Best if you want a mandatory co-op adventure that constantly reinvents its mechanics, demanding real teamwork through puzzles, platforming, and action sequences that treat both players as equals.
It Takes Two stands apart because it refuses to let either player coast. Every chapter throws out the rulebook and hands you new toys—one moment you're manipulating time dials while your partner navigates hazards, the next you're piloting mismatched vehicles or combining gadgets to solve environmental puzzles. This relentless variety keeps both players mentally engaged and mechanically essential throughout the 12–14 hour campaign. The learning curve resets every hour or so as you move between genres and mechanics, which means you're constantly in that satisfying discovery phase together. One level feels like a rail shooter, another like a fighting game, then you're back to precision platforming with asymmetric abilities. It's less about mastering one system and more about adapting as a team, which keeps the pacing lively and prevents the fatigue that hits many longer co-op games. Split-screen is mandatory and intelligently designed—puzzles often require looking at your partner's screen or calling out what you see, making communication organic rather than scripted. Checkpoints are generous enough that failed jumps or mistimed actions rarely cost more than thirty seconds, so the difficulty comes from coordinating ideas rather than grinding execution. Most players will find the challenge moderate, with occasional spikes during boss encounters or timed sequences that demand tighter synchronization. Session structure is flexible: chapters break into 20–30 minute segments with clear stopping points, but the variety often pulls you into "just one more" territory. There's minimal replay value once you've seen the mechanics and moments, so this is a one-and-done journey rather than an endlessly replayable sandbox. That focused design is a strength—every idea gets its spotlight then exits before overstaying. The tone stays playful and energetic, even when touching on relationship themes, so it works whether you're playing with a romantic partner, sibling, or close friend. Just know that you need a dedicated co-op partner from start to finish; there's no solo mode or drop-in randos. If you can commit to that pairing, It Takes Two delivers one of the most inventive and consistently engaging cooperative experiences available.
2 local • 2 online
It Takes Two does not support crossplay, includes split-screen multiplayer, supports up to 2 players online, features co-op campaign mode.
Co-op • Online Multiplayer • Local Couch Co-op • Split-Screen
Game is exclusively 2-player co-op; no solo or competitive modes. Supports local split-screen co-op and online co-op for exactly 2 players. No LAN mode and no cross-play between platforms. One player can invite a friend online for free via the Friend’s Pass on the same platform family (e.g., both on Steam/Origin, or both on PlayStation, etc.). Console online play generally requires an active subscription (e.g., PS Plus, Xbox Game Pass Core/Gold).
Important details about which version to buy and where to play.
Switch version scales back visual fidelity and can feel heavier during busy scenes, but core performance remains solid. Split-screen works well on typical TV setups; handheld mode is less ideal for dual-player sessions due to screen size.
Readable subtitles, generous checkpoints, and clear visual prompts help less experienced players. No granular difficulty settings, but forgiving timing windows and quick retries reduce frustration. Limited control remapping; best suited for players comfortable with 3D movement and camera control.
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If you enjoyed It Takes Two, you'll love these similar games. We've handpicked titles based on gameplay style, difficulty, atmosphere, and what players like you are enjoying. Whether you're looking for something with a similar vibe, more challenge, or the same multiplayer features, these recommendations have you covered.
Games that capture the essence of It Takes Two with a gentler learning curve and more forgiving difficulty, perfect for newcomers to the genre.
Gentler, slower-paced co-op platforming with forgiving puzzles and simple controls, great for couples who liked the teamwork vibe but want less intensity.
Wholesome 3D co-op platformer with accessible controls, generous checkpoints, and a cheerful tone, echoing the creative teamwork without the marital drama.
Light, tactile puzzle-coop where you talk things out and experiment. Lower skill barrier than It Takes Two while keeping the playful collaboration feel.
Drop-in co-op exploring and light puzzles with Gooigi make it easy for uneven skill pairs, echoing the teamwork focus but with a more relaxed pace.
Narrative-driven games that prioritize storytelling and character development over the gameplay focus of It Takes Two.
Pure co-op narrative with constant split-screen and set-piece variety, leaning even harder into cinematic storytelling and character drama than It Takes Two.
