Hazelight Studios created A Way Out as a unique story-driven adventure focused entirely on cooperative play. Players step into the shoes of Leo and Vincent, two inmates attempting a daring prison escape and navigating life on the run. Because the gameplay depends heavily on teamwork, understanding how multiplayer works and whether solo play is possible is essential before diving in.
Does A Way Out Have a Single Player Option?
A Way Out does not feature an official single-player game mode. The entire experience is built around split-screen mechanics that require two characters to act simultaneously to solve puzzles. While some dedicated gamers have managed to complete the game alone by manually controlling two gamepads at once, the developer explicitly designed it for two human players.
Attempting to play solo forces you to manage dual camera perspectives and dual inputs, which can become incredibly difficult during action scenes. The narrative and gameplay mechanics rely on constant communication between partners. For the intended narrative impact and smooth mechanics, playing with a friend remains the best approach.
Local Split Screen Multiplayer Requirements
Playing local co-op is one of the easiest ways to experience the game with a partner on the same couch. To play locally, you need a single copy of the game and two compatible controllers connected to your platform. The game dynamically splits the display screen, allowing both players to observe each other's actions in real time.
Console users playing locally do not need active online multiplayer subscriptions. PC players will require a capable system along with two input devices, such as gamepads or a keyboard and controller combination. Local play offers a seamless experience without worrying about network stability or internet speed.
Online Co-Op and the Friend Pass Feature
Online multiplayer in A Way Out provides a convenient way to team up across distances. Electronic Arts provides a feature called the Friend Pass, which lets you play the full campaign with a partner who does not own the game. Only the host needs to purchase the full title, while the second player simply downloads the free trial or Friend Pass edition.
To connect online, both players must be on the same platform family, as the title does not support cross-platform play. Console players must also maintain active online subscriptions like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core to host or join online lobbies. A stable internet connection and linked EA accounts are required for both participants.
System Requirements and Platform Setup
PC players should verify system hardware requirements to ensure stable framerates during intense cooperative sequences. Minimum requirements include 8 GB of RAM, 25 GB of storage space, and integrated graphics equivalent to a GTX 650Ti or Radeon HD 7750. For optimal performance at higher settings, 16 GB of RAM and a GTX 960 graphics card are recommended.
On consoles, the game runs smoothly across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and current-generation systems through backward compatibility. Making sure both players meet hardware and connection standards guarantees an uninterrupted prison break adventure.
