- Primary platform tracking: Monitor player counts and specs via heave ho 2 steamdb to optimize your PC setup.
- Core movement mechanic: Master individual hand grips and momentum-based swinging rather than traditional jumping.
- Campaign progression: Coordinate with up to four players to clear 72 cooperative levels across eight unique worlds.
- Multiplayer options: Utilize local couch play, online matchmaking, or Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive GameShare.
- Unlockable cosmetics: Replay levels to complete optional objectives and unlock crossover skins from Among Us and Balatro.
Heave Ho 2 SteamDB Specs and Platform Comparison
Tracking the launch metrics on heave ho 2 steamdb reveals a highly optimized physics-based party game designed for seamless multiplayer action. Developed by Le Cartel Studio and published by Devolver Digital, this chaotic sequel launched on July 16, 2026. The game is available on Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, and the newly released Nintendo Switch 2, bringing updated cooperative puzzles and competitive showdowns to players worldwide.
With a standard launch price of $9.99 across all platforms, the game remains highly accessible. Each version supports up to four players in local and online environments, but distinct platform-specific features exist. The PC version leverages Steam-centric capabilities like Remote Play Together, while the native Nintendo Switch 2 edition introduces groundbreaking local and online GameShare functions.
| Platform | Store | Price | Storage | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Steam | $9.99 | 4 GB | Remote Play Together, Steam Cloud, Achievements |
| Nintendo Switch | eShop | $9.99 | 2.4 GB | Handheld/TV modes, Save Data Cloud, Cross-gen compatibility |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | eShop | $9.99 | 2.4 GB | Local/Online GameShare, GameChat integration, Handheld/TV modes |
While the standard Nintendo Switch version runs smoothly on Nintendo Switch 2 with consistent game behavior, only the native Nintendo Switch 2 edition supports advanced local and online GameShare systems.
Each digital storefront offers a free downloadable demo. PC players can access a Steam demo featuring both local and online co-op for up to four players, allowing teams to test their network stability and input configurations before purchasing the full game.
Movement Controls and Swinging Techniques
Success in this physics-driven environment requires abandoning traditional platformer logic. There is no dedicated jump button. Instead, your character consists of a circular head and two independently controlled elastic arms. Movement relies entirely on rotating your body, securing a grip with the correct hand, and transferring momentum between surfaces and teammates.
| Action | Controller Input | Keyboard Input | Core Gameplay Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move & Rotate | Left Analog Stick | WASD / Arrow Keys | Rotates character arms and body around the active grip point |
| Grip Left Hand | Left Trigger (LT/L) | Left Shift / A | Closes the left hand around a surface, object, or teammate |
| Grip Right Hand | Right Trigger (RT/R) | Spacebar / D | Closes the right hand around a surface, object, or teammate |
| Release Grip | Release Trigger | Release Key | Opens the corresponding hand to launch or drop from an anchor |
Establish an Anchor
Before attempting any swing, ensure at least one player is firmly attached to a solid, non-slippery environmental surface. This player serves as the anchor for the rest of the team.
Form the Chain
Have consecutive players grab the body, hands, or head of the anchored player. Extend the human chain outward toward the target platform to bridge wide gaps.
Generate Rotational Momentum
All connected players must rotate their analog sticks in a synchronized circular motion. Build speed gradually rather than rushing the swing to maintain control.
Execute the Release
The launching player must release their connecting grip at the peak outward point of the swing. Keep the landing hand open and pointed toward the destination.
Secure the Catch
As the flying player approaches the target platform, hold the corresponding grip trigger immediately upon contact to secure a stable hold.
Avoid releasing both triggers simultaneously when attempting to swing. Always maintain a single handhold until your trajectory is established, converting rotational speed into linear distance.
Campaign Walkthrough and World Mechanics
The main cooperative campaign consists of eight themed worlds spanning 72 levels. Each world introduces unique environmental hazards, interactive puzzle elements, and distinct team-based objectives. Players must adapt their grasping strategies to handle moving platforms, zero-gravity spaceships, and delicate cargo.
| World Name | Campaign Order | Primary World Mechanics | Core Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying High | World 1 | Ski lifts, gondolas, icy surfaces | Cross elevated mountain gaps without slipping |
| Manor Mysteries | World 2 | Hidden keys, locked exit doors | Find keys and hand them off to unlock the exit |
| Spacebound Squad | World 3 | Zero-gravity physics, spaceship piloting | Navigate weightless hazards using thrusters |
| Chef's Orders | World 4 | Bulky ingredients, plate stacking | Carry and stack food items on moving plates |
| Shipwrecked | World 5 | Moving water, swinging ropes | Coordinate team swings across sinking platforms |
| Transfolab | World 6 | High-tech lasers, activation buttons | Solve precision device puzzles to clear pathways |
| Cascade Show | World 7 | Fast-moving elements, timing gates | Speed through synchronized obstacle courses |
| Medieval Travels | World 8 | King's throne, fragile cargo | Transport the king upright without overturning him |
Spacebound Squad Tactics
Zero-gravity environments eliminate gravitational pull. Every grip release alters your momentum permanently. Assign one player to stabilize the spaceship while others navigate external pathways.
