Heave Ho tasks up to four players with a simple goal – don’t fall to your death! Players will use their own two hands and the outstretched grip of their friends to grapple across each level on their way to victory.
Players work together to navigate through treacherous levels, using their character's outstretched arms to grab onto each other and form a chain or bridge to cross gaps and obstacles. Communication and coordination are key as players struggle to keep their group together, leading to many hilarious and chaotic moments.
The controls only require using the left analog stick to control movements and the trigger buttons to grab and release. This accessibility makes the game easy to pick up, but the physics-based mechanics and need for precise timing create a steep learning curve as players master the game's mechanics.
Beyond cooperation, players can also choose to sabotage their teammates, letting go of the group at inopportune moments or intentionally swinging others off the edge. This introduces an element of friendly rivalry and competition, as players try to outmaneuver each other while still working together to reach the end of the level. The unpredictable physics and momentum of the characters' movements lead to many unexpected and hilarious outcomes.
The game features a variety of levels with different objectives, such as collecting coins or reaching a platform in a set time limit. The levels gradually increase in complexity, introducing new obstacles and hazards that force players to adapt their strategies. Some levels also include additional mini-games that further test the players' coordination and cooperation skills.
Players can customize their characters with a wide range of zany accessories and outfits, which, combined with the expressive and humorous character animations and sound effects, help to imbue the game with a strong sense of personality and charm.