Can Minecraft Do 3 Player Split-Screen? Everything You Need to Know
The short answer is yes, Minecraft can absolutely support 3 player split-screen on consoles. This feature allows up to four players to play simultaneously on the same screen, making it a fantastic option for family fun or gaming sessions with friends. While the exact mechanics might vary slightly depending on your platform, the core functionality remains consistent across console versions of Minecraft Bedrock Edition. This article will break down everything you need to know about playing Minecraft in 3-player split-screen mode, along with answers to common questions you might have about multiplayer and related features.
Understanding Split-Screen on Minecraft
How Split-Screen Works
Split-screen in Minecraft is a console-exclusive feature that allows multiple players to share the same screen. Each player’s view is shown in its own section of the screen, usually divided into quadrants, allowing each to navigate and interact with their world. This feature is only available in Bedrock Edition of Minecraft and it’s not available on PC or mobile versions.
Platforms Supporting 3-Player Split-Screen
The good news is that most modern consoles support this feature. You can enjoy 3-player (or 4-player) split-screen on:
- Nintendo Switch: This platform offers great flexibility, allowing players to play on the TV or in tabletop mode.
- Xbox: Both Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles support split-screen.
- PlayStation: Both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles also support this feature.
It’s important to note that this feature requires that you have a compatible version of Minecraft, specifically the Bedrock Edition. Legacy versions of the game might not include this option.
Setting Up Split-Screen
Setting up 3-player split-screen is generally straightforward:
- Start the Game: Launch Minecraft on your console.
- Load a World: Enter an existing world or create a new one.
- Connect Controllers: Make sure that your controllers are paired to the console.
- Join: Have the second and third player press the necessary buttons on their controllers to join the game. The exact button will depend on your specific console and is usually displayed onscreen. Each new player that joins will cause the screen to be divided to give them their viewpoint.
- Start Playing: All players will now be able to play together in the same world.
Limitations of Split-Screen
While split-screen offers a convenient way to play with friends and family on the same console, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Screen Size: Playing with three or four players means the screen will be split into smaller sections, which can make it harder to see smaller details.
- Performance: On older consoles, having multiple players can sometimes affect the game’s performance, potentially leading to slight lag or stuttering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Minecraft Split-Screen & Multiplayer
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions related to Minecraft split-screen and multiplayer functionalities:
1. Can I Play Minecraft Dungeons in 3-Player Split-Screen?
No, Minecraft Dungeons does not offer traditional split-screen gameplay. While you can play with multiple players on a single console, they all share the same screen view instead of having individual split-screen quadrants.
2. How Many People Can Play Minecraft at Once on the Switch?
On the Nintendo Switch, you can play with up to 8 players online, and you can engage in local multiplayer with up to 4 players on one console, including split-screen and using Pro Controllers.
3. How Do I Play Minecraft with Multiple People?
There are several ways to play Minecraft with multiple people:
- Local Multiplayer (Split-Screen): On consoles, this allows multiple players to play on a single screen.
- LAN World: On PC, you can host a local area network (LAN) game that players on the same network can join.
- Online Multiplayer: You can join public or private servers, or invite friends to your world over the internet.
4. How Many People Can You Play With in Minecraft?
A single multiplayer game of Minecraft can host a maximum of 30 players, across all supported platforms. It’s important to note that while the game itself allows 30 players to be connected, different server options (like private servers hosted on a dedicated machine) may have different rules and limitations.
5. Can Multiple People Use the Same Minecraft Account?
No, to play together each player needs their own Minecraft account. You cannot play simultaneously with a shared account on different consoles or devices in a multiplayer mode.
6. How Many People Can Play Minecraft at Once on Xbox?
Xbox consoles support up to 8 players in cross-platform play across Windows, PlayStation, Nintendo, and mobile devices. In addition to this, split-screen is supported on Xbox consoles, allowing for local, on-screen multiplayer.
7. Is Minecraft Safe for a 6-Year-Old?
Minecraft is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+) by the ESRB, with a content descriptor for Fantasy Violence. While it can be suitable for younger players, parents should review the game content and settings to determine its appropriateness for their children.
8. Can Two People Play Minecraft on the Same Nintendo Switch?
Yes, two people can play Minecraft on the same Nintendo Switch using split-screen functionality. You can start by turning off the multiplayer setting, then add a second player using the “+” button on their controller.
9. Can You Play 3-Player Split-Screen on Terraria?
Yes, Terraria on consoles supports four-player split-screen co-op, making it a comparable experience to Minecraft. It also supports online multiplayer and even four-on-four split-screen options.
10. Can You Play Dead Space 3 Split-Screen?
No, Dead Space 3 does not have local split-screen co-op. It only offers online co-op multiplayer.
11. Which Minecraft Version Has Split-Screen?
Splitscreen is available on console versions of Bedrock Edition. This includes Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation versions of the game.
12. How Do I Set Up 3 Players on Nintendo Switch?
You can pair up to 4 controllers on the Nintendo Switch. Navigate to “Controllers” and select “Change Grip/Order” to pair the necessary controllers for your 3 players.
13. How Do I Do 3rd Person in Minecraft?
To switch to third-person view in Minecraft, press the F5 key on PC, or navigate through the menu options on consoles to adjust the camera angle.
14. Is Minecraft Okay for a 7-Year-Old?
While some might recommend waiting until age 8, parents should evaluate Minecraft and make the appropriate decision for their child. The game has a level of complexity and social interaction that could be challenging for some younger players.
15. Do I Need to Buy Minecraft for Each Child?
Yes, each player needs a separate Minecraft account to play together online or on the same server. If you intend to have multiple children play in online multiplayer, you need to purchase an account for each one of them.
Conclusion
Minecraft offers excellent options for 3-player split-screen action on most modern consoles. With a relatively easy setup process, families and friends can dive into the world of Minecraft together, exploring and creating amazing worlds together. While there are certain limitations to be aware of, this feature brings a unique and personal experience to this iconic game. By addressing common questions and clarifying how multiplayer works, it’s clear that Minecraft provides versatile ways to play alone and with others. Whether you’re building elaborate structures or embarking on a survival adventure, Minecraft’s multiplayer capabilities enhance the experience, making it a great choice for gamers of all ages.