Is A Way Out Single-Player or Multiplayer? A Comprehensive Guide
The answer is straightforward: A Way Out is exclusively a multiplayer game. It is specifically designed as a cooperative action-adventure experience and cannot be played solo. There is no single-player mode available. This means that you must play with another person, either locally through split-screen on the same console, or online. The game’s entire design, narrative, and mechanics are structured around the cooperative gameplay experience of two players. Understanding this core aspect is essential before considering purchasing or playing the game.
Understanding A Way Out’s Cooperative Design
The game revolves around two main characters, Leo and Vincent, who form a reluctant alliance to break out of prison. Each player controls one of these characters, and their stories intertwine throughout the adventure. The split-screen presentation is integral to the experience, as both players are always aware of what the other is doing, creating a sense of shared struggle and collaboration. This design decision was intentional; the game’s director, Josef Fares, wanted to create a truly collaborative experience, distinct from typical “drop-in, drop-out” cooperative games. Therefore, the absence of a single-player option is a core part of the game’s identity.
How Multiplayer Works in A Way Out
- Local Co-op: You can play A Way Out with someone sitting next to you, using another controller on the same console. This is the traditional couch co-op experience, with both players’ screens displayed side-by-side in split-screen.
- Online Co-op: A Way Out also allows you to play online with a friend. The game uses a unique Friend’s Pass system. This means only one player needs to own the full game. The other player can download a free online-only Friend Pass from the digital store. After that, both can experience the entire game online together.
This approach makes it incredibly easy to play with friends and eliminates the need for both players to purchase a full-price copy. The cooperative aspect is central to every facet of the game, from solving puzzles to navigating action sequences. It truly emphasizes the importance of two players working together to succeed.
Why There’s No Single-Player Mode
The decision to exclude a single-player mode was not accidental. It was a deliberate choice by the game developers to ensure a pure and focused cooperative experience. They didn’t want to compromise the game’s design and narrative to accommodate a solo mode. The game’s entire structure, including its puzzles, story beats, and gameplay, hinges on the interactions between the two characters. A Way Out is an experience designed to be shared, and this is why playing solo is simply not an option.
Additional Notes on A Way Out
A Way Out is not just another multiplayer game; it’s a cinematic co-op experience designed for two players. It provides a unique adventure, focusing on the relationship between its two protagonists. The game does have two different endings, determined by the player’s actions, encouraging multiple playthroughs. Though it is a comparatively shorter game, with most players completing it in 6-8 hours, its focus on narrative and co-op makes it a compelling experience, well worth playing with a friend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About A Way Out
To provide even more clarity, here are some frequently asked questions regarding A Way Out’s multiplayer-centric nature:
Can I play A Way Out by myself?
No, A Way Out cannot be played solo. It requires two players, either through local split-screen co-op or online co-op. There is no single-player mode available.
Do both players need to own A Way Out to play online?
No, only one player needs to own the full game for online co-op. The other player can download the free Friend’s Pass to play alongside the owner.
Can two people play A Way Out on the same console?
Yes, A Way Out supports local split-screen co-op. You can play with a friend on the same console, using two controllers.
Is A Way Out strictly a split-screen game?
Yes, A Way Out is designed to be experienced in split-screen mode. This is the case for both local and online play.
Is A Way Out 2 player offline?
Yes, A Way Out is 2-player offline via local co-op with split-screen. You can play with a friend on the same console without an internet connection.
What if I don’t have a friend to play with online?
While the game is designed around playing with a friend, there may be online communities that help you find others who want to play cooperatively. The game itself, however, does not provide a matchmaking system to find a random partner.
Is A Way Out hard for beginners?
A Way Out is not particularly hard for beginners. The puzzles are not complex, and the main learning curve involves quick-time events (QTEs), which can be easily mastered.
How long does it take to complete A Way Out?
Most players can complete A Way Out in 6-8 hours. It is a relatively shorter game compared to major releases, but its focus is on delivering a unique cooperative narrative.
Does A Way Out have different endings?
Yes, A Way Out has two different endings, depending on the player’s choices throughout the game. This encourages multiple playthroughs to experience the full narrative.
Is A Way Out appropriate for kids?
A Way Out is rated 15+ due to graphic violence, strong language, and suggestive content/nudity. It is not recommended for younger children.
Does A Way Out stay split-screen throughout the game?
Yes, A Way Out remains split-screen throughout the entire game, ensuring both players are always aware of what’s happening.
Can I change characters during the game?
Each player chooses a character at the beginning and sticks with that character for the entire game. While you can swap controllers, there are no gameplay differences between the two.
Is A Way Out worth buying?
A Way Out is generally considered worth buying if you’re looking for a unique co-op experience. Its focus on narrative and cooperative gameplay provides a compelling and enjoyable adventure.
What is the Friend’s Pass in A Way Out?
The Friend’s Pass is a free trial that lets another player play the game online with someone who owns a full copy. Only one player needs to buy the game for two people to play together online.
Can both characters survive in A Way Out?
There are conflicting statements on this. While the game has different endings, the original question of the story does revolve around survival and sacrifice. There is no way to save both characters.
In conclusion, A Way Out is a purely cooperative game, requiring two players to experience its story. Its split-screen design and Friend’s Pass system make it a unique and accessible co-op adventure.