It Takes Two Getting Started guide screenshot

Getting Started

First Hour Walkthrough


  • The game begins with a cinematic prologue showing the troubled couple May and Cody, who are turned into tiny dolls by their daughter Rose's tears. You must choose who controls which character (the inviter picks first; you can switch later via the pause menu).

  • After the prologue, you start in The Shed – the tutorial zone. This introduces basic movement and cooperation. Around 20 minutes in, you unlock the first two tools: Cody's Nail Gun (can shoot nails into walls to create platforms) and May's Explosive Socks (can stomp to break weak floors or activate switches). These are your primary cooperative tools for the first hour.

  • Navigate through the Shed by solving puzzles that require both abilities. You'll also face a few simple enemies, culminating in a miniboss – the Vaccuum Cleaner – which you must defeat by using both tools together.

  • After the miniboss, you meet the magical book Dr. Hakim, who becomes your guide. By the end of the first hour, you should have exited the Shed and entered the Garden area.


    • Character Creation


  • There is no character creation in It Takes Two. You play as either Cody (male) or May (female). No customization of appearance, stats, or abilities is available. Each character receives unique tools per level, but these are predetermined by the game's progression. The only choice is which character you control. When you invite a friend, the inviter picks first; the other player gets the remaining character. You can swap at any time via the pause menu ("Switch Characters" option).


    • Controls on All Platforms


    All versions support standard controller input. PC also offers keyboard & mouse. Below are the default controls.

    PlayStation (PS5 / PS4)


  • Left Stick: Move character

  • Right Stick: Look / Camera

  • X: Jump

  • Square: Use tool / interact

  • Triangle: Primary attack (tool-specific)

  • Circle: Crouch / Slide

  • R1: Special ability (tool-specific)

  • L1: Dash (unlocked later)

  • L2: Aim (with ranged tools)

  • R2: Secondary tool action

  • Touchpad: Pause menu

  • Options: Game menu


    • Xbox (Xbox Series X|S / Xbox One)


  • Left Stick: Move

  • Right Stick: Look

  • A: Jump

  • X: Use tool / interact

  • Y: Primary attack

  • B: Crouch / Slide

  • RB: Special ability

  • LB: Dash

  • LT: Aim

  • RT: Secondary tool action

  • View button (two overlapping squares): Pause

  • Menu button: Game menu


    • PC (Keyboard & Mouse)


  • WASD: Move

  • Mouse: Look (camera follows mouse)

  • Left Click: Primary attack / tool fire

  • Right Click: Aim / Secondary action

  • Space: Jump

  • E: Interact / use tool

  • Shift: Dash (hold to run? Actually running is default; dash is a separate unlock – but Shift acts as sprint/dash)

  • Ctrl: Crouch / Slide

  • Q: Special ability (tool-specific)

  • R: Reload (if tool has ammo)

  • Esc: Pause menu


    • (On PC, you can also use any supported controller; the game detects input automatically.)

    UI Overview


    The user interface is minimal, focusing on cooperative play.
  • Health bar: Each character has a round health indicator near their portrait in the corner. Hearts represent health – lose all and you respawn at the last checkpoint. Both players must be alive to progress.

  • Tool icons: A small icon in the bottom center of your screen shows your current tool (e.g., nail gun, explosive socks). A cooldown bar appears after using a special ability.

  • Ammo counter: Tools with limited ammo (like the nail gun) display a number. Ammo recharges over time when not in use.

  • Split-screen: The screen is divided horizontally (top/bottom) for each player. Each sees their own perspective. You cannot change to full screen. A glowing line indicates the tether distance; if you stray too far, the line turns red and you'll be teleported back after a few seconds.

  • Pause menu: Offers options to restart from checkpoint, switch characters, adjust audio/visual settings, and view controls.


    • Essential Early Objectives


    1. Complete the tutorial (The Shed): Master basic movement and cooperation.
    2. Unlock and use the first tools: Obtain Cody's Nail Gun and May's Explosive Socks. Learn how they interact: May breaks weak floors; Cody creates platforms for May to reach higher ground.
    3. Defeat the Vaccuum Cleaner: The first miniboss, requiring coordinated use of both tools.
    4. Meet Dr. Hakim: The magical book appears after the miniboss and provides ongoing guidance.

    What to Do First and What to Avoid


  • Do: Communicate constantly – use voice chat or an external program. Announce your actions and ask for help.

  • Do: Look for visual hints: glowing objects, cracks in walls, climbable surfaces. The game teaches through environment design.

  • Do: Collect optional items like "May's Juice" or "Cody's Coffee" (backstory collectibles) but they are not required. You can revisit areas later? Not necessary – but they add story depth.

  • Avoid: Rushing ahead of your partner. Many puzzles require both characters in specific positions. The tether mechanic will eventually pull you back, but it's frustrating.

  • Avoid: Ignoring breakable objects – they often contain coins or health pickups.

  • Avoid: Using tools recklessly; ammo may run out temporarily. Wait for recharge.


    • Early Resource Priorities


  • Health: Does not regenerate automatically. Pick up pink hearts (health pickups) when damaged. They are common in the environment.

  • Coins: Found in shiny piles or containers. Used at the end of each chapter to buy cosmetic hats/accessories for your characters. Purely cosmetic – not needed for progression. In the early game, prioritize health over coins, but collect them if you want all cosmetics.

  • Time: Be patient. Puzzles may require multiple attempts.


    • Common Beginner Mistakes


    1. Not communicating: Silence leads to confusion. Always talk with your partner.
    2. Misunderstanding split-screen: Each player has their own camera angle. Announce when you move to avoid disorientation.
    3. Forgetting tool mechanics: Each tool has a primary and secondary use. For example, Cody's nail gun can shoot nails into walls (platforms) or shoot at enemies; May's explosive socks can stomp to break floors or create a shockwave. Experiment with both buttons.
    4. Ignoring the tether: The glowing line shows direction and distance; when red, you are too far. Don't fight the teleport – it's meant to keep you together.
    5. Skipping Dr. Hakim's instructions: He gives valuable tips. Pay attention.

    Day-One Checklist


  • [ ] Download and install It Takes Two (ensure your partner uses the Friend's Pass if they don't own the game).

  • [ ] Log in or create an EA Account (required to play).

  • [ ] Invite a friend to play (online or local co-op with two controllers).

  • [ ] Complete the prologue (the divorce scene and transformation).

  • [ ] Finish the tutorial area The Shed.

  • [ ] Unlock both starting tools (Nail Gun and Explosive Socks).

  • [ ] Defeat the Vaccuum Cleaner miniboss.

  • [ ] Meet Dr. Hakim and receive initial guidance.

  • [ ] Exit the Shed and enter the Garden.

  • [ ] Explore the Garden, collect coins and health if desired.

  • [ ] Enjoy the story and cooperative experience!


Remember: It Takes Two is a journey through many unique levels. The first hour sets the foundation. Take your time, communicate, and work together. Happy gaming!