Can 3 People Play Split-Screen Cod? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer to whether 3 people can play split-screen Call of Duty (CoD) is generally no, not in most game modes. While the dream of a three-way couch co-op experience in Call of Duty may be appealing, the series has largely focused on either two-player split-screen or four-player split-screen, with three-player split-screen support being conspicuously absent in most titles. This limitation often leaves one person out of the fun, especially during local multiplayer sessions. However, the availability of different split-screen options varies across different Call of Duty titles and game modes. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics.
Split-Screen Limitations in Call of Duty
Call of Duty has a long history with split-screen gaming, dating back to the earlier titles. The idea was to allow friends and family to play together on the same console without needing multiple setups. However, the implementation of split-screen has changed over the years, and it’s crucial to know the exact capabilities of each game.
The primary reasons for limitations in split-screen include:
- Technical constraints: Rendering a game multiple times on a single console requires considerable processing power. This is why many Call of Duty games have opted to limit split-screen to two players in most modes, as it would be difficult to handle three or more players without significant performance dips.
- Screen space: Dividing a screen into three equal portions can make the game less enjoyable. Three-way splits may result in too small a viewable area, making it hard for players to discern what’s happening, hence the push for two-way splits in most game modes or four-way splits in modes like zombies.
- Specific mode support: Split-screen support is often limited to specific game modes within a Call of Duty title, and many modes don’t support it at all.
Where Split-Screen Does Exist in CoD
Despite the limitations, split-screen remains a feature in many CoD titles, albeit with its specific conditions:
- Two-Player Split-Screen: This is the most common form of split-screen in Call of Duty, available in multiplayer and zombie modes across many titles. It allows two players to compete on the same system, either offline or online.
- Four-Player Split-Screen: Four-player split-screen support is often exclusive to specific game modes like Zombies, and sometimes only in local play. This feature allows four players to team up and face hordes of the undead, enhancing the co-operative experience.
Why Three Player Split Screen is Rare
The main issue stems from technical considerations. Rendering three unique viewpoints while maintaining a reasonable frame rate is a more significant challenge than rendering two or four. It also often leads to awkward screen divisions and a smaller view for each player. As a result, developers typically opt for two-player splits in competitive modes, where clear views and good frame rates are paramount, and four-player in the zombie mode, allowing for a more cooperative and immersive experience.
Call of Duty Games and Their Split-Screen Support
To further clarify the split-screen issue, here is a breakdown of several key Call of Duty titles:
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III: This title offers two-player split-screen for both multiplayer and Zombies online and local play. Local play in Zombies will also support four players in split screen. The campaign supports up to two-player local split-screen.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 4: Features two-player split-screen for Blackout and multiplayer, but four-player split-screen for Zombies.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War: Limited to two-player split-screen only, even in Zombies.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019): Does not support split-screen for campaign and is limited to two-player split-screen in local play for spec-ops.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022): Only supports two-player split-screen despite prior series support for more.
- Call of Duty: WWII: Two-player split-screen locally in multiplayer and Nazi Zombies, but not in the campaign.
- Call of Duty: World at War: Supports two-player split-screen in co-op.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops II: Supports four-player split-screen in zombies and multiplayer.
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare: Supports four-player split-screen in zombies for local play and two player split-screen online.
Future Possibilities
While the current landscape doesn’t favor three-player split-screen, there is always the possibility for future installments to change this. As consoles become more powerful and game engines more efficient, perhaps developers will revisit the idea of three-player local gaming, but for now, players have to live with the two and four player split screen options or play online using separate consoles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding split-screen functionality in Call of Duty:
1. Can I play Call of Duty campaign with three players split-screen?
No, most Call of Duty campaigns support a maximum of two players in local split-screen mode.
2. Is 4-player split-screen common in Call of Duty games?
Four-player split-screen is not common, being mainly found in local Zombies modes.
3. Which CoD games support 4-player split-screen?
Call of Duty: Black Ops III, Black Ops 4, and Black Ops II support four-player split screen in local Zombies modes.
4. Can I play online with four people on one console?
While some games offer online split-screen support, it’s usually limited to two players per console.
5. Is Call of Duty: Warzone split-screen compatible?
No, Call of Duty: Warzone does not support split-screen at all.
6. Why are there split-screen limitations in CoD?
Split-screen limitations are due to technical constraints and performance requirements. Rendering the game multiple times on a single console can be challenging, therefore two or four players are easier to render.
7. Can I play Modern Warfare 2023 with three people split-screen?
It is highly unlikely that Modern Warfare 2023 will support three-player split screen. It is predicted that only two player split screen will be supported.
8. Can split-screen players use their own accounts?
Yes, split-screen players can use their own PlayStation Network or Xbox accounts. At least one player will usually need a subscription.
9. Is split-screen available on PC?
Split-screen on PC is not a native feature in Call of Duty, but some games can support it via third party applications.
10. What modes typically support split-screen in Call of Duty?
Split-screen is commonly supported in multiplayer and zombies modes, and in some cases, the spec-ops or co-op game modes.
11. Will split-screen affect my game’s performance?
Yes, split-screen can impact performance. The game has to render multiple viewpoints leading to reduced frame rates.
12. How do I set up split-screen on my console?
To set up split-screen, connect a second controller and follow the in-game prompts on the main menu.
13. Can split-screen be used for offline play?
Yes, split-screen can be used for offline play, allowing friends to game together without an internet connection.
14. Is it possible to have three or four players in split-screen during the campaign in any Cod title?
This is very rare, most titles only support two-player split screen campaign modes.
15. Are there any third party tools to add extra split screen players?
Yes, there are third party tools for playing split screen on pc, but these are not available for consoles.
Conclusion
While the desire for a three-player split-screen Call of Duty experience is understandable, the series has consistently prioritized either two-player or four-player options. While it is unfortunate that three-player split screen is not a thing, players can enjoy two player split screen in most game modes, or four player split screen in the popular zombie game modes in certain titles. As technology develops, it may be possible to see it implemented in future titles, but for now players will have to work around this, or just purchase another console and a copy of the game.