Understanding the controls in WheelMates is essential for navigating Professor Bloom's oversized house as a tiny RC car. The game supports both keyboard and mouse configurations as well as standard gamepads, including PlayStation DualSense and DualShock 4 controllers. Players use these inputs to drive, perform aerial stunts, interact with environmental puzzles, and deploy special traversal tools like the grapple hook.
Whether you are playing locally on a shared screen or online using the Friend's Pass, having a firm grasp of your vehicle's handling and accessibility features will make your journey through the laboratory much smoother.
Supported Input Devices
WheelMates offers flexible control options to accommodate different playstyles. When starting the game or troubleshooting issues, players can choose between two primary input methods:
- Keyboard and Mouse: A standard setup for PC players looking to steer and interact using traditional computer inputs.
- Gamepads / Controllers: Full controller support is integrated into the game. This includes popular options like the PlayStation DualSense and DualShock 4, as well as other standard PC-compatible gamepads.
The developers actively maintain controller compatibility. A recent hotfix specifically addressed and resolved an issue regarding repeated D-pad inputs on DualSense and DualShock 4 controllers, ensuring menu navigation and movement remain precise.
Core Traversal and Driving Mechanics
Driving in WheelMates is designed to feel playful yet grounded. The RC cars feature a balance of "stickiness" to the surface and erratic, high-energy movement reminiscent of classic toy cars.
Airtime and Stunts
When launching off ramps or navigating the multi-layered rooms of the house, you can control your vehicle mid-air. Players can perform playful maneuvers, including:
- Flips: Pitching the car forward or backward during jumps.
- Barrel Rolls: Spinning the car horizontally to land cleanly on all four wheels.
Interactive Controls
The puzzles throughout the house require physical interaction with the environment. You will frequently need to use your vehicle to:
- Press Buttons: Driving over or bumping into buttons to activate lifts, open doors, or clear hazards like escaping steam.
- Pull Levers: Interacting with levers, which often must be pulled simultaneously by both players to progress to the next room.
Special Tools
As you advance through the campaign, you will unlock tools that expand your control options. The most notable is the grapple hook, which allows you to attach to designated grapple points and execute a rope swing to clear large gaps.
Relocation and Accessibility Features
For players who struggle with precise platforming or find themselves stuck after a bad jump, WheelMates includes a dedicated relocation control.
This built-in accessibility feature allows you to instantly relocate your RC car back to a higher, safe point if you fall. This eliminates the frustration of having to repeat long driving sequences or difficult climbs, making the game highly accessible for casual players, partners, and children.
Troubleshooting Control and Physics Issues
If you experience issues with vehicle handling or input lag, keep the following developer recommendations in mind:
- Slope Behavior: A recent game update improved vehicle behavior on steep slopes, preventing cars from sliding or losing traction unexpectedly.
- Version Matching: For online co-op, ensure both the host and the player using the Friend's Pass have the exact same game version installed. You can verify your version number in the lower-left corner of the main menu.
- Bug Reporting: If you encounter an input glitch, you can report it to the developers via Discord or Steam. Be sure to specify whether you are playing on keyboard and mouse or a gamepad.
FAQ
Can I play WheelMates with a controller?
Yes. WheelMates fully supports gamepads, including the PlayStation DualSense and DualShock 4. The developers have optimized controller support, including fixing previous issues with repeated D-pad inputs.
What should I do if I fall off a platform?
You can use the game's built-in relocation feature. This accessibility option allows you to quickly teleport your vehicle back up to a higher safety point so you do not lose your platforming progress.
How do I use the grapple hook?
Once you unlock the grapple hook tool during the campaign, you can use it to latch onto specific grapple points to perform a rope swing and cross wide gaps.
Sources
- Official WheelMates Steam Page:
https://steamcommunity.com/app/3905450 - WheelMates Official Site:
https://wheelmatesgame.com/ - Co-Op Bros WheelMates Video Review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX8uiLgeg4M