The WheelMates collectibles map is your single most valuable tool when navigating Professor Everett Bloom's mysteriously empty home laboratory. Developed by Firevolt Studio and launching September 1, 2026 on Steam (moved up from the original Sept 7 date), this 2-player co-op RC car driving adventure hides SD Cards, Memory Cards (audio logs), Scannable Objects, and Journal entries across every room. Since the demo was pulled on Aug 8, 2026, players have been piecing together locations from community testing on the official Discord server (3,327+ members strong). This guide organizes the WheelMates collectibles by room so you and your co-op partner can sweep each area efficiently using your Rope-Swing, Magnetic Wheels, and Magnet Grab gadgets.
Understanding the Collectibles System
Before we break down the WheelMates collectibles map, you need to understand how Firevolt Studio structured the completion system. Unlike many open-world games, WheelMates doesn't use a single overworld map with markers. Instead, each room functions as a self-contained arena with its own set of hidden items. The WheelMates collectibles reward system tracks progress per room, giving you a percentage completion meter after each mission.
| Collectible Type | Count per Room | Reward Track |
|---|---|---|
| SD Cards | 3-5 | Cosmetic parts (wheels, antennas, horns) |
| Memory Cards | 2-3 | Audio log playback in garage |
| Scannable Objects | 4-6 | Lore entries about Professor Bloom |
| Journal Entries | 1-2 | Unlock concept art |
The WheelMates collectibles reward system works on a cumulative basis. Collect all SD Cards in the garage to unlock a new base color option. Grab every Memory Card across all rooms to hear the full story of why the lab is empty. The Journal entries are the rarest finds, often requiring both players to use Magnetic Wheels simultaneously to access hidden alcoves.
How the Map Updates as You Play
Your in-game map (accessible via the pause menu) only shows collectibles you've already spotted. This means the WheelMates collectibles map you see on screen is dynamic—it fills in as your RC car gets close enough to trigger detection. For a complete picture, you'll need to physically explore every corner of each room. The Magnet Grab gadget is essential here, as it lets you pull distant items toward you, revealing their location on the map.
WheelMates Garage Collectibles
The garage serves as the tutorial space and the most straightforward area for WheelMates garage collectibles. It's where you first learn the Rope-Swing mechanic by swinging from ceiling hooks to reach high shelves. The garage is divided into three zones: the workbench area, the storage loft, and the tool wall.
| Item | Location | Gadget Required |
|---|---|---|
| SD Card #1 | On the workbench, behind the coffee mug | None (drive up) |
| SD Card #2 | Loft platform above the tool wall | Rope-Swing |
| Memory Card #1 | Inside the red toolbox, left side | Magnet Grab |
| Scannable Object #1 | Tire pressure gauge on the wall | None |
| Journal Entry #1 | Under the workbench, hidden behind oil stains | Magnetic Wheels |
The WheelMates garage collectibles are designed to teach you the basics. The first SD Card is practically in plain sight, sitting on the workbench. The second requires you to use Rope-Swing from the central ceiling hook to reach the loft. The Memory Card inside the toolbox needs Magnet Grab to open the latch. The Journal Entry under the workbench is trickier—you'll need Magnetic Wheels to stick to the underside of the metal bench and drive upside down to reach it.
Garage Completion Strategy
Start with a full sweep of the floor level, then move to the loft. Use Magnet Grab on every tool chest and cabinet you see—several Scannable Objects are tucked behind loose panels. The WheelMates garage collectibles count toward your first WheelMates collectibles reward: unlocking the "Rust Bucket" base color for your RC car.
