It Takes Two PlayStation Edition: Complete Guide for PS5 and PS4 Players

Hazelight Studios’ It Takes Two isn’t just another co-op game—it’s a multi-award-winning journey about love, teamwork, and wild gameplay mechanics. With its massive success across platforms, many players are asking: What’s the experience like on It Takes Two PlayStation consoles?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about playing It Takes Two on both PS5 and PS4, from graphics and performance to co-op features and compatibility. If you’re wondering whether to grab the game on current or last-gen hardware, you’re in the right place.

What is It Takes Two?

It Takes Two is a split-screen cooperative action-adventure developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts under the EA Originals label. Released in March 2021, it became an instant hit due to its blend of storytelling, platforming, puzzles, and emotionally driven gameplay.

In the game, you play as Cody and May, a couple turned into dolls by their daughter’s tears. Trapped in a magical world, they must navigate surreal environments while learning to cooperate again—both narratively and mechanically.

Is It Takes Two on PlayStation?

Yes! It Takes Two is indeed available on both platforms, and offers a free PS5 upgrade for existing PS4 owners—both digital and disc—with the latter requiring a PS5 console with a disc drive. Friend’s Pass remains fully cross-gen compatible.It Takes Two is available on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The game supports both consoles natively, with enhancements for PS5 users and full functionality on PS4.

It Takes Two PS5 vs. PS4 Comparison

Feature	It Takes Two PS5	It Takes Two PS4
Resolution	4K UHD (dynamic)	1080p Full HD
Frame Rate	Smooth 60 FPS	Stable 30–60 FPS (depending)
Load Times	Instant (via SSD)	Moderate (via HDD)
DualSense Features	Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers	Standard vibration
Cross-Gen Play	Yes	Yes
Local and Online Co-op	Fully supported	Fully supported
Upgrade Path	Free upgrade from PS4 to PS5	Purchase required

Key Reasons to Play It Takes Two on PlayStation

• Split-Screen or Online Co-op: Perfect for friends, couples, or siblings.
  
• PS5 Enhancements: Faster loading, improved graphics, and controller feedback.
  
• Cross-Platform Friend’s Pass: Only one player needs to buy the game.
  
• Free PS4 to PS5 Upgrade: No need to repurchase.
  
• Critical Acclaim: Winner of Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021.
  

How to Start Playing It Takes Two on PS5 or PS4

1. Purchase the Game: Available digitally on PlayStation Store or physically.
   
2. Download & Install: Ensure enough space (about 40GB).
   
3. Choose Your Partner: Co-op is mandatory—online or couch play.
   
4. Use Friend’s Pass: Invite your friend for free if they don’t own it.
   
5. Start Playing: Dive into over 10 hours of storytelling and gameplay.
   

It Takes Two PS5: Enhanced Experience

On the PS5, It Takes Two shines. Thanks to hardware improvements, players enjoy:

• Instant load screens
  
• Dynamic lighting and sharper textures
  
• Haptic feedback and adaptive trigger tension
  
• Fluid 60 FPS performance in all environments
  

The DualSense integration adds a tactile layer to gameplay—whether it’s the crunch of snow or the strain of pulling a rope.

It Takes Two PS4: Still a Strong Option

Don’t count out the PS4 version. While visuals are scaled back slightly, the experience remains solid:

• Smooth gameplay even on base PS4
  
• Full access to co-op and Friend’s Pass
  
• No content cuts or limitations
  

It’s especially impressive how well the game runs on older hardware without performance-killing bugs or crashes.

Can PS4 and PS5 Players Play Together?

Yes! It Takes Two supports cross-gen play. If one player is on PS4 and the other on PS5, they can still team up seamlessly using the Friend’s Pass.

What Is the Friend’s Pass?

The Friend’s Pass is one of Hazelight’s standout features. It allows:

• One person to buy the game.
  
• The other to download the free Friend’s Pass.
  
• Both to play the full game together, even across generations.
  

This keeps the barrier to entry low and reflects the game’s spirit of cooperation.

Tips for Playing on PlayStation

• Use voice chat: Essential for puzzles and real-time coordination.
  
• Sit side by side (locally): The game’s split-screen design encourages couch play.
  
• Take breaks: Some sections are intense and emotionally heavy.
  
• Try both characters: Switch roles for different abilities and challenges.
  

Character Abilities and Gameplay Diversity

One of It Takes Two’s most innovative features is how it splits unique abilities between Cody and May in each chapter. This means no character plays the same way for more than a few hours, keeping gameplay fresh and requiring constant communication.

Chapter Ability Breakdown:

• The Shed: Cody throws nails; May uses a hammer.
  