Gentle co-op option where one player assists as Daffodil the cat, prioritizing heartfelt storytelling about relationships and letting go over challenge.
Emotionally driven adventure from the same director, with a compact but powerful narrative that focuses on family bonds over flashy mechanics.
Tighter, more focused experiences similar to It Takes Two that deliver the same gameplay loop in shorter, more streamlined sessions.
Its dedicated co-op campaign is split into self-contained test chambers, perfect for 20–40 minute puzzle bursts that still demand tight communication.
Runs are structured in short, replayable levels where you coordinate ship roles, capturing frantic co-op energy in bite-sized, easy-to-pause sessions.
Cooperative multiplayer games that emphasize teamwork and shared objectives, building on the social aspects of It Takes Two.
Chaotic kitchen coordination with up to four players, emphasizing communication and role-splitting in short stages, ideal for group co-op game nights.
Local co-op boss rush where timing and coordination are vital; a tougher, more combat-focused take on two-player teamwork for pairs wanting a skill test.
We've included this game in 6 articles.
It Takes Two claims the top spot because split-screen isn't just an option—it's the foundation of every puzzle, chase, and boss fight. Each player gets distinct abilities and their own camera view, forcing real coordination instead of one person leading. The Switch port maintains stable dual-view performance because the game was designed around two active screens from day one, making it the benchmark for cooperative split-screen design.
It Takes Two takes first place as a couples game because it's literally about two people relearning how to work together through a divorce storyline. Every level demands partner reliance—timing jumps, combining gadgets, talking through puzzles—making it feel like relationship practice wrapped in playful adventure. The upbeat pacing and constant variety keep things fun rather than heavy, ideal for couples comfortable with emotional themes who want both laughs and bonding.
It Takes Two ranks here because every chapter introduces fresh mechanics that demand genuine online coordination—manipulating time, swapping gravity, or piloting quirky vehicles together. The stable Switch online performance highlights how the game treats both players as equals throughout a GOTY-winning adventure. While replay is limited after the story concludes, dedicated duos get one of the most inventive co-op journeys available.
It Takes Two ranks high because every level completely reimagines how two players cooperate, from puzzle tools to action sequences demanding tight coordination. The co-op-only design makes each success feel genuinely shared rather than one player carrying the other. While the Switch version scales back visual detail and can feel heavier during busy moments, core performance remains solid, delivering one of the most mechanically inventive couch co-op experiences available for committed pairs.
It Takes Two secures its ranking by making story progress literally depend on shared problem-solving—every level retools mechanics around collaboration that mirrors the narrative's partnership themes. The focused campaign rarely repeats ideas, stays accessible to non-regulars, and makes co-op communication essential without stress. It's shorter and less replayable than longer picks, but as a directed, story-first two-player experience with constant meaningful interaction, it's exceptional.
It Takes Two earns its spot by treating both players as mechanically essential through constant genre shifts—one moment you're solving puzzles, the next piloting vehicles or battling bosses. Split-screen is mandatory, so coordination feels natural rather than tacked on, making it ideal for Switch's couch co-op strength and perfect for duos seeking a story-driven journey with genuine teamwork at every turn.
Common questions about this game answered by our team.
Moderate overall. Challenge comes from coordination and learning new mechanics together rather than demanding reflexes. Generous checkpoints and quick retries keep frustration low, though some late-game sequences require better timing.
12–14 hours for the full campaign. Natural breaks occur every 20–30 minutes, but varied pacing often encourages longer sessions. No meaningful content after the story ends, so it's a one-playthrough experience.
No. It Takes Two requires two players at all times—local split-screen or online. There's no AI companion or single-player mode. You need a dedicated co-op partner from start to finish.
Yes, if at least one player is comfortable with 3D games. Simple controls and forgiving checkpoints help newcomers, though constant mechanic changes mean both players stay in learning mode together. Communication matters more than skill.
Minimal. Once you've experienced the mechanics and set pieces, there's little reason to replay beyond showing a new partner. The value is in the first playthrough's constant surprises and cooperative discovery.
