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.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option — what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody (Player 1) | S | Support-oriented player who sets up combos and accesses unique puzzle paths. | Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) | Moderate |
| May (Player 2) | S | Action-oriented player who executes combos and handles direct combat. | May's Match Gun (Tree) | Moderate |
| Ranged Specialist | A | Covers partner from range and handles distant threats. | Cody's Magnet (Shed) | Yes |
| Melee Specialist | A | Close-range fighter who draws enemy attention and protects the partner. | May's Nails (Shed) | Yes |
| Puzzle Solver | S | Shot-caller who reads the environment and directs both players' actions. | Cody's Size-Shift (Pillow Fort) | Moderate |
New player? Start with May (Player 2) — see our beginner's guide for why.
Cody (Player 1)
Cody's abilities tend toward support and setup — sap grenades create explosive zones, magnets pull and hold objects, and size-shifting accesses tiny passages. His kit often sets up May's more direct abilities. Best for players who enjoy strategic thinking.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Support-oriented player who sets up combos and accesses unique puzzle paths. |
| Best Equipment | Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) |
| Stat Priority | N/A — abilities change each chapter |
| Core Gear | Chapter-specific abilities (sap, magnets, size-shift, time clone) |
| Key Mechanic | asymmetric co-op |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Support-oriented player who sets up combos and accesses unique puzzle paths.
- Pairs well with Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree)
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Tree to learn Cody (Player 1)-specific mechanics
- Focus on asymmetric co-op — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) as your first major upgrade
- See our full Cody (Player 1) build guide for the optimal gear progression
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Action-oriented player who executes combos and handles direct combat. |
| Best Equipment | May's Match Gun (Tree) |
| Stat Priority | N/A — abilities change each chapter |
| Core Gear | Chapter-specific abilities (match gun, nails, shrink ray, time reversal) |
| Key Mechanic | genre-shifting gameplay |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Action-oriented player who executes combos and handles direct combat.
- Pairs well with May's Match Gun (Tree)
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Tree to learn May (Player 2)-specific mechanics
- Focus on genre-shifting gameplay — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize May's Match Gun (Tree) as your first major upgrade
- See our full May (Player 2) build guide for the optimal gear progression
Ranged Specialist
In chapters with ranged combat (The Tree, Space), one player handles crowd control while the other focuses targets. The ranged-focused player should prioritize covering their partner and managing ammo-equivalent resources.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Covers partner from range and handles distant threats. |
| Best Equipment | Cody's Magnet (Shed) |
| Stat Priority | N/A — no persistent stats |
| Core Gear | Match gun, sap grenades, long-range chapter abilities |
| Key Mechanic | ability swapping |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Covers partner from range and handles distant threats.
- Pairs well with Cody's Magnet (Shed)
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Tree to learn Ranged Specialist-specific mechanics
- Focus on ability swapping — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Cody's Magnet (Shed) as your first major upgrade
- See our full Ranged Specialist build guide for the optimal gear progression
Melee Specialist
Several chapters feature close-range combat where one player tanks while the other deals damage. The melee-focused player draws aggro and uses defensive abilities to protect the ranged partner.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Close-range fighter who draws enemy attention and protects the partner. |
| Best Equipment | May's Nails (Shed) |
| Stat Priority | N/A — no persistent stats |
| Core Gear | Hammer, ground pound, close-range chapter abilities |
| Key Mechanic | minigame competitions |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Close-range fighter who draws enemy attention and protects the partner.
- Pairs well with May's Nails (Shed)
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Tree to learn Melee Specialist-specific mechanics
- Focus on minigame competitions — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize May's Nails (Shed) as your first major upgrade
- See our full Melee Specialist build guide for the optimal gear progression
Puzzle Solver
The player who naturally takes the lead on puzzle sections, calling out solutions and coordinating timing. Many puzzles require precise simultaneous actions, so clear verbal communication from the puzzle-solver role is critical.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Shot-caller who reads the environment and directs both players' actions. |
| Best Equipment | Cody's Size-Shift (Pillow Fort) |
| Stat Priority | Communication > Observation > Timing |
| Core Gear | Voice communication, patience, environmental awareness |
| Key Mechanic | narrative integration |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Shot-caller who reads the environment and directs both players' actions.
- Pairs well with Cody's Size-Shift (Pillow Fort)
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Tree to learn Puzzle Solver-specific mechanics
- Focus on narrative integration — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Cody's Size-Shift (Pillow Fort) as your first major upgrade
- See our full Puzzle Solver build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
May (Player 2) is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Cody (Player 1) is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Puzzle Solver offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Melee Specialist shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
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 Boss Guide
- It Takes Two Maps & Locations
- It Takes Two Crafting Guide
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- Sea of Thieves Classes Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
- Dredge Classes Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
