Few co-op games weaponize the emotional connection between two people quite like It Takes Two. Hazelight Studios built this platform adventure around a divorcing couple trying to repair their fractured relationship — and somewhere between the floating platforms and talking self-help books, couples around the world discovered that a shared controller can do more for a relationship than a dozen candlelit dinners. If you’ve been eyeing this game wondering whether it’s worth the price tag, whether your partner will actually enjoy it, and whether you can play it without buying two copies, here’s everything you actually need to know.
Developer: Hazelight Studios · Publisher: Electronic Arts · Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch · Co-op Feature: Free Friend’s Pass · Awards: Game of the Year
Quick snapshot
- Mandatory two-player co-op only (Eneba Hub)
- Free Friend’s Pass on Steam, eShop, PS Store, MS Store, EA App (EA Official Site)
- First chapter free without game ownership (EA Official Site)
- Co-op games: 6% of Steam releases but 36% of units sold in 2023 (Sensor Tower Report)
- Console crossplay at 92%, PC at 85% as of 2025 (Coop Board Games)
- Hazelight continues co-op-focused development model (Nintendo Official Store)
- Friend’s Pass remains standard feature across all platforms (EA Official Site)
Key facts about It Takes Two establish its credentials as the definitive co-op platformer for couples and friends alike.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 26, 2021 |
| Genre | Co-op Platform Adventure |
| Players | 2 (local/online co-op) |
| ESRB Rating | T for Teen |
| Developer | Hazelight Studios |
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
How many hours to finish It Takes Two?
Most players complete the main story in 10–12 hours, according to community playtime data from Eneba Hub. That’s roughly one or two extended gaming sessions for couples working through the narrative together.
Main story length
The story-driven campaign delivers a complete narrative arc within that window. Players report that the pacing keeps momentum steady — no filler chapters designed to stretch playtime artificially.
Completionist playtime
Those hunting every collectible and chasing all achievements can expect 15+ hours total. For most couples, the main path hits the sweet spot between investment and payoff.
Is It Takes Two a free game?
It Takes Two isn’t free by default, but the Friend’s Pass feature effectively lets you play with a friend at no additional cost. Steam Store describes it as a way to “download Friend’s Pass and play It Takes Two with a friend for free.”
Free download options
The Friend’s Pass works differently depending on where you access it. On Steam, the first chapter is playable without owning the full game. Once you’ve connected with the game owner, the co-op experience unlocks fully.
Friend’s Pass feature
One person needs to own the full game. That owner can then invite a friend through the Friend’s Pass, and the invited friend gets complete access to the entire campaign at zero cost. The feature is available across EA’s official site on Steam, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and EA App.
Both players must be on the same platform — Steam users can only invite Steam friends, PlayStation owners can only connect with PlayStation players. Cross-platform co-op isn’t supported.
Is It Takes Two a fun game for couples?
It Takes Two earned the “Ultimate Game to Play with Your Partner” tag from the Let’s Play Therapy Institute precisely because the gameplay mechanics reward communication over reflexes. Nintendo Official Store calls it “developed by Hazelight, the industry-leader of cooperative play.”
Co-op mechanics for partners
The game requires two players with different abilities — one might manipulate gravity while the other operates a platform. This isn’t a game where one person can carry the other. Success demands talking through puzzles together, which mirrors exactly the kind of collaborative problem-solving that strengthens relationships.
Relationship-building aspects
The story follows a couple on the brink of divorce working through a metaphorical journey to rebuild their connection. Playing it together creates an emotional parallel: you’re literally solving problems as a team while hearing a story about why teamwork matters.
Co-op games outperform non-co-op titles by 1,313% in lifetime sales for top Steam titles, according to Warped Games. It Takes Two sits at the apex of this category — it’s not just fun, it’s structured fun with relationship benefits baked in.
Can I play It Takes Two alone?
It Takes Two was created purely for co-op — there is no single-player mode, no AI partner, no way to play alone. Eneba Hub confirms it is “mandatory two-player local or online co-op.”
Single-player options
You cannot buy one copy and experience the story solo. The game simply won’t launch without a second person present — either in the same room or connected online.
Co-op requirements
Requirements are minimal: one person owns the game, the other uses Friend’s Pass. Both need stable internet for online sessions, and both must be on compatible platforms. The technical bar is low enough that anyone with a gaming device and a connection can participate.
What age is appropriate for It Takes Two?
It Takes Two carries a T for Teen rating from the ESRB. CG Magazine describes it as “rated Teen in some contexts, suitable for family with caveats.”
