> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/multiplayer.md).
# Multiplayer
Provenance supports **local multiplayer** for most systems and **online multiplayer** for RetroArch-based cores. Grab some controllers and play together on the couch, or connect with friends online.
***
## Local Multiplayer
### How It Works
Connect multiple Bluetooth or MFi controllers and Provenance automatically assigns them to player slots. Most systems that originally supported multiplayer work in Provenance.
### Setup
1. **Pair controllers** — Connect 2-4 Bluetooth controllers via Settings → Bluetooth
2. **Launch a multiplayer game**
3. **Assign players** — From the pause menu, verify controller assignments:
* Player 1, Player 2, Player 3, Player 4
* Reassign if needed by selecting a controller and changing its player slot
{% hint style="info" %}
**On-screen controls** are always Player 1. To play local multiplayer, at least Player 2 needs a physical controller.
{% endhint %}
### Supported Player Counts
Player support depends on the system and the specific game. Here are the maximum players per system:
| System | Max Players | Notes |
| ------------------------ | ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| **NES / Famicom** | 2 | Most games support 2 players |
| **SNES / Super Famicom** | 4-5 | Up to 5 with Multitap (Bomberman, Secret of Mana) |
| **Nintendo 64** | 4 | Native 4-player (GoldenEye, Mario Kart 64, Smash Bros.) |
| **Game Boy Advance** | 4 | Link cable games via core support |
| **Genesis / Mega Drive** | 4 | Up to 4 with Team Player adapter |
| **Sega Saturn** | 6 | Up to 6 with multitap |
| **Dreamcast** | 4 | Native 4-player |
| **PlayStation** | 4-8 | Up to 8 with Multitap (varies by game) |
| **Neo Geo** | 2 | Most fighting games |
| **Atari 2600** | 2 | Most games |
| **NES / Famicom** | 2 | Standard |
| **TurboGrafx-16** | 5 | Up to 5 with Multitap |
{% hint style="info" %}
The actual player count for each game depends on the game itself, not just the system. A 2-player system can still have single-player-only games.
{% endhint %}
### Recommended Controller Setups
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Couch Co-op (2 Players)" %}
**iPhone/iPad:**
* Player 1: On-screen controls or clip-on controller (Backbone, Kishi)
* Player 2: Bluetooth controller (DualSense, Xbox, 8BitDo)
**Apple TV:**
* Player 1 + 2: Two Bluetooth controllers
* Siri Remote can navigate menus but not play games
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Party Gaming (3-4 Players)" %}
**Apple TV (best for groups):**
* 3-4 Bluetooth controllers
* Great for N64 (Mario Kart, Smash Bros., GoldenEye)
* PS1 Multitap games (Bomberman, Crash Bash)
**iPad (works too):**
* 3-4 Bluetooth controllers
* Larger screen helps for split-screen games
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
***
## Online Multiplayer
{% hint style="warning" %}
Online multiplayer is currently available through **RetroArch-based cores only** and requires using the native RetroArch settings interface. A native Provenance UI for online play is in development.
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### How to Access
1. Launch a game using a **RetroArch-based core**
2. Open the **pause menu**
3. Select **RetroArch Settings**
4. Navigate to **Netplay** settings
5. Configure host/client settings
### Online Play Options
| Option | Description |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| **Host** | Start a netplay session that others can join |
| **Client** | Join an existing netplay session by IP address |
| **Relay Server** | Use a relay server if direct connection fails |
### Requirements
* Both players must use the **same ROM** (identical file, same region)
* Both players must use the **same RetroArch core**
* Stable internet connection (wired or strong WiFi recommended)
* Low latency between players for best experience
### Tips for Online Play
* **Use wired internet** when possible — WiFi adds latency
* **Same ROM version** — Both players must have an identical ROM file (same CRC/MD5)
* **Start fresh** — Don't load save states before connecting
* **Fighting and puzzle games** work best — they require less bandwidth than fast-action games
***
## Troubleshooting
Second controller not detected
* Verify the controller is paired in Settings → Bluetooth
* Open the pause menu and check controller assignments
* Try disconnecting and reconnecting the controller
* Some controllers need a firmware update to work with iOS — check the manufacturer's app
Controller assigned to wrong player
From the pause menu, you can reassign controllers to different player slots. If controllers keep swapping, try turning on controllers in the order you want them assigned (Player 1 first, then Player 2, etc.).
Multiplayer game only shows 1 player
* Verify the game actually supports multiplayer (not all games do)
* Some games require selecting "2 Player" mode from the game's main menu
* Check that the correct core is being used — some cores have better multiplayer support than others
Online netplay is laggy
* Use a wired connection if possible
* Choose a server closer to both players
* Try increasing the netplay input latency frames in RetroArch settings
* Simpler games (puzzle, turn-based) are more tolerant of latency
***
## See Also
* [Controllers & Controls](/using-provenance/controllers-and-controls.md) — Controller setup and pairing
* [Supported Controllers](/using-provenance/controllers-and-controls/controllers.md) — Compatible controllers list
* [Apple TV Guide](/platforms-and-performance/tvos-guide.md) — Best platform for local multiplayer
***
{% hint style="info" %}
Need help? Ask on [Discord](https://discord.gg/provenance).
{% endhint %}