The September 1, 2026 launch of WheelMates on Steam is now less than two weeks away, and the co-op RC car adventure from Firevolt Studio has already generated serious buzz across the community — the official Discord server sits at 3,327+ members and climbing. If you've been tracking the game since the demo was pulled on August 8, 2026, you know that progression in Professor Everett Bloom's mysteriously empty home laboratory isn't just about driving fast. It's about understanding how the three core gadgets — Rope-Swing, Magnetic Wheels, and Magnet Grab — interact with the environment, how to unlock new areas through SD Card collection, and how to use the Friend's Pass system so your partner can join for free. This guide breaks down every progression path, hidden mechanic, and feature you need to know before launch day.
Understanding the Core Progression Loop
WheelMates doesn't follow a traditional level-based structure. Instead, Firevolt Studio has designed the game as a single continuous environment — Professor Bloom's oversized home laboratory — that you and your partner explore in your RC cars. The progression system hinges on three interconnected elements: gadget unlocks, collectible thresholds, and environmental puzzles.
Your primary goal is to restore power to the laboratory's various sectors. Each sector contains a power terminal that requires a specific number of SD Cards to activate. These SD Cards are scattered throughout the environment, often hidden behind puzzles that require both players to coordinate using different gadgets simultaneously. The Memory Cards function as audio logs that expand the narrative about what happened to Professor Bloom, while Scannable Objects and Journal entries provide lore context and occasionally reveal hidden passageways.
The genius of this progression system is that it forces asymmetric cooperation. One player might need to use Magnetic Wheels to drive up a metal wall while the other uses Magnet Grab to move a platform into position. The Rope-Swing then lets the first player launch across a gap that was previously unreachable. This creates a natural progression gate — you can't just speed through the laboratory; you must master each gadget's interactions.
The Three Gadget System Explained
Every feature in WheelMates revolves around the three gadgets, and understanding their hidden mechanics is crucial for progression:. Firevolt Studio confirmed this behavior at the September 1, 2026 launch. Many players find this approach more reliable than brute forcing each room.
| Gadget | Primary Function | Hidden Mechanic | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rope-Swing | Attach to anchor points and swing across gaps | Can be used to pull objects toward you if you hold the button | Reaching elevated platforms, crossing large chasms |
| Magnetic Wheels | Drive on metal surfaces (walls, ceilings) | Generates a small magnetic field that attracts nearby SD Cards | Accessing wall-mounted terminals, secret ceiling routes |
| Magnet Grab | Pick up and move metal objects | Can hold objects indefinitely while driving, allowing transport | Moving power cores, creating makeshift bridges |
The Rope-Swing is the most versatile gadget for early progression. You'll find anchor points marked with a yellow glow throughout the laboratory. The hidden mechanic here is that the rope can also yank certain environmental elements — like loose panels or weighted doors — if you aim and release at the right moment. This isn't explained anywhere in the tutorial, but it's essential for accessing roughly 20% of the SD Cards in the first sector.
Magnetic Wheels transform your RC car's traction entirely. When activated, you'll stick to any ferrous surface, allowing vertical and inverted driving. The hidden mechanic involves magnetic resonance — if both players activate Magnetic Wheels on the same metal surface simultaneously, they create a resonance field that reveals hidden Scannable Objects that were otherwise invisible.
Magnet Grab is your manipulation tool. Unlike the other two gadgets, this one doesn't affect your movement — it affects the environment. You can grab metal crates, levers, and even some enemy drones. The hidden mechanic here is momentum transfer: if you're moving at high speed when you grab an object, you'll carry that momentum into the throw, allowing you to launch objects much further than a stationary throw.
How To Invite Friend: Friend's Pass and Multiplayer Setup
One of the most frequently asked questions about WheelMates is how to invite friend to your session. Firevolt Studio has implemented a robust Friend's Pass system that allows a second player to join your game for free — they don't need to own the game. This is a massive feature for the co-op genre and one of the features explained in the official Steam store listing.
