If you’ve just picked up Enshrouded after seeing all the viral build clips and co-op gameplay reels, one of the first questions you probably have is is Enshrouded online only. A lot of new survival games lock play behind constant internet connections these days, even for single-player runs, so it makes sense to double-check before you buy or dive into your first playthrough. I’ve put 70+ hours into Enshrouded across both solo and group play, so I’m breaking down exactly what play modes are supported, what limitations exist, and how to get the best experience no matter how you prefer to play.
Is Enshrouded Online Only? Breaking Down Supported Play Modes
The short answer is no, Enshrouded is not online only. You have two core play options to choose from when you launch the game, and neither is forced on you if you have a strong preference for one style of play. Offline single-player requires no internet connection at all once you’ve downloaded the base game and any patches you want to install. That means you can play on a laptop during long trips, in areas with spotty service, or even if you just don’t want to deal with server lag or random player interruptions.
The online co-op mode is entirely optional, so you never have to connect to the internet if you only want to play solo. But if you do want to play with friends, you’ll need a stable internet connection to host or join a shared world. One thing to keep in mind is that offline save files are stored locally on your device, so you won’t be able to transfer them to online co-op worlds later if you decide you want to play with friends. If you think you might switch between solo and group play down the line, you’re better off creating an online private world from the start, even if you play most of your runs alone.
Key Differences Between Offline and Online Enshrouded Play
While core gameplay, quest lines, and build mechanics are identical across both modes, there are a few key differences that will impact your overall experience. I’ve tested both modes extensively, and these are the biggest gaps to note before you create your first world:
I learned this the hard way when I played 20 hours of offline solo then wanted to bring my base to a friend’s server, only to find I couldn’t transfer any of my gear or builds. So if flexibility is a priority for you, private online worlds are the best middle ground, even if you mostly play alone. You can set the world to invite-only so no random players can join, and you still get all the cloud save benefits of online play.
Common Issues to Watch for With Online and Offline Play
No play mode is perfect, and there are a few common pain points players run into no matter which option they pick. For offline players, the biggest risk is losing your save file if your device crashes or you accidentally delete game files. I recommend backing up your local save files at least once a week if you’re playing exclusively offline, especially if you’ve spent dozens of hours building custom bases or collecting rare resources. You can find your save files in your user folder under Keen Games/Enshrouded/saves, and you can store copies on a USB drive or cloud storage service for extra safety.
For online players, the most common complaints are server lag during peak play hours, and random disconnects that can make you lose progress if you’re in the middle of a Shroud run. If you’re hosting a private server for friends, make sure you have a fiber internet connection with at least 10mbps upload speed to avoid lag for all players. Never join public online servers if you want to keep your hard-earned gear safe – many public servers have PvP enabled by default, and other players can destroy your base or steal your items when you’re logged out. Stick to invite-only private servers if you want to avoid that frustration.
Another small issue to note is that you can’t pause the game in online mode, even if you’re the only player on the server. If you need to step away for a few minutes, make sure you’re in a safe spot away from enemies and the Shroud before you go, or you might come back to a dead character and lost items.
Which Play Mode Is Right for You?
There’s no universal best option when it comes to Enshrouded play modes, and the right pick depends entirely on your personal preferences. If you prefer slow, relaxed solo play, don’t have a stable internet connection, or love modding your games to tweak gameplay, offline single-player is the best fit for you. You don’t have to worry about other players messing with your builds, and you can pause the game any time you need to step away, which you can’t do in online mode. I still have an offline save where I test wild build ideas and mod combinations that I wouldn’t want to use on my shared co-op server.
If you love playing with friends, want to build massive shared bases with a group, or enjoy exploring dangerous Shroud zones with backup, online co-op is perfect. I play online co-op 70% of the time now, and it’s way easier to take down tough bosses like the Wraith when you have a group of players with different class builds working together. You can split roles too – one player can focus on building, another on gathering resources, another on combat – which makes progression way faster than playing solo. You can have both an offline single-player save and multiple online world saves on the same account, so you don’t have to pick just one play mode forever.
If you’re still not sure, start with a private online world. You can play it solo whenever you want, and you can easily invite friends to join later without having to restart your entire progress. It’s the most flexible option for most players, even if you don’t plan on playing with other people right away.
At the end of the day, the question of is Enshrouded online only has a pretty straightforward answer, but the best play mode for you depends entirely on your personal playstyle and preferences. Whether you stick to offline solo, join a public server, or host a private world for your closest friends, Enshrouded’s core loop of building, exploring, and surviving the Shroud is fun no matter how you play. If you’re still on the fence, try a few hours of offline solo first to get the hang of the mechanics, then jump into a co-op world if you want to mix things up.