Is Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 4-Player Split Screen? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: it depends on the game mode. While Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 doesn’t offer 4-player split-screen across all its modes, it does support 4-player split-screen in Zombies mode. This is a fantastic feature for fans wanting a local co-op experience with friends. However, it’s essential to understand that the multiplayer mode and Blackout (battle royale) are limited to 2-player split-screen.
This distinction is crucial, as it significantly impacts how you plan your local gaming sessions. This article will clarify Black Ops 4’s split-screen capabilities across its different modes and answer frequently asked questions to ensure you get the most out of your gaming experience.
Understanding Black Ops 4’s Split-Screen Options
Multiplayer Mode: 2-Player Limit
The competitive multiplayer mode in Black Ops 4 allows for a 2-player split-screen experience. This means you and one friend can team up (or face off) on the same console, locally. It’s essential to note that, for PlayStation users, both players need to be signed into the PlayStation Network, and at least one player must have an active PlayStation Plus subscription to play online in split screen. This requirement is specific to PlayStation platforms. Xbox users will need to have a similar set of subscription requirements for online play.
Zombies Mode: The 4-Player Co-op Haven
For those craving a larger local co-op experience, Zombies mode is where Black Ops 4 truly shines in split-screen. It fully supports 4-player split-screen, allowing up to four players to team up on the same console to battle hordes of the undead. This mode is a fantastic way to play with a group of friends, offering a truly cooperative and chaotic gaming experience. The flexibility of four players allows for more complex strategies and team dynamics, making the mode incredibly engaging.
Blackout: Limited to 2-Player
Unfortunately, the Blackout mode in Black Ops 4 is also limited to 2-player split-screen. While this allows for a duo experience in the battle royale mode, it lacks the larger group play available in Zombies. For local players hoping for a 4-player battle royale experience, this could be disappointing.
Why the Variation?
The differing split-screen support across modes likely stems from performance considerations. The technical demands of rendering multiple perspectives on a single screen simultaneously can be significant. Zombies mode is generally less technically demanding than the competitive multiplayer and the battle royale mode of Blackout, allowing for four players in split screen without major performance issues. The more detailed and large-scale nature of the other modes requires more processing power to accommodate the number of players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Black Ops 4 have regular multiplayer?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is primarily a multiplayer first-person shooter. It features the competitive multiplayer mode alongside Zombies and the battle royale mode, Blackout. It is noted that unlike previous titles, Black Ops 4 does not feature a traditional single-player campaign.
2. Can I play Black Ops 4 offline?
Yes, you can play Black Ops 4 offline, but your options are limited. Offline play only supports Multiplayer and Zombies modes. Blackout is an online-only mode.
3. Can I play Black Ops 4 zombies split screen?
Yes, you can play Call of Duty Black Ops 4 Zombies in split screen. To do so, create a private lobby and select the option to add additional players via split screen.
4. How do I add a split-screen controller on PS4?
To add a second player via split screen on PS4: Press and hold the PlayStation logo button on the second controller. The PS4 will prompt you to assign the controller as the second controller. Select “Yes,” and the controller’s light bar will turn red to indicate it is player two.
5. Is split-screen online available in Black Ops 4?
Yes, split-screen is available for online play in both Multiplayer and Zombies modes. However, PlayStation users will need both profiles logged into the PlayStation Network, and at least one account must have an active PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer. Similar requirements are needed for online play on Xbox.
6. Does Black Ops 4 have a campaign mode?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is the first entry in the series that does not feature a traditional single-player campaign. It focuses solely on Multiplayer, Zombies, and the Blackout battle royale mode.
7. What are the different game modes available in Black Ops 4?
The three primary game modes in Black Ops 4 are: Multiplayer, Zombies, and Blackout (battle royale).
8. Can I play split-screen in Blackout?
Yes, you can play split-screen in Blackout, but it is limited to 2 players.
9. Does Black Ops 3 have 4-player split-screen?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops III supports 4-player split-screen in local multiplayer and Zombies modes on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
10. What Call of Duty game has 4 player Zombies split screen?
Several Call of Duty games support 4-player Zombies split screen including: Black Ops 3 and Black Ops 4.
11. How is Black Ops 4 Co-op experience?
The Co-op experience in Black Ops 4 is centered around Zombies mode, where you can play as four new characters and face the undead in several locations.
12. Can I play Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 multiplayer offline?
Yes, Multiplayer mode is available offline. You can access the modes through the main menu without an internet connection.
13. Does Black Ops 4 have double jumping or wall running?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 does not have double jumping or wall running. These mechanics were intentionally removed from the game.
14. Is split screen available for other modes aside from zombies?
Yes, split screen is also available for multiplayer mode on Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, but it is limited to 2 players.
15. Is split screen the same as co-op?
In the context of Call of Duty games, split-screen is the method of displaying the game for multiple players on the same screen and system. Co-op is the mode of gameplay where players work together, which split screen enables you to do. Therefore, split screen facilitates a co-op gaming experience locally, but the number of players that can play via split screen varies by mode.
Conclusion
While Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 does not offer 4-player split screen across all modes, the 4-player support in Zombies mode remains a strong draw for local multiplayer enthusiasts. This offers a robust co-op experience for friends wanting to team up and battle the undead together. While the multiplayer and battle royale modes are limited to two-player split screen, there’s still ample opportunity for local competition and team play. By understanding the limitations and capabilities of the split screen functionality, you can make the most of your gaming experience with Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.