How to Play Co-Op Online in Fears to Fathom: Scratch Creek
Learn how to play co-op online in Fears to Fathom: Scratch Creek. The Steam page confirms Duo Matchmaking, proximity voice chat, and more. Everything you need to know before playing.
Direct Answer
Fears to Fathom: Scratch Creek is an exclusively online co-op experience where two players control Tessa Langley and Marcus Reed through a psychological horror story. The Steam page confirms that players can experience the game with a friend or find a survivor in-game through Duo Matchmaking. A broadband internet connection is required for both players.
What Makes Scratch Creek Different
Previous Fears to Fathom episodes were designed as single-player experiences. Scratch Creek marks a new direction for the series under "Fears to Fathom [Together]," built entirely around two-player cooperation. The game is primarily a narrative co-op walking simulator with driving and exploration mechanics, meaning your success depends on working with another person throughout the entire story.
What Is Confirmed About Co-Op
| Feature | Confirmed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online co-op only | Yes | Steam page states "THIS PRODUCT IS ONLINE CO-OP ONLY" |
| 2-player co-op | Yes | Players play as Tessa Langley or Marcus Reed. |
| Duo Matchmaking | Yes | Listed as a key feature on the Steam page |
| Proximity Voice Chat | Yes | Confirmed key feature |
| Texting the other survivor | Yes | Confirmed key feature |
| NPC texts | Yes | Players can receive texts from NPCs. |
| Driving and exploration | Yes | Confirmed as core gameplay mechanics |
| Broadband internet required | Yes | Listed in system requirements for both minimum and recommended specs |
Can You Play With a Friend?
The Steam page confirms that players can experience the game with a friend. Beyond that statement, the exact in-game invite process is not confirmed by the public Steam page. What is confirmed is that playing with a friend allows you to coordinate choices, communicate freely, and experience the story together.
Can You Use Matchmaking?
The Steam page lists Duo Matchmaking and says players can find a survivor in-game. The exact matchmaking screen, queue process, or partner selection UI is not confirmed by the public Steam page.
Do You Need Voice Chat?
Proximity Voice Chat is confirmed as a key feature on the Steam page, but the public Steam page does not describe the exact audio behavior or settings. A microphone is strongly recommended for the best experience, though the exact voice chat settings and microphone requirements are not detailed on the public Steam page.
What You Need Before Playing
- Access to Fears to Fathom: Scratch Creek on Steam
- Broadband internet connection (required for both minimum and recommended specs)
- Windows 10 or later 64-bit
- PC meeting minimum requirements: GTX 1050 Ti / RX 580 / Arc A380, 12 GB RAM, Intel Core i5-6600K or Ryzen R5 1600
- A friend to play with, or willingness to use Duo Matchmaking to find a partner
- A microphone is strongly recommended for proximity voice chat
What Is Not Confirmed
The following are not confirmed by the public Steam page:
- Exact lobby UI or menu structure
- Exact invite process or friend invitation flow
- Reconnect behavior if a player disconnects
- Whether players can switch characters (Tessa or Marcus) between sessions
- Crossplay functionality
- Split-screen or local co-op
- Any LAN or offline play option
Frequently Asked Questions
Suggested Internal Links
- Scratch Creek Walkthrough & Guide — Spoiler-light hub for the full episode
- Is It Multiplayer? — Everything about the co-op-only format
- System Requirements — PC specs before you buy
- How Long to Beat — Plan your play session
- Controller Support — Input options
- Achievements Guide — Achievement tracking and confirmed information