It Takes Two is Hazelight Studios' GOTY-winning cooperative adventure that can only be played with a partner. You play as Cody and May, a divorcing couple magically transformed into dolls by their daughter's tears. Each chapter introduces entirely new mechanics — one level you're a third-person shooter, the next a rhythm game, then a Diablo-style dungeon crawler. The asymmetric design means both players always have different abilities that must be combined to progress. With the Friend's Pass allowing a second player to join free, it's the most accessible premium co-op game available.
Starting It Takes Two can feel overwhelming. This guide tells you exactly what to focus on during your first hours so you don't waste time on things that don't matter yet.
What Kind of Game Is This?
It Takes Two is a adventure game built around asymmetric co-op and genre-shifting gameplay. The core loop involves mastering these systems to progress through increasingly challenging content.
What to expect: Time investment in learning mechanics, experimentation, and gradual mastery. The game rewards patience and knowledge.
Choosing Your First Build
| Build | Beginner Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cody (Player 1) | Good (but demanding) | Support-oriented player who sets up combos and accesses unique puzzle paths. |
| May (Player 2) | Good (but demanding) | Action-oriented player who executes combos and handles direct combat. |
| Ranged Specialist | Excellent for beginners | Covers partner from range and handles distant threats. |
| Melee Specialist | Excellent for beginners | Close-range fighter who draws enemy attention and protects the partner. |
| Puzzle Solver | Good (but demanding) | Shot-caller who reads the environment and directs both players' actions. |
Our recommendation: Start with May (Player 2). May's abilities are typically more direct and action-oriented — match gun ignites Cody's sap, nails pin objects in place, and her hammer smashes through obstacles. Her kit tends toward the 'execute' role in the combo. Best for action-focused players.
Avoid Puzzle Solver as your first pick. The player who naturally takes the lead on puzzle sections, calling out solutions and coordinating timing.
First Session Step-by-Step
Step 1: Learn asymmetric co-op
Cody and May always have different abilities in every chapter. In The Tree, Cody throws explosive sap while May shoots matches to ignite it. In The Shed, Cody controls magnets while May fires nails. Every puzzle and combat encounter requires both players' unique tools, making communication essential.
This is the foundation. Spend your first 15-30 minutes getting comfortable with how asymmetric co-op works before worrying about anything else.
Step 2: Head to The Tree
The first major level set inside and around a giant tree. Introduces sap/match combo mechanics. Features a wasp queen boss fight and honey-themed platforming. The tutorial for the game's asymmetric design philosophy.
Clear the main content here before moving on. Everything teaches fundamentals you'll need later.
Step 3: Get Your First Upgrade
Look for May's Match Gun (Tree) — it's the most accessible early upgrade. Fires flaming matches that ignite Cody's sap on contact. Also deals direct fire damage to enemies. The interaction between sap and matches is the first example of the game's asymmetric combo design.
Step 4: Understand genre-shifting gameplay
Each chapter is essentially a different game genre. The Tree is a third-person action game, Pillow Fort is a dungeon crawler, the Space section becomes a rail shooter, and Cuckoo Clock features stealth and rhythm mechanics. No two chapters play the same way.
This is the system most new players overlook. Invest time here early — it pays off throughout the entire game.
Step 5: Push to The Shed
A toolshed reimagined as a massive industrial complex. Magnet and nail mechanics create physics-based puzzles. Features a vacuum cleaner boss and multiple rail-grinding sections. More complex puzzles than The Tree.
