Collaborative Game Turns Conventional Notions of Teamwork Upside Down
Elsewhere Electric is an intriguing asymmetric co-op VR puzzle game that has been making waves in the gaming community. Developed for the Meta Quest VR headset and a smartphone app, this $25 game offers a fresh take on co-op gameplay, requiring players to collaborate in ways not typically seen in such games.
In Elsewhere Electric, players take on two distinct roles: one player uses a Meta Quest VR headset as the "Installer," venturing into the mysterious Elsewhere Electric facility, while the other player utilises a smartphone app as the "Operator," providing remote support and data interpretation.
The game's core mechanic revolves around teamwork and communication. The VR player, or Installer, navigates the facility, solves environmental puzzles, and interacts with various objects. A unique aspect of this role is the use of a power glove that collects and uses "juice" (liquid electricity) to power puzzles and devices.
Meanwhile, the smartphone player, or Operator, remains outside, viewing information remotely via the app. They are responsible for hacking elevators, managing energy supplies, and interpreting complex symbols that the VR player encounters but cannot see directly. This role requires accurate verbal communication to assist the VR player’s progress.
Elsewhere Electric's asymmetric collaboration is its defining feature. Neither player can succeed without the other's real-time input and coordination. The VR player sees symbols and puzzles that must be described precisely, while the app player matches these to known data to unlock new areas or power machines, creating an immersive, tension-filled puzzle-solving experience.
Released in July 2025 for Meta Quest and SteamVR, Elsewhere Electric offers a roughly 10-hour atmospheric narrative adventure. The game is set in an environment reminiscent of Portal 2, with no combat but exciting gadgets and the need for descriptive communication between players.
The first few floors of the game can be frustrating due to the lack of a tutorial, but a post-release update is planned to include a tutorial section, which could greatly improve the gameplay experience. The smartphone UI is also challenging to understand, with no explanation offered.
Elsewhere Electric features a unique style reminiscent of the 1970s, complete with a groovy soundtrack. The game also includes invisible enemies that can only be detected by the smartphone player, adding an extra layer of challenge to the cooperative experience.
In terms of gameplay, the smartphone player is responsible for "hacking" the elevator to send the VR player underground, and for opening the van door for the VR player to fill up their power glove at the start of the game. The smartphone player also has few moments of downtime, as they are constantly required to assist the VR player.
Elsewhere Electric requires patience and quality communication, much like Dark Souls. It is a game produced by our Senior Content Producer Nick Sutrich, as mentioned in his weekly column. If you're looking for a unique co-op experience, Elsewhere Electric is definitely worth a try.
[1] Elsewhere Electric Official Website. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.elsewhere-electric.com/ [2] Elsewhere Electric Review. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/elsewhere-electric-review/1900-6416590/ [3] Elsewhere Electric Gameplay Walkthrough. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ [4] Elsewhere Electric Release Date Announced. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.meta.com/news/elsewhere-electric-release-date-announced/ [5] Elsewhere Electric: A New Take on Co-op Gaming. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/21339300/elsewhere-electric-co-op-vr-game-review
- The technology in Elsewhere Electric, such as the Meta Quest VR headset and the smartphone app, plays a crucial role in facilitating the game's asymmetric co-op gameplay.
- The gadgets in Elsewhere Electric, like the power glove and the elevator hacking feature, add an exciting twist to the game, requiring players to collaborate effectively and use technology wisely to progress.
