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WheelMates Local Co-Op Guide: Split-Screen & Friend's Pass

Learn how to set up local split-screen co-op in WheelMates, use the online Friend's Pass, and master the RC car mechanics with your partner.

Updated 2026-09-03 / Source-checked

WheelMates is a dedicated two-player cooperative driving adventure developed by Firevolt. In this game, players control remote-controlled (RC) cars to explore Professor Bloom's cluttered house, solve environmental puzzles, and uncover the mystery of how they got there. Because the game is built entirely around cooperative play, a second player is required to progress. WheelMates fully supports local split-screen co-op, allowing two players to share the same screen on a single system, as well as online multiplayer.

Setting Up Local Co-Op in WheelMates

Playing WheelMates in local co-op is straightforward. Since the game is designed as a split-screen experience, you can plug in two controllers to play together on the same PC or console.

The game features full gamepad support, including official compatibility with DualSense and DualShock 4 controllers. A hotfix resolved issues regarding repeated D-pad inputs on these specific controllers, ensuring a smoother local gameplay experience.

To start a local session:

  1. Connect two compatible controllers to your system.
  2. Launch the game and navigate to the main menu.
  3. Select the local play option to initiate split-screen mode.
  4. Choose your customized RC cars and begin the campaign.

How to Use the Online Friend's Pass

If you do not have a local couch co-op partner, WheelMates offers an online alternative using a free Friend's Pass. This feature allows one player who owns the full game to invite a friend to play the entire campaign with them for free.

To set up an online session using the Friend's Pass, follow these steps:

  1. Download the Game: The host must download and launch the full version of WheelMates. The joining friend must download and launch the free "WheelMates Friend's Pass" version on Steam.
  2. Generate the Code: The host navigates to the Lobby, selects Play, then Play Online, and clicks Host to copy the unique invite code.
  3. Join the Lobby: The friend opens their game, selects Play, navigates to Friend's Pass, and enters the host's invite code.
  4. Launch: Once both players are connected in the lobby, the host can start the game.

Note: Both players must ensure they have installed the same version of the game. You can verify your version number in the lower-left corner of the main menu.

Core Co-Op Abilities and Tools

As you navigate through the kitchen, vents, shed, and backyard, both players will unlock identical tools to help solve puzzles and traverse the environment. These abilities include:

  • Grappling Hook: Allows players to latch onto handles, pull levers, open drawers, and swing across hazardous gaps.
  • Magnet: Gives the RC cars a form of telekinesis, allowing them to interact with objects and pick up items (such as oranges) to move them.
  • Magnet Tires: Enables the vehicles to stick to metallic paths, allowing players to drive up walls and across ceilings regardless of orientation.
  • Paint Gun: Shoots paintballs to hit distant targets or trigger specific buttons within a time limit.

Puzzle Design and Mini-Games

The puzzle design in WheelMates heavily emphasizes simultaneous actions. Many obstacles require both players to coordinate basic movements to unlock the path forward.

Common puzzle mechanics include:

  • Simultaneous Inputs: Pressing two buttons or pulling two levers at the exact same time to open locked doors.
  • Scissor Lifts: One player driving onto a lift while the other presses a button to raise them to a higher platform.
  • Divided Paths: One player navigating a path behind glass or from above, using their tools (like the magnet or paint gun) to clear obstacles for the other player.

Additionally, players can discover and play competitive mini-games hidden within the levels, such as Tag and Coin Rush (also referred to as coin collecting). These mini-games offer a brief break from the main cooperative puzzles.

Tips for Managing RC Car Physics

The driving mechanics in WheelMates mimic the erratic and playful behavior of real-world 1990s toy RC cars. Because the game is a 3D platformer controlled via vehicles, some players may find the physics slippery or difficult to control in tight spaces like air vents.

To make your co-op session smoother, keep these tips in mind:

  • Control Your Speed: Avoid holding down the accelerator fully in cramped areas. Gently pulling the trigger helps maintain steering control.
  • Use the Reset Feature: If your vehicle gets stuck on clutter or wedged in a corner, you can trigger a manual reset. This causes your car to explode and respawn safely nearby.
  • Teleportation Recovery: When falling from high ledges, the game often provides an on-screen prompt to teleport back up to your previous platform, saving you from repeating tedious climbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play WheelMates entirely solo?

No. WheelMates is strictly a two-player cooperative game. It cannot be played alone, meaning you must play either via local split-screen or online co-op.

How much does WheelMates cost?

The base price of WheelMates is $19.99 / £15.99 / €19.99. Only one player needs to purchase the game if you plan to play online via the free Friend's Pass.

What is the average play time of the campaign?

Depending on how thoroughly you search for collectibles like custom car parts and neural cores, the campaign takes between 4 and 7.5 hours to complete.

Does WheelMates support cross-play?

The provided sources do not confirm cross-play functionality between different platforms. Ensure both you and your partner are playing on the same platform and have the same game version installed.

Sources

WheelMates Co-Op Guide: Friend Pass and Gameplay MechanicsWheelMates Friends Pass: How to Play Co-op for FreeWheelMates Online Co-op and Friend's Pass Guide