Can 2 People Play COD Split-Screen? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, two people can indeed play Call of Duty (COD) split-screen on many titles within the franchise. Split-screen, allowing two players to share a single screen, has been a staple feature in many Call of Duty games, though its implementation and availability have varied throughout the series’ history. This article will explore which Call of Duty games support this feature, how to set it up, and what limitations you might encounter, ensuring you’re fully informed before diving into some couch co-op action.
Split-Screen: A History in Call of Duty
Split-screen mode has been a favored feature for many gamers, allowing for convenient local multiplayer without needing multiple consoles or screens. The availability of split-screen in Call of Duty has ebbed and flowed with each release, with some titles embracing it and others leaving it out. Early Call of Duty titles such as Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty 3, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and Call of Duty: World at War all included split-screen. This trend continued through much of the PS3 and Xbox 360 era, making it a common expectation among fans.
The Evolution of Split-Screen
As console generations advanced, so did the capabilities and the expectations for online multiplayer. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of games frequently scaled back split-screen, often limiting it to local play only while focusing on enhanced online experience. Even though Modern Warfare 2 (2009) was a very popular title that supported it, in recent years, split-screen functionality has become less consistent in newer Call of Duty releases, sometimes present, sometimes absent, even during the beta phases of a game’s life cycle. This has led to some confusion and frustration among players who enjoy the social aspect of playing together in the same room.
Which Call of Duty Games Support 2-Player Split-Screen?
While not every title in the Call of Duty franchise offers split-screen, many do. Here’s a look at the games that have specifically offered 2-player split-screen:
- Classic Titles: Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty 3, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: World at War, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 these titles generally included split-screen for a couple of players.
- Black Ops Series: Call of Duty: Black Ops, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Call of Duty: Black Ops III all had split-screen capabilities, with Black Ops III offering up to four-player local split-screen and two players online.
- Modern Warfare Series: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), Modern Warfare 2 (2022), and Modern Warfare 3 (2023) all have been confirmed to feature split-screen, though sometimes not available during their initial launch or beta testing.
- Other Titles: Call of Duty: Ghosts, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, and Call of Duty: Vanguard are among the other titles that have supported split-screen.
It is important to note that while Modern Warfare 3 (2023) has split-screen, this was not the case during the beta and it only offers a maximum of two players.
Games Without Split-Screen
Not all COD titles are equal. Specifically, Warzone and Warzone 2.0 do not support split-screen play. This is a significant omission for fans of the battle royale genre who might enjoy playing alongside friends in the same room. Also, there have been occasions where split-screen functionality is removed from certain titles with updates, as it was with the Modern Warfare (2019) Pacific update.
How to Set Up 2-Player Split-Screen
The process of setting up split-screen is generally straightforward across most Call of Duty games that offer it, though specifics might vary slightly. Here are the typical steps:
- Ensure you have two controllers: You will need two controllers, either two Playstation or Xbox controllers, depending on your console.
- Sign into profiles: Each player must be signed into either a unique Playstation or Xbox profile. Guest profiles may also work.
- Start the game: Load up the Call of Duty game you intend to play.
- Connect the second controller: At the main menu, turn on the second controller.
- Follow the prompt: A prompt should appear, usually in the top right corner, asking you to sign in the second player, this can be done by pressing “X” for PlayStation or “A” for Xbox.
- Select Game Mode: Once both players are connected, you can select your game mode.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Despite the simplicity of the set-up, you might run into a few issues:
- Controllers not recognized: Make sure your controllers are charged and properly connected. Try restarting the game or console if needed.
- Profile sign-in issues: Ensure both players are signed into valid profiles. Sometimes guest profiles might not have the necessary permissions.
- Game mode limitations: Some game modes may not be available in split-screen. This is a limitation of the game itself, not an issue with your setup.
- Performance limitations: When you play split-screen, the game’s performance might be impacted and might not run as smoothly.
Split-Screen Variations
Different Call of Duty games may implement split-screen slightly differently. Some titles, such as Call of Duty: Cold War, let you customize the layout, either horizontal or vertical. It’s always a good idea to explore the game settings to tailor the split-screen experience to your preferences.
Why is Split-Screen Important?
Split-screen offers a unique social gaming experience that you can’t get online. It allows friends and family to enjoy games together in the same room, bringing a sense of togetherness and shared fun, which many gamers value. For some, split-screen may be the only way to play with friends, if they don’t have access to multiple consoles or internet connections.
Conclusion
Split-screen is a cherished feature in Call of Duty, and has allowed for many a great game night with friends and family. While not every title offers this, the legacy of split-screen is well-established in many popular Call of Duty games. With the right setup, you can enjoy many exciting matches with friends from the comfort of your couch, and enjoy some social multiplayer with a friend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you play split screen on all Call of Duty games?
No, not all Call of Duty games support split-screen. The availability varies from title to title, with some supporting it in local multiplayer and others also online.
2. Does Warzone have split-screen?
No, Warzone does not have split-screen. This includes both the original Warzone and Warzone 2.0.
3. How many players can play split screen on Call of Duty?
Most Call of Duty games offer two-player split-screen, although a few titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops III support up to four players in local split-screen.
4. Can you play split screen on Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 (2023)?
Yes, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) includes split-screen, although it wasn’t available during its beta.
5. Is split-screen available on Call of Duty: Vanguard?
Yes, you can play Call of Duty: Vanguard split-screen, both online and locally.
6. Can you play split screen on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022)?
Yes, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) does offer split-screen, but only for two players.
7. What are the limitations of split screen in Call of Duty?
Common limitations include a reduced frame rate, the game may look visually different, and restrictions on certain game modes.
8. Why was split-screen removed from some older Call of Duty games?
Activision removed split-screen from some older titles like Modern Warfare (2019), often to encourage players to buy newer releases.
9. Can you play zombies in split screen?
Yes, many Call of Duty games with a zombies mode allow you to play it in split-screen mode, like the Black Ops series and Infinite Warfare.
10. How do you adjust split screen settings?
Certain titles such as Call of Duty: Cold War offer the option to adjust the split-screen layout either horizontally or vertically within the game’s settings.
11. Can you play split screen online with other players?
Some Call of Duty titles let you play split-screen online with other players, but some are limited to just local split-screen.
12. Is split screen available on PC?
Split-screen support in Call of Duty is primarily found on console versions (PlayStation and Xbox). It is rarely available on the PC platform.
13. Is there a split-screen mode in Call of Duty mobile?
No, Call of Duty Mobile does not feature split screen.
14. Is split screen available in the campaign?
Some Call of Duty games, such as Call of Duty: World at War and Call of Duty: Black Ops III, offer campaign co-op in split-screen.
15. Does Halo Infinite have split screen?
Yes, Halo Infinite has split-screen support, offering a more traditional split-screen experience than some of its peers.