Is It Takes Two Cross-Platform? Full Guide to Cross‑Platform Play and Progression
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Platform Availability and Release History
When people ask: “Is It Takes Two cross-platform?”, the first thing I tell them is to check where they can actually play this co‑op gem. It Takes Two launched on March 25, 2021, for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The developers later brought it to Nintendo Switch in November 2022. Each version has been optimized for its respective hardware, and the next‑generation editions deliver higher frame rates and shorter loading times.
From my own experience playing on PlayStation 5, the visuals and performance feel smooth, but the game’s design remains identical across platforms. Whether you use a mouse and keyboard or a controller, you’ll still need a partner – there’s no single‑player mode. Local couch co‑op works without an internet connection, while online co‑op requires both players to be online and signed into their respective services.
Current Platforms and Availability
| Platform | Launch Date | Remarks |
| PC (EA App/Steam) | March 25 2021 | Supports Windows 10/11. Requires at least an Intel Core i3‑2100 or AMD FX 6100 and 8 GB RAM. |
| PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 5 | March 25 2021 | PS5 players enjoy enhanced graphics and faster load times, but there is no exclusive content. Cross‑generation play is available between PS4 and PS5. |
| Xbox One / Xbox Series X/S | March 25 2021 | Optimized for Series X/S with higher resolution and smoother performance. Cross-generation play works between Xbox One and Series consoles. Available through Xbox Game Pass and EA Play. |
| Nintendo Switch | November 2022 | Runs at a lower resolution and frame rate, but supports handheld, docked, and tabletop modes. Only cross‑play within the Switch ecosystem is possible. |
Cross‑Platform Play (Crossplay)
So, is It Takes Two cross-platform, in the sense that friends on different systems can play together? Unfortunately, no. According to Electronic Arts, the game supports cross‑generation play only. A player on PS5 can invite someone on PS4, and an Xbox Series X/S user can play with someone on Xbox One. Beyond that, there is no cross‑platform play between PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo.
This limitation applies even when using the Friend’s Pass – a feature that lets someone who owns the game invite a friend who doesn’t. Friend’s Pass only works within the same platform family. For example, I can invite a PS4‑owning buddy from my PS5, but I cannot play with friends on Xbox or PC using the Pass.
Why No Cross‑Platform Play?
The lack of full cross‑platform support comes down to platform policies and technical hurdles. EA’s official FAQ plainly states that It Takes Two doesn’t support cross‑play. According to the developers, maintaining synchronized gameplay and progression across disparate networks requires significant infrastructure, and platform holders have to approve cross‑play for their ecosystems. Hazelight opted to prioritize polished performance on each device and cross‑generation compatibility instead.
Crossplay Support by Platform
Although full cross‑platform play is absent, understanding how cross‑gen functions can help you plan sessions with friends. Here’s a breakdown by platform:
| Platform Family | Crossplay Support | Details |
| PlayStation (PS4 & PS5) | Yes, cross‑generation | PS4 and PS5 users can join the same lobby. You must both have PlayStation Plus for online play. Friend’s Pass lets a PS5 owner invite a PS4 friend. |
| Xbox (Xbox One & Xbox Series X/S) | Yes, cross‑generation | Xbox One and Series X/S users can play together seamlessly. Xbox Live Gold (or Game Pass Core/Ultimate) is required for online sessions. The Friend’s Pass also works across Xbox generations. |
| PC (EA App / Steam) | No cross‑platform | PC players can only join lobbies with other PC players. There is no cross‑play with consoles. |
| Nintendo Switch | No cross‑platform | Switch players can only play with other Switch users. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is needed for online co‑op. |
Platform‑Specific Limitations and Partial Compatibility
Even within the same platform families, there are restrictions worth noting:
- Digital Store Versions: Friend’s Pass must be downloaded from the platform‑specific digital store (Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, or the EA App). A friend with the Pass cannot cross into another store’s ecosystem, meaning PC players on Steam cannot join those using the EA App.
- Subscription Requirements: Online co‑op requires active subscriptions. Both players need PS Plus, Xbox Live Gold (Game Pass Core), or Nintendo Switch Online. Without these, the game can only be played offline via couch co‑op.
- Network and Latency: Because there’s no cross‑platform matchmaking, network differences are minimized within platform families. In my experience, playing on PS5 with a wired connection results in minimal lag, but switching to Wi‑Fi occasionally causes noticeable latency. EA advises ensuring a stable internet connection and updating the game to the latest version to avoid session errors.
Cross‑Save and Cross‑Progression
Cross‑play and cross‑save often go hand in hand, but It Takes Two treats them separately. Cross‑save refers to transferring a saved game between systems, while cross‑progression tracks achievements, unlocks, and collectibles across different platforms.
