Playing cooperative games across different hardware shouldn't require an IT degree, but Hazelight Studios' hit adventure introduces some specific networking rules that catch players off guard. If you own an Xbox and want to team up with a friend on a different device, you need to know how platform boundaries and account requirements function before starting your session.
The short answer is that It Takes Two crossplay is supported between Xbox and PC, but it is not supported between Xbox and PlayStation consoles. Understanding these exact limitations saves you time and prevents frustrating connection errors when setting up a co-op night.
Understanding It Takes Two Crossplay Limitations
Many modern multiplayer releases feature fully open cross-platform matchmaking, but It Takes Two handles networking through strict generational and brand ecosystems.
What Crossplay Combinations Work
You can comfortably match with players inside specific hardware boundaries:
- Xbox to Xbox: Players on Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X can play together seamlessly with no restrictions.
- Xbox to PC: You can play across platforms if one player uses an Xbox console and the other plays on a Windows PC via Steam or the EA App.
- PlayStation to PlayStation: PS4 and PS5 users share an ecosystem, allowing cross-generation play within the Sony family.
What Crossplay Combinations Fail
The game enforces hard walls between competing console manufacturers.
- Xbox to PlayStation: You cannot crossplay between an Xbox console and a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5. If you have an Xbox and your friend has a PS5, you cannot connect online.
- PlayStation to PC: Sony and PC platforms do not share a matchmaking bridge in this title either.
How the Friend's Pass Works on Xbox
One of the most praised features of the game is the Friend's Pass, which lets a second player join your game without purchasing a second copy. This system operates independently of whether you play locally or online.
If you own the full game on an Xbox console, you can invite someone else to join your session for free. Your partner simply downloads the free Friend's Pass application from the Microsoft Store, Steam, PlayStation Store, or Nintendo eShop depending on their hardware.
The Friend's Pass accommodates cross-platform sessions as long as the pairing follows the permitted Xbox-to-PC rule. For instance, an Xbox host can invite a PC user running the Friend's Pass version, provided both accounts link properly to online infrastructure.
Step-by-Step Setup for Cross-Platform Co-Op
Setting up a crossplay session between an Xbox and a PC requires linking external accounts because the game relies on Electronic Arts online services to bridge the gap.
- Verify EA Account Linkage: Both players must launch the game and ensure their respective Xbox profile and PC gaming client (Steam or EA App) are linked to a valid EA Account.
- Add Your Friend: Open the in-game social menu or EA overlay, then search for your partner using their EA ID or display name to send a friend request.
- Download the Necessary Version: Ensure the host owns the full game while the joining player has either purchased it or downloaded the free Friend's Pass.
- Launch and Invite: The host starts an online session, opens the pause menu, and sends an invite directly through the EA Friends list.
- Accept and Play: The second player accepts the notification from their dashboard or game menu to load into the lobby.
Common Connection Mistakes to Avoid
Players frequently run into roadblocks due to simple oversights during setup. Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Ignoring Subscription Requirements: Playing online co-op on console platforms requires an active subscription like Xbox Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold) for both participants. If one player lacks the required subscription, the connection will fail.
- Mismatched Game Versions: If an update drops on PC before it rolls out on Xbox, version mismatches will block cross-platform invites. Keep both systems updated to the latest patch.
- Assuming Universal Crossplay: Expecting an Xbox player to join a PlayStation user leads to wasted time. Always double-check your friend's exact hardware before planning a playthrough.
You can review official details and network guidelines directly on the EA It Takes Two FAQ or check console specifications through the Xbox Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play It Takes Two couch co-op across two different screens?
Local couch co-op requires two players sitting in front of the same screen using split-screen mode on a single console or PC. If you want to play on separate screens in different locations, you must use online co-op, which requires an internet connection and compatible platforms.
Does the progress save if my co-op partner uses the Friend's Pass?
Yes. If the joining player decides to buy the full game later, their progression carries over automatically. Furthermore, if they ever host their own lobby in the future, the game unlocks all chapters up to the point they reached during the previous shared session.
Do both players need a microphone to play?
Voice chat isn't strictly mandated by the game code, but it is heavily recommended. The title relies entirely on synchronized teamwork, puzzle coordination, and split-second timing, making communication vital for survival.
Can Xbox One and Xbox Series X players co-op together?
Yes. Thanks to Smart Delivery and backward compatibility within the Microsoft ecosystem, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S users play together effortlessly without crossplay restrictions.
