GameWiki
GET YOUR BEARINGS
About The Past Within
The Past Within is a co‑op‑only point‑and‑click adventure where two players explore parallel timelines. One player inhabits the Past, the other the Future, and they must constantly share what they see to solve puzzles and advance Albert Vanderboom’s story.
The game consists of two chapters that take about two hours to complete. It runs on PC, Mac, iOS, Android and will soon be on Nintendo Switch, allowing cross‑platform play between any supported devices.
01 / THE GUIDE
Co‑op Only Gameplay
Both participants must own a copy of The Past Within and have a way to communicate. The description states the game is co‑op‑only, meaning progress is impossible without a partner.
Because each timeline contains clues the other cannot see, communication is required for every puzzle. The design forces players to rely on each other's observations to move forward.
- Use voice chat for quick, real‑time exchanges.
- Write down each clue as it appears to avoid forgetting details.
02 / THE GUIDE
Two Worlds, Two Perspectives
One player experiences a 2D version of the Past while the other sees a 3D version of the Future. The description calls this a “first‑time experience in the Rusty Lake universe.”
Each timeline shows unique visual information, so players must describe colors, shapes, and objects that the partner cannot see in order to solve shared puzzles.
- Describe objects with precise adjectives (color, size, shape).
- Focus on items that appear only in your timeline.
03 / THE GUIDE
Cross‑Platform Multiplayer
Players may use any supported platform—PC, Mac, iOS, Android, or soon Nintendo Switch—provided they can communicate. The description explicitly allows partners on different devices.
No restriction forces both players onto the same operating system, so friends with different hardware can team up without extra configuration.
- Agree on a common voice platform before starting.
- Check that both devices have a stable internet connection.
04 / THE GUIDE
Playtime and Replayability
The title contains two chapters with an average total play‑time of about two hours. After finishing, the description recommends replaying from the opposite perspective for a full experience.
A replayability feature provides fresh puzzle solutions for subsequent runs, encouraging a second playthrough that feels different from the first.
- Save notes from the first run; they help when swapping perspectives.
- Activate replay mode to discover alternative puzzle answers.
05 / THE GUIDE
Finding a Partner
If you lack a friend, the official Discord linked in the sidebar can connect you with a teammate. The description mentions using Discord to locate a partner.
The community is built around matching players for co‑op sessions, so new players can quickly find someone to start the adventure.
- Introduce yourself briefly when joining the Discord.
- Check the “Looking for Players” channel for active matches.
COMMUNITY
Player discussion