- Dumpster Gang local coop is not confirmed; official listings show online co-op for 1-4 players.
- The Steam demo (live since October 19, 2026) lets you test co-op scavenging before launch.
- The full game launches on December 3, 2026 for PC via Steam.
- Steam Remote Play Together may offer a workaround, but support is not officially confirmed.
- Solo play is fully supported, so no teammate is required to complete runs.
Local Coop Status: What Is Confirmed
Dumpster Gang, the chaotic raccoon co-op sandbox from Coyote House Games and Curve Games, supports single-player and online co-op for up to four players according to its official Steam listings. As of October 2026, neither the Steam store page nor the demo page lists local coop, split-screen, or shared-screen play as a feature.
Video Highlights:
- Raccoon crews work together to search dumpsters and steal junk
- Environmental destruction and physics-driven chaos drive missions
- The Exterminator chases teams that make too much noise
- Full PC release arrives December 2026
Here is how the current multiplayer information breaks down:
| Feature | Status | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online co-op | Confirmed | Steam store listing | Up to 4 players per team |
| Single-player | Confirmed | Steam store listing | Full runs playable solo |
| Local coop / split-screen | Not listed | Steam store listing | No official confirmation |
| Cross-platform play | Not confirmed | — | PC (Steam) is the only listed platform |
| Steam Deck support | Not confirmed | — | Check the store page for updates |
Some third-party sites claim split-screen or couch co-op support. Treat any local coop claim as unverified unless it appears on the official Steam page, the official Discord, or publisher announcements from Curve Games.
Online Co-op vs. Local Coop Comparison
Even without confirmed local coop, Dumpster Gang offers several ways to play with friends. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right setup for your group.
| Aspect | Online Co-op | Local Coop (Unconfirmed) | Remote Play Together |
|---|---|---|---|
| Player count | 1-4 players | Unknown | Up to 4, host-dependent |
| Extra controllers needed | No, each player owns the game | Yes, shared screen | One copy may suffice |
| Internet required | Yes | No | Yes, streaming quality dependent |
| Official status | Confirmed on Steam | Not announced | Not officially confirmed |
| Best for | Long-distance friends | Same-room groups | Mixed setups |
Online Co-op
- Confirmed mode on Steam
- Team up with up to 3 friends
- Roles: scout, collector, carrier
- Available in the demo
Solo Play
- Full single-player support
- One raccoon handles everything
- Slower loot runs, lower risk
- Great for learning maps
Remote Play (Maybe)
- Unofficial workaround option
- Streams the game to friends
- Requires stable connections
- Verify support before relying on it
The game's official community channels are the fastest way to hear about a local coop announcement. Join the official Discord or follow the Steam community hub for feature reveals before the December 3, 2026 launch.
How to Play Dumpster Gang Co-op: Step-by-Step
Follow this process to get a multiplayer session running, whether you are using the free demo or the full release.
Download the Steam demo
Grab the free Dumpster Gang Demo from the Steam demo page to test online co-op before purchasing. All friends who want to join should install it as well.
Create or join a session
Host a run from the main menu and invite friends through Steam, or have them join an open lobby. Confirm every player is on the same game version before starting.
Assign crew roles
Agree on who scouts routes, who searches dumpsters, and who carries high-value loot to the staging point. Clear roles prevent duplicated searching and lost items.
Run the scavenging loop
Search containers, clear environmental obstacles together, and manage noise so the Exterminator does not interrupt the haul mid-run.
Regroup and extract
Before leaving, confirm all objective items are collected, then retreat as a group to the extraction point. Coordinated retreats protect the entire haul.
Teams that designate a dedicated scout and carrier consistently extract more loot than groups that wander separately. A four-player crew can clear a searchable area in a fraction of the time a solo raccoon needs.
Team Play Tips and Party Setup Checklist
Strong co-op fundamentals matter more than party size. These tips apply to both demo runs and the full release.
Before Your First Co-op Run:
- Install the Dumpster Gang Demo on every player's PC
- Test voice chat or Discord before launching
- Agree on scout, collector, and carrier roles
- Mark a shared loot staging point near the extraction route
- Establish a rescue signal for Exterminator encounters
| Team Problem | Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicated searching | Players loot the same containers | Split the area into zones |
| Lost loot | Items scattered across the map | Use one staging point |
| Failed extractions | Players leave in different directions | Regroup before extraction |
| Exterminator wipes | Whole team caught together | Scatter on warning signs |
| Blocked routes | Team stuck at one obstacle | Send two players to find alternate paths |
Treat every teammate rescue as a coordinated operation: one player distracts, one frees the captured raccoon, and one watches the escape route. Rushing in one at a time usually creates more captures, not fewer.
FAQ
Q: Does Dumpster Gang support local coop or split-screen?
No. As of October 2026, official Steam listings confirm online co-op for 1-4 players but do not mention local coop or split-screen. Any couch co-op claims from unofficial sources should be treated as unverified.
Q: How many players can play Dumpster Gang together?
Dumpster Gang supports teams of up to four players in online co-op, and it can also be played entirely solo. Both modes are available in the free Steam demo released on October 19, 2026.
Q: Can I use Steam Remote Play Together as a local coop substitute?
Possibly, but it is not officially confirmed. Remote Play Together streams the host's session to friends, which can approximate couch co-op if the game supports it. Test with the free demo before planning sessions around it.
Q: Is Dumpster Gang coming to consoles?
Only the PC Steam version is currently listed, with a full release planned for December 3, 2026. Console versions have not been announced, so treat any Xbox or PlayStation claims as unconfirmed.