Best if you want pure couch co-op chaos where grabbing your friends' hands is the entire game—simple to start, hilarious to master, and built for party nights that prioritize laughter over long-term progression.
Heave Ho distills cooperative play to its most elemental form: two grab buttons per player and a shared goal of not plummeting into a deadly ravine. That minimalism is deceptive. What starts as clumsy flailing quickly evolves into choreographed swings, human chains dangling across gaps, and clutch saves where one player's grip is all that stands between victory and a collective tumble. The physics system makes every attempt feel slightly unpredictable, turning inevitable failures into comedy rather than frustration. The learning curve is a gentle ramp that accommodates mixed-skill groups beautifully. Early stages teach you to grab ledges, swing your body weight, and coordinate simple jumps. Within minutes, new players grasp the core loop. But the skill ceiling climbs fast—later challenges demand precise timing, momentum management, and trust that your teammate won't let go mid-swing. Shared-screen presentation means everyone sees the same chaos unfold, amplifying the social feedback loop of groans, cheers, and frantic callouts. Session structure favors short bursts. Each stage takes five to fifteen minutes depending on your crew's coordination and willingness to retry. Fast restarts mean failed attempts don't sting; they're fuel for the next run. This pacing makes it ideal for party rotations or casual hangouts where you want drop-in accessibility without demanding hour-long commitments. Depth comes from mastering cooperative momentum—figuring out how to pendulum-swing a teammate across impossible gaps or form living ladders to reach distant platforms. Self-imposed challenges and leaderboards extend replay for competitive groups, though the game doesn't push long-term progression hooks. The trade-off is scope. Heave Ho is laser-focused on local multiplayer physics puzzles, with no online modes or sprawling campaign to unlock. Its appeal hinges entirely on having friends in the room and valuing moment-to-moment laughter over narrative payoff or content volume. For groups seeking a skill-based party game that rewards practice without punishing newcomers, it's unmatched. For solo players or those wanting meaty progression systems, it'll feel thin. The magic lives in the space between competence and chaos—that sweet spot where you're good enough to almost succeed, but physics and human error guarantee something ridiculous will happen anyway.
4 local
Multiplayer • Co-op • PvP • Local Couch Co-op • Split-Screen • Shared Screen
Party game designed for local couch co-op with up to 4 players. No native online multiplayer, but can be played online via Steam Remote Play Together (PC only). Features both cooperative mode and competitive Versus Mode with 20 exclusive levels (added August 2020). Versus Mode supports 2v2 teams, 3v1, or free-for-all formats. Controller required for local multiplayer. Players use physics-based swinging mechanics to reach goals without falling. Game is primarily designed for multiplayer and is significantly less enjoyable in single-player.
Important details about which version to buy and where to play.
Switch version supports single Joy-Con play per person, making it budget-friendly for full four-player sessions. Tabletop mode works well thanks to bold character outlines and strong color contrast, though docked play on a larger screen enhances the shared chaos.
Two-button controls (grab left, grab right) make it extremely approachable for players uncomfortable with complex inputs. Clear visual design with high-contrast characters and readable silhouettes helps players track their avatar in chaotic moments. No menus or systems to parse—just jump in and play.
Click any screenshot to view in full size
Based on gameplay, tone, and audience, here are games you might enjoy if you like Heave Ho.
Chaotic couch co-op where shouting, tossing food, and laughing at failure define the night; quick rounds, simple controls, and up to 4 players keep party energy high.
Wobbly physics brawls and ridiculous knockouts make this a go-to party pick; like Heave Ho it thrives on slapstick, shouting, and friends trying to sabotage each other.
Build deadly platforming levels for your friends in real time; shared screen, goofy physics traps, and constant one-upmanship fuel long, hilarious couch sessions.
Tight arena archery matches last seconds, not minutes, making it easy for anyone to jump in; local multiplayer focus, simple inputs, and instant restarts mirror Heave Ho’s flow.
Four-player physics slapstick on tiny arenas; rounds last seconds, controls are simple, and wild weapons drop in at random, making it ideal for spontaneous quick matches.
Fast duels where each tug-of-war bout is over quickly; minimal controls, immediate rematches, and shared-screen chaos suit quick sessions with friends on the couch.
Co-op physics puzzler where floppy characters must grab, climb, and swing together; similar grabby chaos to Heave Ho but stretched across open-ended sandbox levels.
Teams must coordinate to lay tracks and keep a train moving; like Heave Ho, communication and improvised problem-solving are key, with a strong local co-op focus.
Up to four players scramble around a ship, manning turrets and shields together; frantic coordination and shared-screen co-op echo Heave Ho’s teamwork-driven chaos.
Micro-games last only seconds, with ever-changing rules and shared-screen mayhem; a great fit if you like Heave Ho’s short, focused stages and fast failure-retry loop.
Physics-driven co-op in zero-G where each limb is mapped to controls; missions are broken into neat chunks, giving compact sessions of deliberate, hilarious fumbling.
Board-game framework hides dozens of tiny, self-contained minigames; each burst of action is brief and easy to reset, keeping the same snack-sized feel as Heave Ho runs.
We've included this game in 2 articles.
Heave Ho takes the top spot because it nails the essence of couch co-op: simple controls, shared-screen chaos, and constant laughter. Up to 4 players literally link together to swing across obstacles, creating organic comedy from every tumble. The two-button setup welcomes everyone, while the need to physically coordinate transforms failures into funny stories. It's light on long-term goals but unmatched for social nights.
Heave Ho earns its spot by turning holding hands into a literal mechanic—players must grab and swing together to traverse physics puzzles. Its minimalist two-button control scheme makes it instantly accessible, yet mastering momentum with your crew creates a hilarious skill ceiling. It visualizes teamwork better than most co-op games and runs flawlessly on Switch, perfect for couch sessions where communication is key.
Common questions about this game answered by our team.
Early stages are forgiving and teach basics quickly. Later levels demand tight timing and team coordination, but difficulty comes from teamwork challenges rather than punishing mechanics. Failure is funny, not frustrating, for most groups.
Technically yes, but it's designed for local multiplayer and loses most of its charm alone. The entire appeal is coordinating (and failing) with friends in the same room.
A playthrough takes a few hours depending on your group's skill, but the real value is in replaying stages with different crews or chasing better times. Think party game, not story campaign.
Absolutely. Two-button controls and instant feedback make it welcoming for anyone. The physics create natural comedy that keeps less experienced players engaged even when struggling.
No, it's local-only. You need friends on the couch, which is core to its design—shared screens and shoulder-to-shoulder chaos drive the fun.
