A Way Out

A Way Out is a cinematic action-adventure built consistently for two people. The prisoners Leo and Vincent meet in prison and forge a joint escape plan. Both characters are controlled at the same time, even when their paths briefly separate.

The game, released in 2018, was developed by Hazelight Studios and directed by Josef Fares, and published by Electronic Arts as part of EA Originals. Its unusual core rule still matters today: there is no regular single-player mode. Anyone who wants to experience the story needs a second person.

A Way Out was released on March 23, 2018 for Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. On PC, the game is available through Steam and the EA app.

On PS5, the PS4 version is playable through backward compatibility. Xbox Series X|S supports the Xbox One version.

A Way Out was released natively for Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. On PC it is available through Steam and the EA app. The PlayStation version can also be played on PS5, while Xbox Series X|S supports the Xbox One version.

For local matches, both players need a shared screen. Online, they can cooperate over the internet, but they must play on the same platform.

The story repeatedly puts the two players in different situations. In prison, Leo and Vincent, for example, have to create distractions, clear paths and coordinate on small tasks. After the breakout, calm sections alternate with chases, drives, fights and stealth sections.

The focus is less on a single repeated combat system than on ongoing cooperation. Many scenes give the characters different tasks while both players see what the other is doing. Small side activities and mini-games break up the story.

On PC, A Way Out requires at least an Intel Core i3-2100T or AMD FX-6100, 8 GB RAM, a GeForce GTX 650 Ti or Radeon HD 7750 with 2 GB of graphics memory each, and 25 GB of free storage. Recommended are a Core i5-3570K or Ryzen 3 1300X, 16 GB RAM and a GTX 960 or Radeon R9 290.

Steam still lists Windows 7 and 8.1 in the original requirements. However, the Steam client has only supported Windows 10 and newer versions since January 2024. The Steam version also requires an EA account linked to Steam.

A Way Out can be played locally on one screen or online as a two-player game. The presentation is designed around split views: even during an online match, the actions of both main characters can appear on screen at the same time. The split is therefore part of the narrative concept and not just a stopgap for local co-op.

Leo and Vincent are each permanently assigned to one player. The game was not built for a solo playthrough with a computer-controlled companion. Anyone playing online needs a matching partner. The platform and account requirements differ from those of a local shared session.

The Friends Pass allows, in supported countries, one person who owns A Way Out to invite a second person to a shared online game for free. The guest downloads a trial for this. Both play on the same platform. Crossplay is not supported.

In Germany, the free trial is not available according to EA. Steam offers its own way to play together with Remote Play Together, which is not the same as the Friends Pass. Online matches on consoles require additional online memberships.

When conflicts arise, Leo tends to go for direct confrontation. Vincent is more deliberate and tries to solve problems calmly and with planning. This contrast creates many dialogues and decisions during their collaboration.

The story begins with a joint prison break. The escape later also leads the two to people from their former lives.

The PC version offers German menus and subtitles, while the dialogue is spoken in English. Other text languages are French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese and Russian.

An online match requires both players to have a constant internet connection and an EA account. The Steam version additionally requires linking the EA account to Steam. Both players must use the same platform.

The game is also available through EA Play. The Friends Pass can enable an invite internationally, but the free trial needed for it is not available in Germany.