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.
Combat in It Takes Two rewards knowledge over reflexes. Understanding how each mechanic works — and how they interact — is what turns a struggling player into a dominant one. New here? Start with our beginner's guide for the basics.
Core Combat Mechanics
1. 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.
Why it matters: This is the foundation of all combat. Everything else builds on this.
2. 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.
Why it matters: The most underrated mechanic. Players who master this early have a massive advantage.
3. 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.
Why it matters: Unlocks a new layer of gameplay depth once understood.
4. 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.
Why it matters: The tactical edge that separates average players from advanced ones.
5. 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.
Why it matters: The endgame optimization mechanic. Small improvements here compound into massive gains.
Mechanic Synergies
Understanding how mechanics interact is where real optimization happens:
asymmetric co-op + genre-shifting gameplay
Cody and May always have different abilities in every chapter. When combined with genre-shifting gameplay, each chapter is essentially a different game genre. This combination is the core of every effective build.
ability swapping + minigame competitions
Some chapters swap Cody and May's abilities at midpoints, forcing players to learn both sides. Paired with minigame competitions, 25 hidden competitive minigames are scattered throughout levels — whack-a-mole, chess, volleyball, shuffleboard, and more. This is why the tier list favors builds that leverage both.
narrative integration as a Multiplier
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. This system amplifies everything else — the better your narrative integration optimization, the more your other mechanics pay off.
Combat by Build
Each build approaches combat differently:
Cody (Player 1) (S-Tier)
Combat approach: Support-oriented player who sets up combos and accesses unique puzzle paths. Key equipment: Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) Primary mechanic: asymmetric co-op
Cody's abilities tend toward support and setup — sap grenades create explosive zones, magnets pull and hold objects, and size-shifting accesses tiny passages. Full setup in our builds guide.
May (Player 2) (S-Tier)
Combat approach: Action-oriented player who executes combos and handles direct combat. Key equipment: May's Match Gun (Tree) Primary mechanic: genre-shifting gameplay
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. Full setup in our builds guide.
Ranged Specialist (A-Tier)
Combat approach: Covers partner from range and handles distant threats. Key equipment: Cody's Magnet (Shed) Primary mechanic: ability swapping
In chapters with ranged combat (The Tree, Space), one player handles crowd control while the other focuses targets. Full setup in our builds guide.
Melee Specialist (A-Tier)
Combat approach: Close-range fighter who draws enemy attention and protects the partner. Key equipment: May's Nails (Shed) Primary mechanic: minigame competitions
Several chapters feature close-range combat where one player tanks while the other deals damage. Full setup in our builds guide.
Puzzle Solver (S-Tier)
Combat approach: Shot-caller who reads the environment and directs both players' actions. Key equipment: Cody's Size-Shift (Pillow Fort) Primary mechanic: narrative integration
The player who naturally takes the lead on puzzle sections, calling out solutions and coordinating timing. Full setup in our builds guide.
Advanced Combat Techniques
Damage Optimization
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities
- Exploit asymmetric co-op for maximum damage windows
- Chain genre-shifting gameplay and ability swapping for combo damage
- Use minigame competitions to create openings
Survivability
- Learn enemy patterns before committing to attacks
- 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
- Position using asymmetric co-op to control spacing
- Save defensive options for guaranteed survival, not comfort
Boss Combat
Bosses test your understanding of every mechanic. See our boss guide for fight-specific strategies.
- Phase awareness — Most bosses change behavior at health thresholds
- Patience over aggression — One extra hit per opening beats dying to greed
- Build preparation — Swap gear and equipment for specific fights when needed
Common Combat Mistakes
- Button mashing — Committed attacks have recovery frames. Mashing locks you into animations.
- Ignoring genre-shifting gameplay — This mechanic exists for a reason. Players who use it take significantly less damage.
- Wrong equipment for the situation — Check our weapons guide for situational picks.
- Not learning from deaths — Every death teaches something. If you don't know why you died, you'll die the same way again.
- Overcommitting — Trading hits works in The Tree but will get you killed in Snow Globe.
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 Boss 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 Combat Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
- Sea of Thieves Combat Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
- Dredge Combat Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
