You cannot play it with your friend , its not multiplayer game . Its a single player experience . Also , it seems there is some kind of story but since the game is in early access there is a lot of work left to be finished , Devs will most likely have to do lots of updates and stuff to make the game more immersive , at times it feels very dull .

Is there a story to the game comparable to the raft or the forest, I'd like to play it with my friend but if there isn't a story then i dont see the point in buying it

you can ask it here

I ADDED YOU TO ASK A QUESTION ABOUT PROJECT CASTAWAY

no worries , always happy to help , let me know if you have other questions

Bet thanks g