Can You Play It Takes Two on PS4 Without PS Plus? The Definitive Guide
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So, you’ve got your hands on It Takes Two for the PS4 and you’re itching to dive into this acclaimed co-op adventure. But there’s a snag: PlayStation Plus. Do you need it to experience the game with a friend? The answer is: Yes, you typically need PlayStation Plus to play It Takes Two online with a friend on the PS4. However, there’s a crucial caveat: local co-op. If you’re playing on the same console, using split-screen, you do not need PlayStation Plus. Let’s unpack this further, diving into the nuances of online and offline play, the Friend’s Pass, and other essential details.
Understanding PlayStation Plus and Online Multiplayer
PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service that unlocks a range of features for PlayStation consoles, including:
- Online Multiplayer: This is the big one. For most games that you purchase, PlayStation Plus is required to play online with others.
- Monthly Games: Subscribers get access to a selection of free games each month, which they can play as long as they remain subscribed.
- Exclusive Discounts: PS Plus members often receive discounts on games and add-ons in the PlayStation Store.
- Cloud Storage: PS Plus offers cloud storage for game saves, allowing you to back up your progress and access it from other consoles.
- Share Play: This feature allows you to invite a friend to join your single-player game or play a local co-op game online, even if they don’t own the game themselves.
The Catch: “Free-to-Play” Exemption
There’s an important exception to the PS Plus requirement: free-to-play games. Titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone don’t require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online. These games generate revenue through in-game purchases, so Sony doesn’t gatekeep the multiplayer aspect behind a subscription.
It Takes Two: A Unique Co-op Experience
It Takes Two is a game designed from the ground up for cooperative play. You and a friend take on the roles of Cody and May, a married couple on the brink of divorce who are magically transformed into dolls. To return to their human forms, they must work together to overcome a series of imaginative and challenging obstacles.
The game features:
- Split-Screen Gameplay: Whether you’re playing locally or online, It Takes Two always uses split-screen, ensuring that both players have a clear view of their character’s perspective.
- Varied Gameplay Mechanics: Each level introduces new gameplay mechanics and challenges, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
- A Heartfelt Story: Beneath the whimsical exterior lies a touching story about relationships, communication, and forgiveness.
It Takes Two and the Friend’s Pass: A Solution?
It Takes Two offers a clever solution for those who might be hesitant to purchase the game without knowing if their friend will enjoy it: the Friend’s Pass.
Here’s how it works:
- One player purchases the full version of It Takes Two.
- The other player downloads the Friend’s Pass version of the game for free.
- The player who owns the full game invites their friend to play.
- The friend can play the entire game with the owner, even though they only downloaded the Friend’s Pass.
The Friend’s Pass is a great way to try out the game before committing to a purchase. However, it doesn’t bypass the PlayStation Plus requirement for online play. Even with the Friend’s Pass, both players still need an active PS Plus subscription to play together online.
Playing It Takes Two Locally: No PS Plus Required!
The good news is that you can experience the entirety of It Takes Two without a PlayStation Plus subscription if you play locally. This means playing on the same PS4 console, using split-screen. Simply connect two controllers, launch the game, and invite your friend to join as the second player. This is a fantastic option for those who enjoy the couch co-op experience.
Alternatives to PlayStation Plus
If you’re determined to play It Takes Two online without paying for PlayStation Plus, there are limited alternatives, none of which are ideal:
- Share Play: This PlayStation Plus feature allows a subscriber to share their game with a friend online. However, Share Play has limitations on game length, and the host needs a strong internet connection. It also still requires one person to have PS Plus.
- Trial Offers: Keep an eye out for free trial periods for PlayStation Plus. Sony occasionally offers these promotions, giving you a temporary window to play online for free. These are usually very limited in duration.
Conclusion: PS Plus is Usually Necessary for Online Play
In conclusion, while It Takes Two offers the Friend’s Pass to lower the financial barrier to entry and allows for local co-op without any subscription, PlayStation Plus is generally required for online play on the PS4. If you plan to team up with a friend online, ensure both of you have an active subscription. If you can play together on the same console, you’re all set to embark on this unforgettable adventure without needing to pay extra for online access.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about playing It Takes Two on PS4 and PlayStation Plus:
1. Can I play It Takes Two alone on PS4?
No, It Takes Two is specifically designed as a co-op experience. It cannot be played solo. You always need a second player, either locally or online.
2. 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 download the Friend’s Pass and play with the owner for free, provided they both have PlayStation Plus for online play.
3. Is the Friend’s Pass a free trial of the full game?
The Friend’s Pass is more than just a trial. It allows the second player to experience the entire game with someone who owns the full version. However, it’s not a standalone game; it requires the owner to invite the Friend’s Pass user to play.
4. Can I use Share Play to play It Takes Two with a friend who doesn’t have the game or PS Plus?
Yes, but with limitations. Share Play allows you to stream the game to a friend, but it’s not a seamless experience. There are time limits, and the host needs a strong internet connection. The host must also have PS Plus.
5. What happens if my PlayStation Plus subscription expires while playing It Takes Two with the Friend’s Pass?
If either player’s PlayStation Plus subscription expires, online play will be interrupted. You’ll need to renew the subscription to continue playing together online.
6. Is It Takes Two free on PlayStation Plus?
It Takes Two has been available on PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers in the past. If you are a member of those tiers, you can download the game for free as long as it is available on the service. However, this does not negate the need for PS Plus to play online.
7. Does It Takes Two support cross-platform play?
No, It Takes Two does not support cross-platform play. You can only play with other players on the same platform (e.g., PS4 with PS4, PS5 with PS5, PC with PC).
8. Can I use an Xbox controller to play It Takes Two on PS4?
Yes, you can use an Xbox controller on PS4, but you might need an adapter. Native support is limited, so an adapter ensures compatibility and proper button mapping.
9. How much storage space does It Takes Two require on PS4?
It Takes Two requires approximately 37.35 GB of storage space on PS4.
10. Is there a difference between the PS4 and PS5 versions of It Takes Two?
Yes, the PS5 version of It Takes Two has improved graphics, faster loading times, and may support features like DualSense controller feedback.
11. Can I transfer my save data from the PS4 version of It Takes Two to the PS5 version?
Yes, you can usually transfer your save data between the PS4 and PS5 versions of It Takes Two via cloud storage or a USB drive.
12. What other co-op games are available on PS4 that don’t require PS Plus?
While most require it, a select few free-to-play titles offer co-op without PS Plus, but they’re not directly comparable to the story-driven experience of It Takes Two.
13. Are there any discounts on PlayStation Plus subscriptions?
Yes, you can often find discounts on PlayStation Plus subscriptions during promotional periods, such as Black Friday or PlayStation Store sales. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money.
14. Can I use PlayStation Now (now part of PS Plus Premium) to play It Takes Two online without PS Plus?
PlayStation Now (now part of PlayStation Plus Premium) allows you to stream games. However, you still need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online multiplayer games, even when streaming.
15. What are the different tiers of PlayStation Plus, and which one do I need to play It Takes Two online?
The basic tier, PlayStation Plus Essential, is all you need to play It Takes Two online. The higher tiers (Extra and Premium) offer additional benefits, such as access to a library of downloadable games, but are not required for online multiplayer access for purchased games.