Enter the Gungeon is a fast-paced, bullet hell roguelike that thrives on chaotic action and cooperative play. While the game was originally designed with local co-op in mind, many players have longed for a way to experience this intense dungeon-crawling adventure with friends online. That’s where Parsec comes into play. Parsec is a remote desktop gaming software that allows users to stream games from their own computer to friends anywhere in the world. By using Parsec, Enter the Gungeon fans can enjoy real-time co-op action without needing to be in the same room. This opens up a whole new level of accessibility for one of indie gaming’s most beloved titles.
Understanding Parsec and Its Role in Gaming
What Is Parsec?
Parsec is a low-latency streaming tool that allows users to share their screen and inputs with others over the internet. Originally intended for remote desktop usage, it quickly gained popularity in the gaming community thanks to its minimal input lag and high streaming quality. Players can host games on their machines and invite others to join in as if they were sitting beside them.
Why Use Parsec for Enter the Gungeon?
Enter the Gungeon does not have native online co-op, meaning players who want to enjoy the game with friends must either play locally or use third-party software. Parsec bridges this gap, letting one player host the game locally while a friend connects remotely to take control of the second player. The result feels nearly identical to local co-op gameplay but can be experienced across cities, countries, or even continents.
Setting Up Parsec for Enter the Gungeon
System Requirements and Preparation
Before diving into the Gungeon via Parsec, make sure your system meets the basic requirements for smooth gameplay:
- Host computershould have a decent CPU and GPU to run both the game and the streaming process simultaneously.
- Stable internet connection(preferably wired) for both host and client. A minimum of 10 Mbps upload and download is ideal.
- Gamepad or keyboardfor the guest player. The host can use their primary input, while the guest uses the streamed control input.
Step-by-Step Setup
Follow these steps to get started with Enter the Gungeon co-op via Parsec:
- Download and install Parsec on both the host and guest computers.
- Create and log into Parsec accounts.
- On the host computer, launch Enter the Gungeon and enter co-op mode from the in-game menu (requires interacting with the purple cultist in the starting room).
- From the Parsec app, share the screen with the friend, or have them request to join your session.
- Once connected, the guest can control the second player using their own controller or keyboard input.
With this setup, the game runs on the host machine, and the guest plays through the stream. If configured correctly, both players will barely notice any latency.
Gameplay Experience Using Parsec
How It Feels
Thanks to Parsec’s optimized streaming tech, the experience of playing Enter the Gungeon through Parsec is surprisingly fluid. Dodge rolling, shooting, and even tight boss fights feel responsive. For games like Gungeon, which require split-second decisions and quick reflexes, this low-latency performance is crucial.
Challenges and Workarounds
Though Parsec provides a solid solution, some players may encounter occasional hiccups. Here are a few common issues and tips to resolve them:
- Input lag: Ensure both systems are connected via Ethernet and close background apps that use bandwidth.
- Audio desync: Let the host handle audio, or use a voice chat service like Discord separately.
- Framerate drops: Lower game resolution or settings on the host machine for a smoother stream.
With careful setup, these issues can usually be minimized, allowing for a smooth co-op adventure.
Why Play Enter the Gungeon Co-op via Parsec
Enhanced Co-op Dynamics
Enter the Gungeon is already a difficult game, and co-op adds another layer of strategy. Players can revive each other, divide attention during enemy swarms, and combine weapons for maximum destruction. Playing with a friend makes the chaos more fun and the victories even more satisfying.
Accessibility for Long-Distance Friends
Not every group of friends can meet in person, especially across different regions or time zones. Parsec removes those limitations. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Gungeon or introducing a friend to the game for the first time, Parsec allows for a shared experience without the need for travel.
No Need to Wait for Official Online Mode
Since the developers of Enter the Gungeon never implemented online multiplayer, Parsec is the next best solution. It doesn’t rely on modding or risky third-party patches. It simply leverages screen-sharing and input to simulate couch co-op across distances, all while preserving the original gameplay experience.
Tips for Co-op Play Using Parsec
Communication Is Key
Stay in voice contact throughout the session. Parsec doesn’t include built-in voice chat, so using services like Discord or Zoom alongside the game will help coordinate movements, call out threats, and share laughs during the mayhem.
Choose Roles Wisely
Since both players share resources like health, money, and ammo, it’s important to assign roles early. Decide who will focus on offense, who’ll prioritize dodging, and when to use special items. Balanced coordination can make even the toughest bosses manageable.
Use the Right Characters
Each Gungeon character has unique starting items. Consider how your choices complement each other:
- Marineoffers reliability and armor.
- Convictstarts with a powerful shotgun and rage-based passive.
- Hunterbrings a crossbow and a helpful dog companion.
- Pilotgives better loot access with reduced shop prices.
Mixing these traits in co-op gives your team an edge when facing the randomized dungeon challenges.
Parsec for Other Gungeon-Style Games
If you enjoy Enter the Gungeon via Parsec, you might find similar joy in other local-only games using the same method. Titles like Cuphead, TowerFall Ascension, and Nidhogg also benefit from Parsec’s technology. This can be especially helpful for retro-styled games or couch co-op titles that lack native online features.
Making the Most of Enter the Gungeon with Parsec
Using Parsec to play Enter the Gungeon online is one of the best ways to experience this chaotic roguelike with friends. It offers a simple, reliable method for turning local-only co-op into a full online multiplayer experience. By following a few setup steps and optimizing for low latency, you can dive into the Gungeon’s gun-fueled madness together from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re dodging waves of bullets, facing off against massive bosses, or just laughing at the absurdity of the game’s wild arsenal, Parsec transforms how you connect through games. It doesn’t just bring players together it redefines what multiplayer gaming can be for indie titles like Enter the Gungeon.