Chained Together is a co-op platformer that challenges players to escape from hell by climbing through a series of demanding worlds while literally chained to their teammates. Released in 2024 for PC, this indie title blends adventure and simulation elements with casual gameplay, focusing on coordination and physics-based mechanics in both solo and multiplayer settings.
Gameplay
In Chained Together, the core loop revolves around precise platforming where players must jump, swing, and navigate obstacles while connected by a chain. The chain uses realistic physics, allowing it to wrap around platforms and influence movement, which adds a layer of strategy to every action. Starting from the depths of hell, you progress upward through varied environments, each presenting unique hurdles like moving platforms or tricky gaps. The game supports solo play, but it shines in multiplayer, where coordination with up to three others is key to avoiding falls that send everyone tumbling back. Mechanics emphasize teamwork, as one player's mistake can affect the whole group, making every successful climb feel rewarding.
Worlds transition from infernal beginnings to more diverse settings, with challenges that test timing and communication. The simulation aspect comes through in how the chain behaves like a real physical object, requiring players to account for its weight and flexibility during jumps.
Game Modes
Chained Together offers three distinct difficulty modes to suit different playstyles. Beginner mode provides a safety net, letting you teleport back to your highest reached point after a major fall through the pause menu. Normal mode removes this help, forcing restarts on failure but enabling leaderboards and achievements. Lava mode ramps up the pressure by introducing rising lava that you must outclimb, with leaderboards and achievements also active here.
These modes work in both solo and multiplayer configurations, adapting the chain setup based on player count. Leaderboards specifically track completion times for various group sizes, encouraging competitive runs.
Multiplayer Features
Multiplayer in Chained Together supports up to four players and includes both online and local options. Online mode allows friends to join remotely, while local mode handles couch co-op on the same device. The game adjusts difficulty and chain dynamics automatically for the number of participants, ensuring balanced experiences whether playing alone or in a full group.
Is It Worth Playing?
With Very Positive reviews on Steam, where 91% of over 19,000 English-language reviews praise it, Chained Together stands out for its frustrating yet addictive co-op platforming. Players often highlight the fun in shared chaos, though it can test patience during repeated falls. The game remains active since its June 2024 release, with no major updates noted but steady community engagement through leaderboards and achievements.
If you enjoy cooperative challenges that demand tight coordination and don't mind some rage-inducing moments, this title delivers solid value, especially with friends. Solo players might find it less engaging, but for groups seeking a quick, intense session around five hours long, it's a strong pick in the indie adventure space.