Chef's Orders Management
Bulky ingredients like ketchup bottles and burger buns alter your center of gravity. Move items using short, controlled handoffs rather than risky, long-distance throws.
Medieval Travels Stability
The king's throne must remain upright. Place two players on opposite sides of the throne base to balance the load, using synchronized, micro-movements to climb vertical ledges.
If your team struggles on a particular level for an extended period, a friendly cat drone will appear. Grabbing the drone allows your team to bypass difficult obstacles and secure a standard level completion.
Multiplayer Modes and GameShare Setup
The multiplayer framework is highly versatile, supporting local couch play, traditional online lobbies, and competitive Showdown challenges. Showdown mode features 56 random levels where players compete in races, survival matches, and handle-grabbing contests. The first player or team to secure five victories wins the match.
For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, the exclusive GameShare feature simplifies multiplayer sessions. This system allows a single game owner to share the software with up to three nearby or remote players, eliminating the need for every participant to purchase a separate copy.
| Multiplayer Mode | Platforms | Max Players | Connection Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Couch Co-op | All Platforms | 4 Players | Single system, multiple controllers |
| Online Co-op | All Platforms | 4 Players | Internet connection, platform subscription |
| Steam Remote Play | PC | 4 Players | Host owns game, streams to remote clients |
| Local GameShare | Switch 2 | 4 Players | Local wireless network, one game owner |
| Online GameShare | Switch 2 | 4 Players | Nintendo Account, GameChat, active NSO |
To initiate Online GameShare on Nintendo Switch 2, the game host must start a session via GameChat. Remote players can then join the lobby directly through the shared software invitation without owning the base game.
Achievements, Items, and Cosmetics Checklist
The game features 21 Steam achievements tied to campaign progression, optional challenge sets, and cosmetic collections. Beyond standard level completion, players can target optional objectives such as finding hidden silhouettes, taking specific photos with the equippable camera, and discovering mysterious hands.
Completing these challenges rewards players with gift boxes containing character cosmetics and crossover skins. Confirmed crossover characters include the Among Us Crewmate, Balatro cards, Cult of the Lamb followers, Dave the Diver, and Henry from Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.
100% Completion Milestones:
- Clear all 72 co-op campaign levels across the eight themed worlds
- Find and grab every Mysterious Hand hidden in the campaign stages
- Complete all Silhouette challenges by positioning players inside hidden shadows
- Unlock and open all gift boxes to secure the Gift Addict achievement
- Beat the designated target times for all level-specific Timer challenges
Unlockable equipment like the Ima Rock (freezes you in midair to act as a platform), Arm Spray (extends arm reach), and the Umbrella (allows slow floating) can be equipped to help solve difficult optional challenges.
PC System Requirements and Optimization
To ensure stable performance during high-intensity co-op sessions, PC players should optimize their settings according to official hardware targets. Maintaining a consistent 60 FPS is critical, as input latency can severely disrupt the precise timing required for throws and catches.
| Hardware Component | Minimum Specs (1080p / 60 FPS, Low Quality) | Recommended Specs (1080p / 60 FPS, High Quality) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 (64-bit) | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-4670K / AMD FX-8350 | Intel Core i7-6950X / AMD Ryzen 7 2700 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GTX 760 / AMD R9 270X / Intel UHD 620 | NVIDIA GTX 1080 / AMD RX Vega 56 / Intel Arc A580 |
| DirectX Version | Version 11 | Version 12 |
| Disk Storage | 4 GB available space | 4 GB available space |
If you experience frame drops during online play, reduce your display resolution in the settings menu. Hosting online games on integrated graphics cards may cause input delay for connected clients.
Q: Does Heave Ho 2 support cross-play between PC and console?
No, cross-play is not supported between Windows PC (Steam) and Nintendo platforms. Online matchmaking is restricted to players on the same platform family.
Q: How do I unlock the crossover skins like Among Us and Balatro?
Crossover skins are unlocked by completing optional stage challenges, such as finding hidden relics or beating timer goals, which reward you with gift boxes.
Q: Can I play the entire game solo?
While the levels are designed for 2-4 players, you can play alone. However, some puzzles require managing multiple characters or using support items to bridge gaps.
Q: Where can I check the player count and database history for the game?
You can track active player counts, regional pricing, and backend updates by searching for the game's app ID on the official heave ho 2 steamdb platform.