Can You Play 3 Player Split Screen on Black Ops 3? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is yes, you can play 3-player split-screen on Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (BO3). However, it’s essential to understand how it works. Unlike some other Call of Duty titles, Black Ops 3 does offer a three-player split-screen option, but with a specific screen layout that might be different from what you expect. When playing with three people, the screen is not divided equally. Instead, the screen is divided into two quarters and one half. Two players each get a quarter of the screen, while the third player gets half. This is a crucial detail to understand when planning your gaming sessions. The game supports this configuration for local play across all game modes: Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies.
How Split Screen Works on Black Ops 3
Understanding how split screen is implemented in Black Ops 3 is key to optimizing your gaming experience. The game dynamically adjusts the screen layout depending on the number of players involved.
Two-Player Split Screen
In two-player split-screen, the screen is split in half, either vertically or horizontally, giving both players an equal share of the view. This is fairly standard in most split-screen implementations.
Three-Player Split Screen
As mentioned, three-player split-screen divides the screen into two quarters and one half. The specific player allocation for each screen section is predetermined and will remain the same throughout your game session. This means that while three players can participate, not everyone will have the same screen real estate.
Four-Player Split Screen
For four-player split-screen, the screen is divided into four equal quarters, allowing each player an even view of the action. It’s worth remembering that four-player split-screen is only available for local play on consoles like Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
Setting Up Split Screen on Consoles
Setting up split screen on your console is a straightforward process:
- Sign in to a Console Account: Ensure all players are signed into their respective Xbox or PlayStation accounts (guest accounts can also be used for additional players).
- Launch Black Ops 3: Start the game on your console.
- Connect Additional Controllers: Connect any additional controllers you wish to use for split screen.
- Add Split Screen Players: At the main menu, press the designated button (usually ‘A’ on Xbox and ‘X’ on PlayStation) on each additional controller to add a split-screen player.
- Select Your Game Mode: Navigate to your chosen game mode (Campaign, Multiplayer, or Zombies) and start playing.
Setting Up Split Screen on PC
For PC players, the setup process is slightly different but still accessible:
- Launch Black Ops 3: Start the game on your PC.
- Connect Controllers After Launch: It is vital that you connect any additional game controllers after the game is launched.
- Enable Split Screen: In the main menu, you will find an option to “Activate Splitscreen”. Use your mouse to click this option.
- Configure Player Controls: Configure the controllers and inputs in the settings. The game allows for both keyboard and controller usage simultaneously, so you can specify which player uses which control method. You can do this via the ‘options’, ‘controller’ and ‘gamepad’ settings.
- Select Your Game Mode: After all controllers are set up, you can then choose your game mode.
Common Issues and Solutions
Some players might encounter difficulties when setting up or playing in split screen. Here are a few common problems and solutions:
- Split-Screen Not Activating: Ensure all controllers are properly connected and recognized by the console or PC. If using a console, try signing the second controller into a guest account. On PC, check the settings for split screen options.
- Joining Online Games: When playing online, both players must be logged into active accounts.
- Screen Size: The split screen may seem small to some users due to the game’s aspect ratio preservation. Unfortunately, there is no way to adjust the split screen size within the game.
- Stuttering or Lag: Ensure your console or PC meets the game’s minimum requirements. Additionally, closing unnecessary applications may help improve performance during split-screen play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to split screen play in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3:
1. Does Black Ops 3 have local split-screen multiplayer?
Yes, Black Ops 3 supports local split-screen multiplayer for up to four players on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.
2. Can you play Black Ops 3 Zombies split-screen offline?
Yes, you can play Black Ops 3 Zombies in up to 4-player split-screen mode offline.
3. Can you play the Campaign in split-screen on Black Ops 3?
Yes, you can play the Campaign in 2-player split-screen, both locally and online.
4. Does Black Ops 3 have 4-player split screen on PC?
Yes, unlike previous entries, Black Ops 3 offers 4-player split-screen on PC for both Multiplayer and Zombies modes, locally.
5. Why is the split screen so small in Black Ops 3?
The developers decided to preserve the game’s aspect ratio, resulting in smaller split-screen windows.
6. Can you play 3-player split-screen online on Black Ops 3?
No, three-player split screen in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is only available locally. Online, it’s limited to a maximum of 2 players in split-screen on consoles.
7. How do I add a split-screen controller on Black Ops 3 PC?
Connect your controller after launching the game. Click the “Activate splitscreen” option in the main menu, and configure your controllers in settings.
8. Can you play Black Ops 3 split-screen with a keyboard and mouse?
Yes, you can use a keyboard and mouse for one player while using controllers for other players in the same split-screen session.
9. What is the screen layout for 3-player split-screen in Black Ops 3?
The screen is divided into two quarters and one half, with two players each getting a quarter of the screen and one player getting half.
10. Can you play split screen on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 does not support split-screen on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
11. Can you play all modes in split-screen on Black Ops 3?
Yes, all three modes of play – Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies – can be played in split-screen both locally and online.
12. Does Black Ops 3 use Steam Link for split screen?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 cannot use Steam Link for split-screen functionality.
13. Why can’t I join my friend’s party on Black Ops 3?
Restarting the app and checking your internet connection can often resolve this issue. A console restart may also be necessary.
14. Can I save progress in split-screen on Black Ops 3?
Yes, you can save your progress in split-screen, however this may not work properly in split screen co-op of the single player campaign.
15. Can you have AI Bots in split screen on Black Ops 3?
Yes, in local Multiplayer, you can add AI Bots to the game.
Conclusion
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 offers a robust split-screen experience, allowing players to enjoy all its modes with friends locally. The unique 3-player split-screen layout is an interesting take on multiplayer co-op, even though it means that one player will get a larger portion of the screen. Knowing how to set up your split-screen game properly and understanding the screen layout helps to ensure the best possible gaming sessions with friends. Whether you’re battling hordes of zombies, tackling the campaign, or facing off in multiplayer, Black Ops 3 provides a memorable split-screen experience.