How to Play It Takes Two Cross-Platform: A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer to the question, “How do you play It Takes Two cross-platform?” is: you can’t. Unfortunately, It Takes Two does not support cross-platform play between different ecosystems like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This means if you are playing on a PlayStation 5, you cannot invite a friend on an Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, or PC to join your game, and vice-versa. While the game is designed for cooperative play, these limitations restrict gamers to playing within their specific ecosystem, as the Friend’s Pass only works within the same platform family.
This might be disappointing for gamers who have friends playing on different systems. However, it’s important to understand the nuances and how It Takes Two handles multiplayer across different consoles and generations, to understand why cross-platform is not an option. This article will break down the intricacies of multiplayer in It Takes Two, explore its limitations, and offer clarity on how to enjoy the game with friends.
Understanding It Takes Two’s Multiplayer System
The Core Concept of Cooperative Gameplay
It Takes Two is a co-op focused game at its core. Designed from the ground up for two players, it’s intended to be enjoyed with a friend, either locally (couch co-op), or online. The game’s mechanics and puzzles demand cooperation between players, emphasizing the need for communication and teamwork.
The Friend’s Pass System
The game employs a Friend’s Pass system. This feature is designed to allow one player who owns the game to invite another to play for free. The second player needs to download the Friend’s Pass to play. However, the Friend’s Pass has a significant limitation: it only works within the same platform family. This is crucial to understand regarding the ability to play cross-platform.
Cross-Gen, But Not Cross-Platform
The Friend’s Pass does support cross-generation play. This means that if Player 1 is on a PlayStation 5, they can invite Player 2 on a PlayStation 4 to join them. Likewise, Xbox Series X/S players can invite Xbox One players. However, the crucial point is that cross-generation play does not extend to cross-platform play; a PS5 player cannot invite an Xbox or PC player, and vice versa.
Limitations of Cross-Platform Play
The primary barrier to cross-platform play is the inherent difference in gaming ecosystems. Each console and PC has its own architecture, network infrastructure, and software requirements. While developers are increasingly bridging these gaps for many games, It Takes Two unfortunately does not offer this functionality.
Platform Restrictions
Different platforms have different development ecosystems. This is not unique to It Takes Two, with limitations existing for other games. This restricts the ability to have a shared gaming experience between, for example, a PS5 and a PC gamer, despite them both wanting to play the same game together.
Licensing and Distribution
Licensing and distribution also play a significant role. It Takes Two is published by EA, which has implications for how the game is managed across various platforms. Each platform has its own network, which requires a separate infrastructure that doesn’t easily allow for cross-play.
Focus on Cooperative Co-Op
The game’s core design philosophy is focused on a localized, cooperative experience that, by its nature, can be more easily managed within an ecosystem. It is worth noting though, that players can play online, but online play is still restricted to the same platform family.
Alternative Ways to Play With Friends
Given the absence of cross-platform play, here are the options you have for playing It Takes Two with friends:
Same Console/Couch Co-op
The simplest way to play is local couch co-op. Two players in the same room can use two controllers on the same console and enjoy the game together.
Cross-Gen Play within the Same Platform
As mentioned, players can use the Friend’s Pass to play with others in the same platform family. For instance, PS5 and PS4 players, or Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One players, can team up.
Online Play
Players can also play online with their friends who own the game within the same platform. This is achieved through the Friend’s Pass system by using an online invite system.
Ensuring Compatibility
It’s crucial to ensure that your friend has the appropriate version of the game (or is using the Friend’s Pass) and that both of you have the necessary hardware to play together (controllers for local play, or an internet connection for online play). For online play, you both will also need the correct online subscription for the platform you are using (like PS Plus for PlayStation).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play It Takes Two on PC with someone on PS5?
No, you cannot play It Takes Two cross-platform between PC and PS5. Cross-platform play is not supported in It Takes Two.
2. Can Xbox and PS4/PS5 play It Takes Two together?
No, players on Xbox consoles cannot play with players on PlayStation consoles (PS4 or PS5) because the game is not cross-platform compatible.
3. Is It Takes Two cross-generation between PS4 and PS5?
Yes, It Takes Two supports cross-generation play within the PlayStation ecosystem. A PS5 player can invite a PS4 player, and vice versa, using the Friend’s Pass.
4. Do both players need to own It Takes Two to play online?
No, only one player needs to own the full game. The other player can join for free using the Friend’s Pass.
5. Do I need PlayStation Plus to play It Takes Two online?
Yes, both players will need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play It Takes Two online on PlayStation consoles.
6. Does It Takes Two have couch co-op?
Yes, It Takes Two supports local couch co-op. Two players can play together on the same console using two controllers.
7. How does the Friend’s Pass work in It Takes Two?
The Friend’s Pass allows a player who owns the game to invite another player to join for free. The second player needs to download the Friend’s Pass to join. This only works within the same platform family.
8. Can you play It Takes Two online without using Friend’s Pass?
No, online co-op requires using the Friend’s Pass. Only the owner of the full game can invite another player using the system.
9. Can I play It Takes Two with someone on Xbox One while I am on Xbox Series X?
Yes, It Takes Two supports cross-generation play within the Xbox ecosystem. An Xbox Series X/S player can invite an Xbox One player, and vice versa, using the Friend’s Pass.
10. Does It Takes Two have cross-save functionality?
No, It Takes Two does not support cross-save. Progress is tied to the platform it was started on.
11. Can you play It Takes Two with two people on the same console?
Yes, It Takes Two can be played with two people on the same console using couch co-op. Two controllers are required.
12. Why doesn’t It Takes Two have cross-platform play?
Technical limitations in developing and maintaining cross-platform functionality between different ecosystems is a complex issue and was likely not a priority during the development of It Takes Two.
13. Is It Takes Two a free game?
It Takes Two is not a free game. However, only one player needs to buy the game; the other player can use the free Friend’s Pass.
14. Does It Takes Two work for online play for people on the same PC?
Yes, it can be played with two different accounts on the same PC. Alternatively, it can be played with one account using two controllers on the same PC using couch co-op.
15. Is a PS5 slim better than the original version for playing It Takes Two?
The PS5 slim is more compact, but both versions of the console will run It Takes Two effectively with no performance changes. The decision of which to buy is more of a matter of user preference.
In conclusion, while It Takes Two is a fantastic cooperative game, it doesn’t support cross-platform play. It’s essential to be aware of these limitations when planning to play with friends. By understanding these restrictions and using the available features like the Friend’s Pass for cross-gen and online play, players can still enjoy the game’s unique co-op experience with friends on the same platforms.