The WheelMates local co-op experience is the heart of Firevolt Studio's debut title, a 2-player cooperative RC car driving adventure set inside Professor Everett Bloom's mysteriously empty home laboratory. Launching September 1, 2026 on Steam (moved up from the original September 7 date), this game is built entirely around two players working together using three signature gadgets: the Rope-Swing, Magnetic Wheels, and Magnet Grab. Whether you're planning a couch session or a long-distance run, understanding how WheelMates co-op Steam handles input devices, connectivity, and communication will make or break your experience. The demo was pulled on August 8, 2026, but community feedback from those sessions—including the 3,327+ members on the official Discord server—has already shaped what you need to know before launch.
Supported Co-Op Modes and Connection Types
Supported Co-Op Modes and Connection Types Overview
Supported Co-Op Modes and Connection Types Tips
Firevolt Studio has confirmed four distinct ways to play WheelMates local co-op, and each has its own quirks. The game does not feature traditional online matchmaking; instead, it relies on Steam's infrastructure and a clever Friend's Pass system. Here's the breakdown:
| Mode | Player 1 | Player 2 | Internet Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Split-Screen Couch | Any input | Any input | No | Best for same-room play |
| Remote Play Together | Host with game | Guest via Steam | Yes | Guest needs no purchase |
| Friend's Pass | Full game owner | Free pass via Steam | Yes | Full co-op campaign access |
| Steam Deck + PC | Deck or PC | Any | Optional | Cross-device via Remote Play |
The Friend's Pass is the standout feature for WheelMates co-op Steam players. Your partner downloads the free pass, and you invite them through your Steam friends list. They get the entire campaign, all collectibles, and full progression tracking—no demo limitations. This is not a timed trial; it's the complete game for as long as you're in a session with the host.
For WheelMates crossplay, the situation is simpler than most games: since everything runs through Steam, any combination of Windows PC and Steam Deck works. There is no crossplay with consoles or Epic Game Store because the game is a Windows (Steam) exclusive at launch. If you and your friend both own the game, you can also use standard Steam invites for direct peer-to-peer sessions, t
Keyboard and Controller Setup for Local Play Overview
Keyboard and Controller Setup for Local Play Tips
hough Remote Play Together remains the most reliable fallback On Steam Deck the controls feel slightly tighter than on desktop, so calibrating your stick sensitivity to match your playstyle is well worth the two minutes it takes. Practicing this in the demo build helps prepare for launch.
Keyboard and Controller Setup for Local Play
The WheelMates keyboard co-op configuration is one of the most requested topics from the demo period. Firevolt Studio has confirmed that two players can share a single keyboard, but the default bindings are cramped. Player 1 uses WASD for movement, Space for the Rope-Swing, Shift for Magnetic Wheels, and E for Magnet Grab. Player 2 defaults to Arrow Keys for movement, Enter for the Rope-Swing, Right Shift for Magnetic Wheels, and Numpad 0 for Magnet Grab.
| Action | Player 1 (Keyboard) | Player 2 (Keyboard) | Player 1 (Controller) | Player 2 (Controller) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steer | A/D | Left/Right Arrows | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Accelerate/Reverse | W/S | Up/Down Arrows | RT/LT | RT/LT |
| Rope-Swing | Space | Enter | A (Xbox) / X (PS) | A (Xbox) / X (PS) |
| Magnetic Wheels | Shift | Right Shift | B (Xbox) / Circle (PS) | B (Xbox) / Circle (PS) |
| Magnet Grab | E | Numpad 0 | X (Xbox) / Square (PS) | X (Xbox) / Square (PS) |
| Pause/Menu | Esc | F1 | Start | Start |
WheelMates controller co-op is the smoother experience, and Firevolt has stated that any XInput-compatible controller (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro, or generic USB) works natively. The game detects controllers automatically, and you can mix inputs—one player on keyboard, the other on a controller—without any menu changes. However, the demo revealed a key rebinding issue: the current build does not allow remapping of individual actions, only full presets. Firevolt has acknowledged this on the Steam community forums and plans a post-launch patch, but for day-one play, you'll need to adapt to the defaults.
