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.
Boss fights are where It Takes Two tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
| Area | Difficulty | Recommended Build | Key Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Tree | Easy | May (Player 2) | May's Match Gun (Tree) |
| The Shed | Moderate | May (Player 2) | May's Match Gun (Tree) |
| Pillow Fort | Hard | Cody (Player 1) | Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) |
| Cuckoo Clock | Very Hard | Cody (Player 1) | Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) |
| Snow Globe | Extreme | Cody (Player 1) | Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) |
The Tree Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Chapter 1-2 Recommended build: May (Player 2) with May's Match Gun (Tree)
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Cody and May always have different abilities in every chapter — this is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use asymmetric co-op to create safe windows.
- May's Match Gun (Tree) is enough to handle everything here.
The Shed Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Chapter 3-4 Recommended build: May (Player 2) with May's Match Gun (Tree)
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of genre-shifting gameplay. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- genre-shifting gameplay is critical for these fights.
- Farm May's Match Gun (Tree) upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to May (Player 2) if your current setup isn't working.
Pillow Fort Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Chapter 5-6 Recommended build: Cody (Player 1) with Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree)
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both asymmetric co-op and ability swapping mastery.
- Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) makes a significant difference — get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Cuckoo Clock Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Chapter 7-8 Recommended build: Cody (Player 1) with Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree)
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns — most have 2-3 phases.
Snow Globe Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Chapter 9-10 (Final) Recommended build: Cody (Player 1) with Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree)
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic — see our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight — Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build — Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your equipment — A max-upgraded Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use asymmetric co-op — The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough — Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More It Takes Two Guides
- It Takes Two It Takes Two Overview
- It Takes Two Best Builds
- It Takes Two Tier List
- It Takes Two Walkthrough
- It Takes Two Beginner's Guide
- It Takes Two Tips & Tricks
- It Takes Two Weapons Guide
- It Takes Two Combat Guide
- It Takes Two Maps & Locations
- It Takes Two Crafting Guide
- It Takes Two Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy It Takes Two, check out these related guides:
- Red Dead Redemption 2 Boss Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
- Sea of Thieves Boss Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
- Dredge Boss Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
