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.
It Takes Two features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order — what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Tree | Chapter 1-2 | Core co-op mechanics tutorial, 5 hidden minigames | May (Player 2) |
| 2 | The Shed | Chapter 3-4 | Advanced puzzle mechanics, 5 hidden minigames, grind rail traversal | May (Player 2) |
| 3 | Pillow Fort | Chapter 5-6 | Dungeon crawler combat, size-shift puzzles, 4 hidden minigames | Cody (Player 1) |
| 4 | Cuckoo Clock | Chapter 7-8 | Time manipulation, stealth gameplay, 4 hidden minigames | Cody (Player 1) |
| 5 | Snow Globe | Chapter 9-10 (Final) | Story conclusion, final boss, endgame minigames | Cody (Player 1) |
The Tree — Starting Area
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 1-2 |
| Key Rewards | Core co-op mechanics tutorial, 5 hidden minigames |
| Recommended Build | May (Player 2) |
| Key Equipment | May's Match Gun (Tree) |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of asymmetric co-op — this is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to The Shed.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
The Shed — Early Game
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 3-4 |
| Key Rewards | Advanced puzzle mechanics, 5 hidden minigames, grind rail traversal |
| Recommended Build | May (Player 2) |
| Key Equipment | May's Match Gun (Tree) |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering genre-shifting gameplay — it's critical from this point on.
- Farm for May's Match Gun (Tree) if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Pillow Fort.
Pillow Fort — Mid Game
Cody and May's daughter's pillow fort reimagined as a medieval fantasy realm. Features a Diablo-style dungeon crawler section, a chess boss, and size-shifting mechanics. The most genre-diverse single chapter.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 5-6 |
| Key Rewards | Dungeon crawler combat, size-shift puzzles, 4 hidden minigames |
| Recommended Build | Cody (Player 1) |
| Key Equipment | May's Match Gun (Tree) |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) becomes accessible here — prioritize getting it.
- Master ability swapping for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Cuckoo Clock — Late Game
Inside a massive cuckoo clock with time manipulation mechanics. One player controls time while the other navigates changing environments. Features stealth sections and the most mechanically complex puzzles.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 7-8 |
| Key Rewards | Time manipulation, stealth gameplay, 4 hidden minigames |
| Recommended Build | Cody (Player 1) |
| Key Equipment | Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- narrative integration mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Snow Globe.
Snow Globe — Endgame
The final area set in a magical snow globe world leading to the game's climax. Features the most emotionally impactful story moments alongside challenging platforming. The final boss tests every mechanic learned throughout the game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 9-10 (Final) |
| Key Rewards | Story conclusion, final boss, endgame minigames |
| Recommended Build | Cody (Player 1) |
| Key Equipment | Cody's Sap Grenades (Tree) |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Puzzle Solver for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order — The Tree → The Shed → Pillow Fort → Cuckoo Clock → Snow Globe. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner — Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment — Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough — Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush — Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
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 Crafting Guide
- It Takes Two Classes & Characters
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