For Steam Deck players, the built-in controls map perfectly to the controller layout above. The official support means you can play WheelMates local co-op on a single Deck with two controllers connected via Bluetooth, or use the Deck's built-in controls for Player 1 and an external pad for Player 2. The Deck's trackpads can also be configured for precise steering if you prefer, though the analog stick is the intended input.
Communication Tools and Strategies for Co-Op
WheelMates co-op communication is not just about talking—it's about solving spatial puzzles where both RC cars must act in concert. The game has no built-in voice chat, so you'll rely on external tools or in-person communication. For split-screen, that's trivial. For online play, Firevolt recommends using Discord voice channels (the official server has dedicated LFG rooms) or Steam's built-in voice chat during Remote Play sessions.
The three gadgets demand specific callouts. The Rope-Swing lets one car anchor to a ceiling point while the other drives underneath to trigger a pressure plate. The Magnetic Wheels allow vertical driving on metal surfaces, but only when both cars activate them simultaneously—coordination is key. The Magnet Grab lets one car pick up objects and toss them to the other, which requires precise timing and clear verbal cues like "throwing now" or "move left."
| Gadget | Primary Use | Communication Callout | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rope-Swing | Cross gaps, reach high ledges | "Swing on three" | Swinging too early |
| Magnetic Wheels | Drive up walls, invert ceilings | "Mags on" / "Mags off" | Forgetting to deactivate |
| Magnet Grab | Move blocks, activate switches | "Catch incoming" | Dropping objects mid-toss |
A practical tip from the demo: assign roles before each puzzle. One player becomes the "navigator" who reads the environment and calls out the sequence, while the other is the "operator" who executes gadget timing. This division of labor reduces confusion, especially in the later laboratory sections where Memory Cards (audio logs) and SD Cards are hidden behind multi-step environmental puzzles. You'll also need to scan Scannable Objects and read Journal entries to piece together what happened to Professor Bloom—these are often placed in areas that require both cars to hold switches simultaneously.
Collectibles and Progression in Co-Op
Both players share the same progression pool in WheelMates local co-op, which means collectibles are not duplicated. If Player 1 grabs an SD Card, Player 2 sees it disappear from their screen, and the count increments once. This is a deliberate design choice to encourage cooperation rather than competition. The full collectible list includes:
-
SD Cards (12 total) — unlock bonus car customization parts
-
Memory Cards (8 total) — audio logs with lore about the professor
-
Scannable Objects (20 total) — environmental storytelling via the in-game scanner
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Journal entries (15 total) — text-based lore found in drawers and cabinets
Car customization is a major reward loop. You start with a base color and can swap wheels, antenna, and horn parts as you collect SD Cards. Some parts are only obtainable by solving puzzles that require both cars to use different gadgets simultaneously—for example, one car uses Magnetic Wheels to hold a door open while the other uses Magnet Grab to pull a lever. These dual-gadget puzzles are the core of the game's challenge.
| Collectible Type | Total Count | Unlock Reward | Co-Op Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD Cards | 12 | Car parts (wheels, antennas, horns) | Some require dual-gadget puzzles |
| Memory Cards | 8 | Audio logs | None, but hidden paths need both cars |
| Scannable Objects | 20 | Lore text | Some require scanning from two angles |
| Journal Entries | 15 | Story context | None, but some are in locked rooms |
If you're playing with the Friend's Pass, progression saves to the host's account only. The guest can earn Steam achievements, but their collectible progress will not carry over to their own copy if they purchase the game later. This is a known limitation, and Firevolt has stated they're exploring a fix, but for now, plan accordingly.
Known Issues and Workarounds
The demo period exposed three recurring problems that you should prepare for at launch. The camera handling is the most discussed issue—the default camera sits behind the lead car, and when both cars split up, the view can become disorienting. Workaround: use the right stick (or C key on keyboard) to manually recenter the camera on either car. A dedicated "swap focus" button is not yet mapped, but you can cycle targets with the Tab key.
