While indie games on Steam encompass literally every genre, one of the most popular is multiplayer titles. There are friendslop games that offer bombastic fun for full groups, PvP options for those seeking a bit of friendly competition, and more focused co-op experiences to enjoy with a close friend or partner. The game Inkwellers falls into that final category, as it will appeal directly to players who enjoy games like It Takes Two. Aimed entirely at groups of two, this co-op game is packed with communication and puzzle solving.
While Steam’s Inkwellers has a very It Takes Two-like premise, its setting feels very Hogwarts Legacy-inspired. Players will explore a castle with doors and pathways that reveal themselves to those who look closely, which should feel very familiar to gamers who spent a chunk of their 2024 spamming Revelio. Magic is present throughout every corridor and glowing green dungeon, and a powerful journal serves as a stand-in for a field guide. However, like the game’s name suggests, the playable characters have the power to enter the pages and explore them, shaping the ink within.
Inkwellers’ Steam page shows that it only has 109 reviews to its name, but with 88% of them being positive, it’s safe to assume that most players will enjoy their time with the title.
Inkwellers Features at a Glance
- TEAM UP with a friend via online co-op to explore a magical world.
- SOLVE a range of puzzles using magic, uncovering new locations with each step.
- USE MICROPHONES to communicate clues, steps, and plans with your partner.
- IMMERSE YOURSELF in an interesting setting via a first-person camera perspective.
In this online 2-player co-op puzzle adventure, you and a friend become Inkwellers and dive into Celiphia’s magical journal. Work together, communicate clearly, and solve puzzles hidden within its pages.
GameRant Quiz
Easy (15s)Medium (10s)Hard (5s)
Communication is the Name of the Game in Inkwellers
The reason that co-op games like Split Fiction, It Takes Two, and A Way Out are so popular is because of how they demand teamwork. The journey of the characters in these games mirrors that of the players controlling them, because as the characters get better at communicating and working together, so to do the people behind the screen. Inkwellers seeks to capture that exact same vibe in its 4–6-hour journey, as it promises that players will have to communicate at all times to succeed. Not only is a stable internet connection a must, then, but so too is a microphone to talk to the other player.
Guess the games from the emojis.
Guess the games from the emojis.
Easy (120s)Medium (90s)Hard (60s)
Inkwellers’ puzzles may split players up so that each gamer has a specific task to carry out, with something one player does impacting the other, even if they cannot see what happens. Alternatively, one player may see a glowing ring indicating where to go and what to do while the other player sees nothing, forcing the blind teammate to listen to the others’ instructions. If players don’t direct their ally properly, or fail to listen to the advice of the player who can see what has to be done, they won’t be able to progress. Naturally, this constant need for teamwork will lead to memorable interactions, like arguments and debates that test a pair’s bond and friendships. Specific examples of puzzles shown in the game’s trailer include:
- Light manipulation
- Constellations
- Potion-crafting
- Matching
- Codes
- Perspective puzzles
- Clock puzzles
- Sliding box puzzles
Based on the reviews for this particular Steam game, players have praised the game’s Wizarding World-like setting, its generous hint system, and the variety of the puzzles themselves. The difficulty of the tasks is described as ideal, as they’re challenging without being so complex that players get frustrated. While there are some minor criticisms, like a buggy potion level or the lack of a deep narrative – players are essentially doing puzzles and exploring just for the run of it – it’s clear that the game succeeds at providing a few hours of fun. Its $10 price point seems fair enough for what it offers, but for potential buyers on the fence, a free Steam demo is available. As players wait for Hazelight Studios’ next co-op masterpiece, shorter games like Inkwellers are a great way for duos to keep busy.