Red Barrels invites you to experience mind-numbing terror, this time with friends. Whether you go through the trials alone or in teams, if you survive long enough and complete the therapy, Murkoff will happily let you leave… but will you be the same?
You and up to three friends can team up to face the sinister trials set by the Murkoff Corporation. The core gameplay loop involves stealthily navigating dimly-lit environments, avoiding or managing dangerous enemies, and completing disturbing tasks.
Each mission presents specific objectives, such as escorting a prisoner, activating valves to open doors, or retrieving scattered items. Enemies roam the levels, ready to attack if they spot you, while environmental hazards like traps and barriers complicate your path.
Staying hidden and avoiding detection is crucial. You must crouch, hide in lockers and under beds, and carefully navigate to reach objectives without alerting the patrolling enemies. If spotted, you can attempt to lose or outrun your pursuers, though direct confrontation is typically unwise and often fatal.
The game encourages teamwork, allowing you to revive downed teammates, share resources, and coordinate actions to distract or evade enemies more effectively. Character "rigs" and "prescriptions" (classes and perks) enable you to specialize and complement each other's playstyles.
Navigating the dark, twisted environments requires careful observation and problem-solving, using limited light sources like night vision goggles. Thorough exploration can uncover valuable resources and upgrades to aid your survival. As you complete trials and challenges, you'll earn currency to unlock new customization options, tools, and perks.