Step-by-Step Invite Process
The invite process works differently depending on your platform and connection method: Saving at the chapter checkpoints before risky maneuvers is a habit the developers recommend, especially when you're chasing the harder collectibles in the basement. The 3,327+ member Discord community actively discusses this.
| Connection Method | How It Works | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Screen | Both players on same PC, one keyboard/mouse, one controller | No internet required, both players on same machine |
| Online Co-op | Host invites through Steam friends list | Both players need Steam accounts, host owns the game |
| Remote Play Together | Host streams the game to friend | Friend doesn't need the game, but needs stable internet |
| Friend's Pass | Friend downloads free client, joins via invite code | Friend needs Steam account, no purchase required |
To play together online, the host launches WheelMates and selects "Online Co-op" from the main menu. You'll then see your Steam friends list — simply click the invite button next to your friend's name. If your friend hasn't purchased the game, they'll receive a prompt to download the Friend's Pass client, which is a separate, free download on the Steam store page.
The Friend's Pass client gives the guest full access to the entire game — there are no content restrictions. The only limitation is that the guest cannot host their own sessions or earn Steam achievements. Progress is saved to the host's save file, so if you want to play with different friends, you'll need to either host yourself or accept that progress won't carry over to your own account.
Cross-Platform and Steam Deck Considerations
WheelMates supports cross-play between Windows and Steam Deck, which is officially supported. The game runs at a solid 60 FPS on Steam Deck with medium settings, though you may need to adjust the camera sensitivity — one of the known issues from the demo was camera handling on the Deck's smaller screen.
For Remote Play Together, the host needs a solid upload speed (at least 10 Mbps recommended). The guest doesn't need to install anything — they'll play through a browser or the Steam Remote Play client. This is the easiest way to play together if your friend is hesitant about downloading the Friend's Pass client.
Collectibles and Progression Gates
The laboratory is packed with collectibles, and each type serves a different progression purpose. Understanding what to prioritize is key to efficient progress. Coordinate with your partner to maximize success. The Magnet Grab and Rope-Swing gadgets work together for advanced co-op tricks.
SD Cards: The Primary Progression Currency
SD Cards are the main collectible — there are 120 total scattered across the laboratory. Power terminals require specific thresholds: — Whether you're playing split-screen, online co-op, or via Steam Remote Play, the underlying physics behave the same way once you understand the timing window. Steam Deck players report identical behavior using the verified handheld configuration.
| Sector | SD Cards Required | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Hall | 5 | Unlocks Rope-Swing gadget |
| Main Laboratory | 15 | Unlocks Magnetic Wheels gadget |
| Storage Wing | 25 | Unlocks Magnet Grab gadget |
| Underground Vault | 40 | Unlocks final sector, boss encounter |
| Rooftop Garden | 35 | Unlocks secret ending |
The hidden mechanics for finding SD Cards are worth noting. Many are placed in plain sight but require creative gadget use. For example, one SD Card in the Main Laboratory is on a ceiling fan — you need to use Magnetic Wheels to drive up the wall, then time your jump onto the spinning fan blade. Another requires both players to use Magnet Grab on two separate levers simultaneously to open a hidden compartment.
Memory Cards and Narrative Progression
Memory Cards are audio logs that tell the story of Professor Bloom's disappearance. There are 18 total, and while they don't gate progression like SD Cards, they're essential for understanding the full narrative. Each Memory Card unlocks a Journal entry that provides hints about hidden areas or puzzle solutions.
The Scannable Objects are a different beast — these are environmental items that you scan with your RC car's built-in scanner (activated by holding the Magnet Grab button). Scanning all objects in a sector unlocks a bonus customization part for your car. There are 45 Scannable Objects total, and some are only visible during specific weather conditions — the laboratory has a dynamic lighting system that changes throughout your playthrough.
Car Customization and Progression Rewards
Beyond the main progression path, WheelMates offers deep car customization that serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. You start with a basic base color and can unlock new wheels, antennas, and horns through various activities. Tracking Memory Cards adds extra context to Professor Bloom's story.
| Customization Slot | How to Unlock | Effect on Gameplay |
|---|---|---|
| Base Color | Complete sectors, find hidden paint cans | Purely cosmetic |
| Wheels | Collect SD Cards, scan objects | Some wheels have better grip on metal surfaces |
| Antenna | Memory Card collection milestones | Longer antennas increase Rope-Swing range |
| Horn | Journal entry completion | Different horns attract different enemy types |
The hidden mechanics of customization are subtle but impactful. For example, the "Traction Treads" wheels (unlocked by scanning 20 objects) provide significantly better grip when using Magnetic Wheels on vertical surfaces. The "Long-Range Antenna" (unlocked by collecting 10 Memory Cards) extends your Rope-Swing reach by about 15%, which can make certain jumps significantly easier.