Content ratings
The Teen rating reflects animated violence, mild language, and thematic elements around relationship conflict and divorce. Nothing is graphic or explicit — blood is cartoonish, conflict is emotional rather than physical. The emotional weight involves a couple considering separation, which younger children may not contextualize well.
Inappropriate scenes
Parents should know the game includes scenes where the couple argues, contemplates divorce, and occasionally engages in mild romantic sequences. No explicit content exists, but the emotional narrative centers on relationship breakdown and reconciliation — topics that require some maturity to process.
Age 12+ generally handles the content appropriately, but families should evaluate whether younger players can process the divorce narrative without distress. The gameplay itself is family-friendly; it’s the story context that requires judgment.
It Takes Two Specs and Details
Six critical specs shape the It Takes Two experience: platform availability, co-op scope, playtime range, pricing model, content rating, and developer pedigree.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch |
| Co-op Type | Local and online — same platform only |
| Main Story Playtime | 10–12 hours |
| Full Completion | 15+ hours |
| Friend’s Pass | Free co-op access across all major platforms |
| Cross-Platform Support | Not supported — same platform required |
| Content Rating | ESRB T for Teen |
| Developer | Hazelight Studios |
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
| Release Date | March 26, 2021 |
| Genre | Action-Adventure Platformer Puzzle Co-op |
Upsides
- Complete co-op experience without buying two copies via Friend’s Pass (Steam Store)
- Meaningful gameplay loop designed specifically for relationship bonding (Nintendo Official Store)
- Industry-leading 10–12 hour campaign that respects your time (Eneba Hub)
- Available on every major platform including Nintendo Switch (Eneba Hub)
- Co-op games outsell non-co-op by 1,313% — player satisfaction is proven (Warped Games)
Downsides
- No solo play option — two players mandatory at all times (Eneba Hub)
- No cross-platform multiplayer — friends must share your platform (Nintendo Official Store)
- Teen rating means younger children may struggle with divorce themes (CG Magazine)
- Playtime may feel short for players expecting 40+ hour adventures (Eneba Hub)
- Requires stable internet for online co-op sessions
What Players and Critics Say
“Download Friend’s Pass and play It Takes Two with a friend for free.”
— Steam Store (Official Platform)
“It Takes Two is developed by Hazelight, the industry-leader of cooperative play.”
— Nintendo Store (Official Platform)
“Only 6% of Steam games released in 2023 were co-op, but they make up 36% of the units sold.”
— Sensor Tower (Analytics Report on Co-op Market)
For couples and co-op partners, It Takes Two delivers something rare: a game where the price of admission is genuinely shared, the gameplay forces communication, and the emotional payoff tracks alongside the narrative arc. The catch is structural — you need two people, on the same platform, willing to invest 10–12 hours together. But for those who meet those conditions, the alternative is clear: play It Takes Two together, or miss out on one of the best co-op experiences ever made.
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argentics.io, screenwiseapp.com, midiaresearch.com, parentingpatch.com
Frequently asked questions
Does It Takes Two have multiplayer?
Yes. It Takes Two supports both local co-op (two players on the same device) and online co-op via the Friend’s Pass. However, both players must be on the same platform — you cannot play with someone on a different console or store.
Is It Takes Two on Game Pass?
It Takes Two was available on Xbox Game Pass but availability can change. Check the current Xbox Game Pass library for the most up-to-date status.
What platforms support It Takes Two?
It Takes Two runs on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The Friend’s Pass works across all these platforms, with Steam, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and EA App all supporting the feature.
Has It Takes Two won awards?
Yes. It Takes Two won Game of the Year at multiple award ceremonies, validating its position as one of the best co-op experiences in gaming.
Is It Takes Two available on Switch?
It Takes Two is available on Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop. The Switch version supports the Friend’s Pass feature for online co-op with other Switch players.
Can friends play It Takes Two for free?
The Friend’s Pass allows one friend to play the entire game for free when paired with a game owner. On Steam specifically, the first chapter is even playable without any game owner present. This effectively means you only need one purchase to play with a friend.
What is the story of It Takes Two?
The game follows a couple on the verge of divorce who are transported into a fantasy world where they must work together to rebuild their relationship. Each level represents an emotional or relationship challenge, with the gameplay mechanics themselves designed to reward cooperation and communication.
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Jessica Morin is Provincial Affairs Editor at Toronto Post, covering Ontario policy, provincial politics and regional economics.