Do Both Players Have to Pay for It Takes Two?

No, both players do not need to purchase It Takes Two to play together. The game utilizes a unique feature called the Friend’s Pass, allowing one player to buy the game, and then invite another player to join their co-op adventure online for free.

Understanding the Friend’s Pass: Your Ticket to Co-op Bliss

It Takes Two is explicitly designed as a co-operative experience, meaning it can only be played with two players, either locally (split-screen) or online. Recognizing the potential barrier of requiring both players to purchase the game, Hazelight Studios cleverly implemented the Friend’s Pass system. This system is a game-changer for cooperative gaming. Let’s delve into the specifics of how it works.

How the Friend’s Pass Works

The Friend’s Pass functions essentially as a free trial version of the game, but with a twist. The player using the Friend’s Pass can only access the game when playing alongside the player who owns the full version.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. One Player Buys the Game: One player purchases the full digital version of It Takes Two on their platform of choice (PlayStation, Xbox, or PC).

2. Download the Friend’s Pass: The other player downloads the Friend’s Pass version of It Takes Two from the platform’s digital store. This download is free of charge.

3. Invite a Friend: The player who owns the full game invites their friend (who has the Friend’s Pass installed) to play with them online.

4. Cooperative Gameplay: The player with the Friend’s Pass can now enjoy the entire It Takes Two campaign alongside their friend, experiencing the same story, puzzles, and challenges.

Important Considerations for the Friend’s Pass

While the Friend’s Pass is a fantastic feature, there are a few crucial aspects to keep in mind:

• Platform Specificity: The Friend’s Pass is platform-specific. This means if you buy the game on PlayStation, your friend needs to download the Friend’s Pass version on PlayStation as well. Cross-platform play is not supported.

• Dependency on the Full Version Owner: The player using the Friend’s Pass cannot play the game solo or with anyone other than the player who owns the full version. The full version owner must always be present in the online session.

• Progress Saving: Both players’ progress is saved individually. This means if you switch roles (the Friend’s Pass player buys the full game later), you’ll retain your individual progress.

• Local Co-op Doesn’t Need the Friend’s Pass: If you are playing locally via split-screen, you don’t need the Friend’s Pass. Only one player needs to own the game.

Why the Friend’s Pass is a Brilliant Idea

Hazelight Studios’ decision to include the Friend’s Pass is not just a marketing tactic; it’s a core element of their design philosophy. Here’s why it’s so effective:

• Encourages Shared Experiences: The Friend’s Pass significantly lowers the barrier to entry, making it much easier to convince a friend or loved one to try the game. This fosters shared gaming experiences and strengthens social connections.

• Reduces Financial Burden: It acknowledges the financial commitment involved in purchasing a game, particularly for a purely cooperative title.

• Promotes Word-of-Mouth Marketing: By allowing players to freely share the game experience, Hazelight Studios effectively utilizes word-of-mouth marketing. Satisfied players are more likely to recommend the game to others.

• Aligns with the Game’s Themes: It Takes Two is a story about collaboration, communication, and reconciliation. The Friend’s Pass reinforces these themes by encouraging players to work together and share the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Friend’s Pass

To further clarify the intricacies of the Friend’s Pass and It Takes Two‘s co-op features, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. Is the Friend’s Pass truly free?

Yes, the Friend’s Pass is absolutely free to download and use. However, it requires the player using it to play alongside someone who owns the full digital version of the game.

2. Can I play the entire game with the Friend’s Pass?

Yes, you can play the entire It Takes Two campaign with the Friend’s Pass, provided you are playing with the player who owns the full version.

3. What happens if the player who owns the full game disconnects?

If the player who owns the full game disconnects, the Friend’s Pass player will be disconnected as well and will not be able to continue playing until the owner rejoins.

4. Can I switch roles and have the other player buy the game later?

Yes, you can switch roles. Your individual progress is saved separately. If the Friend’s Pass user later buys the full game, they will be able to continue from where they left off.

5. Does the Friend’s Pass have any limitations compared to the full game?

The Friend’s Pass version is functionally the same as the full game when playing co-op. The only limitation is that the Friend’s Pass user cannot play solo or with someone else who only has the Friend’s Pass.

6. Can I use the Friend’s Pass to play split-screen co-op?

No, the Friend’s Pass is not required for local split-screen co-op. Only one player needs to own the full game for local play.

7. Is cross-platform play supported with the Friend’s Pass?

No, cross-platform play is not supported in It Takes Two. This means that if you own the game on PlayStation, your friend will need the Friend’s Pass version on PlayStation as well.

8. How do I invite someone to play with the Friend’s Pass?

The player who owns the full game simply sends an invitation to their friend through the platform’s online service (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Origin/Steam).

9. Is the Friend’s Pass available on all platforms where It Takes Two is sold?

Yes, the Friend’s Pass is available on all platforms where It Takes Two is sold digitally: PlayStation, Xbox, and PC (via Origin/Steam).

10. Does the Friend’s Pass expire?

No, the Friend’s Pass does not expire. Once downloaded, it remains functional as long as it’s used in conjunction with a player who owns the full game.

11. Can multiple people use the Friend’s Pass with the same full game owner?

The full game owner can invite different people to play using the Friend’s Pass, but only one Friend’s Pass user can play with them at a time.

12. What if I’m having trouble connecting with the Friend’s Pass?

Ensure both players have a stable internet connection. Check your platform’s online service status (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Origin/Steam) for any known issues. Also, ensure that both players have the latest version of the game and the Friend’s Pass installed.

13. Can I earn trophies or achievements with the Friend’s Pass?

Yes, you can earn trophies or achievements while playing with the Friend’s Pass, just like in the full game.

14. What if I buy a physical copy of It Takes Two?

The Friend’s Pass is only available for the digital version of It Takes Two. If you own a physical copy, you’ll need to purchase another digital copy for your friend to play online. However, you can still play local split-screen co-op with the physical copy.

15. Where can I download the Friend’s Pass?

You can download the Friend’s Pass from the digital store of your respective platform: PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store (Xbox), or Origin/Steam. Simply search for “It Takes Two Friend’s Pass.”

In conclusion, the Friend’s Pass is a brilliant system that makes It Takes Two more accessible and encourages shared gaming experiences. With its simple setup and lack of hidden costs, it’s a win-win for both players. So, grab your friend, download the Friend’s Pass, and get ready for an unforgettable co-op adventure!