It Takes Two Friend’s Pass: How It Works for Couples
Want to play It Takes Two together but only one of you owns it? That’s exactly what the Friend’s Pass is for. One player buys the game, while the other downloads a free version and joins them for the full co-op adventure. It’s a handy way to split the cost without splitting up the experience—and the experience is built specifically for two players.
Hazelight designed It Takes Two around cooperation, with each player controlling one half of the story’s central couple. You’ll solve puzzles, tackle platforming challenges, and swap abilities as the game changes its mechanics from chapter to chapter. It also picked up Game of the Year at The Game Awards in 2021, so it’s a popular choice for couples looking for a memorable https://dlf-ne.org/a-way-out-co-op-worth-it-if-you-like-story-games/ co-op night.
Here’s how the Friend’s Pass works, what you need for couch or online play, and how to decide if this is the right game for your evening.
What Is the Friend’s Pass in It Takes Two?
The Friend’s Pass is a free download that lets a second player join someone who owns the full game. The owner starts the game and sends an invite; the other player installs the Friend’s Pass and joins them. You don’t each need to buy a copy to play the full story together online.
In other words: yes, you can play It Takes Two with one copy if you’re playing online and the second player uses the Friend’s Pass. The pass isn’t a separate full game that the guest can play whenever they like. It’s a way to join a friend who owns the game.
Quick breakdown
- One person owns the full game: They host the online session and invite the other player.
- The second player downloads Friend’s Pass: It’s free from the relevant digital store.
- Both players need compatible platforms: Friend’s Pass does not make the game cross-platform.
- For couch co-op, you don’t need Friend’s Pass: One copy of the full game is enough for two players on the same system.
Store listings and platform rules can change, so check the current listing for your console or PC storefront before you buy. In particular, make sure you and your partner are using platforms that can play together.
How to Set Up Hazelight Friend’s Pass Online
Setting it up is simple once you’ve confirmed that both players are on compatible platforms. The exact menu labels may vary a little by system, but the general process is the same.
- Choose the player who will own the game. That person needs the full version of It Takes Two.
- Have the other player download Friend’s Pass. Search for “It Takes Two Friend’s Pass” in the platform’s digital store. Make sure you choose the free pass rather than accidentally purchasing the full game.
- Both players launch their versions. The owner opens the full game; the guest opens Friend’s Pass.
- Send an online invite. The owner invites the guest through the game or the platform’s friends system, depending on the version.
- Join and check the connection. Confirm that both controllers work, voice chat is set up if you want it, and the game has loaded for both players.
Ever notice how online play requires a stable internet connection. Depending on the platform and its current policies, console players may also need an active online multiplayer subscription. Check that detail before your date night rather than discovering it after you’ve settled in with snacks.
Friend’s Pass is not the same as cross-play. It helps with the cost of owning the game, but it doesn’t let, for example, a player on one console family join someone on an unrelated console or PC version. Check platform compatibility first—an easy step that can save you twenty minutes of store scrolling and troubleshooting.
Can Couples Play It Takes Two on One Screen?
Yes. It Takes Two supports local couch co-op, so two people can play together on the same system with two controllers. You only need one copy of the full game, and you don’t need Friend’s Pass for this setup. Start the game, connect both controllers, and choose the local play option.
The game uses a split-screen view, including during many online sessions. That split-screen presentation is part of how the game keeps both characters and their actions visible. For couples on the couch, local co-op is the easiest option: no network invites, no separate downloads, and no uncertainty about online compatibility.
Couch co-op versus online co-op
Setup What you need Best for Couch co-op One full game, one system, two controllers Playing together in the same room Online co-op with Friend’s Pass One full game, one Friend’s Pass download, compatible platforms, internet access Couples playing from different homes Online co-op with two full copies Two full game copies, compatible platforms, internet access Partners who both want to own the game
If you’re playing online, also decide how you’ll communicate. Headsets make it easier to coordinate, especially when a puzzle calls for quick timing. If you’re on the same couch, you can talk naturally—but it’s still worth checking that each controller is charged before starting.