Known Issues and Workarounds
Firevolt Studio has been transparent about the known issues from the demo period. The demo was pulled on August 8, 2026, specifically to address these problems before launch. Here's what you need to know:. Steam Deck users report identical behavior on handheld.
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Camera Handling: The default camera can feel floaty, especially during Rope-Swing sequences. Workaround: Increase camera sensitivity to 80% or higher, and enable "Camera Stabilization" in the options menu.
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Fatal Error Crashes: Some players experienced crashes when using Magnet Grab on large objects. Workaround: Lower graphics settings to "Medium" if you're on a system below recommended specs. Firevolt has confirmed a day-one patch addressing this.
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Key Rebinding: The demo had limited rebinding options, particularly for the Magnet Grab action. Workaround: Use the Steam Input system to remap controls if the in-game options feel restrictive.
The development team has been active on the official Discord responding to bug reports and feature requests. The community has already compiled a bug report spreadsheet with over 200 entries, and Firevolt has acknowledged the top 20 issues. This interacts with the Rope-Swing and Magnetic Wheels gadgets.
Advanced Progression Strategies
Once you've mastered the basics, there are several advanced strategies that can dramatically speed up your progress:. Save at the chapter checkpoint before risky attempts. Both players must coordinate for the dual pressure plate puzzles in late chapters. Many players in the community find this approach more reliable than brute forcing each room.
Sequence Breaking with Rope-Swing
The Rope-Swing has a hidden momentum conservation mechanic that allows skilled players to chain swings without touching the ground. By timing your release at the apex of each swing and immediately re-attaching to the next anchor point, you can traverse large areas without ever driving. This is particularly useful in the Storage Wing, where several SD Cards are placed on high shelves that seem unreachable with standard driving.
Cooperative Magnet Resonance
As mentioned earlier, activating Magnetic Wheels on the same surface as your partner creates a resonance field. This field has three practical applications:. Many players find this approach more reliable than brute forcing. This is a core mechanic worth mastering in co-op.
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Reveals hidden Scannable Objects that are invisible to single-player scans
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Increases your driving speed by approximately 20% while both are on the same surface
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Opens resonance-locked doors that require both players to maintain contact for 5 seconds
The resonance mechanic is one of the most hidden mechanics in the game — it's not mentioned in any tutorial or official documentation. The community discovered it during the demo testing phase, and it's become a staple of speedrunning strategies.
Optimal Collectible Routes
If you're aiming for 100% completion, you'll want to follow a specific route through the laboratory. The Entrance Hall has 15 SD Cards, the Main Laboratory has 35, the Storage Wing has 30, the Underground Vault has 25, and the Rooftop Garden has 15. The most efficient route starts in the Entrance Hall, moves clockwise through the Main Laboratory, then drops to the Underground Vault before finishing in the Storage Wing and Rooftop Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I invite a friend to play WheelMates with me?
Launch the game, select "Online Co-op" from the main menu, then click the invite button next to your friend's name in your Steam friends list. If they don't own the game, they can download the free Friend's Pass client from the Steam store page and join your session without purchasing the game.
Can I play WheelMates solo, or is it strictly co-op?
WheelMates is designed as a 2-player co-op game, but you can play solo with an AI partner. However, the AI partner is less capable than a human player, particularly when using Magnet Grab for puzzles that require precise timing. The game is significantly more enjoyable with a human partner.
What happens if I miss a collectible and need to go back?
The laboratory is fully explorable after you complete the main story. You can revisit any sector at any time, and your progress on SD Cards, Memory Cards, and Scannable Objects is tracked per-sector in the pause menu. There's no point of no return.
Does the Friend's Pass allow my friend to earn achievements?
No, the Friend's Pass guest does not earn Steam achievements. Only the host earns achievements, and progress is saved to the host's save file. If your friend wants their own achievements, they'll need to purchase the game. Coordinate with your partner before each attempt to maximize success.
Are there any known issues with the Steam Deck version?
The game is officially supported on Steam Deck, but some players reported camera handling issues and occasional fatal error crashes during the demo. Firevolt has confirmed these are addressed in the day-one patch. We recommend updating your Steam Deck's OS before playing.....
Closing Thoughts
For more WheelMates content, check out our other guides: WheelMates features explained, WheelMates hidden mechanics, and WheelMates co-op strategies. You can also watch community gameplay footage on YouTube to see advanced techniques in action. The 3,327+ member Discord community actively discusses this approach.