• The Tree: Cody wields sap, May shoots matches to ignite.
  
• Rose’s Room: Cody controls gravity; May manipulates size.
  
• Cuckoo Clock: Cody can clone himself; May controls time.
  
• Snow Globe: Movement and exploration-focused.
  
• Garden: Cody grows plants; May slashes enemies with a sickle.
  
• Attic: Musical instruments and flying segments.
  

This dynamic forces collaboration and reshapes the gameplay every chapter.

Level Design Highlights

Each level is themed not only in terms of aesthetics but also gameplay mechanics and narrative tone.

Favorite Levels on PlayStation

• Clock Tower (Cuckoo Clock): High-speed platforming and timed puzzle solving.
  
• Garden (Green Fingers): A lush world of vines, bugs, and bloom-based traversal.
  
• Rose’s Room (Pillow Fort + Space Station): Whimsical and weird in equal measure.
  
• The Attic (Musical Mayhem): Combines rhythm mechanics and visual flair.
  

All levels run smoothly on PS4 and with enhanced visual fidelity on PS5—especially in lighting and draw distance.

Co-Op Strategy Tips

To truly excel in It Takes Two, especially on PlayStation, communication is everything. Here’s how to make co-op smoother and more fun:

• Play with a headset: Voice coordination is vital.
  
• Use the ping system (when playing online): Mark objectives and platforms.
  
• Alternate characters: Replaying as the other character gives new perspective.
  
• Learn each other’s pace: Speed and problem-solving vary per player.
  
• Anticipate mechanics: Once a new ability is introduced, look for creative uses.
  

Advanced Combat and Puzzle Tips

While It Takes Two isn’t a combat-heavy game, certain sections test your timing and tactics:

• Time dashes carefully to evade bosses.
  
• Use environmental tools—buttons, levers, switches are often multi-purpose.
  
• In flying sections, one steers while the other shoots—talk constantly.
  

On PlayStation, DualSense feedback enhances these segments, especially when dodging, grinding rails, or battling in musical arenas.

Visual and Audio Experience

• PS5: The enhanced draw distance and 4K textures make background elements come alive.
  
• PS4: Still visually rich, but slightly lower shadows, reflections, and effects.
  
• Audio: Use quality headphones to appreciate orchestral score and character voice acting.
  

How ExitLag Enhances It Takes Two on PlayStation

Even though It Takes Two doesn’t rely on competitive online servers, ExitLag can still play a valuable role—especially for players using PlayStation Remote Play, PS Plus Cloud Streaming, or cross-console play over the internet.

ExitLag improves performance by:

• Optimizing network routes, reducing input lag in Remote Play sessions.
  
• Stabilizing bandwidth during streaming or patch downloads.
  
• Minimizing jitter and packet loss, which ensures smoother visuals and responsiveness.
  

Whether you’re hosting a session from a PS5 or connecting via PS4 with a partner on a different console, ExitLag reduces the technical hiccups that can break immersion.

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Couch vs. Online Co-Op

Couch Co-op Pros:

• Instant coordination.
  
• No lag.
  
• Split-screen experience as intended.
  

Online Co-Op Pros:

• Great for long-distance relationships or remote friends.
  
• Friend’s Pass removes the need for two purchases.
  

ExitLag especially helps when players are relying on mid-tier connections or streaming platforms like PlayStation Plus Premium cloud play.

Bonus: Mini-Games to Find and Master

Each chapter has 2–4 mini-games, often hidden.

Fan-Favorite Mini-Games:

• Whack-a-Cody (Rose’s Room)
  
• Snowball Fight (Snow Globe)
  
• Chess (Attic)
  
• Track & Field (Cuckoo Clock)
  

Mini-games add levity and a competitive edge. Find them all to unlock achievements.

Post-Game Content and Replay Value

• Replay chapters with the other character.
  
• Complete all mini-games.
  
• Trophy Hunt: It Takes Two has a Platinum trophy with unique objectives.
  
• Experience the narrative again—choices and dialogue hit differently on replay.
  

Final Thoughts: Why Play It Takes Two on PlayStation

Whether on PS4 or PS5, It Takes Two on PlayStation offers an unforgettable co-op journey. The emotional story, brilliant mechanics, and diverse levels ensure no two hours feel alike.

Add in smooth console performance, the flexibility of Friend’s Pass, and enhanced features like DualSense or 4K visuals, and it’s clear why the PlayStation version remains one of the game’s best formats.

Use tools like ExitLag to maintain a stable connection, especially for long-distance co-op sessions, and you’ll enjoy one of gaming’s most celebrated modern adventures—without compromise.

FAQ

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