Is The Black Ops 3 Campaign Split-Screen? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, the Call of Duty: Black Ops III (BO3) campaign does indeed support split-screen co-op. This feature allows you to experience the game’s narrative with a friend on the same console. Specifically, two players can team up locally in split-screen mode to play through the entire campaign. This was a significant step for the franchise, offering a more communal and engaging way to play through the complex story of Black Ops 3. Unlike some previous Call of Duty titles, BO3’s campaign was designed from the ground up with co-op play in mind, resulting in larger, more open levels.

How To Play Black Ops 3 Campaign Split Screen

Setting up split-screen for the Black Ops 3 campaign is relatively straightforward, but the exact method can vary slightly depending on your platform (PlayStation or Xbox). Here’s a general guide to get you started:

Setting up Split-Screen on PlayStation 4/5

1. Boot Up Black Ops III: Ensure that the first player is signed into their PlayStation account and has launched the game.
2. Connect the Second Controller: Turn on the second controller and sign it in. It’s important that this second account is also a PSN account (or a guest account).
3. Press the PS Button: Once the second controller is active, press the PS button on it. On the first controller, press the PS button again to bring up the BOIII screen. The game should now register the second player.
4. Start the Campaign: From the main menu, navigate to the campaign option and select it. You should now be able to begin your campaign adventure together.

Setting up Split-Screen on Xbox One/Series X|S

1. Launch Black Ops III: The first player needs to be logged into their Xbox account and should start the game.
2. Connect the Second Controller: Turn on the second controller and sign in with a second Xbox account or guest profile.
3. Press A on the Second Controller: Once the second controller is signed in, press the ‘A’ button on it. This connects the player online to the game.
4. Press A Again Once connected, press ‘A’ again to attach the split-screen player to the game.
5. Start the Campaign: Choose the campaign mode, and you will be ready to tackle the missions as a team.

Key Notes for Split-Screen Play

• Horizontal Split-Screen: Black Ops 3 uses a horizontal split-screen configuration, where the screen is divided into two halves, with one player on top and the other below.
• Account Requirements: Both players need to be logged into a PlayStation Network (PSN) account or an Xbox Live account, or a guest account on the console.
• No Online Required for Local Play: If you’re playing locally on the same console, you do not need to be connected to the internet.

Advantages of Split-Screen Co-op in Black Ops 3

The inclusion of split-screen co-op in the Black Ops 3 campaign enhances the gameplay experience in several ways:

• Shared Experience: Playing through the campaign with a friend fosters a more immersive and enjoyable experience. You can strategize together, share the highs and lows of the storyline, and coordinate your efforts against enemies.
• Teamwork-Oriented Gameplay: The larger level design in BO3 is conducive to co-op play. Players must often work together to overcome obstacles, revive fallen teammates, and cover each other’s flanks.
• Replay Value: Playing the campaign with a partner makes replaying the game significantly more fun and exciting. You might choose different loadouts, adopt different strategies, and revisit your favourite moments together.
• No Need For Multiple Consoles: Split screen removes the necessity of having two consoles and copies of the game, letting you enjoy the campaign experience in one location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Black Ops 3 Split-Screen Campaign

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Black Ops 3 campaign split-screen feature:

1. Is Black Ops 3 campaign co-op only local or can it be online? The Black Ops 3 campaign supports both local two-player split-screen and online four-player co-op. You can play with one friend on your couch, or team up with three friends across the internet.
2. Does Black Ops 3 have 3 player split screen in campaign? No, the Black Ops 3 campaign only supports a maximum of two players in split-screen. It does not offer a 3-player option.
3. Can you play the entire Black Ops 3 campaign in split screen? Yes, the entire Black Ops 3 campaign can be played in split-screen, provided that you only use two players.
4. Is split-screen available on all platforms for the Black Ops 3 campaign? Yes, split-screen is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Please be advised that older generation consoles do not have split screen in Black Ops 3.
5. Do both players need to be on the same Playstation or Xbox account? No, both players do not need to be on the same account. You can use different accounts, as well as a guest account, as long as they are logged into the console.
6. Does playing split-screen affect the graphics or performance? Playing in split-screen may result in a slight reduction in visual fidelity or frame rate, as the console has to render two viewports. However, the impact is usually not significant and does not hinder gameplay.
7. Is the split-screen vertical or horizontal in Black Ops 3? The split-screen is horizontal, meaning one player is at the top of the screen, and the second player is at the bottom.
8. Do you need an internet connection to play split-screen campaign locally? No, an internet connection is not required for local split-screen co-op in Black Ops 3’s campaign. You can play offline with a friend on the same console.
9. Can you play split screen campaign on Call of Duty: Black Ops 4? No, despite having split-screen capability, the campaign was cut from Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. It does not have a split screen campaign.
10. What other Call of Duty games have split-screen campaign mode? Call of Duty: World at War, and Call of Duty: Black Ops III are the main titles that feature split-screen campaign. A number of older games, such as the original Modern Warfare series, had local co-op in their campaigns.
11. Is it easy to set up split-screen in Black Ops 3? Yes, setting up split-screen is fairly easy. The process involves logging both controllers into the console before selecting the campaign option, then pressing the correct button to confirm the additional controller.
12. Is there a way to customize the split screen layout in Black Ops 3? Unfortunately, you cannot customize the split screen layout in Black Ops 3. The horizontal split is the default and only option available.
13. Why can’t I connect the second controller in split screen? Make sure that the second controller is fully powered and paired with the console. If problems persist, make sure that both accounts are signed into the console before launching the game.
14. Can you use a combination of online and split screen players? Yes, you can play with a combination of online and split screen players in the campaign, but there will only be a maximum of four players in total. For example, you could have two players playing in split screen locally and two more joining online.
15. Does playing split-screen affect my game progression? No, both players will progress through the campaign together and save their individual game progress separately.

In conclusion, the Black Ops 3 campaign’s split-screen feature is a welcome addition that adds significant replayability and enjoyment for players. If you’re looking for a fantastic co-op experience, Black Ops 3 is an excellent choice.