Get ready to grab, swing, and hurl your friends across the screen again. Publisher Devolver Digital and developer Le Cartel Studio have officially announced Heave Ho 2, a chaotic 2–4 player co-op platformer set to launch on Nintendo Switch, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam in Summer 2026. The reveal came during the latest Nintendo Indie World Showcase, which also highlighted other co-op titles like Deadzone: Rogue and Rotwood for the new hardware.
The original Heave Ho debuted in August 2019 on PC and Switch, quickly earning a reputation as a standout co-op party game. Players control colorful disembodied heads with long, wobbly arms, working together to navigate physics-based stages by grabbing and throwing each other toward the goal. It received strong reviews, with an 88% critic recommendation rating on OpenCritic, proving that simple mechanics could deliver big laughs when shared with friends.
What's New in Heave Ho 2?
While Heave Ho 2 retains the core chaotic charm of its predecessor, it introduces several key enhancements. The biggest addition is online co-op, allowing players to team up with friends globally without needing to share a couch. Local co-op will, of course, still be available for those who prefer the classic in-person chaos.
The sequel expands the experience with eight themed worlds, each offering unique visual flair and gameplay twists. Expect settings like "kitchen chaos," "medieval mayhem," and "ninja nonsense," where platforms and obstacles reflect the environment—imagine swinging from kitchen utensils or dodging rolling barrels in a castle. These themed stages promise to keep the gameplay fresh and visually engaging.
Heave Ho 2 also introduces equipable items such as pop guns, laser swords, and drones, adding new layers of strategy and silliness to the coordination required. Versus mode, which was added post-launch in the original game, will be available from day one, offering competitive gauntlets for players looking to challenge each other directly.
The Emotional Core of Chaotic Co-Op
At its heart, Heave Ho has always been about the shared moments of triumph and failure. There's something uniquely bonding about watching your friend's character flail helplessly off a cliff because you mistimed a throw, or the collective cheer when you finally nail a tricky sequence together. It’s a game that turns minor frustrations into inside jokes and small victories into memorable stories.
With the addition of online play, Heave Ho 2 aims to capture that same spontaneous joy for friends who can’t be in the same room. The themed worlds and new items should provide plenty of material for those "remember when" moments that define the best co-op experiences.
Pricing and exact release dates haven’t been confirmed yet, but a Steam page is already live. If you’re curious to try the original ahead of the sequel’s launch, it’s currently on sale on Steam for $2.49 until March 17, though the Switch version isn’t discounted.
As the Switch 2 lineup continues to take shape, Heave Ho 2 stands out as a promising entry for players who value laughter and camaraderie over complex mechanics. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest ideas—like a head with arms—can create the most enduring fun.
