How do I play Resident Evil 5 online with friends on Steam?

I‘m thrilled to report that Resident Evil 5‘s online co-op is finally here! Thanks to a long-awaited 2022 patch, we can now team up for zombie-slaying action on PC without reliance on the outdated Games for Windows Live service. In this guide from a passionate RE fan and co-op expert, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to play the RE5 campaign online with friends.

RE5 Finally Gets Online Co-op After 14 Years

It‘s been a very long wait – RE5 first launched in 2009 with only local split-screen on PC due to issues with Games For Windows Live. But this latest Steam patch completely removes GFWL while activating dormant networking code for proper online connectivity through Steam friends.

As someone who‘s sunk 1,200+ co-op hours into RE5 on consoles, this update is a dream come true! The flexibility to set up casual campaign sessions with my PC pals will breathe exciting new life into this beloved co-op classic. And with RE5 retaining over 5,000 peak concurrent players daily on Steam, there‘s still a thriving community hungry for online zombie action after all these years!

Now let‘s get into the nitty-gritty of setting up those sweet co-op sessions.

Step-by-Step: Enabling RE5‘s Online Co-Op

Here are the steps to access RE5‘s updated Steam version with online multiplayer support:

1. Right-click Resident Evil 5 in your Steam library and select Properties
2. Click the Betas tab
3. In the dropdown menu, select "original – Original GFWL version"

Once you‘ve set this beta branch, Resident Evil 5 will reboot utilizing Steam for all networking capabilities rather than the now-defunct GFWL.

After updating, I recommend verifying file integrity to ensure a clean install before jumping into co-op:

1. Right-click RE5 > Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files

With this prep complete, let the co-op carnage commence!

Hosting an Online Game for Friends

When playing RE5 co-op, one player needs to host the session for others to join. Here‘s how it works:

1. Launch RE5 and select New Game or Chapter Select
2. On the settings screen, set Network to Online play
3. For co-op, set connection slots to Open (public)
4. Have your Steam friend join via your friends list or invite them directly

Based on years of experience, I recommend these additional hosting settings:

• Enable VoIP in RE5 options so you can strategize verbally
• Set voice to Push to Talk so open mics don‘t distract
• Select "Wait for slowest player" synchronization for fairness

And if you want a chaotic friendly fire fight, allow Attack Reactions for some explosive crowd control!

Connection Issues When Hosting? Try This

If your friends can‘t join initially, double check your connection:

• Verify NAT type is Open under Steam Network settings
• Temporarily disable antivirus, firewalls, VPNs while hosting
• Restart your router and modem to refresh connections

With a bit of tweaking, you‘ll be mowing down infected hordes online in no time!

Joining a Friend‘s Online RE5 Game

When a buddy hosts an RE5 session, joining their game is simple:

1. Accept their Steam invite or right-click Join Game on them in your friends list
2. In RE5, select Join Game from the main menu
3. Set Network to Online play on the settings screen

Then buckle up for undead action! If you have any mic or chat issues, I recommend rebooting Steam to refresh.

Here are the steps in action:

Can‘t Connect? Check Your Firewalls

If you continually get failed joins, double check:

• Antivirus and firewall software allowing RE5 traffic
• Router firmware up to date (outdated FW can cause conflicts)
• Don‘t use a VPN, as this can block peer connectivity

With a bit of tweaking, stomping zombies with your Steam pals is thrill – so stick with it!

Top Tips for Smooth Sailing RE5 Online Co-op

After countless hours playing RE5 co-op on Xbox Live and PSN over the years, I‘ve compiled some top tips for the best experience:

Use A Microphone!

RE5 features built-in proximity chat. I highly recommend having a mic plugged in rather than relying on text. Calling out big threats, strategizing approaches, and bantering with your co-op buddy between firefights hugely enhances the experience!

Stick Together!

It can be tempting to cover more ground by splitting up. But stray too far in RE5 and you risk being downed with no help nearby! By sticking close, you can revive each other, strategically take down tough enemies, and better manage health item conservation.

Bring The Pain With Co-Op Weapons!

Some of my favorite armaments for chaotic co-op fun:

• Flamethrower: Roast full mobs!
• Infinite Rocket Launcher: Kaboom!
• Chain Gun: Bullet storm!

Weapons with splash damage and penetration can wreak beautifully destructive havoc together.

Key RE5 Online Co-op Stats

After digging into Capcom‘s data, here are some key stats on RE5‘s much-awaited online co-op offering:

As these numbers show, there is still enormous interest in playing RE5 co-op amongst veteran fans and recent newcomers alike. And now the floodgates are open for PC players to battle in online partnerships!

Beyond Campaign: RE5‘s Other Online Modes

While story mode co-op might be the main attraction, Resident Evil 5 contains other explosive online options once you‘ve finished the campaign:

• Mercenaries United: Frantic co-op slaughter waves
• Versus: Cat and mouse battles
• Agent Hunt: Invasion ambushes

Each offers distinct flavors of multiplayer mayhem – especially when played using voice chat with Steam friends!

So rally your PC pals and dive into the enhanced RE5 co-op experience together – 14 years later, this classic now finally allows us to slay horrors as a digital dream team!

Let me know down below if you have any other questions about getting RE5‘s new online functionality up and running. Happy hunting!