It Takes Two is a genre-bending platformer designed from the ground up exclusively for two players. Developed by Hazelight Studios, the game follows Cody and May, a married couple on the brink of divorce who get magically transformed into dolls by their daughter's tears. To return to their human bodies, they must work together through an unpredictable, emotionally charged adventure.
The primary search intent behind exploring local co-op gameplay for this title usually centers on how couch co-op functions, what mechanics to expect, and how the split-screen system handles shared screen space. Unlike traditional games where co-op feels bolted on, every single puzzle, platforming sequence, and boss battle in this title requires active communication between two people.
How Local Couch Co-Op Works
Playing on the same couch requires two controllers and utilizes a permanent split-screen display. The screen is split vertically by default, ensuring both players always maintain independent camera control while staying synchronized in the same environment.
This setup solves a major issue in cooperative gaming: camera independence. If one player needs to look around a corner or line up a precise jump, their camera movement doesn't restrict or blind the other player. Dynamic split-screen technology also shifts depending on where the characters are relative to each other, occasionally merging into a single view during specific cinematic set-pieces or puzzle transitions.
Controller Requirements and Compatibility
Because the experience is strictly built for two, input devices must be accounted for before starting:
- PC: Requires two gamepads (such as Xbox or PlayStation controllers). Keyboard and mouse setups are not supported for shared screen play on a single PC.
- Consoles (PlayStation/Xbox): Requires two standard console controllers.
- Nintendo Switch: Supports shared Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers, though tabletop or docked mode is recommended to keep the split-screen readable.
Core Mechanics and Evolving Gameplay Loops
The brilliance of the co-op design stems from how rapidly the mechanics change. The studio avoids repeating puzzle types or weapon styles. Every chapter hands Cody and May completely different asymmetrical tools that complement each other:
- Asymmetric Loadouts: One player might hold a nail gun while the other wields a hammer that can detonate those nails or propel the nail-holder across gaps.
- Genre-Switching: Over the course of the campaign, you'll transition from standard 3D platforming into top-down dungeon crawlers, rail shooters, fighting games, and puzzle-platformers reminiscent of Portal.
- Active Environmental Interaction: Beyond main objectives, the environments are packed with competitive mini-games. Finding these hidden arcade challenges breaks up the main platforming flow and introduces friendly rivalry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Play
Even seasoned gamers run into specific friction points when tackling this title together. Avoiding these common traps keeps the session fun:
- Ignoring Communication: Because abilities are asymmetric, one player often holds the key to the other's survival. Rushing ahead without telling your partner what you're doing leads to repeated deaths.
- Forgetting About Checkpoints: The game features extremely generous checkpoints and infinite lives. If you're stuck on a difficult platforming sequence, don't panic—just coordinate who respawns where so you don't cascade failures.
- Skipping Side Content: Walking past glowing markers or hidden side rooms means missing out on the game's best interactive mini-games. Take a minute to explore every nook of a room before pushing the main objective forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play the game as a single player offline?
No. The campaign has no single-player mode or AI companion. It requires two distinct human inputs at all times, managed either via local couch co-op or online play.
Do both players need to own a copy of the game?
No. Thanks to the included Friend's Pass feature, only one person needs to purchase the full game. The second player can download the Friend's Pass version on their platform for free and join your local or online session.
How long does it take to complete the campaign?
A standard playthrough takes roughly 10 to 14 hours. Pacing varies based on how many hidden mini-games you track down and how often you get stuck on puzzle-platforming sections.
Is local co-op available on all platforms?
Yes. Local split-screen couch co-op is fully supported across PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
