[Co-op

An optional cooperative gameplay mode supporting up to two players through local vertical split-screen or online multiplayer. It allows players to divide tasks like reading solutions and inputting codes, making many escape room puzzles easier and more immersive.

Verification: Human verified

Co-op is an optional cooperative mode in Escape Academy that supports up to two players, either locally through vertical split-screen or online through multiplayer. Because many puzzles and escape room elements are built to reward division of labor, playing with a partner can make rooms easier and more immersive — one player can read a solution aloud while the other inputs the required code, or one can hold reference notes and research findings while the other works the room. The mode is never required to finish the game, but it does gate a small set of co-op-specific achievements.

How Co-op Works

Co-op supports exactly two players. You can play together on one screen with a second controller, or connect online with a friend [src-cc415a0c9f] [src-59f8d3957c]. The Steam feature list for the game confirms both Online Co-op and Shared/Split Screen Co-op, alongside Cross-Platform Multiplayer, Remote Play Together, and Shared/Split Screen support [src-9c282bac46].

The split-screen presentation is vertical, and it stays active even when you play remotely — each player can see the other player's camera movement on their half of the screen [src-3c4a331aa3]. That visibility is part of the design: puzzles and escape room elements are built so that two people can split tasks like reading solutions out loud, inputting required codes, or holding onto reference notes and research findings. Nothing prevents a solo player from clearing the same rooms with a little extra patience [src-4b8b4c5daa].

How to Start a Co-op Session

1. From the main menu, select Play [src-cc415a0c9f].
2. Choose Online Multiplayer to play with a friend over the network, or Local Multiplayer to use a second controller on the same system [src-cc415a0c9f].
3. If playing online, send an invite to your partner and wait for them to join [src-cc415a0c9f].
4. Once connected, head to the dorm room and use the corkboard to select the puzzle you want to play [src-cc415a0c9f].

If you are using a second controller by yourself, the second player does not need to do anything except participate when an item exchange is required [src-59f8d3957c].

Step-by-Step: Co-op Achievements

Three achievements are tied to co-op, and all three can be earned in a single session [src-59f8d3957c] [src-cc415a0c9f]. One is for completing three levels in co-op, one is for a specific section in the Lab, and one is for passing five items to your co-op partner [src-59f8d3957c].

1. Enter co-op using either online or local multiplayer, as described above [src-cc415a0c9f].
2. Open the corkboard in the dorm room and select the Lab Rat poster [src-cc415a0c9f].
3. Collect the pipes. Pick up three of the pipes in the Lab — you need them to complete the level anyway [src-cc415a0c9f].
4. Trade items with your partner. Interact with your co-op partner to give them items, then have them give the items back. Pass the three pipes back and forth until you have handed over five items total; this unlocks the item-passing achievement [src-cc415a0c9f].
5. Finish the Lab section to earn the Lab-specific co-op achievement [src-59f8d3957c].
6. Complete co-op levels. Play through three levels in co-op to unlock the remaining co-op achievement [src-59f8d3957c].

Tips

• Divide the work. Co-op is at its best when you communicate constantly — one player reads the clue or solution while the other operates the lock, keypad, or mechanism [src-3c4a331aa3].
• Use the pin feature for shared clues. In co-op, you can pin a clue to your screen so it stays visible while you work; one player can hold the reference while the other experiments [src-3c4a331aa3].
• Watch your partner's screen. Because the vertical split-screen shows both cameras even online, you can spot what your partner is looking at or manipulating without asking [src-3c4a331aa3].
• You can solo the co-op achievements. With a second controller, the second player can simply sit idle except when you need to hand items back and forth [src-59f8d3957c].
• Co-op is optional. If you prefer playing alone, every room remains clearable solo — co-op just makes many of them easier [src-4b8b4c5daa].

Rewards

Co-op itself does not gate story progress, but it is required for the three co-op achievements: completing three levels in co-op, clearing the specific Lab section in co-op, and passing five items to your co-op partner [src-59f8d3957c] [src-cc415a0c9f]. Players chasing full completion will need at least one co-op session — with a friend online or a second controller locally — to finish them [src-cc415a0c9f].

Details

mode

Optional cooperative play supporting up to 2 players via local split-screen or online multiplayer

design

Puzzles and escape room elements are designed to be easier with two people, allowing players to split up tasks such as reading solutions out loud, inputting required codes, or holding reference notes and research findings

Sources

• Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School Review: A Whole World Of Puzzles ...
• Escape Academy - The Co-op Mode
• Escape Academy on Steam
• Escape Academy Escape Artist Walkthrough
• Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School Review - Escape Rooms Ace It, Open World Flunks
• Escape Academy Walkthrough | ALL Achievements / Trophies
• Steam store page — Escape Academy
• Escape Academy The Tea Kettle Walkthrough
• Escape Academy - All Achievements/Trophies Walkthrough - 100% Puzzle Solution Guide (Xbox Game Pass)