Coop Games › Best co-op games for Nintendo Switch 2 › The Past Within

The Past Within

Reviewed by Daniel L. · August 2023

Rusty Lake · Puzzle · 2022

Coop Games score: 7/10 (Game 3/5, Co-op 4/5)

Co-op facts

Co-op players: 2 (verified by Coop Games)
Co-op modes: Online (2)
Single-player: No, co-op only
Copies needed: One per player
Cross-platform: Yes, you can play with a friend on another system
Co-op length: About 2 hours
Platforms: Switch 2, Switch 1, Windows, macOS
Genre: Puzzle
Price: $5.99 on Steam

Game

This creepy puzzle game for two players truly stands out from the crowd. One of you plays in the past while the other plays in the present. By utilizing clues from the other timeline, you will be able to solve each other's puzzles and unlock the secrets regarding Albert Vanderboom's plan.

The game is asymmetric, meaning you and your friend has totally different experiences at the same time. Seeing and revealing different things, making it more challenging to solve the puzzles. The graphics mostly have a 2.5D style with a touch of the 90s.

The puzzles are well-balanced. They take some time to solve but are by no means unsolvable. The game takes an evening or two to beat and the replayability is low, but the affordable price compensates for that.

Co-op

We love most asymmetric puzzle games, and The Past Within is no exception. It adds depth to the co-op experience and a sense of not knowing what's next.

The game is strictly for two players, neither more nor less.

There is no need to connect each other's games, in fact, there is no network connection required at all. Based on the clues you input on your side, the game keeps track of the progress you and your friend have made.

This makes it extremely easy to get started, and the game can be cross-played between computers, consoles, Android, and iOS.

However, sometimes we feel like possibilities are missed due to the lack of network connections. The game doesn't know exactly when events occur on the other side making it hard for the game to break some walls. But overall, it's a great co-op experience that you don't want to miss.

Frequently asked

Is The Past Within co-op?

Yes, The Past Within supports 2 player co-op, online. There is no single-player mode, it is co-op only.

How many players can play The Past Within together?

Exactly two, it is built for a duo. We verify co-op player counts ourselves instead of repeating the store page number.

Is The Past Within couch co-op?

No. Co-op in The Past Within is online only.

Where to buy: $5.99 on Steam (checked within the last week).

Official site

Similar co-op games

More lists: Best co-op games for Nintendo Switch 2 · Best 2-player co-op games · Best co-op-only games · Best co-op puzzle games