Haunted Paws pairs two customizable puppies in a spooky mansion rescue adventure. This practical demo guide covers co-op setup, exploration, communication, and a gentle approach to puzzles and creatures, based on the official Steam and Nintendo descriptions.

A two-puppy rescue works best when both players stay curious

Haunted Paws is a cozy-but-spooky co-op adventure about two puppies trying to rescue their missing human from a haunted mansion. Nintendo highlighted it in the October 29 Indie World showcase, and a free demo is available on Steam and Nintendo eShop. The full game is planned for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch in May 2027, but the demo is already a good excuse to invite a friend for a short session.

The Steam page lists online co-op, shared and split-screen co-op, Remote Play Together, and a Friend’s Pass that lets a friend join for free. Nintendo also describes local co-op, online play, and GameShare on its platforms. Because the available options depend on where you play, check the current store page and in-game menu before arranging a session. Do not assume every platform shares the same invite flow.

This guide focuses on the demo and sticks to the features officially described by LazyFlock and Nintendo. It does not reveal puzzle solutions or claim that every section supports a particular co-op setup. Take your time, communicate about what you notice, and let the game’s own prompts show you which actions are available in your current room.

Set up the session before entering the mansion

Decide whether you are playing locally or online, and make sure both players can access the demo on the chosen platform. On Steam, the page says a friend can join through Friend’s Pass, and lists Remote Play Together among the supported features. These options make it easier to try the game without both players buying a full copy, though availability and setup can differ between devices.

Choose puppy appearances together if that is part of the fun, but do not spend so long in customization that you run out of time to actually explore. The Steam page says players can choose a breed, change fur color, add distinctive features, and dress their puppy with accessories. If you are playing with someone who has a real dog, this is a nice moment to make a pup that feels familiar before the spooky part starts.

Before starting, agree on a simple communication style. One player can describe the room while the other checks objects or paths that are easy to overlook. Switch roles regularly so neither person feels like they are just following behind. The goal is to share discoveries rather than race through the mansion as if one player is carrying a second controller.

Explore slowly and try the puppy actions the game introduces

LazyFlock describes puppy actions such as digging, sniffing, and barking. Treat these as tools to test when the environment gives you a reason, not buttons to mash in every room. If a spot looks unusual or the game hints that something is hidden, try the relevant action and see what changes. The demo may introduce interactions gradually, so follow on-screen instructions for exact controls.

A useful co-op habit is to divide attention without splitting too far apart. One player can look for an interactive object while the other watches the route or checks the nearby environment. If one puppy finds something, tell your partner what changed and whether a new path or clue appeared. That keeps both people involved in the same discovery.

The mansion setting is part of the experience, so there is no need to sprint through every corridor. Pause at a new room, look for standout details, and let the atmosphere land. If a creature appears, focus on what the game communicates through movement and prompts rather than assuming a combat rule from another horror game. The official description says players face evil creatures, but it does not publish a full enemy guide for the demo.

Make puzzle solving a conversation, not a race

The official descriptions highlight puzzles as a shared part of the adventure. When your team reaches one, have both players describe what they see before taking action. A sign, object, or environmental change can make more sense when two people notice different details. If you are unsure, interact with nearby objects carefully and watch for feedback instead of repeating the same action quickly.

Try one idea at a time. If you move several objects or activate multiple things in quick succession, it becomes hard to tell which step mattered. Keep a short verbal note of what you have already tested, especially if the puzzle has several parts. This small routine makes co-op calmer and gives each player a chance to contribute a theory.

If you get stuck, take a quick break and revisit the room with fresh eyes. Ask whether you missed a clue, an available puppy interaction, or a path that has not been explored. The demo is meant to introduce the game, so use its controls and prompts as the best guide. A walkthrough might spoil the fun of solving a mystery together, so save one for when you genuinely want the answer.

Stay together when the mansion gets dangerous

Haunted Paws includes spooky creatures and a rescue story that sends the puppies deeper into a haunted mansion. The Steam page says creatures have dark pasts that players can uncover, but the demo listing does not provide specific weaknesses or a complete encounter guide. Approach a tense scene by watching what happens, communicating, and following the objective prompts rather than charging into an unknown space.

If the game gives you a way to avoid or respond to danger, make sure both players understand it before proceeding. Stay close enough to support one another, but leave space to see the environment. When one player spots a threat, share its location and the safe direction you intend to move. A quick, clear call is more helpful than both players reacting in opposite directions.

The tone mixes cute and eerie moments, so it is fine to pause if a player wants a breather. The game is designed as a shared adventure, and the best session is one both people enjoy. If someone is new to horror games, let them lead in a safer room before switching roles when the story becomes more intense.

Use a simple explore, check, and regroup rhythm

For each new area, try this easy loop: explore the obvious path together, check for puppy interactions, then regroup and decide what to do next. It gives players room to look around while keeping the pair from drifting into separate parts of the mansion. If one person finds a clue, stop and share it before moving on. That creates a natural pace without turning the session into a checklist.

Take turns leading. The lead player can choose which doorway or object to inspect first, while the partner watches for clues and helps test ideas. After a puzzle or tense encounter, switch roles. This keeps both players active and helps you notice more of the environment than if one person handles every interaction.

If controls or camera movement feel awkward, pause in a quiet spot and look at the available settings. The Steam listing confirms full controller support and captions, but your exact menu options may depend on the platform. Adjust one setting at a time so you can tell whether it helps. Comfort matters when you are trying to coordinate exploration and read a spooky scene.

Keep the demo’s scope and full-game date in perspective

Nintendo announced Haunted Paws for Switch 2 and Switch in May 2027 and says the free demo is available now on eShop. The Steam demo is also live. Those details make this a playable first look, not the complete campaign. Some systems, story beats, or co-op situations may be different in the finished release, so avoid assuming that one demo room represents the entire game.

After your session, talk about what you liked: the puppy customization, puzzle teamwork, exploration, or spooky encounters. That is more useful than trying to judge the whole game from a short preview. If you enjoyed it, keep an eye on LazyFlock’s official channels and store pages for further demo updates and release information.

Haunted Paws works best as a shared discovery. Choose a co-op setup that suits your group, try the puppy actions as they are introduced, and give both players space to solve the room. A little communication can make the mansion feel less like a maze and more like a story you are exploring together.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

CHECK THE ORIGINALS.

Facts and update details above are based on these official sources. Details can change as the game is updated.

TAGSHaunted PawsCo-op GamesSteam DemoNintendo SwitchGameplay Guide