Navigating the laboratory and garage environments in WheelMates requires precise coordination between two players. This walkthrough covers the essential steps for completing the initial laboratory puzzles, managing RC car controls, and utilizing co-op mechanics like the Friend's Pass. By collecting neuro cores and activating power nodes, players can help Professor Bloom restore his consciousness and unlock new areas of the house grid.
Getting Started in WheelMates
WheelMates is designed as a two-player co-op experience where players control RC cars through a series of physics-based puzzles. Before beginning your walkthrough of the laboratory and garage areas, ensure both players are connected.
The game features a Friend's Pass system, allowing one owner to invite a second player for free. To use this, the owner must host an online game and share an invite code found in the lobby. The second player then enters this code in the Friend's Pass version of the game to join the session.
Basic Controls and Mechanics
The RC cars in WheelMates are known for their "funky" and sometimes erratic handling, reminiscent of 90s radio-controlled toys. Mastering these controls is the first step in any walkthrough:
- Driving: Standard acceleration and steering.
- Handbrake: Used for stopping, though it does not significantly assist with drifting or sharp turns.
- Jumping: Essential for platforming and reaching elevated neuro cores.
- Scanner: A data harvesting module that improves synchronization with the house grid.
- Return Key: A vital function that respawns your vehicle if you become stuck or fall off a ledge.
The Laboratory and Kitchen Walkthrough
The journey begins in Professor Bloom's home laboratory. The Professor’s consciousness is trapped within the house grid, and players must use neuro helmets to sync with his system. The primary objective in this zone is to collect neuro cores—glowing spheres scattered throughout the environment.
Initial Synchronization
Drive to the highlighted zones to initiate the sync. You will need to collect enough neuro cores to override security protocols. While one player explores the floor level, the other should look for ramps leading to higher shelves. Use the scanner frequently to maximize the data stream, which is required to unlock the path to the basement and backyard.
Navigating the Kitchen
The kitchen serves as a vertical platforming challenge. Players can open drawers to create makeshift stairs.
- Drawer Climbing: Drive into the handles of the lower drawers to pull them open.
- The Refrigerator: Use the opened drawers to reach the top of the refrigerator.
- Rope Swing: Certain areas require the "Rope Swing" skill. Look for specific ports (often mapped to the LB button on controllers) to swing across gaps. If the rope does not appear for the second player, ensure both players are on the same game version, as this was a known issue addressed in recent hotfixes.
The Capacitor and Power Nodes
To progress past the laboratory, players must locate and activate a local capacitor. This acts as a critical power node that requires a specific threshold of neuro cores to function.
Charging the Accumulator
Once you reach the chasm containing the capacitor, both players must work together to "bury" their collected neuro cores into the accumulator. This often involves one player holding a switch or platform in place while the other jumps to reach the core deposit slot. Once the critical threshold is reached, a powerful discharge will obliterate obstacles blocking the corridor to the basement.
Handling Conductive Hazards
During this segment, watch out for "Green BH19 Byproduct." This substance is highly conductive and will instantly decommission your RC car upon contact, causing it to explode. If you are destroyed, your partner can revive you, or you can use the return function to respawn at the last checkpoint.
The Shed and Backyard Antennas
As you move toward the garage and shed areas, the puzzles shift toward magnetic induction and battery management. The Professor introduces the "Quantum Replicator," a device that provides an endless supply of batteries.
Magnetic Induction Puzzles
The ceiling of the shed features large magnets. These are used to move heavy cylinders that block your path.
- Synchronization: Both players must often activate control panels simultaneously to move the magnets along a track.
- Cylinder Placement: Move the cylinders into the designated slots to complete the circuit. If a cylinder falls, it will respawn via the replicator.
Battery Dispensers
Throughout the shed and backyard, you will encounter battery dispensers. These batteries are required to open electronic doors and activate fuel pumps.
- Retrieve: Grab a battery from the dispenser.
- Transport: Carry the battery to the socket near the locked door. Note that carrying a battery makes your car heavier and harder to maneuver, especially during jumps.
- Activation: Drop the battery into the socket to power the local grid.
Tips for Overcoming Common Obstacles
The physics in WheelMates can be challenging. If you find the steering too stiff, try to line up your jumps from a greater distance rather than making micro-adjustments near the edge.
If you encounter progression issues in the Backyard or Shed areas, check the lower-left corner of the main menu to ensure you are running the latest version. The developers recently released hotfixes to address NeuroVoids collision issues and progression blocks in these specific zones.
FAQ
How do I play WheelMates with a friend for free?
You can use the Friend's Pass. The owner of the game hosts a session and generates an invite code. The friend downloads the "Friend's Pass" version of WheelMates and enters that code to join the game at no additional cost.
What should I do if my RC car gets stuck in the environment?
Use the "Return" key or button. This function is designed to reset your vehicle to the nearest safe platform, which is essential for overcoming the game's difficult hitboxes and steep slopes.
How do I open the basement door in the laboratory?
You must collect a sufficient number of neuro cores and deliver them to the capacitor accumulator. Once the energy threshold is met, the system will execute a discharge that unlocks the path to the basement and the subsequent garage/shed areas.
Sources
- Official WheelMates Steam Page: https://steamcommunity.com/app/3905450
- WheelMates Official Site: https://wheelmatesgame.com/
- WheelMates - Official Demo Launch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntiYLcSDHN4
- WheelMates Demo Gameplay Walkthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rYbO332jI0