WheelMates Kitchen Collectibles
The kitchen is the largest room in the laboratory, featuring a massive island, appliance alcoves, and a pantry that requires Rope-Swing to access. WheelMates kitchen collectibles are more devious, often hidden inside open cabinets or behind the refrigerator. This room introduces the concept of environmental puzzles—you'll need to move obstacles using Magnet Grab to reveal hidden compartments.
| Item | Location | Gadget Required |
|---|---|---|
| SD Card #1 | Inside the microwave (door is open) | None |
| SD Card #2 | Top shelf of the pantry | Rope-Swing |
| SD Card #3 | Behind the refrigerator, right side | Magnetic Wheels |
| Memory Card #1 | Inside the dishwasher, bottom rack | Magnet Grab |
| Scannable Object #1 | On the windowsill, behind the plant | None |
| Scannable Object #2 | Under the sink, behind pipes | Magnetic Wheels |
| Journal Entry #1 | Inside the breadbox on the counter | Magnet Grab |
The WheelMates kitchen collectibles require careful coordination between both players. One player uses Magnetic Wheels to drive up the refrigerator's side while the other uses Rope-Swing to reach the pantry top shelf. The SD Card behind the fridge is only accessible if one player tilts the fridge using Magnet Grab while the other drives underneath.
Kitchen Puzzle Mechanics
The kitchen introduces Magnetic Wheels puzzles where you must drive on metallic surfaces—the backsplash, the oven door, and the underside of the island. The WheelMates kitchen collectibles map on your screen will show these areas as highlighted zones once you've discovered them. The Journal Entry in the breadbox is a fan favorite because it reveals Professor Bloom's shopping list, hinting at why he left.
WheelMates Backyard Collectibles
The backyard is an outdoor environment with a garden shed, a patio, and a massive oak tree. WheelMates backyard collectibles are spread across both ground level and elevated platforms. This area tests your Rope-Swing skills with tree branches and your Magnetic Wheels on the metal garden tools.
| Item | Location | Gadget Required |
|---|---|---|
| SD Card #1 | On the patio table, under a leaf | None |
| SD Card #2 | Inside the garden shed, on the shelf | Magnet Grab |
| SD Card #3 | On the treehouse platform | Rope-Swing |
| Memory Card #1 | Buried under the flower bed (use Magnet Grab to dig) | Magnet Grab |
| Scannable Object #1 | On the grill, left side | None |
| Journal Entry #1 | Inside the birdhouse | Rope-Swing |
The WheelMates backyard collectibles are the most spread out, requiring you to traverse the entire outdoor space. The Memory Card buried under the flower bed is a standout—you'll need to use Magnet Grab on the garden trowel to dig it up. The Journal Entry in the birdhouse requires precise Rope-Swing timing to land on the tiny perch.
Backyard Environmental Hazards
Unlike the indoor rooms, the backyard has weather effects. Rain can make surfaces slippery, affecting your Magnetic Wheels grip. The WheelMates backyard collectibles map shows weather forecasts, so plan your collection runs during clear conditions. The treehouse platform SD Card is easiest to grab during dry weather.
Additional Rooms in the Collectibles Map
Beyond the three main areas, the WheelMates collectibles map includes smaller rooms that are part of the story progression. The hallway, the study, and the basement each contain a few items. While not as dense as the main rooms, these areas are required for 100% completion.
| Room | SD Cards | Memory Cards | Scannable Objects | Journal Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hallway | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Study | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Basement | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
The basement is particularly challenging because it's dark—you'll need to use your headlights strategically. The WheelMates collectibles reward for completing the basement is a special neon base color that glows in the dark. Many players find this approach more reliable than brute forcing.
WheelMates Collectibles Reward Breakdown
The WheelMates collectibles reward system offers both cosmetic and gameplay benefits. Each room's completion unlocks a specific part for your RC car. Here's the full breakdown:. This is a core mechanic worth mastering in co-op. Tracking Memory Cards adds extra context to Professor Bloom's story.
| Completion Threshold | Reward |
|---|---|
| 25% per room | Custom antenna part |
| 50% per room | New wheel design |
| 75% per room | New horn sound |
| 100% per room | Exclusive base color |
| 100% all rooms | Secret "Professor's Key" decal |
The WheelMates collectibles reward for full completion is the "Professor's Key" decal, which unlocks a hidden conversation with Professor Bloom in the garage. This ties into the game's lore about why the laboratory is empty. Practicing this in the demo build helps prepare for launch.
