It Takes Two is a critically acclaimed cooperative adventure game developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts. Released in March 2021, the game quickly gained popularity for its innovative gameplay, heartwarming story, and the unique requirement that it must be played with a partner. Designed as a cooperative experience, It Takes Two emphasizes teamwork, communication, and collaboration, offering a variety of puzzles and challenges that require two players to work together.
One of the major questions players have when diving into this delightful game is whether it supports crossplay – the ability for players on different platforms to play together. In this article, we’ll explore how It Takes Two handles crossplay, the options available for cooperative play, and what this means for players looking to team up with friends on different platforms.
What is Crossplay?
Crossplay, also known as cross-platform play, refers to the ability of players using different gaming platforms (such as PlayStation, Xbox, or PC) to play together in the same game. Crossplay has become increasingly popular in recent years as games expand their multiplayer options and developers seek to create more inclusive gaming communities.
For games like It Takes Two, which are heavily reliant on cooperative multiplayer, crossplay can significantly enhance the experience by allowing friends who own different gaming systems to enjoy the game together without the need for everyone to own the same console or gaming device.
Does It Takes Two Support Crossplay?
As of now, It Takes Two does not support full crossplay in the traditional sense. However, it does offer a cross-generation play feature, which allows players on the same family of consoles (for example, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, or Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S) to play together.
While the absence of full crossplay might be disappointing for some players hoping to connect across completely different platforms, Hazelight Studios has implemented several features that still allow for a broad range of cooperative play possibilities. These features include Friend’s Pass and cross-generation compatibility, both of which provide flexibility for players looking to enjoy the game with friends.
Cross-Generation Play
Cross-generation play is a feature that allows players using different generations of the same console family to play together. For It Takes Two, this means that:
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 players can team up and play together.
- Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players can also join forces.
This feature is particularly useful given the ongoing transition between console generations, where many players might not yet have upgraded to the latest hardware. By supporting cross-generation play, It Takes Two ensures that players aren’t left out simply because they haven’t moved to a newer console.
The Friend’s Pass System
One of the standout features of It Takes Two is the Friend’s Pass system. Understanding that not everyone may have the game or may want to purchase it, Hazelight Studios introduced this feature to make cooperative play as accessible as possible.
How the Friend’s Pass Works
The Friend’s Pass allows one player who owns the full version of It Takes Two to invite a friend to play the entire game with them, even if the friend doesn’t own a copy of the game. The invited friend simply needs to download the Friend’s Pass version of the game, which is free, and then accept the invitation from the player who owns the full version.
This system is compatible across both generations of the same console family, meaning:
- A player on PlayStation 5 can invite a friend on PlayStation 4 to play.
- Similarly, a player on Xbox Series X/S can invite a friend on Xbox One.
This approach is particularly consumer-friendly, as it lowers the barrier to entry for cooperative play. The Friend’s Pass makes it easy for players to experience the game together without both needing to purchase it, which is especially appealing given the cooperative nature of the game.
Limitations of the Friend’s Pass
While the Friend’s Pass is an excellent feature, it does have some limitations. For instance:
- It is not cross-platform. A player on PlayStation cannot invite a friend on Xbox or PC, and vice versa.
- Both players need to have access to online services for their respective consoles (such as PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold) to use the Friend’s Pass in online multiplayer mode.
Despite these limitations, the Friend’s Pass significantly enhances the accessibility of the game, making it easier for friends to enjoy the full cooperative experience.
Online and Local Co-Op
It Takes Two offers both online and local co-op modes, catering to different player preferences and setups.
Online Co-Op
In online co-op, two players can connect over the internet to play together, using either the Friend’s Pass or by both owning a copy of the game. As mentioned earlier, while crossplay is not supported across different platforms, players on the same console family can still connect. This is particularly useful for friends who are geographically distant or during times when in-person play isn’t possible.
Local Co-Op (Couch Co-Op)
For those who prefer playing together in the same room, It Takes Two offers local co-op, also known as couch co-op. This mode allows two players to share a single screen while playing on the same console or PC. The game’s design lends itself well to this style of play, with split-screen visuals that make it easy for both players to see what’s happening at all times.
Local co-op is a great way to experience the game, especially for players who enjoy the immediacy and camaraderie of playing side-by-side. The split-screen format ensures that both players are engaged in the action simultaneously, reinforcing the game’s emphasis on teamwork.
The Future of Crossplay in It Takes Two
As of now, there has been no official announcement from Hazelight Studios or Electronic Arts regarding the implementation of full crossplay in It Takes Two. However, the gaming industry is increasingly moving toward cross-platform compatibility as a standard feature, so it’s possible that future updates or a sequel could include full crossplay support.
The success of crossplay in other multiplayer titles has shown that it can significantly enhance the player base and make it easier for friends to connect and play together, regardless of their chosen platform. For It Takes Two, implementing full crossplay would likely be a popular feature among fans and could further extend the game’s appeal.
Conclusion
While It Takes Two does not currently support full crossplay, the game offers several features that allow for a wide range of cooperative play experiences. The cross-generation play feature ensures that players on different versions of the same console family can still enjoy the game together, while the Friend’s Pass system lowers the barrier to entry, allowing one player to invite a friend to play the entire game for free.
Whether you’re playing online or in the same room, It Takes Two delivers a unique and engaging cooperative experience that is both challenging and heartwarming. The game’s focus on teamwork, communication, and creativity makes it a standout title in the cooperative gaming genre, and its various co-op options ensure that it can be enjoyed by as many players as possible.
For those hoping for full crossplay in the future, there is always the possibility that Hazelight Studios will expand the game’s capabilities in future updates or sequels. Until then, the existing features provide ample opportunities for players to embark on this magical adventure together, regardless of their platform.
