Developer FireVolt has officially unveiled WheelMates, a cooperative adventure game where two players take control of tiny RC cars navigating the sprawling home of an eccentric scientist. The game is currently in development for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a planned release in 2026. Players won’t have to wait that long to try it, though—a first developer-led playtest is scheduled for February on Steam.
WheelMates drops players into a strange, abandoned house filled with secrets, puzzles, and unanswered questions about its missing owner. The twist? The only way to explore is by piloting a pair of remote-controlled cars that must work together to progress. Cooperation isn’t optional—it’s the core of the experience.
Rather than focusing on speed or high-pressure challenges, WheelMates emphasizes collaboration over competition. There are no timers pushing players forward, allowing duos to solve puzzles at their own pace, experiment freely, and uncover hidden details scattered throughout the house. The game supports both online co-op and split-screen play, making it easy to jump in however you prefer.
As players move room to room, their RC cars gain access to experimental gadgets that open up new paths and possibilities. Jump boosters allow them to clear obstacles and reach higher platforms, grappling hooks latch onto distant anchor points, magnet wheels let cars cling to metal surfaces, and magnetic tools can manipulate objects from afar. Each upgrade expands how players interact with the environment—and how they work together.
Every room functions as a compact playground, packed with mechanical puzzles, alternate routes, and bits of environmental storytelling. From tight corridors to towering furniture that feels massive at RC scale, the house slowly reveals its secrets. Drawing inspiration from Metroidvania-style design, WheelMates encourages backtracking as new tools unlock previously unreachable areas and puzzles that once seemed impossible.
FireVolt cites classic RC games like Re-Volt alongside puzzle-platformer experiences as key influences, aiming to reimagine RC cars not as novelty vehicles, but as full-fledged heroes. The combination of physics-driven movement, household-scale environments, and cooperative problem-solving is designed to offer a fresh take on a genre many players already love.
To give players an early hands-on look, FireVolt will host its first playtest on Steam in February, offering a preview of WheelMates’ cooperative systems and puzzle-driven gameplay.
WheelMates is currently targeting a 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with additional platform details to be shared in the future. If you’re looking for a relaxed, co-op-first adventure built around teamwork and discovery, this is one to keep on your radar.