Hazelight Studios made waves with A Way Out, a game that stood out in the crowded market thanks to its uncompromising dedication to co-op gameplay and strong narrative cohesion. And while that title wasn’t without its flaws, it introduced something that was undeniably rare—an experience built from the ground up to be played together. With their next venture, It Takes Two, Hazelight isn’t just repeating the formula—they’re transforming it into something far more ambitious. Here’s a detailed guide to what makes this game a must-watch title for co-op lovers.

The Premise: A Tale of Two Dolls and One Broken Relationship

At its core, It Takes Two follows the story of Cody and May, a couple teetering on the edge of separation. Their emotional rift takes a surreal turn when they are magically transformed into dolls, forced to cooperate in bizarre and fantastical environments if they want to return to their human forms. Helping them on their journey is Dr. Hakim, a talking book of love therapy and comic relief rolled into one. But what really pushes this game’s premise to the next level is how it fuses gameplay and story—something Hazelight aims to excel at.

Genre-Bending Gameplay That Refuses to Stay in a Box

Describing It Takes Two as a “genre-bending experience” is more than just marketing fluff. From what we’ve seen, it promises to be an ever-shifting kaleidoscope of gameplay. One moment you’re platforming in a garden filled with sentient tools; the next, you’re solving puzzles, dodging hazards, or partaking in shooting segments that wouldn’t feel out of place in an action-heavy title. And unlike games that might lean on a single core mechanic, It Takes Two keeps you on your toes with new challenges that match the narrative beat-for-beat.

This variety isn’t incidental—it’s a design philosophy. Joseph Fares, the game’s enthusiastic and outspoken director, proudly stated that the title could break a world record for gameplay variation. According to him, there’s simply no chance players will get tired of the game because something fresh and inventive is always around the next corner.

Narrative and Gameplay: A Seamless Marriage

Fares has long been a vocal critic of the disconnect between gameplay and storytelling in many modern titles. With It Takes Two, Hazelight takes a bold stance to eradicate that gap entirely. The gameplay evolves based on the emotional context of the story. For instance, in one standout segment, May struggles with feeling overwhelmed by the lack of time, while Cody sees time as endless. This manifests in wildly inventive gameplay—Cody can manipulate time itself, while May can exist in two places simultaneously.

This kind of synchronization isn’t just for flair; it reinforces the emotional stakes while keeping players deeply engaged with what the characters are going through. It’s a thoughtful approach that speaks to Hazelight’s growing mastery over narrative-driven co-op design.

A Bigger, Longer Adventure

If you thought A Way Out was a compact experience, prepare for a much longer ride. It Takes Two is slated to take around 14–15 hours to complete—a significant step up from its predecessor’s 6–8 hour runtime. That extra time isn’t just filler; it’s packed with varied gameplay, mini-games, side content, and hidden secrets to discover. The goal here isn’t just to prolong the game but to make every hour count.

Mini-Games and Secrets Galore

Throughout its lengthy campaign, players can expect to engage with approximately 25 different mini-games, each offering a break from the main storyline while reinforcing the spirit of fun and teamwork. While not all details have been shared, it’s clear these won’t be throwaway activities—they’re designed as optional yet meaningful experiences that reward exploration and curiosity. Notably, while there are no traditional collectibles, side content and secrets will still give players plenty of reasons to veer off the main path.

Solid Performance on All Platforms

Launching across both current and next-gen platforms, It Takes Two is optimized for smooth gameplay no matter where you play. Hazelight confirmed a 60 FPS target even on last-gen consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One. Of course, the game will take advantage of the extra horsepower of newer systems such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, but performance won’t be a barrier for players regardless of their setup.

The Friend’s Pass – Co-Op Without Barriers

One of the most player-friendly features returning from A Way Out is the Friend’s Pass. With this, only one player needs to own the game to enjoy the full experience in online co-op. You can send an invite to anyone and play the entire game with them for free, making it incredibly accessible. This offer isn’t limited to one-time use either—you can play with as many friends as you want (one at a time). On Steam, the game uses Remote Play Together to enable the same function.

However, there is one key limitation: no cross-play. That means if you’re on a PS5, your friend on Xbox Series X won’t be able to join you. That said, cross-generation play is supported, allowing PS4 and PS5 players to connect with each other without issue.

No Switch Port (For Now)

Despite the growing popularity of the Nintendo Switch, It Takes Two won’t be making its way to the platform anytime soon. The technical demands of constant split-screen co-op and the sheer amount of “stuff going on” (to paraphrase Fares) make such a port unlikely. Hazelight currently has no plans to adapt the game for Nintendo’s hybrid console, and if it ever happens, it’ll likely be a significant technical challenge.

Final Thoughts

It Takes Two isn’t just a co-op game—it’s a handcrafted experience that uses its mechanics to tell a story, foster connection, and explore the highs and lows of a relationship. Whether it’s the genre-bending gameplay, the rich narrative integration, or the unique Friend’s Pass, every detail serves a bigger purpose. Hazelight isn’t just making games—they’re redefining how cooperative storytelling can work in the modern era. If you’re even remotely interested in playing something refreshingly original with a partner, It Takes Two should be at the top of your list.