Fatal error crashes were reported on some Windows configurations, particularly with older GPU drivers. Firevolt has pushed a stability patch post-demo, but if you encounter a crash, verify your graphics drivers are up to date and disable any overlay software (Discord, GeForce Experience) that might interfere with the game's rendering. The key rebinding issue persists, as mentioned earlier—no per-action remapping until a post-launch update.
| Issue | Frequency | Workaround | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera handling | High | Manual recenter with right stick/Tab | Known, patch planned |
| Fatal error crashes | Medium | Update GPU drivers, disable overlays | Partially fixed |
| Key rebinding | Medium | Use default presets only | Post-launch patch |
For WheelMates co-op tips on stability, always host from the more powerful machine if you're using Remote Play Together. The host's hardware handles all rendering, and the guest's input latency depends on both internet connections. A wired connection for the host is strongly recommended, especially during sections with heavy physics interactions like the Rope-Swing across the atrium.
Steam Deck and Remote Play Specifics
The Steam Deck is officially supported, which means the game runs at a playable framerate (30-60 FPS depending on settings) on the handheld. For WheelMates local co-op on Deck, you have two options: connect two controllers via Bluetooth for couch play, or use the Deck as Player 1 and stream to a second device via Remote Play Together. The latter works surprisingly well, but note that the Deck's screen will show the same split-screen view as the remote player, which can be confusing.
WheelMates crossplay between Deck and PC is seamless—both are Steam clients, so the Friend's Pass works identically. If you're the host on a Deck, be aware that the battery drains faster during co-op sessions due to the dual rendering load. Firevolt recommends a 45W USB-C charger for extended play.
For Remote Play Together, the guest does not need to own the game or the Friend's Pass—they just need a Steam account and a stable internet connection. This is the cheapest way to try WheelMates co-op Steam before committing to a purchase. The guest can use any input device, including keyboard, controller, or even touch controls on a mobile device via the Steam Link app, though the latter is not officially supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play WheelMates local co-op with one keyboard?
Yes, WheelMates keyboard co-op supports two players on a single keyboard using the default bindings listed above. It's cramped but functional. For a better experience, use one keyboard and one controller, or two controllers. Practicing this in the demo helps build muscle memory before launch.
Does WheelMates support crossplay between PC and Steam Deck?
Yes, WheelMates crossplay works between any Steam clients, including Windows PC and Steam Deck. There is no crossplay with non-Steam platforms. This applies to both split-screen and online co-op via Friend's Pass. The 3,327+ member Discord community actively discusses this approach and shares detailed tips regularly.
How does the Friend's Pass work for WheelMates co-op Steam?
The Friend's Pass lets a second player join your session for free, with full access to the campaign and collectibles. They download the pass from your Steam store page, and you invite them. Progress saves to the host's account only. Save at the chapter checkpoint before attempting this tricky maneuver.
What are the best communication tools for online co-op?
The game has no built-in voice chat, so use Discord (the official server has LFG channels) or Steam voice chat during Remote Play Together. For split-screen, just talk. Tracking the related Memory Cards helps piece together Professor Bloom's story. Firevolt Studio confirmed this behavior remains consistent in the launch build for all players.
Are there any known bugs at launch?
Yes, the camera handling can be disorienting, fatal error crashes may occur on older GPUs, and key rebinding is not available until a post-launch patch. Workarounds are listed in the table above. This also works when one partner uses Steam Remote Play Together.
Closing Thoughts
The co-op guides mechanics covered in this guide will continue to be relevant as new content releases. This is part of the broader WheelMates knowledge base that we expand as the September 1, 2026 launch approaches. You can also watch gameplay footage on YouTube from the demo period to see the gadgets in action before you buy. Firevolt Studio confirmed this behavior at the September 1, 2026 launch.