Inspired by the Lego video games, Dungeon Siege III has a drop in/drop out cooperative play system. Another player can pick up a controller and take over a second character at any time. It’s even possible, say at the beginning of the game, for a friend to use a character that you don’t have yet. One of those characters, who may use guns, will be at a lower level usual though. Dungeon Siege III has a total of four playable characters.

Put the controller down and after a minute or so the computer will take over. You’re inside the host player’s world during multiplayer sessions. While you may level Anjali up by fighting witches and skeletons, all of the experience and loot remain in the host player’s game. The stats you upgrade and gear you pick for Anjali remain, but the computer takes over when you’re not around. Dungeon Siege III uses a shared inventory system. However, most weapons and armor are character specific. Accessories like rings are one of the few items players will have to ration.

In multiplayer sessions the camera is locked so everyone will be on screen at the same time. If someone dies you don’t need a resurrect scroll or phoenix down to bring them back to life. Allies can revive each other with 50% HP by walking up to a fallen character. Other than a period of vulnerability, there isn’t a penalty or cost to revive a friend. In a single player game, the computer will attempt to revive you, but Dungeon Siege III is designed as a multiplayer game, even if you don’t get to carry back that shiny sword to your game.