launches the game, chooses voice settings, then starts a new session and selects the balancing option: 2-player, 3-player, or 4+ player. This changes puzzle layout and difficulty.
3Same-platform friends join via the in-game friends list under Join Game.
4Cross-platform players use join codes (see next section).
5Stick together at the start so the group can orient and test tools and gestures before splitting up.
6Players can drop in and out later. The host simply continues the same save.

Step 2

Crossplay join codes

1Host creates the session and opens the host/session menu (or pause menu > Session Details) to find the short unique Join Code.
2Host shares the code (and optional password) via Discord, X, Reddit LFG, Steam discussions, or text.
3Joining players launch Big Walk > select voice settings > choose Join Game > enter the code exactly at the top of the screen.
4Everyone loads into the starting area. No separate lobby screen.
5Host can change password mid-session via Session Details. The code stays valid only while the host remains online in that session.
Codes are case-sensitive and require exact match. If the host quits or crashes, the code expires and a new one must be generated and re-shared. Friend-list invites do not work across platforms.

Step 3

Proximity chat

Big Walk uses a strict spatial voice system. Voices fade with distance, muffle through walls and doors, and crackle on walkie-talkies. Text chat also follows proximity and barrier rules - messages do not reach everyone globally. This is much stricter than other co-op games.
1At launch, select in-game voice settings and confirm your microphone works.
2Treat voice like real life. Stand close and face the speaker to hear clearly. Practice walking a few steps away while talking to learn the drop-off.
3Grab long-range tools before splitting up: walkie-talkies, megaphones, or flares.
4Keep outside apps (Discord, etc.) muted or off. The game is designed around spatial limits. Using unrestricted outside voice removes the puzzle challenge.

Step 4

Puzzle communication methods

Many puzzles block normal communication through distance, soundproof glass, walls, or intentional separation. You must invent shared signals and use in-game tools to solve them.
1Agree on basic signals before splitting: one jump = yes, repeated jumps = no, arms up = success, pointing = look here.
2Assign clear roles while still in voice range. "You hold the button, I run for the item."
3For symbol or sequence puzzles, invent shared names for shapes ("angry face," "three circles," "S-shape") and repeat the sequence back for confirmation.
4Behind soundproof glass: rely purely on mime and laser pointer through the glass. Change only one control at a time and wait for visual confirmation.
5Reconvene in proximity range after each major step to reset communication.

In-game communication tools

Walkie-talkies / Radios

Distance voice communication. Grab before splitting up. Voice crackles on these by design.

Laser pointers / Flashlights / Flares

Visual pointing and blink codes. One blink = yes, solid = no. Works through glass.

Whiteboards / Signs

Written messages that can be read with binoculars from a distance. Useful for complex instructions.

Gestures and physical actions

Point, wave, arms out, flail. Hold objects up to glass, stack players, or use body language to communicate.

Key decisions

Group choices

Small or large group?

2-4 players for focused puzzle solving. 5-12 for chaotic fun, races, hide-and-seek, and team splits. Larger groups make some puzzles messier.

Who hosts?

Must stay the same person for campaign continuity. Pick someone reliable who will not quit mid-campaign. Progress saves only on the host's side.

Voice or text?

Both supported, but voice is richer. Text chat also follows proximity and barrier rules. Mic is strongly recommended for the full experience.

Cluster or split?

Cluster tightly for complex coordination. Split intentionally knowing voice will cut out, but grab long-range tools first and plan a reunion point.

Common pitfalls

Mistakes to avoid

XUsing outside Discord voice. This bypasses the designed communication friction and ruins many puzzles. Keep Discord muted except for technical recovery.
XSwitching hosts mid-campaign. Progress is lost. Pick one host and stick with them for the entire campaign.
XStarting a 4+ session with only two players. Puzzles are balanced for the selected player count. Starting with the wrong count makes puzzles feel off.
XForgetting to establish signals before a communication-blocking room. Agree on signals and roles while still in voice range, before entering restricted areas.
XEveryone rushing the same button at once. Assign clear roles. One person per control, wait for visual confirmation before proceeding.
XWandering off without a reunion plan. Always grab a walkie-talkie or flare before splitting, and agree on a meeting point.
XExpecting always-on proximity chat. Big Walk's spatial voice is much stricter and more directional than other co-op games. Test the drop-off early.