Fable 2 Multiplayer Explained

Fable 2 has confused many a player on how the mutliplayer system works in game, there are in fact TWO modes to multiplayer in Fable 2. Here is a run down of all the basics you need to interacting and playing with others in Fable 2.

ORBS in Fable 2

ORBS, is the only way you can trade items in the game, such as for the much needed Dollcatcher Achievement. In your game options you can select which other player ORBS you can see while you are playing Fable 2, if you select everyone and are connected to Xbox LIVE with a Gold Account then you will see anyone who has selected everyone in their account too as you cross paths at the same places while playing Fable 2.

What you see when you see another ORB, is a glowing sphere with the avatar of the Xbox LIVE player in the centre and their Gamer Tag directly above it, as you move through the game you will see those moving through the game at the same time and at the same place in the game. An easy way to see what ORBS look like is to travel to the Clocktower in Bowerstone Market and change your game settings so you can see anyone online at the same place and time in Fable 2, wait a few minutes and a few at least should appear. You will see their ORB as they move about their game and as you move about your game, they will your ORB move about likewise.

Donating Items and Gold in Fable 2

To donate an item or gift to another players ORB, move towards them, then use the Left Trigger to focus on them, then pressing the A Button should allow you to interact with them, select Gift from the popup and then choose from your inventory what it is exactly you would like to give them. Be warned, every time you send an item your game will save itself after the transfer, this can making transferring many items to others a real chore but there is no way around this.

The Left Trigger Targeting Glitch

There is a glitch, wherein if you have not finished the game you may lose the ability to Target anyone such as villagers or other ORBS using the Left Trigger, to get functionality back again all you have to do is resume your next Plot Quest. I had this problem with a character whose next quest was to Compete in the Crucible, once I entered the Crucible Arena and began fighting I regained the ability to use my Left Trigger to target who or what I liked

Co-Op Multiplayer in Fable 2

The second way of joining another player while they actually play Fable 2 is Co-Op Mode, this enables 2 players with the same DLC’s (A player with the free versions of Knothole Island DLC and See The Future DLC can play with a person with the premium versions, but the first player cannot gain any achievements or go to places in the Premium DLC’s).

You can select in your Game Options, whether people can automatically join your game and if so who (by selecting which ORBS you can see and who can see your ORB). There are some Achievements in the game that can be done in the presence of a Hero who is able to complete an achievement that for whatever reason, you cannot. This can be pretty handy for Achievements like the Dollcatcher and Completionist or the Gargoyle Achievements.

The Problem with Co-Op Mode in Fable 2

The problem with Co-Op mode in Fable 2 is it is incredibly poorly implemented, the camera is fixed and you rely on it to be able to see anything or anywhere. It is difficult to get used to just going from point A to point B even short distances can be very tedious let alone co-operate together in something The Colosseum for example.

It can be done and I am assured that after a while you can kinda get used to it but for the most part, Co-Op Mode is just there to help other players get Achievements from others they may be having trouble with.

Gaining Achievements in Fable 2 Co-Op Mode

For the Gargoyle Achievement just invite or have your friend join your game with a character who has already destroyed all the Gargoyles and opened the Gargoyle Treasure then fast travel to the Gargoyle Treasure Trove, the achievement should pop instantly.

For the Completionist Achievement, you will need to join, or have a Hero who has every Expression, every ability, every spell at maximum level and every Dog Trick, remove say 1 level of Brutal Styles then rebuy it with your Co-Op partner, the achievement should pop instantly for them.

The Dollcatcher and the Hoarder Achievements, require a neat little trick, travel to Bowerstone Market with your Heroes, interact with the Gift Trader next to the Cow and Corset and opposite the Blacksmiths, then sell an Autograph Card, exit the Gift Trader Menu then interact once more and buy it back, The Hoarder and The Dollcatcher Achievements should pop for your Co-Op buddy if you have every Silver Key and at least 1 of each collectible Doll.

DLC Achievements and DLC Item Trading

You can only help someone with the DLC Achievements if you BOTH possess the premium versions of each DLC while in Co-Op mode. Likewise, in ORB mode you cannot trade or give away items only found in the 2 DLC’s, See The Future and Knothole Island.

Chatting with Other ORBS

If you have your ORBS setting set to friends or worse, everyone, any time you are near a players ORB who has their headset on and talking to or with someone, you will hear what they say, and they you. This can be pretty distracting sometimes, especially when you are trading for items in Bowerstone Market.