What is a Friend's Pass?
A free download that lets a friend play your co-op game with you. You own the game, your friend pays nothing, and you play the whole thing together.
The catch: your friend only plays while you host. On their own, the pass opens a short trial at most.
How does a Friend's Pass work?
- 1Your friend gets the free passFrom their own store, as a separate download.
- 2You start the game and invite themFrom the game's menu or your friends list.
- 3You play the whole game togetherFor as long as you're both in the game.
Do you need a subscription to play online?
On console, usually both of you. Each game's store page says which.
Which games have a Friend's Pass?
Most cover one friend, so they're for two.
- It Takes TwoPCPlayStationXboxSwitch
- Pass on
- Every store
- Crossplay
- Unclear
- Trial alone
- First chapter
- Split FictionPCPlayStationXboxSwitch
- Pass on
- Every store
- Crossplay
- Yes
- Trial alone
- First two levels
- A Way OutPCPlayStationXbox
- Pass on
- EA app, PS, Xbox
- Crossplay
- Same platform type
- Trial alone
- A short trial
- REANIMALPCPlayStationXbox
- Pass on
- Steam, PS, Xbox
- Crossplay
- Only on Xbox
- Trial alone
- Not stated
- Little Nightmares IIIPCPlayStationXboxSwitch
- Pass on
- Every store
- Crossplay
- No
- Trial alone
- About 30 minutes
- LEGO VoyagersPCPlayStationXboxSwitch
- Pass on
- Every store
- Crossplay
- Yes, not on Steam Deck
- Trial alone
- Not stated
- Eyes of HellfirePC
- Pass on
- Steam
- With the pass
- Up to 4 friends, free
- Publisher
- Blumhouse Games
Where do you get a Friend's Pass on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch?
Friend's Pass on Steam
- Your friend searches the store for “[game] Friend's Pass”Some games show a “Play … Friend's Pass” button on their own page instead.
- They install it for free
- You start the game and invite them
Online play needsNo subscription
Some games also ask you to link the publisher's account.
Step 2: install it hereFriend's Pass on PlayStation
- Your friend opens the game's page in the PlayStation Store
- They pick Free (Trial)The store may call the pass a trial.
- You start the game and invite them
Online play needsPS Plus, both of you
Step 2: pick FreeFriend's Pass on Xbox
- Your friend searches the store for “[game] Friend's Pass”
- They select Get. It's free.
- You start the game and invite them
Online play needsA Game Pass plan
Each game asks for a different plan; its store page says which.
Step 2: get it freeFriend's Pass on EA app & Epic
- Your friend searches the game in the EA app
- They choose “Play for free with Friends Pass”
- You start the game and invite themFrom your EA friends list, inside the game.
Online play needsAn EA account
Some games also have their pass on the Epic Games Store.
Each pass has its own pageFriend's Pass on Nintendo
- Your friend searches the eShop for the game's passIt's a separate free download.
- They download it for free
- You start the game and send the invite
Online play needsSwitch Online, both of you
Step 2: free in the eShopWhat can your friend do with the pass?
If your friend buys the game later, EA says the progress carries over in It Takes Two and Split Fiction, and Bandai Namco says the same for Little Nightmares III.
Is a Friend's Pass the same as Family Sharing, Remote Play or a demo?
No.
Your friend plays the full game, but only while you host.
A short trial for one person. Most passes include one.
Lends a game, but only one of you can play it at a time. How it works.
Streams the game from your PC. Only you need it installed.
Other questions
What is a Friend's Pass?
A free version of a co-op game that only opens the full game in a session with someone who owns it. The owner hosts and invites; alone, the guest gets a short trial at most.
Does a Friend's Pass work across platforms?
It depends on the game. Split Fiction's pass works between all its platforms, and LEGO Voyagers' does too except on Steam Deck. A Way Out's only works on the same type of platform, and Little Nightmares III needs both players on the same one. For It Takes Two, EA's FAQ lists crossplay but its fine print says online play needs a friend on the same platform.
Do the Dark Pictures games still have one?
Man of Medan, Little Hope and House of Ashes had a pass for a limited time. We couldn't confirm that any of them still works.
Are there passes with other names?
Midnight Murder Club has a free "Guest Pass Edition" for up to five friends. The Quarry has a free trial that owners can invite to online play.
What about GameShare on Switch 2?
It lets you share some games without a download, and it works differently.
My friend bought Split Fiction, but the pass still opens. Why?
It's a known issue. EA says restarting the console or PC fixes it.