[splitscreen multiplayer

A cooperative multiplayer mode in Escape Academy and Escape Academy 2 allowing two players to solve puzzles together through local split-screen or online multiplayer, helping partners divide tasks and share reference information.

Verification: Human verified

Escape Academy's co-op mode lets two players tackle the same escape room together, whether sitting side by side on one screen or connected remotely. Each player controls their own character with a separate view, so the mode rewards communication and task division rather than doubling raw puzzle-solving speed. It is available in the original Escape Academy and returns in Escape Academy 2.

How the Mode Works

Co-op supports up to 2 players and can be played both locally and online. The Steam store page describes it as "two player co-operative play. Available in local or online splitscreen" [src-9c282bac46]. When playing online, the game still uses a split-screen presentation: even remotely connected players see each other's camera view on their own screen [src-3c4a331aa3]. This means you can watch what your partner is looking at in real time without describing every detail aloud.

Because both players share the same room but hold different information, many puzzles are built around dividing tasks and sharing reference clues. A review of Escape Academy 2 notes that "many puzzles and escape room elements are designed to be easier with two people, though nothing will prevent a solo player from clearing them with a little extra patience" [src-4b8b4c5daa].

How to Start a [Co-op Session

1. From the main menu, select Play.
2. Choose Online Multiplayer to invite a friend, or Local Multiplayer to use a second controller on the same system [src-cc415a0c9f]. For online play, send an invite to your partner and wait for them to join [src-cc415a0c9f].
3. Once connected, you spawn into the academy. From the dorm room, use the corkboard to select which puzzle you want to play [src-cc415a0c9f].
4. Select a poster and enter the puzzle together.

Step-by-Step: A Sample Co-op Puzzle

The "Lab Rat" puzzle is a common first co-op pick and demonstrates the division-of-labor loop [src-cc415a0c9f]:

1. Split up and gather parts. One player can pick up the pipes needed to repair the facility's piping [src-cc415a0c9f].
2. Share items. Walk up to your partner and interact to hand items back and forth. Passing items between players is a core co-op interaction — one achievement is earned simply for passing five items to your partner [src-cc415a0c9f].
3. Combine your findings. Collect the spare change, use it on the vending machine, and blast the machine with C4 to get the donut; feed the donut to the rat, then place the rat in the cage [src-cc415a0c9f].
4. Repair the piping with the pipes, then power up the facility to progress [src-cc415a0c9f].

The goblet puzzle from a recorded co-op session shows the same principle: each player holds a different colored goblet with a partial code, and you must compare notes to work out the correct order [src-3c4a331aa3]. The game lets you pin clues to your screen so you can reference them while your partner works elsewhere [src-3c4a331aa3].

Tips

• Talk constantly. The mode "flexes your co-op muscles" precisely because you must communicate what you see [src-3c4a331aa3].
• Use the split view. Since you can see your partner's camera, glance at their screen to spot clues they may not realize are relevant [src-3c4a331aa3].
• Pin shared clues so both players can consult them without re-describing them [src-3c4a331aa3].
• Solo players aren't locked out. Every co-op room can be cleared alone with extra patience if no partner is available [src-4b8b4c5daa].
• You can run co-op with a second controller by yourself if you only want the co-op achievements — the idle controller only needs to participate in item-passing [src-59f8d3957c].

Rewards

Co-op play unlocks several achievements/trophies that cannot be earned solo: one for completing three levels in co-op, one for a specific section of the lab puzzle in co-op, and one for passing five items to your partner [src-59f8d3957c] [src-cc415a0c9f]. These can be earned with an online partner or a local second controller [src-cc415a0c9f].

Details

player_count

up to 2 players

connection_types

local and online

Sources

• Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School Review: A Whole World Of Puzzles ...
• Game Info, Co-op, and Player Tips
• Escape Academy - The Co-op Mode
• Escape Academy on Steam
• 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 - All Achievements/Trophies Walkthrough - 100% Puzzle Solution Guide (Xbox Game Pass)