WheelMates is a two-player cooperative driving adventure that puts players in control of RC cars navigating a large-scale household environment. Developed by Firevolt, the game focuses on physics-based traversal and puzzle-solving within the laboratory and home of a character known as Professor Bloom. The experience is designed specifically for two players, offering both local couch co-op and online multiplayer functionality.
One of the standout features of WheelMates is the inclusion of a Friend's Pass. This system allows one player who owns the full game to invite a second player to join the entire campaign for free. The game typically takes about four hours to complete, making it a casual experience suitable for partners, friends, or family members with varying levels of gaming experience.
How to Use the WheelMates Friend's Pass
The Friend's Pass is a dedicated version of the game that allows a second player to join an online session without purchasing the full title. To use this feature, both players must have the game installed, but only one needs to own the license.
To set up an online session, follow these steps:
- Host Setup: The owner of the full game launches WheelMates and selects Play > Play Online > Host.
- Generate Code: The host will see an Invite Code in the lobby. They must copy and share this code with their partner.
- Guest Setup: The second player launches the WheelMates Friend's Pass version.
- Join Session: The guest selects Play > Friend's Pass and enters the code provided by the host.
- Start Game: Once the guest appears in the lobby, the host can begin the session.
It is important to ensure that both players are running the same version of the game. The version number is located in the lower-left corner of the main menu. If the versions do not match, players may encounter connection issues.
Cooperative Gameplay and Mechanics
WheelMates utilizes a "cooperative-dependent" design for its puzzles and traversal. Most obstacles require both players to interact with the environment simultaneously or in a specific sequence to progress. Common mechanics include one player holding a button to deactivate steam or move a platform while the other player crosses a gap.
As players progress through the house, they unlock new tools such as a grapple hook. This tool allows the RC cars to swing across wide chasms or reach higher elevations. The game also features vertical lifts that require one player to operate the controls on the side while the other player stands on the platform.
The driving physics are designed to feel like authentic radio-controlled cars from the 1990s, offering a mix of "stickiness" for climbing and "playfulness" for jumps and flips. For players who struggle with difficult jumps, the game includes an accessibility feature that allows a player to relocate their car to a higher point if they fall.
Exploring Professor Bloom’s House
The game is set within a scientist's home that has been transformed into a series of playgrounds for toy cars. The levels are linear in progression but feature open zones within each room for exploration. Players will navigate through several distinct areas, including:
- The Laboratory: The starting area where the narrative begins.
- The Kitchen and Garage: Areas filled with ramps, air ducts, and everyday objects that serve as massive obstacles.
- The Hallway: A level focused on verticality and coordinated lift puzzles.
- The Backyard and Shed: Outdoor and storage areas that introduce more complex traversal challenges.
While moving through these rooms, players can collect Neuro Cores, which are spread throughout the environment for completionists. There are also hidden car parts and lore fragments that provide background on Professor Bloom and his current predicament as a disembodied voice trapped within a computer system.
Mini-Games and Customization
Outside of the main puzzle-solving gameplay, WheelMates includes competitive mini-games that players can discover. These offer a break from the cooperative puzzles and allow players to test their driving skills against each other. The primary mini-games found in the house are:
- Tag: A classic game of chase where one player must bump into the other to pass the "it" status.
- Coin Collecting: A race to gather the most coins within a specific area of the house.
Players can also customize their RC cars using parts found during exploration. The customization menu allows for changes to wheel types and paint jobs. While the catalog of parts is significant, many are hidden behind secret paths or optional platforming challenges, encouraging players to thoroughly search every room before moving to the next through the game's portal system.
Troubleshooting and Technical Tips
The developers at Firevolt frequently release hotfixes to address common community reports. If you encounter issues with the online co-op mode, consider the following verified solutions:
- Rope Swing Issues: A known bug where the rope swing does not appear for the guest player has been addressed in recent updates. Ensure both players have updated to the latest version.
- Progression Blocks: If you find yourself stuck in the Backyard or Shed levels, check for the latest hotfix, as several collision issues involving Neuro Cores have been resolved.
- Controller Inputs: The game supports DualSense and DualShock 4 controllers. If you experience repeated D-pad inputs, restarting the game after an update usually resolves the hardware conflict.
- Connection Errors: If the guest cannot log in, both players should restart Steam to ensure the game client is fully synchronized with the servers.
FAQ
How much does WheelMates cost?
The base price for WheelMates is $19.99 USD. Because of the Friend's Pass, two people can play through the entire game for the price of a single copy.
Can I play WheelMates solo?
WheelMates is designed as a mandatory two-player experience. The puzzles and mechanics require two distinct inputs that are intended for two separate players, either locally or online.
Does my friend need to buy the game to play online with me?
No. Your friend only needs to download the free "Friend's Pass" version of WheelMates from Steam. Once you provide them with an invite code from your hosted session, they can join you for the full duration of the game.