Essential Mechanics Explained
asymmetric co-op
Cody and May always have different abilities in every chapter. In The Tree, Cody throws explosive sap while May shoots matches to ignite it. In The Shed, Cody controls magnets while May fires nails. Every puzzle and combat encounter requires both players' unique tools, making communication essential.
genre-shifting gameplay
Each chapter is essentially a different game genre. The Tree is a third-person action game, Pillow Fort is a dungeon crawler, the Space section becomes a rail shooter, and Cuckoo Clock features stealth and rhythm mechanics. No two chapters play the same way.
ability swapping
Some chapters swap Cody and May's abilities at midpoints, forcing players to learn both sides. This keeps both players equally engaged and prevents one person from dominating. The swap also reveals new puzzle solutions using familiar mechanics from a different perspective.
minigame competitions
25 hidden competitive minigames are scattered throughout levels — whack-a-mole, chess, volleyball, shuffleboard, and more. They're purely competitive between the two players and track wins across the playthrough. Finding them all requires thorough exploration.
narrative integration
Gameplay mechanics directly reflect the story themes. Cody and May must literally cooperate to progress, mirroring their need to rebuild their relationship. Boss fights represent obstacles in their marriage. The mechanical design and narrative are inseparable.
Common Beginner Mistakes
1. Trying to play solo — It Takes Two has no single-player option and the AI can't control the second character
This is a common trap that costs new players significant time.
2. Not exploring off the main path and missing the competitive minigames (whack-a-mole, chess, etc
)
3. One player dominating puzzle solutions instead of communicating — both players need to understand the solution
This is a common trap that costs new players significant time.
4. Rushing through chapters without experimenting with the unique abilities — each chapter's mechanics are temporary
This is a common trap that costs new players significant time.
5. Playing with a partner who has vastly different skill levels without patience — some platforming sections require both players to succeed
This is a common trap that costs new players significant time.
First 5 Hours Checklist
- Understand asymmetric co-op and genre-shifting gameplay
- Choose May (Player 2) as starting build
- Clear The Tree main content
- Acquire May's Match Gun (Tree) or equivalent upgrade
- Reach The Shed
- Use the Friend's Pass — only one copy of the game is needed; the second player downloads a free trial that accesses the full game in co-op
- Every chapter's abilities are self-contained; don't worry about 'wasting' anything between levels
Tips for New Players
- Use the Friend's Pass — only one copy of the game is needed; the second player downloads a free trial that accesses the full game in co-op
- Every chapter's abilities are self-contained; don't worry about 'wasting' anything between levels
- The vacuum cleaner boss in The Shed requires one player to bait its attacks while the other hits the weak point from behind
- In the Pillow Fort dungeon crawler section, Cody's abilities are melee and May's are ranged — play to those strengths
- The Cuckoo Clock stealth sections are easier if the time-controller slows time while the other player sneaks past
- There are 25 competitive minigames total hidden throughout the game — the counter in the menu tracks your progress
- During boss fights, reviving your downed partner should always be top priority; bosses don't deal enough damage to punish the revive
- The elephant scene in Cody's section is one of the most memorable (and disturbing) moments — no, you can't avoid it
- Play with someone you have good communication with — the game is designed for conversation and shared problem-solving
- A full playthrough takes 12-14 hours; it's not designed for replaying but switching Cody/May roles gives a fresh perspective
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play It Takes Two solo?
No, it's exclusively a two-player co-op game. There is no AI companion or single-player mode. You need either a couch co-op partner or an online partner.
Does the Friend's Pass work for the full game?
Yes, only one person needs to buy the game. The second player downloads a free Friend's Pass that gives access to the entire game when playing with the owner.
Is it couch co-op or online only?
Both. You can play split-screen on the same device or online with a friend. Cross-play is not supported — both players need the same platform.
How long is the game?
12-14 hours for one playthrough. There's limited replay value beyond switching which player is Cody/May for a different ability experience.
Is it appropriate for kids?
Mostly yes — it's rated T. The themes of divorce are handled maturely but accessibly. One scene involving a stuffed elephant is surprisingly intense and has been controversial.
What to Read Next
- It Takes Two Builds — Optimize your build once you've learned the basics
- It Takes Two Walkthrough — Full progression path
- It Takes Two Tips — Advanced strategies for when you're ready
