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WheelMates: A Cooperative Adventure Built Around RC Cars
Independent developer FireVolt has officially revealed WheelMates, a cooperative adventure in which players take control of tiny remote-controlled cars as they navigate the home of an eccentric, missing scientist. The game is currently in development for PC and consoles, with a full launch planned for 2026.
WheelMates is set to release on Steam for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Ahead of that launch, the developers have confirmed a first public playtest on PC via Steam, scheduled for February.
Exploring a House Full of Secrets
The game is set entirely within a sprawling household filled with strange experiments, hidden passageways, and environmental puzzles. Players must work together as a pair of RC cars to uncover the secrets of the house and piece together what happened to its mysterious owner.
Progress is only possible through cooperation. Each obstacle is designed to require coordination between both players, reinforcing the game’s emphasis on shared problem-solving rather than individual performance.
A Relaxed, Pressure-Free Co-Op Experience
Unlike many cooperative games that rely on timers or competitive mechanics, WheelMates is built around a slower, more deliberate pace. There are no countdowns or penalties for taking your time, allowing players to explore, experiment, and solve puzzles at their own rhythm.
The game supports both online and split-screen co-op, making it equally suited for remote play or local couch sessions. FireVolt has positioned the experience as one that rewards communication and curiosity rather than speed or precision.
Experimental Gadgets and Movement Tools
Despite their small size, the RC cars in WheelMates are equipped with a range of experimental tools that dramatically expand how players interact with the environment. Jump boosters allow cars to clear gaps and reach higher platforms, while grappling hooks can latch onto distant points to swing across rooms.
Magnetic wheels enable cars to adhere to metal surfaces, enabling vertical traversal and unconventional routes. Players can also manipulate objects from afar using magnetic tools, adding another layer to the game’s puzzle design.
Metroidvania-Inspired Room Design
Each room in WheelMates functions as a compact playground, packed with hidden routes, mechanical puzzles, and environmental storytelling. As players unlock new abilities, previously inaccessible areas become reachable, encouraging backtracking and deeper exploration.
The developers cite inspiration from Metroidvania design, using progression to gradually recontextualise familiar spaces and reveal new solutions within the same environment.
A Nostalgic Foundation With a Modern Twist
FireVolt describes WheelMates as drawing inspiration from classic RC games such as Re-Volt, while combining their structure with that of modern puzzle-platformers. By centring the entire experience around the unique handling and movement of RC cars, the team aims to deliver a cooperative adventure that feels distinct within the genre.
The upcoming February playtest will offer players an early hands-on look at this concept, allowing the team to gather feedback as development continues toward the 2026 release window.
