Fast answer
The answer before the background
Element TD 2 multiplayer includes online and LAN PvP plus online and LAN co-op on Steam. The official store advertises co-op for up to eight players, eight-player free-for-all and one-versus-one ranked play. Version 1.9.5 added public and LAN peer-to-peer regions using a local ElementServer.exe process. Single-player exists, but local split-screen co-op is not an advertised feature. Offline availability depends on mode and Steam state; ranked, public co-op, leaderboards and cross-region play require connectivity.
Mode matrix
Match the player-count question to the actual mode
| Mode | Verified access | Player scope | Network expectation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campaign / solo | Single-player store feature | One player | Local play may work after Steam validation; online services are separate. |
| Co-op | Online and LAN co-op | Advertised up to eight | Coordinate element picks, upgrades and path coverage. |
| Free-for-all | Online or LAN PvP feature family | Official copy describes eight-player FFA | Each player survives while competitive pressure changes timing. |
| Ranked | Competitive online mode | Official copy describes 1v1 ranked | Leaderboard and anti-cheat boundaries apply. |
| War / Teams | Named multiplayer modes in developer policy | Check the current lobby | Do not infer exact current rules from an old guide. |
P2P update
Understand what ElementServer.exe is before blocking it
The official 1.9.5 announcement says selecting a public or LAN P2P region launches ElementServer.exe in the background. The developer describes it as a local build of the game server and says it uses the same port as Steam. Returning the region to a non-P2P choice stops that process. A firewall prompt can therefore be expected when the player intentionally selects the P2P region.
That does not mean every connection error should be solved by disabling security software. Confirm the selected region, restart Steam, verify game files, allow the signed game components through the normal firewall prompt, and test a different official region. Avoid downloading an 'online fix'; a replaced executable can break version matching, authentication and account safety.
Co-op setup
Prevent coordination failures before the first element pick
- Agree whether each player specializes or whether every lane must be self-sufficient.
- Choose a nearby region or the intended LAN/P2P setting before opening the lobby.
- Confirm every participant runs the same live version and owns Mazing if the selected lobby uses DLC content.
- Call out element picks before summoning a boss so another player does not spend the gold reserved for it.
- Use replays and the post-run failure point to adjust one transition rather than replacing the full team build.
FAQ
Common questions
How many players does Element TD 2 support?
The official store advertises co-op for up to eight players and also describes eight-player free-for-all plus 1v1 ranked play.
Does it have LAN?
Yes. Steam lists LAN PvP and LAN co-op, and version 1.9.5 added a LAN P2P region.
Does it have local split-screen co-op?
Local or split-screen co-op is not listed as an official feature. LAN co-op means separate game clients on a network, not two players on one screen.
Can Element TD 2 be played offline?
Single-player content may be usable locally after installation and Steam validation, but public multiplayer, ranked, leaderboards and online services require connectivity. The store still lists broadband as a requirement.
Sources
What we checked
Official listings establish current availability and product facts. Community pages are used for mechanics and build history, then labeled separately.