Cross‑Save Support
While the game doesn’t have true cross‑save, there is a cross‑generation save system. If you upgrade from PS4 to PS5, or from Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S, your save files carry over within the same family. Friend’s Pass also ensures that if your partner buys the game later, their progress is preserved. The steps are straightforward: your save is tied to your platform account, and when you sign in on a newer console, the game automatically recognizes the save data.
On the other hand, if you switch between completely different platforms – say, from PlayStation to Xbox, or PC to Switch – your progress will not transfer. Each platform stores saves separately, and there’s currently no way to export or import them across ecosystems.
Cross‑Progression Support
Similar to cross‑save, cross‑progression is restricted to the same platform family. When I logged into my PS5 after starting on PS4, I retained trophies, collectibles, and chapter unlocks. However, migrating to another platform required starting from scratch because there is no cross‑account linking for progression. Hazelight Studios hasn’t implemented cross‑progression across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
Account Linking and Friend’s Pass Details
Setting Up Friend’s Pass
Friend’s Pass is a generous feature that allows someone who owns the full game to invite another player without an additional purchase. To use it:
- Download Friend’s Pass from the appropriate digital store (PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, Steam, or EA App).
- Both players must have first‑party accounts. This means you need a PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Account, or EA Account to enable invites.
- Invite from the main menu. The host sends an invitation to the friend’s account. During my sessions, the invite appeared within seconds, and once accepted, the friend joined seamlessly.
- Cross‑gen only. As emphasized earlier, Friend’s Pass doesn’t bridge different platforms.
Account Linking
It Takes Two uses the EA account system for online play. Linking your EA account to your console or PC ensures your progress, invites, and Friend’s Pass usage are tied to your identity. The EA help article confirms that both players must be logged into their EA accounts for online co‑op. This linking also enables access to any future cross‑generation updates that might arrive.
Developer/Publisher Comments and Future Plans
Hazelight Studios and Electronic Arts have been candid about the lack of full cross‑platform functionality. An EA community manager responded to a player’s question, stating that It Takes Two “only supports cross‑generation play on the same platform” and does not allow cross‑platform play. The official FAQ on EA’s website echoes this message.
There has been speculation on forums and third‑party blogs claiming cross‑platform compatibility between Xbox and PC, but these are inaccurate. Official documentation and support articles as recent as 2025 still confirm that cross‑platform play is not implemented. While Hazelight has not ruled out future updates, there have been no announcements regarding broader cross‑play or cross‑progression support.
Summary and Recommendation
So, is It Takes Two cross-platform? The answer remains no. It Takes Two is playable on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, but cross‑play is limited to cross‑generation within the same platform family. Cross‑save and cross‑progression also remain within those boundaries. Friend’s Pass makes co‑op accessible, but it does not bridge different hardware ecosystems. If you plan to enjoy this charming co‑op adventure with friends, make sure you’re all on the same system or at least within the same console generation.
As a long‑time fan, I’d still urge you to experience It Takes Two, especially if you love cooperative games with inventive puzzles and heartfelt storytelling. You can grab our It Takes Two Steam key or console keys from our marketplace. Buying from our store ensures you get the latest version at a good price while supporting the developers through legitimate sales.
Beyond this game, if you’re curious about more titles that bridge players across systems, check out our comprehensive lists. For example, we’ve ranked the best cross‑platform games, which highlights multiplayer experiences that work flawlessly across PC and consoles.
If you’re looking for more cooperative fun, read our guide to games like It Takes Two for suggestions on similarly inventive two‑player adventures.
Nintendo fans might enjoy our roundup of the best co‑op games on Switch, where It Takes Two tops the list for its compelling cooperative design.
FAQs
How does crossplay work in It Takes Two?
Crossplay doesn’t work across different platforms in It Takes Two. The game only allows cross‑generation play within the same platform family, such as PS4 with PS5 or Xbox One with Xbox Series X|S. There is no cross‑platform matchmaking between PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch.
Does It Takes Two support cross‑platform play between Xbox and PC?
No, It Takes Two does not support cross‑platform play between Xbox and PC. Xbox players can only connect with other Xbox players (including cross‑gen), and PC players can only play with other PC users.
Can progress be transferred from PlayStation to PC?
No, progress cannot be transferred from PlayStation to PC. Cross‑save and cross‑progression only work within the same platform family – PS4 to PS5 or Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S.
Is Friend’s Pass available on all platforms?
Yes. Friend’s Pass can be downloaded on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. However, it only allows cross‑gen play within the same platform family and does not support cross‑platform matchmaking.
Does the game require an internet connection for couch co‑op?
No, the game doesn’t require an internet connection for couch co‑op. You can play locally with two controllers. Online co‑op, however, does require both players to be connected and subscribed to their respective online services.
