8 /10 18

A Way Out redefined co-op gaming by making multiplayer not just optional but mandatory—a bold creative choice that paid dividends. Developed by Hazelight Studios under director Josef Fares, the game delivers a cinematic adventure comparable to interactive films like Taxi Driver. Critics consistently praised its storytelling ambition, visual craft, and how split-screen mechanics serve the narrative. The game sold over 9 million copies by 2024, proving audiences crave shared emotional experiences. Rather than traditional gameplay systems, A Way Out emphasizes dynamic camera work, quick-time events, and interactive sequences that demand player cooperation beyond simple mechanics. Whether playing couch-to-couch or online, this remains gaming’s most successful co-op-only experience.

How to Play A Way Out

A Way Out minimizes traditional gameplay mechanics in favor of narrative cinema and cooperative moments. Each player controls one criminal—Vincent and Leo—progressing through prison escape and life-on-the-run scenarios. Gameplay alternates between exploration, light puzzle-solving, and dramatic sequences demanding teamwork and communication.

1. Controls – Straightforward third-person controls; learning curve minimal; game prioritizes accessibility over complexity
2. Progression – Linear story-driven progression through chapters; choices present dialogue options and occasional branching moments
3. Combat/Mechanics – Occasional firefights and confrontations; controls feel clunky during action but intentionally avoid demanding precision gameplay
4. Tips – Communication critical during co-op sequences; slow exploration rewards discovering optional dialogue and emotional beats unavailable during rushed segments

Who Should Play A Way Out

A Way Out targets adult gamers seeking shared storytelling experiences. The mandatory co-op requirement filters audiences, but those who commit find deeply rewarding emotional investment. Perfect for partners, close friends, or family members wanting gaming experiences with genuine narrative weight.

• Story Enthusiasts – Those prioritizing narrative and character development over mechanical complexity will find rich material
• Co-op Gamers – Players seeking meaningful cooperative experiences beyond competitive shooters or puzzle games
• Cinema Fans – Audiences appreciating interactive storytelling with film-quality production values and directing
• Skip if – You require solo play options, demand deep gameplay mechanics, or dislike linear narrative structures

A Way Out Platform Performance

A Way Out maintains consistent performance across platforms despite its demanding split-screen rendering. The game favors visual quality over raw frame rates, targeting stable 30 FPS on console platforms. PC versions allow higher frame rates depending on hardware. Performance differences between platforms remain minimal given identical console generations.

A Way Out System Requirements

A Way Out demands modest PC specifications for mid-level performance at 1080p. The 2018 release predates current optimization standards, explaining older-generation CPU/GPU requirements. Modern systems far exceed recommended specs, allowing 4K/60+ FPS on mid-range hardware.

Similar Games to A Way Out

A Way Out pioneered mandatory co-op storytelling, establishing a template other developers followed. These alternatives emphasize narrative cooperation, though some offer solo options or different mechanical focuses. Each provides complementary takes on shared gaming experiences.

• It Takes Two – Same developer; co-op adventure with stronger mechanical diversity and similarly acclaimed narrative
• Beyond: Two Souls – Narrative-focused adventure game; single-player but matches storytelling ambition and visual polish
• Unravel Two – Co-op puzzle-platformer with split-screen mechanics and emotional story about friendship
• Portal 2 – Cooperative puzzle game emphasizing communication and teamwork despite different genre

A Way Out vs Competitors

A Way Out dominated the mandatory co-op category through 2024, though competitors emerged offering alternative mechanics while maintaining player cooperation. Despite competition, A Way Out’s narrative ambition and production values remain unmatched in the co-op-only space.

A Way Out Story and World

Two inmates—Vincent and Leo—don’t know each other initially but must escape prison together. The narrative spans prison break, life as fugitives, and a climactic confrontation that forces moral choices with genuine consequences. Set in a gritty, realistic world inspired by 1970s crime cinema, the story explores themes of friendship, betrayal, trust, and redemption. Character arcs develop authentically through dialogue and shared moments rather than cutscenes. The ending, while controversial among players, commits boldly to consequences and emotional impact. Supporting characters feel lived-in, and voice acting delivers performances worthy of film. Unlike most games, A Way Out trusts audiences to form emotional bonds through cooperation rather than exposition.

A Way Out Multiplayer and Online

A Way Out exists exclusively in multiplayer form—single-player is completely unavailable. The game supports both local split-screen (couch co-op) and online cooperative play simultaneously. However, the game does not support crossplay, meaning both players must own the game on identical platforms. This limitation significantly impacts accessibility for geographically distant friends.

• Local Co-op – Split-screen gameplay on single console; gamepad sharing supported
• Online Multiplayer – Full online support with stable netcode; lag rarely impacts gameplay
• Friend Pass System – One player owns game; other friend downloads free “Friend Pass” trial to play cooperatively online
• Cross-Play – Not supported; both players must use identical platform (both PC, both PS4, etc.)

A Way Out DLC and Expansions

A Way Out shipped as a complete experience with no post-launch DLC, expansions, or additional chapters planned. Hazelight focused development resources on their follow-up title It Takes Two rather than expanding the original’s narrative. The base game contains the full intended story without divided content or season passes.

• No Story DLC – Game conclusion is final; no additional chapters or epilogues released
• No Cosmetic Items – No character skins or customization purchases available
• No Season Pass – No roadmap for additional content; development completed at launch
• Free Updates – Patch updates addressed stability issues; balance changes minimal given story-focus

A Way Out Community and Support

A Way Out developed passionate communities across Reddit, Discord, and forums, with players sharing emotional reactions and discussing moral choices within the ending. Developer Hazelight Studios actively engaged during launch, maintaining Discord channels for player discussion and matchmaking. Community remains active despite minimal post-launch updates, sustained by emotional investment in Vincent and Leo’s story.

• Official Discord – Developer-maintained channels for finding co-op partners and discussing narrative moments
• Reddit Community – Active subreddit (/r/AwayOut) discussing story interpretations and emotional reactions
• Mod Support – Limited modding due to single-player unavailability; community focuses on discussion and guides
• Updates – Hazelight Studios transitioned to It Takes Two development; A Way Out receives maintenance patches only