Can You Play It Takes Two Online for Free? The Definitive Answer
No, you cannot play the full version of It Takes Two online completely for free. However, there is a way to play the game online with a friend even if only one of you owns the game, thanks to the Friend’s Pass system.
Let’s break down what that actually means, because it’s a little nuanced. It Takes Two, developed by Hazelight Studios, is specifically designed as a cooperative experience. This means you absolutely need another player to enjoy the game. It’s not a single-player adventure! Now, because Hazelight recognized the hurdle this posed – requiring two people to purchase the same game – they created the ingenious Friend’s Pass.
Understanding the Friend’s Pass: Your Key to (Almost) Free Co-op
The Friend’s Pass is essentially a free version of the game that allows someone who doesn’t own It Takes Two to play only with someone who does. Think of it like a free trial that never expires, as long as you’re playing with someone who has the full game.
Here’s the catch: the person using the Friend’s Pass cannot play the game solo or with another person also using the Friend’s Pass. It’s strictly designed to facilitate co-op with a paying customer. It’s a clever way for Hazelight to encourage sales by making it easier for people to jump in and experience the game’s magic without a double purchase.
This model is becoming increasingly popular in co-op games because it removes the barrier to entry. It allows players to try before they buy (in a sense) and ensures that finding a partner for your co-op adventure is much easier. This approach aligns perfectly with the mission of organizations like the Games Learning Society, who recognize the social and collaborative benefits that games can provide. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the positive impact of gaming on learning and social interaction.
Diving Deeper: How the Friend’s Pass Works in Practice
So, how do you actually use the Friend’s Pass? The process is fairly straightforward, but it’s important to understand the specific steps for each platform. Generally, it involves these steps:
- The Owner Purchases the Game: One person (Player A) needs to purchase the full version of It Takes Two on their chosen platform (PlayStation, Xbox, PC).
- The Friend’s Pass Download: Player B (the friend) searches for It Takes Two on their platform’s digital storefront. They should find an option specifically labeled “Friend’s Pass.” This is a free download.
- Invite Your Friend: Player A (the owner) launches the game and invites Player B (the Friend’s Pass user) to play. This is typically done through the platform’s friend list or in-game invite system.
- Co-op Bliss: Player B accepts the invitation, and both players can now enjoy the entire It Takes Two campaign together.
The Friend’s Pass Limitations: What You Need to Know
While the Friend’s Pass is a fantastic feature, it’s crucial to be aware of its limitations:
- Requires the Full Game Owner: This is the most important point. The Friend’s Pass is useless without someone who has purchased the full game.
- No Solo Play: You cannot play any portion of It Takes Two solo using the Friend’s Pass.
- Platform Specific: The Friend’s Pass must be downloaded on the same platform as the full game owner. You can’t use a PlayStation Friend’s Pass to play with someone on Xbox, for example.
- Internet Connection Required: Because It Takes Two is designed for co-op, both players need a stable internet connection for online play.
- DLC Not Included: The Friend’s Pass only grants access to the core game content. Any downloadable content (DLC), if available, will likely require separate purchase for the Friend’s Pass user.
Why It Takes Two Is Worth the Investment (For at Least One Person!)
Even though the Friend’s Pass exists, It Takes Two is a game that’s genuinely worth purchasing, even if it’s only one copy between you and a friend. Here’s why:
- Award-Winning Gameplay: It’s not just hype; It Takes Two has won numerous Game of the Year awards.
- Unique Co-op Mechanics: Each level introduces new and creative gameplay mechanics that require collaboration and communication.
- Engaging Story: The narrative is surprisingly heartfelt and explores themes of love, relationships, and reconciliation.
- Stunning Visuals: The game boasts vibrant and detailed graphics that bring its imaginative world to life.
- High Replayability: While the core story is linear, the game encourages replayability to discover secrets and experience different approaches to puzzles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About It Takes Two and the Friend’s Pass
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing It Takes Two online, focusing on the Friend’s Pass and related aspects:
FAQ 1: Do both players need PlayStation Plus/Xbox Live Gold to play It Takes Two online?
Yes, both players typically need an active PlayStation Plus subscription on PlayStation consoles or an Xbox Live Gold subscription on Xbox consoles to play It Takes Two online, even with the Friend’s Pass. This is due to the platform’s requirement for online multiplayer access. PC players do not need a similar subscription to play online.
FAQ 2: Can I use the Friend’s Pass to play with multiple people at different times?
Yes, the Friend’s Pass can be used to play with different people at different times, as long as the person using the Friend’s Pass is always playing with someone who owns the full game.
FAQ 3: Does the Friend’s Pass expire?
No, the Friend’s Pass does not expire. It remains active as long as the full game owner has access to the game.
FAQ 4: Can I upgrade the Friend’s Pass to the full game later?
Yes, you can purchase the full game at any time, and you will be able to continue your progress from where you left off using the Friend’s Pass.
FAQ 5: Is the Friend’s Pass available on all platforms?
Yes, the Friend’s Pass is available on all platforms where It Takes Two is sold, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC (via Steam and Origin).
FAQ 6: Can I play It Takes Two locally with someone using the Friend’s Pass?
No, the Friend’s Pass is designed for online play only. Local co-op requires both players to have access to the game on the same console.
FAQ 7: What happens if the person who owns the game stops playing? Can I still use the Friend’s Pass?
No, if the person who owns the game stops playing or no longer has access to the game, the Friend’s Pass user will not be able to play until they find another full game owner to play with.
FAQ 8: Does the Friend’s Pass include all the features of the full game?
Yes, the Friend’s Pass provides access to all the same content and features as the full game, as long as you are playing with a full game owner.
FAQ 9: Are there any limitations on how far I can progress in the game using the Friend’s Pass?
No, there are no limitations on how far you can progress in the game using the Friend’s Pass, as long as you are playing with a full game owner. You can complete the entire game.
FAQ 10: Can I use the Friend’s Pass to play with someone on a different console generation (e.g., PS4 and PS5)?
Yes, as long as both players are on the same platform ecosystem (PlayStation or Xbox) and the game is compatible across generations, you can play together using the Friend’s Pass.
FAQ 11: Where can I download the Friend’s Pass?
The Friend’s Pass can be downloaded from the digital storefront of your chosen platform (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam, or Origin). Search for It Takes Two and you should see the Friend’s Pass as a separate, free download.
FAQ 12: Is It Takes Two cross-platform compatible?
No, It Takes Two is not cross-platform compatible. This means you cannot play with someone on a different platform (e.g., PlayStation and Xbox). Both players must be on the same platform.
FAQ 13: What kind of internet connection do I need to play It Takes Two online?
A stable broadband internet connection is recommended for online play. Specific bandwidth requirements may vary, but a connection speed of at least 5 Mbps is generally sufficient.
FAQ 14: Can I play It Takes Two on a Mac?
No, It Takes Two is not natively available on macOS. However, you might be able to play it using cloud gaming services like GeForce Now if the game is supported.
FAQ 15: Are there any in-game purchases in It Takes Two?
No, It Takes Two does not have any in-game purchases or microtransactions. Once you purchase the game (or use the Friend’s Pass), you have access to all the content.
In conclusion, while you can’t get the full It Takes Two experience for absolutely free, the Friend’s Pass offers a fantastic compromise, allowing you and a friend to embark on this unforgettable cooperative adventure with only one purchase. So grab a friend, download the Friend’s Pass, and prepare for a gaming experience unlike any other!