The innovative 'Friend's Pass' in It Takes Two revolutionized cooperative gaming, allowing players to experience its delightful narrative and ingenious gameplay with a friend for the price of one copy. This unique approach to local co-op has left many gamers searching for similar experiences. If you're looking for games that foster teamwork, shared adventures, and unforgettable memories with a loved one, you're in luck! 2025 continues to offer a fantastic selection of titles that capture that same spark. Here are our top 5 picks for games that offer a similar cooperative spirit and engaging gameplay, perfect for you and your gaming buddy.
1. A Way Out
Developed by the same studio as It Takes Two, Hazelight Studios, A Way Out is a narrative-driven, cooperative-only adventure game that puts you in the shoes of two prisoners, Leo and Vincent, attempting to escape from prison. The entire game is designed around split-screen co-op, meaning you and your friend will always be working together, even if your characters are in different parts of the game world. The gameplay blends action, stealth, puzzle-solving, and driving, all woven into a compelling story of brotherhood and freedom. Like It Takes Two, A Way Out emphasizes storytelling and requires constant communication and collaboration to progress, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoyed the core co-op mechanics of Hazelight's later hit.
2. Unravel Two
Unravel Two is a charming and visually stunning puzzle-platformer that features two adorable yarn creatures, Yarny and Yarny, connected by a thread. This thread is crucial to the gameplay; players must work together to navigate intricate levels, solve physics-based puzzles, and overcome obstacles. One player might swing the other across a gap, or they might combine their abilities to activate mechanisms. The game's beautiful Scandinavian-inspired environments and heartwarming themes of connection and support make it an incredibly rewarding co-op experience. The 'Friend's Pass' equivalent here is built into the game's very design – it's impossible to play alone, and the shared challenges foster a strong sense of camaraderie.
Unravel Two (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - Xbox Live Key GLOBAL is available in our store
3. Portal 2
While not strictly a narrative-driven experience in the same vein as It Takes Two, Portal 2 boasts one of the most ingenious and enjoyable cooperative modes ever created. The dedicated co-op campaign features unique puzzles specifically designed for two players, utilizing the iconic portal gun mechanics. Players must coordinate their portal placements, timing, and movements to solve increasingly complex challenges presented by the quirky AI, GLaDOS. The satisfaction of solving a difficult puzzle through seamless teamwork is immense, and the witty writing keeps the experience engaging. Portal 2 is a masterclass in cooperative puzzle design, requiring communication and a shared understanding of spatial reasoning.
4. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
For a more chaotic yet equally rewarding cooperative experience, look no further than Overcooked! All You Can Eat. This collection bundles the first two Overcooked! games with all their DLC, offering an abundance of frantic kitchen-based challenges. Players must work together as chefs to prepare, cook, and serve a variety of dishes under tight deadlines, all while navigating absurd and ever-changing kitchen environments. Success hinges on efficient communication, task delegation, and quick reactions. While the tone is more lighthearted and comedic than It Takes Two, the core requirement for intense teamwork and synchronized efforts makes it a perfect fit for friends looking to test their cooperative mettle and have a lot of laughs.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat (PC) CD Key for STEAM - GLOBAL is available in our store
5. Degrees of Separation
Degrees of Separation is a captivating puzzle-platformer that centers around two characters, Ryley and Max, who possess contrasting elemental powers: heat and cold. They must utilize their unique abilities in tandem to traverse a world filled with environmental puzzles and challenges. Ryley can manipulate heat to melt ice and create updrafts, while Max can freeze water and create platforms with cold. The game is designed for cooperative play, requiring players to strategically combine their powers to overcome obstacles, solve intricate puzzles, and uncover the narrative. The emphasis on complementary skills and the need for synchronized action make it a strong contender for fans of It Takes Two's collaborative gameplay.
Conclusion
The spirit of It Takes Two's Friend's Pass is alive and well in the gaming landscape of 2025. These five titles offer diverse yet equally engaging cooperative experiences that highlight the joy of playing together. Whether you're unraveling a heartwarming story, escaping a prison, solving mind-bending puzzles, or managing a chaotic kitchen, the best gaming moments are often shared. So, grab a friend, pick one of these fantastic games, and get ready to create some unforgettable gaming memories!
