Fish Stick Protocol is an action co-op game available in Early Access on PC. Players form teams of up to eight to enter unstable portals that lead into procedurally generated dimensions filled with hazards and collectible artifacts. The core loop centers on surviving each run, gathering items, and returning safely to expand a shared hub space.
Gameplay
Teams enter dimensions through portals and must navigate environments that change with every attempt. Worlds range from hostile mushroom forests to surreal realms where players might grow giant, float, catch fire, or turn to stone. Survival requires sticking together, reviving fallen teammates, and handling anomalies while collecting artifacts. These items return to the manor for display, which builds approval points and opens new areas. Between runs the permanent hub serves as a base for preparation and upgrades. Players sell artifacts for currency to unlock machines such as shops and selling stations, then purchase consumables like the Artifact Radar. Painting showers allow color mixing for cosmetic changes, and clout points can be exchanged for additional looks. The hub grows more functional as rooms unlock, creating a central space for the group to organize and experiment.
Game Modes
All activity revolves around online co-op missions in procedurally generated dimensions. Each session sends the team through a portal into a fresh world where the goal is to survive dangers, gather artifacts, and exit through the return portal. No two runs repeat the same layout or set of anomalies, which keeps the focus on adapting to new threats and coordinating revives. The structure supports repeated play as progress in the hub carries over and unlocks further content for future missions.
Hub and Progression
The manor functions as the team's headquarters outside of missions. Artifacts brought back earn approval that unlocks additional rooms and features. Currency from sales funds upgrades and consumables, while the painting showers provide ongoing customization options. As machines and shelves are added the space becomes more useful for planning and resource management. This system ties mission success directly to hub expansion, giving players a steady sense of advancement even when individual runs end in failure.
Is It Worth Playing?
Fish Stick Protocol suits groups that enjoy chaotic co-op survival experiences with a focus on exploration and light progression. The procedural worlds and artifact collection create varied sessions, while the hub offers a persistent element that rewards repeated play. As an Early Access title it remains fully playable with active development aimed at community feedback. Players seeking straightforward team-based action without complex factions or competitive modes will find the current loop engaging, especially if they value cosmetic experimentation and shared base building alongside the core runs.
