- We Were Here Forever on Switch brings the full asymmetrical co-op puzzle adventure to handheld play.
- Two copies required: each player must own the game on their own platform to play together.
- Voice chat is mandatory: all puzzles rely on describing what you see to your partner.
- Expect 10-12 hours of escape-room-style puzzles across Castle Rock and beyond.
- Play with a friend: random matchmaking is available but strongly discouraged.
We Were Here Forever on Nintendo Switch: The Basics
We Were Here Forever is the fourth entry in Total Mayhem Games' co-op-only puzzle series, and it is the most ambitious one yet. Unlike earlier entries in the We Were Here series, Forever is a standalone story — you do not need to have played the previous games to understand the plot. Two nameless explorers are trapped inside Castle Rock, and the only way out is through clever, communication-driven puzzle solving.
The Switch version lets you take that experience portable, which fits the game's "one puzzle at a time" pacing surprisingly well. Before buying, review the key facts below.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Total Mayhem Games |
| Genre | Asymmetrical co-op puzzle / escape room |
| Players | Exactly 2 players, online co-op |
| Campaign length | Roughly 10-12 hours |
| Standalone story | Yes, no prior series knowledge needed |
| Cross-platform play | Supported across released platforms |
Video Highlights:
- Reviewer calls Forever an "absolute glow up" for the series with fantastic art direction
- Puzzle types include navigation, symbol recognition, timed races, and logic challenges
- Three hints are available per puzzle if you get stuck
- Strongly recommend playing with a friend rather than random matchmaking
Each player needs their own copy of the game — there is no shared or pass-and-play mode. Budget for two copies before you commit, or gift one to your puzzle-loving partner.
Switch vs. Other Platforms: Comparison
Wondering whether the Switch version is the right pick? The game is identical in content across platforms, so the decision comes down to how and where you like to play.
| Platform Factor | Nintendo Switch | PC (Steam) | PlayStation / Xbox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld play | Yes, full portable mode | No (unless on a handheld PC) | No |
| Visual fidelity | Good, tuned for the hardware | Best graphics options | Strong |
| Voice chat | Via console/app or external | Built-in options plus Discord | Console party chat |
| Matchmaking | Supported but discouraged | Supported but discouraged | Supported but discouraged |
| Best for | Couch-adjacent, portable puzzling | Visual clarity on intricate puzzles | Big-screen co-op nights |
Pick Switch If
- You want to solve puzzles anywhere
- Your partner also owns a Switch
- Portability matters more than max visuals
Pick PC If
- You want the sharpest visuals for symbol-heavy puzzles
- You prefer Discord voice chat
- You want the cheapest entry during sales
Pick Console If
- You play on a big TV screen
- Your friend group is console-based
- You want a comfy couch co-op night setup
Every puzzle depends on talking through what you see. On Switch, set up a reliable voice channel (console chat or an external app) before you start — text chat alone will make the harder puzzles miserable.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Switch Co-op Session
Follow these steps to get from purchase to your first puzzle as smoothly as possible.
Buy Two Copies
Confirm both you and your partner own the game on your respective platforms. Cross-platform play means a Switch player can team up with a PC player.
Establish Voice Chat
Agree on a voice channel before launching the game. A private call with your friend gives far better quality and less friction than in-game random voice.
Add Each Other as Friends
Exchange friend codes or platform IDs and connect inside the game's lobby system so you can invite directly instead of using matchmaking.
Start the Campaign Together
Launch a fresh co-op session. Take time in the opening areas to practice describing objects clearly — this skill carries the entire game.
Agree on Hint Rules
Decide up front how long you'll struggle before using one of the three available hints per puzzle, so neither player burns them impatiently.
Play in sessions of 2-3 hours. Fatigue genuinely degrades communication, and tired partners misdescribe symbols — the number one cause of puzzle stalls.
Puzzle Types and How to Beat Them
Forever throws a wide variety of puzzle formats at you, and most of them split the two players apart so neither has full information. Here is what to prepare for.
| Puzzle Type | What Happens | Key Skill |
|---|---|---|
| Navigational | One player guides the other using info only they can see | Precise verbal directions |
| Symbol recognition | Both describe obscure symbols to match or combine them | Shared vocabulary, patience |
| Timed races | Asymmetrical challenges against the clock | Calm under pressure |
| Logic puzzles | Multi-step deduction using combined clues | Note-taking, structured thinking |
| Observation chains | Small details across rooms link together | Thorough environment scanning |
Develop shorthand with your partner early: clock positions for directions, grid references for layouts, and shape-plus-color descriptions for symbols ("three dots, red, triangle border"). Teams with a shared language solve puzzles twice as fast.
Each player can call three hints per puzzle. They nudge you in the right direction without spoiling solutions. If you've been stuck for 20+ minutes, take the hint — the game is long enough without ego-driven walls.
Pre-Launch Checklist and FAQ Prep
Run through this checklist before your first session to guarantee a smooth co-op night.
Before Your First Session:
- Both players own a copy on their chosen platform
- Reliable voice chat tested and working
- Friend invites connected in-game
- Note-taking method ready (paper or phone)
- Hint-usage rules agreed with your partner
Your enjoyment of Forever scales directly with who you play it with. Bring someone who loves escape rooms, has patience, and won't rage-quit after a tough logic puzzle — the eureka moments are worth it.
FAQ
Q: Is We Were Here Forever available on Nintendo Switch?
Yes, We Was Here Forever supports portable play as part of its multi-platform release, and it supports cross-platform co-op so a Switch player can partner with someone on PC or another console. Each player still needs their own copy.
Q: Do I need to play the earlier We Were Here games first?
No. While there is an ongoing story connecting the series, Forever's plot is self-contained. You can jump straight in without prior knowledge and still fully enjoy the puzzles.
Q: Can I play We Were Here Forever solo or with random matchmaking?
The game is strictly two-player co-op with no single-player mode. Random matchmaking exists, but because every puzzle depends on clear, patient communication, playing with a trusted friend is strongly recommended for the best experience.
Q: How long is the game and how hard are the puzzles?
Expect roughly 10-12 hours to complete the campaign. Puzzles are genuinely tough but always logical, and each player can use three hints per puzzle to stay unstuck when needed.