Imagine exploring the dark halls of the Raccoon Police Department with a friend standing right beside you, fighting zombies together instead of facing every nightmare alone.
That experience is now possible in Resident Evil 2 Remake on PC, thanks to a new fan-made mod that adds local two-player co-op to Capcom’s survival horror game.
The mod, called Local Couch Co-op, was previously known as HUNK’y Friend. Created by modder Shopcreeper01, it lets a second player join the campaign and fight alongside the main character.
Even better, the mod offers shared-screen gameplay, an experimental split-screen option and even an AI companion for players who prefer to play alone.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new Resident Evil 2 Remake co-op mod, its features, limitations and how you can find it.
Resident Evil 2 Remake Co-Op Mod Adds a Second Player
The original Resident Evil 2 Remake, released in 2019, was designed as a single-player survival horror experience.
Players follow Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they try to survive the zombie outbreak in Raccoon City. Although both characters have their own campaigns, the game does not offer a traditional two-player co-op mode.
That’s where this fan project comes in.
The Local Couch Co-op mod allows another player to join the adventure as a partner. Instead of exploring the city alone, you can work together to fight zombies, collect supplies and make your way through dangerous areas.
The mod is designed for the PC version of the game and is not connected to Capcom’s official development team.
According to its Nexus Mods page, the project was first uploaded on October 4, 2026, and has continued receiving updates.
Play Together on One Screen or Try Split-Screen
One of the most interesting features is the choice between shared-screen and split-screen gameplay.
In shared-screen mode, both players appear in the same game view. This makes it easier to experience the campaign together without dividing the screen into separate sections.
The mod also offers a split-screen option, giving each player a separate view of the action.
However, there’s an important catch. Split-screen is still experimental, so players should expect possible bugs and performance problems. Shared-screen mode is the safer option to try first.
This is a fan-made project, so don’t expect the same level of polish as an official multiplayer game.
Still, adding these options to a game originally designed for one player is an impressive effort.
You Can Choose Different Characters
The mod isn’t limited to playing alongside just one character.
Its description says the second player can join as HUNK or choose from a wider selection of characters. Reported options include Ada Wong, Sherry Birkin, Tofu and other familiar faces from the Resident Evil universe.
That gives players more ways to customise their co-op sessions.
You can try a more traditional survival horror experience or experiment with different character combinations while exploring Raccoon City.
The available character options may depend on the current version of the mod, so check the creator’s latest notes before installing it.
Resident Evil Veronica remake Update – Resident Evil Veronica Remake Reportedly Slips to Fall 2027
Fight Zombies, Share Items and Revive Your Partner
The co-op experience goes beyond simply adding another character to the screen.
Reports about the mod describe individual inventories for each player, along with options to pass items between partners. This could make resource management more interesting during difficult encounters.
A revive system is also included, allowing players to help a downed partner get back into the fight.
The mod offers different support and difficulty options for the second player, too. Some settings are designed to make co-op easier, so friends with different skill levels can enjoy the experience together.
Keep in mind that some features may not be perfectly balanced. The mod is still being developed, and its behaviour can change with future updates.
There’s Also an AI Companion Option
Don’t have a friend available to play with? The mod also offers an AI partner option.
Instead of controlling a second human character, you can bring an AI companion along for the adventure.
The companion can follow orders and help during combat, giving solo players a different way to experience the campaign.
This could be useful for anyone who wants a partner without needing a second controller or another person beside them.
However, an AI companion does not turn the game into a fully redesigned experience. It is an additional feature provided by the mod, and its behaviour may have limitations.
How to Install the Resident Evil 2 Co-Op Mod
If you want to try it, the first step is to visit the creator’s official Local Couch Co-op page on Nexus Mods.
The mod requires the PC version of Resident Evil 2 Remake and REFramework. You’ll also need to follow the installation instructions provided by the creator.
A second controller is required for the second player in the standard setup described by recent coverage. The exact input setup can vary depending on how you choose to play.
Before installing, check the mod’s current files and compatibility notes. The creator has been releasing updates, and the latest build may have different requirements from earlier versions.
It’s also a good idea to back up your saves and avoid using experimental mods in a playthrough you don’t want to risk losing.
Because the project is unofficial, installation problems and unexpected bugs are possible.
Is Online Multiplayer Supported?
No official online multiplayer feature has been announced for this mod.
Local Couch Co-op is designed to let players share the experience on the same PC. It should not be confused with an online co-op mode that allows two players to connect from separate computers over the internet.
Some players may look for ways to use remote-play tools, but compatibility with those setups should not be assumed unless the creator confirms it.
For now, the main attraction is the chance to experience the campaign locally with another player.
Is This an Official Capcom Update?
No. This is an unofficial community-made modification.
Capcom has not announced an official two-player co-op update for the 2019 remake. The new feature comes from an independent modder, not from the game’s original development team.
That distinction matters because unofficial mods can change, break or stop working after game updates.
The mod’s compatibility also depends on the game version and the required tools. Players should read the creator’s notes before downloading or updating anything.
Even with those limitations, this project gives PC players a new way to experience a familiar survival horror game.
Final Thoughts
The Local Couch Co-op mod could be a fun option for Resident Evil fans who have wanted to explore Raccoon City with a friend.
Shared-screen co-op, a selection of characters, item sharing and an AI companion give the project plenty of interesting features. The experimental split-screen mode is another option for players willing to deal with possible bugs.
Just remember that this is a fan-made PC mod, not an official Capcom multiplayer update. Online co-op is not supported, and some features may still need more work.
If you want to try it, check the latest version and compatibility notes on Nexus Mods before installing.
Would you play Resident Evil 2 Remake in two-player co-op, or do you think the game is better as a solo survival horror experience? Let us know in the comments!