Co-op
How Co-op Works in It Takes Two
It Takes Two has no single-player mode. The entire game is built for exactly two people who must cooperate through every puzzle, platforming beat, and boss fight. If you only have one controller or one person, the story simply will not start.
Two ways to play together
There are two supported co-op setups, and both work on every platform the game ships on:
- Couch co-op (local) — two players on the same screen, each with their own controller. This is the classic sofa experience and the default way the game was designed to be enjoyed.
- Online co-op — two players on separate devices connected over the internet. One copy of the game invites the other through the in-game friend system.
The two players never control the same character. One is always May and the other is always Cody, and each chapter hands them completely different tools. That asymmetry is the whole point: a puzzle is usually unsolvable unless both players use their distinct ability at the same moment.
What is the Friend's Pass?
The Friend's Pass is EA and Hazelight's free companion download. Here is the deal:
- Only one player needs to own the full game.
- The second player downloads the Friend's Pass version for free from their platform's store.
- Both players then play the full campaign together online — the free player is not limited to a demo or early section.
This is why the game is often described as the most accessible premium co-op title available: a pair only needs a single purchase to experience everything. The owner invites the Friend's Pass player from inside the game, and the invite arrives as a normal friend request on the platform's network.
Does it support cross-play?
Yes. It Takes Two supports cross-platform online co-op. A player on one console family can join a friend on PC or a different console, as long as both are on a current version of the game. The Friend's Pass player can be on a different platform from the owner.
One practical note: cross-play works for online co-op. Local couch co-op naturally shares one device, so platform matching is not a factor there.
Setting up your first session
- Player one launches the full game; player two installs the Friend's Pass.
- Both players sign in to their platform accounts and add each other as friends.
- From the game's main menu, the owner sends an invite; the Friend's Pass player accepts.
- Pick Chapter 1 (The Shed) and play — every later chapter unlocks from the menu once cleared.
If you get stuck on a section, our per-chapter walkthroughs break down who does what. Start with the full walkthrough hub, or skim the co-op tips before you begin.
Which platforms?
The game runs on current consoles and PC. See the full, sourced list on the platforms page, and check the FAQ for the most common setup questions.
Source note
Platform and Friend's Pass facts are cross-checked against IGN's It Takes Two wiki entry and EA's official co-op materials. Always confirm the current store listing on your platform, since edition bundles change over time.