Guide Steps
Step 1: Assign roles before each session
Scout: carries the Wakemaker (mobility tool, crafted with 1 Silver + 1 Wiring Kit + 1 Grease + 1 Basic Battery) and beacons. Explores new areas and marks resource clusters and threat zones on the HUD. Builder: stays near base operations, manages the crafting station and locker organization, builds base expansions, and refills shared tool lockers. Gatherer: follows the Scout's beacon markers, collects targeted resources in bulk, returns to base to deposit. Scanner: scans every new fragment and creature, tracks team blueprint progress, and prioritizes which fragments the team needs next. Rotate roles every session so everyone learns all mechanics.
Step 2: Blueprint scanning is shared
When any player scans a fragment, blueprint progress counts for the entire team. This means you can split scanning duties: one player heads to the Welcome Center (85m SE of Lifepod) to scan Habitat Builder fragments while another searches for Tadpole fragments (115-280m ENE). Coordinate using the shared blueprint list on the PDA. The Scanner role should announce new unlocks so the Builder can prepare materials immediately. This sharing mechanic makes Proteus co-op significantly faster than solo play for blueprint acquisition.
Step 3: Organize shared storage by project
Name lockers by project, not by player. Examples: 'Habitat Builder mats', 'Base Expansion', 'Air Tank + Silver', 'Wakemaker parts', 'Emergency O2'. This prevents duplicated effort and makes shortages obvious. The Builder role should organize the storage layout. Keep a dedicated 'Scout refill' locker with spare batteries, beacons, and an extra Air Bladder. Require team members to deposit spare resources after each dive.
Step 4: Biomod coordination
The Welcome Center unlocks four Biomods on first activation: Dash, Oxygen Control, Sea Skimmer, and Pathfinder. In co-op, these can be split strategically. Assign Dash to the Scout for burst movement during exploration. Assign Pathfinder to the Gatherer so the trail shows the safe resource route. Assign Oxygen Control to the Scanner who stays deep near fragments. Sea Skimmer helps anyone who surfaces frequently to drop off materials. Coordinate Biomod assignments at the start of each session since only one player can equip each at a time.
Step 5: Plan expedition objectives
Before each session, agree on one primary goal. Examples: 'This session we unlock the Habitat Builder and System Chip', 'Today we find Angel Comb and both Blackboxes', 'We build the main base at Shallows/Plateaus border'. Having a single focus prevents the team from scattering across Proteus. After the objective is complete, free exploration or secondary goals are fine. Use three standard dive calls: (1) 'Diving to [beacon name]' — announce destination. (2) 'O2 check at [seconds]' — report oxygen. (3) 'RTB' — returning to base. If anyone misses two consecutive check-ins, the Scout investigates.