Can You Play It Takes Two with 2 Joy-Cons? A Comprehensive Guide
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Absolutely! The fantastic co-op adventure It Takes Two is perfectly playable with just two Joy-Cons on the Nintendo Switch. This accessibility makes it a brilliant choice for spontaneous gaming sessions with friends or family. Let’s delve into the details of how this works and explore everything you need to know about playing It Takes Two on the Switch and other platforms.
Getting Started with It Takes Two and Joy-Cons
Understanding the Co-op Focus
It’s vital to understand that It Takes Two is designed exclusively for co-op play. There is no single-player mode. This design choice is central to the game’s narrative and mechanics, where two players must work together to solve puzzles and overcome challenges. Therefore, you always need at least one other person to join you on this heartwarming adventure.
Joy-Cons: The Key to Accessible Co-op
The Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons provide a unique and accessible way to enjoy co-op games. Each Joy-Con can be used as a separate controller, meaning a single set of Joy-Cons is all you need to get two players involved in a game. For It Takes Two, this means you can immediately dive into the game without needing additional hardware purchases.
Configuring Your Joy-Cons
To use two Joy-Cons for co-op, you need to configure them correctly. Here’s how:
- Detach the Joy-Cons from the Nintendo Switch console.
- On the Switch’s home menu, go to “Controllers.”
- Select “Change Grip/Order.”
- Press the SL and SR buttons on the top of each Joy-Con. This will configure each Joy-Con to be used horizontally as a separate controller.
Once this is done, each player can use a single Joy-Con to control their character in It Takes Two.
Other Controller Options on Switch
While Joy-Cons are a convenient option, you aren’t limited to them. It Takes Two also supports the following controller configurations on the Nintendo Switch:
- Two Pro Controllers: Each player can use a dedicated Pro Controller for a more traditional gaming experience.
- Local Wireless Play: If each player has their own Nintendo Switch and a copy of It Takes Two (or the Friend’s Pass), you can connect wirelessly and play together.
- Online Co-op: Play with a friend online, even if they don’t own the full game, using the Friend’s Pass (more on this later).
It Takes Two Across Platforms
While this article primarily focuses on the Nintendo Switch, It Takes Two is available on other platforms, each with its own controller considerations.
PC
On PC, you can play It Takes Two with a variety of controllers, including:
- Two Gamepad Controllers: Standard controllers like Xbox or PlayStation controllers are fully supported.
- Steam Controllers: If you have them, Steam Controllers work seamlessly.
- Mixed Input: You can even mix and match, using one Xbox controller and one PlayStation controller, for example.
Importantly, you cannot play It Takes Two with just one keyboard. At least one controller is required.
PlayStation and Xbox
On PlayStation and Xbox consoles, the process is straightforward. Each player uses a dedicated controller connected to the console. Both consoles natively support two or more controllers for local co-op.
The Friend’s Pass: A Game Changer
One of the most appealing aspects of It Takes Two is its Friend’s Pass system. This allows one player to purchase the game, and the other player can download the Friend’s Pass for free and play the entire game together. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry and encourages more people to experience this fantastic co-op title.
How the Friend’s Pass Works
- One player purchases It Takes Two on their platform of choice.
- The other player downloads the Friend’s Pass from the platform’s digital store.
- The player who owns the full game invites the Friend’s Pass user to play.
- Both players can then experience the entire game together.
The Friend’s Pass is available on all platforms where It Takes Two is sold, including Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Why It Takes Two Is Worth Playing
It Takes Two is more than just a fun co-op game; it’s an interactive storytelling masterpiece. The game’s unique mechanics are woven into the narrative, creating a truly engaging and emotional experience.
Key Features
- Innovative Co-op Gameplay: Each level introduces new mechanics that require players to cooperate and communicate effectively.
- Compelling Story: The story of Cody and May is both relatable and heartwarming, exploring themes of love, communication, and reconciliation.
- Stunning Visuals: The game’s vibrant and detailed environments are a treat to explore.
- Award-Winning: It Takes Two has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021.
The Educational Value of Co-op Games
Games like It Takes Two, which emphasize collaboration and problem-solving, can offer significant educational benefits. These include improved communication skills, enhanced teamwork abilities, and the development of critical thinking skills. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org recognize and promote the educational potential of well-designed video games. GamesLearningSociety.org fosters research and discussion on how games can be used effectively in educational settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how to play It Takes Two:
1. Can I play It Takes Two alone?
No, It Takes Two is exclusively a co-op game and cannot be played solo. It requires two players working together.
2. Do I need two copies of It Takes Two to play with a friend?
No, only one player needs to own the full game. The other player can download the Friend’s Pass for free and play the entire game with the owner.
3. How many Joy-Cons do I need to play It Takes Two on the Switch?
You need a minimum of two Joy-Cons (one set) to play It Takes Two in couch co-op. Each player uses one Joy-Con.
4. Can I use two Pro Controllers instead of Joy-Cons?
Yes, It Takes Two supports using two Pro Controllers on the Nintendo Switch for a more traditional gaming experience.
5. Can I play It Takes Two online with someone who doesn’t own the game?
Yes, the Friend’s Pass allows you to invite someone to play online with you, even if they don’t own the full game.
6. How long does it take to beat It Takes Two?
On average, It Takes Two takes around 14 hours to complete. This can vary depending on your play style and how much time you spend exploring and finding extras.
7. Is It Takes Two suitable for couples?
Yes, It Takes Two is a popular game for couples due to its focus on cooperation and communication. The story revolves around a couple trying to mend their relationship.
8. Can I use any controller on PC to play It Takes Two?
Yes, It Takes Two on PC supports a wide range of controllers, including Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam Controllers.
9. Do both players need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online?
Yes, to play It Takes Two online on the Nintendo Switch, both players need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
10. Can I mix and match controllers on PC?
Yes, you can use different types of controllers on PC, such as one Xbox controller and one PlayStation controller.
11. Can I use a keyboard and mouse along with a controller on PC?
No, you cannot play It Takes Two with just a keyboard. You need at least one controller. The other player can use a controller as well.
12. Is the Friend’s Pass a limited-time offer?
No, the Friend’s Pass is a permanent feature of It Takes Two and is available on all platforms.
13. What if the Friend’s Pass player decides to buy the full game later?
If the Friend’s Pass player later purchases the full game, their progress will carry over.
14. Is It Takes Two available on mobile devices?
No, It Takes Two is currently not available on mobile devices. It is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
15. Are there any other co-op games like It Takes Two?
Yes, there are many other excellent co-op games available, such as A Way Out (also by Hazelight Studios), Overcooked!, and Portal 2.
Conclusion
It Takes Two is a remarkable co-op experience that’s readily accessible on the Nintendo Switch with just two Joy-Cons. Whether you’re playing with a friend locally or connecting online with the Friend’s Pass, this game promises hours of engaging gameplay, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable memories. So grab a friend, configure those Joy-Cons, and dive into the enchanting world of It Takes Two!