Recommendation lists for multiplayer games like it takes two usually throw twenty titles at you and explain none of them. This one is shorter on purpose and says what each pick borrows from It Takes Two.

There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem.

The short answer

There is no perfect clone of It Takes Two, but two or three games get close on the part that mattered most — pace, tension or the loop itself.

The closest matches

There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Half the appeal of It Takes Two was pacing, and pacing is the hardest thing for a recommendation list to match. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem.

The approach below has been checked against the current version rather than a patch from two years ago. If you are short on time, the first section alone is usually enough. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing.

What people actually miss about It Takes Two

Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse. People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago.

  • Back up your save if the game gives you the option.
  • Write down what you changed, so you can undo it if the result gets worse.
  • Test one change at a time instead of five at once.
  • Check the version you are running before following any step-by-step advice.
  • Restart fully after a change rather than trusting a quick reload.

Worth a look if you want something lighter

Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing.

Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. Anything marked optional really is optional, so skip it without guilt. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update.

Mistakes worth avoiding

  • Following a guide written for an older version and assuming nothing moved.
  • Changing several settings at once, then having no idea which one helped.
  • Skipping the preparation step because it looks boring, then repeating the hard part four times.
  • Giving up one attempt before the point where it usually clicks.

Frequently asked questions

Which one is closest to It Takes Two?

The first pick, if you care about the loop. If you cared more about the writing or the atmosphere, the second one lands closer.

Are any of these free?

Some have free demos or trial weekends, which is the cheapest way to find out whether the comparison holds for you.

Do I need any add-ons or third-party tools?

No. Everything described here works with the game as installed, which also means nothing breaks when the next patch lands.

Bookmark this if you expect to look up multiplayer games like it takes two again after the next update.