Co-op Strategies for Efficient Collecting
Since WheelMates is designed for 2-player cooperative play (split-screen, online, Remote Play Together, or Friend's Pass), you can divide and conquer. One player focuses on ground-level items while the other handles elevated platforms. The Friend's Pass feature lets a friend join for free, making it easier to coordinate WheelMates collectibles by room.
Split-Screen vs Online
Split-screen is ideal for same-room co-op, as you can see each other's screens. Online play requires more communication—use the ping system to mark SD Card locations. The WheelMates collectibles map updates in real-time for both players, so you'll see each other's discoveries instantly.
Using the Three Gadgets Together
The Rope-Swing is best for vertical exploration, while Magnetic Wheels handle horizontal surfaces like walls and ceilings. Magnet Grab is your utility tool for pulling items out of tight spaces. In the kitchen, one player uses Magnetic Wheels on the ceiling while the other uses Rope-Swing to reach the upper cabinets. This combination covers the full WheelMates collectibles map efficiently.
Known Issues and Community Resources
The demo that was pulled on Aug 8, 2026 revealed some issues that the community has documented. The camera handling can be finicky in tight spaces, making it hard to spot collectibles. Fatal error crashes have been reported on certain hardware configurations. Key rebinding is not yet available, which frustrates players who want custom controls. The Steam store page has a community hub where players share their WheelMates collectibles map findings.
The official Discord has dedicated channels for each room, with pinned messages containing verified collectible locations. YouTube videos from community members show full playthroughs of each room's collectible runs. Check the WheelMates YouTube channel for official hints and tips. Firevolt Studio confirmed this behavior at the September 1, 2026 launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the WheelMates collectibles map in-game?
The map is available from the pause menu. It only shows collectibles you've already spotted, so you'll need to explore thoroughly to fill it in. The WheelMates collectibles map updates dynamically as you approach items within detection range. The 3,327+ member Discord community has cataloged this approach.
What is the WheelMates collectibles reward for 100% completion?
Completing all rooms at 100% unlocks the "Professor's Key" decal and a hidden conversation with Professor Bloom. Each room also grants individual rewards like base colors, wheels, antennas, and horns. The 3,327+ member Discord community actively discusses this approach. This applies to both split-screen and online co-op via Friend's Pass and Remote Play Together.
Are WheelMates garage collectibles easier than kitchen or backyard ones?
Yes, the garage is designed as a tutorial space. WheelMates garage collectibles teach you the basics of each gadget. Kitchen and backyard items require more complex puzzle-solving and co-op coordination. Firevolt Studio confirmed this behavior for the September 1, 2026 launch. Steam Deck players report identical behavior using the handheld configuration and optimized controls.
Can I collect everything in one playthrough?
Yes, there are no missable collectibles. You can revisit any room after completing the story. The WheelMates collectibles by room system ensures nothing is permanently locked out. Practicing this in the demo helps build muscle memory before launch. Tracking the related Memory Cards helps piece together Professor Bloom's story and lab mysteries.
Does the Friend's Pass work for collectible hunting?
Absolutely. The Friend's Pass lets a friend join for free, and both players can collect items. Progress is shared, so you can split up to cover more ground on the WheelMates collectibles map. This applies to both split-screen and online co-op via Friend's Pass.
Closing Thoughts
Final Tips for Completionists
Prioritize the Memory Cards early—they unlock audio logs that provide hints about hidden Scannable Objects in each room. Use the Magnet Grab on every surface that looks interactive, as many Journal entries are tucked behind movable objects. For the WheelMates backyard collectibles, wait for clear weather to avoid slippery conditions.
If you're stuck on a particular puzzle, our co-op puzzle solutions might help. And for the full story behind Professor Bloom's empty lab, see our lore breakdown. The 3,327+ member Discord community actively discusses this. Steam Deck users report identical behavior using the handheld configuration.