WheelMates on Steam blends It Takes Two co-op with Hot Wheels RC thrills

Co-op games remain one of the strongest ways to keep players together across platforms, and Steam’s newest announcement aims to capitalize on that momentum. WheelMates blends the teamwork-driven feel associated with It Takes Two with the toy-like speed and scale of Hot Wheels—only this time, the heroes are two RC cars solving mysteries in oversized environments.

A co-op puzzle racer with RC cars at the center

WheelMates is a new co-op title coming to Steam, developed by Firevolt. The premise drops players into a strange, oversized setting where they control a pair of RC cars that must work together to unravel mysteries. The game’s design leans heavily on constant cooperation, with missions and puzzles that are built around synchronized movement and shared problem-solving.

During the latest Future Games Show, the game’s co-op focus was emphasized in a way that directly nods to It Takes Two. The hosts framed WheelMates as “the same idea, but on wheels,” and the presentation explained that the duo of RC cars acts like two pieces of a single puzzle—an approach that signals the game will reward coordinated play rather than solo improvisation.

Hot Wheels energy—gravity-defying tracks and oversized courses

Beyond its teamwork structure, WheelMates also appears to capture the playful, physics-forward vibe that fans associate with Hot Wheels. Trailers highlighted fast-paced driving and gravity-defying tracks set across oversized environments, suggesting a racing-like flow wrapped around co-op puzzle progression.

The source materials also note that WheelMates doesn’t seem to match Hot Wheels’ depth of RC customization, at least based on what’s been shown so far. Still, the core driving feel—especially the sense of scale and airborne momentum—appears to be where the comparison holds.

Release window, friend pass, and how to try it

WheelMates received a release date announcement during the Future Games Show and is scheduled to launch on Steam on September 7, 2026. For players who want to sample the experience early, Steam lists a free demo.

The game will also include a friend pass, allowing purchasers to invite a friend without requiring a separate copy. In addition, WheelMates supports split-screen co-op, letting players complete the full campaign on the same device—an option that can be especially appealing for local play.

As with many upcoming releases, the recommended next step for fans is to wishlist the game on Steam and follow official announcements through the game’s Discord server.

Key points

• WheelMates is a Steam co-op game where two players control RC cars to solve puzzles and mysteries.
• Gameplay is built around continuous teamwork, with progression tied to synchronized actions.
• The driving experience draws clear inspiration from Hot Wheels-style gravity-defying courses.
• It launches September 7, 2026, and includes a free demo plus friend pass and split-screen support.

Confirmed details

Expert View

WheelMates signals that the co-op momentum behind breakout hits like It Takes Two is still strong enough to inspire new hybrids—this time pairing puzzle teamwork with toy-like racing physics. If the final design leans into “two pieces of one puzzle” coordination, it could strengthen the community’s focus on partner play (including local split-screen), which tends to keep co-op games visible longer on streaming and social platforms. For the market, it’s another example of Steam’s appetite for mechanic-first co-op experiences that feel instantly watchable—especially when the action is built around synchronized vehicle control rather than purely narrative progression.