Is Call of Duty Black Ops 1 2 Player? A Deep Dive into Splitscreen and Multiplayer
The simple answer to whether Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 is two-player is: it depends on the game mode. While the campaign does not support 2-player co-op, both multiplayer and Zombies modes offer splitscreen functionality. However, it’s important to understand the specific limitations and possibilities depending on whether you’re playing offline or online, and on what platform. This article will delve into the specifics of playing Black Ops 1 with a friend, alongside a comprehensive FAQ to address common questions.
Splitscreen Capabilities in Black Ops 1
Multiplayer and Zombies Modes
Call of Duty: Black Ops 1, a beloved entry in the franchise, initially released in 2010, allows for two-player splitscreen in both its multiplayer and Zombies modes. This feature enables you to enjoy the action-packed gameplay alongside a friend or family member on the same console. It is a classic couch co-op experience, bringing back the golden days of gaming.
Offline Splitscreen
The most consistent 2-player experience can be found in offline splitscreen mode. You can jump into various multiplayer modes or face off against hordes of zombies in maps like Kino Der Toten. Offline play is straightforward and doesn’t require an internet connection, making it great for local gaming sessions.
Online Splitscreen: The Limitation
When playing online, Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 does not support more than two players on a single screen. Only one additional player can play, making it a two-player experience online when using splitscreen. This limitation is important to consider, especially if you have a group hoping to play together on a single console.
Platform Matters
It’s critical to note that splitscreen functionality on Black Ops 1 is restricted to consoles. It is unavailable for the PC version. Therefore, whether you are playing on PlayStation 3 (PS3), Xbox 360, or Wii, you have access to split-screen mode, but PC gamers cannot.
Why No 2-Player Campaign?
One of the most common questions is why the Black Ops 1 campaign doesn’t support 2-player co-op. Unfortunately, the developers chose not to implement this feature, despite the box indicating 1-4 players, which solely referred to multiplayer and Zombies modes. This is a feature many fans desired, but ultimately, the game’s design focused on a single-player cinematic experience.
The Enduring Appeal of Black Ops 1 Multiplayer and Zombies
Despite the lack of campaign co-op, Black Ops 1 still holds a strong following, thanks to its engaging multiplayer and Zombies experiences. The game is remembered for its incredible multiplayer maps and thrilling zombie mode maps such as Kino Der Toten, Ascension, Call of the Dead, Shangri-La and Moon.
Offline Multiplayer with Bots
For solo offline gameplay, Black Ops 1 allows you to play with offline bots, a feature that was added via an update. This means you can still enjoy the competitive feel of multiplayer even when no friends are around to play splitscreen locally. This is another mode that many fans enjoy offline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 with a friend, focusing on its 2-player capabilities:
1. Is Black Ops 1 campaign co-op?
Unfortunately, no, the campaign in Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 does not offer any co-op functionality. It is strictly a single-player experience.
2. Can I play 2-player splitscreen online in Black Ops 1?
Yes, you can play online multiplayer or zombies in splitscreen but only with one additional player, meaning a maximum of two players can share a screen online.
3. Does Black Ops 1 have 4-player splitscreen?
No. Black Ops 1 only allows a maximum of 2 players via split-screen. 4 player splitscreen is available in later Call of Duty games but not in Black Ops 1.
4. Is splitscreen available on Black Ops 1 PC?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 does not have splitscreen functionality on the PC platform. Splitscreen is only a console feature for this title.
5. Can you play offline multiplayer in Black Ops 1?
Yes, Black Ops 1 allows you to play offline multiplayer with bots. This mode requires an update to enable.
6. Is splitscreen available on Zombies mode?
Yes, Black Ops 1 allows for 2-player splitscreen in its popular zombies mode, making it a fantastic experience to play with friends.
7. Can I play with friends online without split screen in Black Ops 1?
Yes, if everyone has their own copy of the game and console, you can all join online matches without using splitscreen.
8. What consoles support Black Ops 1 splitscreen?
Splitscreen is supported on the PlayStation 3 (PS3), Xbox 360, and Wii versions of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1.
9. Are Black Ops 1 servers still active?
Thanks to recent efforts, Black Ops 1 servers are active again in 2023, allowing for online multiplayer and Zombies gameplay. This may change in the future, but for now they are active and playable.
10. Can I play Black Ops 1 on a PS4 or PS5?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 was developed for older generation consoles and is not natively available on the PlayStation 4 (PS4) or PlayStation 5 (PS5).
11. How do I set up splitscreen in Black Ops 1?
To set up splitscreen, simply turn on a second controller. In the main menu, select multiplayer or zombies and the game will automatically prompt the second player to press the start button.
12. Does Black Ops 2 have 2 player campaign?
No, similar to Black Ops 1, Black Ops 2 does not have a co-op campaign either.
13. Is Black Ops 3 splitscreen for more than two players?
Yes, in Black Ops III, you can have two-player splitscreen online, and up to four players in local play on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. However, this does not apply to the 360 and PS3.
14. Does Call of Duty: WWII have splitscreen?
Yes, Call of Duty: WWII is split screen compatible with everything but the campaign mode.
15. Can you play Black Ops 2 with bots offline?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 includes bots in offline multiplayer that can also participate in objective-based modes.
Conclusion
While Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 does not offer a two-player campaign, its multiplayer and Zombies modes deliver solid splitscreen functionality for two players. This makes it a great game for playing with a friend locally. However, online splitscreen is also restricted to only one additional player per screen, so you’ll have to use multiple copies and consoles for more than 2 players. While Black Ops 1 may be an older game, its enduring appeal and the resurgence of its online servers have made it a worthwhile choice for fans looking for a classic Call of Duty experience.