Is It Takes Two a Good Game for Couples?
It’s one of the clearest examples of a game designed for two players rather than a single-player game with an extra character added on. Each person has a role, and the game regularly asks you to communicate, experiment, and work out a solution together. The abilities change across the adventure, so it keeps introducing new ways to cooperate instead of relying on one puzzle pattern for the whole story.
That makes it a strong choice if you both enjoy platforming, playful challenges, and figuring things out as a team. It can also be a good game for a couple where one person plays more often than the other: the changing mechanics help keep the experience fresh, and you don’t need to memorize a complicated set of systems before you start.
One thing to know going in: the story follows a couple going through relationship trouble. It’s told in a whimsical, often comedic way, but it does touch on conflict and family themes. If you’re choosing a game for a particularly tender or stressful evening, consider whether that subject matter sounds fun for both https://dlf-ne.org/how-do-we-keep-controllers-clean-during-snack-breaks/ of you. A game night should fit the mood, not become an assignment.
Choose the Game for Your Mood and Available Time
Even a great co-op game isn’t automatically the right pick for every evening. If you have a short window, want something calm, or just finished a long day, a fast arcade game may suit you better. If you’re in the mood to explore a big adventure together, It Takes Two can be a satisfying longer-term choice. The trick is matching the game to your energy, not spending the entire evening debating options.
Use a shared list to reduce decision friction
A shared notes app list is a simple fix I’ve seen work for couples again and again. Keep a short list of games you both want to try, and add one quick note about each: “good for a 30-minute session,” “needs two controllers,” “online only,” or “save this for when we have a free weekend.” That way, you’re choosing between a few ready-to-play options instead of browsing a storefront from scratch.
- Low energy: Pick something familiar, short, and forgiving.
- Up for a challenge: Choose a game that asks for coordination and communication.
- Different skill levels: Look for a game where both players have useful roles and can learn as they go.
- Limited time: Check whether you can reach a natural stopping point before you start.
For It Takes Two, it helps to plan more than one sitting. I've seen this play out countless times: made a mistake that cost them thousands.. You can play in shorter sessions, but the game is a full adventure rather than a quick round-based party game. Add it to the “longer co-op night” section of your list, and keep a shorter backup ready in case you only have half an hour.
A Simple Couple’s Setup Checklist
A few minutes of preparation can make the difference between playing right away and spending your evening fixing settings. Before your first session, check the following:
- Are you playing on the same system, or online from separate homes?
- If online, are your platforms compatible?
- Has the owner installed the full game and the guest installed Friend’s Pass?
- Do you have two working controllers?
- Is an online subscription required on your platform?
- Can you both hear each other if you’re playing remotely?
- Have you agreed on a time window and a backup game?
One small comfort tip: keep snacks away from the controller. I’m a popcorn-with-chopsticks person—less grease on the buttons, fewer frantic controller wipes, and no pause in the action. It’s a silly ritual, but the best co-op nights are often made of little things that keep the setup easy.
If your date night includes a broader wind-down routine, keep any wellness products separate from the game decision. For example, Joy Organics offers products in both THC-free and full-spectrum categories; those labels mean different things, so check the product details and local rules rather than assuming all CBD products are alike. That’s a personal choice, not something you need for enjoying a game together.
Bottom Line: Is Friend’s Pass Worth Using?
If one of you owns It Takes Two and you want to play online, Friend’s Pass is an excellent way to try the full co-op adventure together without buying a second copy. If you’re in the same room, simply use couch co-op with one copy and two controllers. Either way, confirm your platform setup before game night so you can get straight to playing.
For couples who like games that genuinely depend on teamwork, It Takes Two is an easy recommendation. It’s imaginative, varied, and made for exactly two players. Make sure the story’s tone suits your mood, put it on your shared co-op list, and let the Friend’s Pass take the price of a second copy out of the decision.
