If you’re a PC gamer who loves couch co-op experiences, you’ve probably come across Nucleus Co-op. It’s a powerful open-source tool that allows multiple players to enjoy local co-op games on one PC — even if the game doesn’t officially support it. But one of the most common questions gamers have is whether nucekus co op with gamepass.
Let’s dive deep into what Nucleus Co-op is, how it works with Game Pass, what limitations exist, and how you can make the most of this incredible tool.
What Is Nucleus Co-op?
Nucleus Co-op is an open-source application that lets you play local multiplayer (split-screen) games on a single computer using multiple instances of the same game. It was created by the modding community to fill a major gap: many modern PC games only offer online multiplayer, leaving couch co-op fans out.
Essentially, Nucleus Co-op launches multiple versions of the same game — each assigned to a different controller and section of the screen — and syncs them to behave as a local multiplayer session.
This tool supports a wide range of popular games such as Call of Duty: Zombies, LEGO games, Overcooked, Left 4 Dead, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and many more.
How Nucleus Co-op Works
Before we talk about compatibility with Game Pass, it’s important to understand how Nucleus Co-op works behind the scenes.
Step 1: Script-Based Game Support
Each game needs a custom “script” to tell Nucleus how to launch it and manage windows. These scripts define things like game directories, executable files, and input settings.
Step 2: Multiple Instances
When you start a co-op session, Nucleus Co-op opens multiple instances of the game — one for each player. Each instance runs in a separate window and is assigned to a specific controller and screen area.
Step 3: Window and Input Management
Nucleus then automatically resizes the windows, places them side-by-side (or in a grid for more players), and ensures that each player’s inputs are correctly mapped to their game instance.
The process sounds technical, but once you’ve configured your games, it becomes seamless to use.
Does Nucleus Co-op Work with Game Pass?
Here’s the big question: Can Nucleus Co-op run Game Pass games?
The short answer: it depends — but often not directly.
1. The Problem with UWP Games
Most Game Pass PC titles are installed through the Microsoft Store and use the UWP (Universal Windows Platform) format. Unfortunately, this type of packaging limits direct access to game files, executables, and launch options.
Since Nucleus Co-op requires access to the actual game executable and directories to run multiple instances, UWP’s restrictions cause compatibility issues.
2. DRM and Encryption
Game Pass titles are protected with Microsoft’s digital rights management (DRM) encryption. This means even if you locate the folder, you can’t easily duplicate or run multiple instances of a game from it — something Nucleus Co-op relies on.
3. Possible Workarounds
While direct Game Pass support is limited, there are some partial workarounds depending on the game:
- Non-UWP titles: Some Game Pass games are not fully UWP-protected and can work if you can access the .exe file.
- Steam or Epic alternatives: If a game doesn’t work on Game Pass, getting it through Steam or Epic often allows Nucleus Co-op to function properly.
- Community scripts: The Nucleus Co-op community frequently updates its script repository. Occasionally, someone finds a working method for certain Game Pass games.
In summary, while Nucleus Co-op is incredibly flexible, Game Pass restrictions make full compatibility unreliable.
Examples of Game Compatibility
Here’s how some popular games perform when combined with Game Pass and Nucleus Co-op:
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Steam version: Works with Nucleus Co-op and allows multiple local players.
- Game Pass version: Uses Microsoft’s UWP structure, preventing multiple instances. Currently, it doesn’t work properly.
Forza Horizon 5
- Game Pass version doesn’t work because of UWP encryption and Xbox services integration.
- Steam version also doesn’t support local co-op by design, so Nucleus Co-op isn’t applicable here.
LEGO Games (e.g., LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Marvel)
- Most LEGO games work flawlessly with Nucleus Co-op on Steam.
- Game Pass versions, however, are inconsistent because of file access restrictions.
The pattern is clear: Steam and Epic games tend to be much more Nucleus-friendly than Game Pass versions.
Why Game Pass and Nucleus Co-op Don’t Play Nice
To understand why the two rarely mix, we need to look at the design philosophy behind each platform.
- Game Pass is meant for simplicity and security — Microsoft wants every game to launch in a sandboxed environment that prevents tampering or multiple simultaneous launches.
- Nucleus Co-op, on the other hand, depends on system-level file access, command-line launches, and memory separation to simulate multiple players.
These two goals — security and modding flexibility — are at odds. That’s why even experienced developers struggle to make Nucleus work seamlessly with Game Pass.
Can Developers Make Their Game Pass Games Nucleus-Compatible?
Technically, yes — but it’s rare. Developers could:
- Include official local co-op or split-screen support.
- Release their games with traditional .exe access rather than pure UWP builds.
- Allow external tools to interact with their games.
However, since Game Pass is heavily managed by Microsoft, few developers take this route. If split-screen or local co-op is important to you, your best bet is to choose games that already support it natively or use Nucleus Co-op with a Steam copy.
Safe Alternatives for Local Co-op on Game Pass
Even though Nucleus Co-op may not fully support Game Pass titles, there are still plenty of options to enjoy local multiplayer.
1. Native Split-Screen Games
Many Game Pass titles already include local multiplayer modes. Examples:
- It Takes Two
- Overcooked! 2
- Cuphead
- Moving Out
- Minecraft Dungeons
2. Steam Remote Play or Parsec
If you want to play local co-op games remotely, apps like Steam Remote Play Together or Parsec allow you to share your screen and input with friends online — no multiple game instances required.
3. Couch Co-op Classics
Old-school PC and emulator games (SNES, PS2, etc.) often have built-in split-screen or multiplayer features, making them perfect for offline sessions without the need for modding.
How to Check Future Compatibility
If you want to stay up to date with which Game Pass games might work with Nucleus Co-op:
- Join the Nucleus Co-op Discord community.
- Check the official GitHub repository for new scripts.
- Read recent discussions on Reddit or PCGamingWiki.
These communities often test new Game Pass releases and report what’s working and what’s not.
The Future of Nucleus Co-op and Game Pass
The future looks promising, though challenges remain. The developers behind Nucleus Co-op are actively improving compatibility, exploring methods to handle UWP restrictions, and experimenting with Game Pass titles.
However, until Microsoft loosens access controls or developers begin offering traditional executables alongside Game Pass versions, native compatibility will remain limited.
Still, the gaming community is creative. It wouldn’t be surprising if future versions of Nucleus Co-op or Windows introduce new ways to make the experience smoother.
Final Thoughts
While Nucleus Co-op is an outstanding tool for bringing split-screen experiences to PC games, its compatibility with Game Pass remains inconsistent due to Microsoft’s UWP restrictions and DRM protection.
If you’re serious about using Nucleus Co-op, the best option is to stick with platforms like Steam or Epic Games, where access to files and executables is unrestricted.
That said, Game Pass continues to offer a large library of native local co-op titles — perfect for gamers who want quick access without tinkering with mods or scripts.
In the end, both Nucleus Co-op and Game Pass serve different audiences: one for tinkerers who love customization and the other for those who value convenience. Understanding their strengths helps you make the most of both worlds.
