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How Does It Takes Two Split-Screen Work on PC? A Comprehensive Guide

It Takes Two, the award-winning cooperative adventure from Hazelight Studios, is a fantastic experience best shared. The PC version cleverly employs split-screen to facilitate both local (couch co-op) and online co-op gameplay. In local co-op, the game divides the screen into two halves, one for each player, allowing you to play side-by-side on the same computer. For online co-op, while technically still utilizing split-screen on each player’s monitor, It Takes Two leverages the Friend’s Pass system, allowing someone who owns the game to invite a friend who doesn’t own it to play the entire game with them. This creates a seamless and engaging co-op experience whether you’re in the same room or playing remotely. The game automatically handles the split-screen configuration; all you need to do is connect your controllers and invite your friend!

Setting Up It Takes Two for Split-Screen on PC

The process for setting up split-screen in It Takes Two on PC is relatively straightforward, regardless of whether you’re playing locally or online. Let’s break down each scenario:

Local Co-op (Couch Co-op)

Connect Two Controllers: This is the crucial first step. It Takes Two requires two input devices. These can be two gamepads (Xbox, PlayStation, or any PC-compatible controller), or a combination of a gamepad and a keyboard/mouse (though using two gamepads is the recommended experience). The game automatically detects the connected controllers.
Launch the Game: Start It Takes Two on your PC.
Select “Local Play”: From the main menu, choose the “Local Play” option.
Player Assignment: The game will prompt you to assign controllers to each player. Usually, pressing a button on the second controller will automatically register it as Player Two.
Character Selection: Both players will then be able to select their characters, Cody and May.
Start the Game: Once both players have selected their characters, you can begin your cooperative adventure. The screen will automatically divide into two, providing each player with their own view of the action.

Online Co-op

Purchase the Game (One Player): Only one player needs to own It Takes Two.
Friend’s Pass Download (Second Player): The other player needs to download the Friend’s Pass version of It Takes Two from the EA App (formerly Origin) or Steam. This allows them to play the entire game with you for free, as long as you own it.
Friend Each Other: Ensure both players are friends on the EA App (Origin). This is essential for sending game invites. If playing through Steam, ensure both Steam accounts and EA App accounts are linked.
Launch the Game (Both Players): Both players should launch their respective versions of It Takes Two.
“Play Online” and Lobby Creation: The player who owns the game selects “Play Online” from the main menu and creates a lobby.
Invite Your Friend: The host (the player who owns the game) sends an invite to their friend via the EA App (Origin) friend list.
Accept the Invite: The friend accepts the invite, joining the host’s lobby.
Start the Game: Once both players are in the lobby, the host can start the game. Each player will see a split-screen view on their own monitor.

Why Split-Screen Matters in It Takes Two

The deliberate use of split-screen is integral to the game’s design philosophy. It fosters communication, collaboration, and a shared sense of presence, even when playing online. The developers intentionally avoided a full-screen option because the split-screen allows players to better understand their partner’s actions and positioning relative to their own. This is crucial for coordinating complex puzzles and combat scenarios that require precise timing and teamwork. The game’s design encourages the player to learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org. The split-screen becomes a vital tool for forging a stronger connection between players and enhancing the overall co-op experience. It helps to encourage collaboration which makes it a great game to study at the Games Learning Society website.

Troubleshooting Common Split-Screen Issues

While the setup process is generally smooth, you might encounter a few issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Controller Not Detected:
- Ensure the controller is properly connected to your PC. Check the USB cable or Bluetooth connection.
- Try restarting your computer and/or the game.
- Update your controller drivers.
- Some older games might require specific drivers, such as for older Playstation controllers.
Double Input/Controller Overlap:
- This often happens when using DS4Windows or similar programs. These programs create a virtual controller in addition to the physical one. Disable the virtual controller in the program’s settings. This occurs because Windows detects both the real controller and the virtual one created by DS4Windows.
Lag or Performance Issues:
- It Takes Two has recommended system requirements. Make sure your PC meets these requirements.
- Lower the graphics settings in the game’s options menu.
- Close unnecessary applications running in the background.
Friend’s Pass Not Working:
- Ensure both players have the latest version of the EA App (Origin).
- Verify that both players are friends on the EA App (Origin).
- Restart both the game and the EA App (Origin).
- Check that firewalls or antivirus programs aren’t blocking the connection.

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable split-screen experience with It Takes Two on PC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about It Takes Two split-screen on PC:

Do I need two copies of It Takes Two to play split-screen on PC? No, only one person needs to own the full game. The other person can download the Friend’s Pass to play with them for free.
Can I play It Takes Two with one controller on PC? No, It Takes Two is designed exclusively for co-op play and requires two controllers.
What controllers are compatible with It Takes Two on PC? Most PC-compatible gamepads, including Xbox and PlayStation controllers, work with It Takes Two. Keyboard and mouse can also be used.
Why is It Takes Two split-screen only? The developers intentionally chose split-screen to foster communication and collaboration between players, allowing them to better understand each other’s actions and positioning.
Can I disable split-screen in It Takes Two on PC? No, the split-screen feature cannot be disabled. It is an integral part of the game’s design.
Does It Takes Two support online split-screen on PC? Yes, It Takes Two supports online co-op with split-screen. Each player sees a split-screen view on their own monitor.
How do I invite a friend to play It Takes Two online on PC? You need to be friends on the EA App (Origin). Then, you can invite them from the game’s main menu after selecting “Play Online”.
What are the minimum PC requirements for It Takes Two? You need Windows 8.1 or 10, a graphics card like a AMD R7 260X or Nvidia GTX 660, 8GB of RAM, and an Intel i3 2100T or AMD FX 6100 processor.
Is It Takes Two worth playing? Absolutely! It Takes Two is a critically acclaimed and award-winning game known for its innovative gameplay, heartwarming story, and exceptional co-op experience.
How long does it take to beat It Takes Two? It Takes Two typically takes around 10 to 12 hours to complete.
Why is my controller not working with It Takes Two on PC? Ensure the controller is properly connected, the drivers are up-to-date, and the controller is recognized by Windows.
How do I fix double input issues with controllers in It Takes Two on PC? If you’re using DS4Windows or a similar program, disable the virtual controller to prevent double input.
Can I use two different types of controllers for It Takes Two on PC (e.g., Xbox and PlayStation)? Yes, as long as both controllers are recognized by Windows, you can use different types of controllers.
What if my friend is experiencing lag while playing It Takes Two online with me? Check your internet connection speeds and ensure both players meet the minimum system requirements. Lowering the graphics settings can also help.
Does the Friend’s Pass version of It Takes Two have any limitations? The Friend’s Pass version allows you to play the entire game, but only when playing with someone who owns the full version. You cannot play the game solo with the Friend’s Pass.

We hope this guide has answered all your questions about how It Takes Two split-screen works on PC! Enjoy your cooperative adventure!

How does it takes two split screen work on PC?