Can You Play 4-Player Split Screen on Black Ops 3 PC? A Deep Dive
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The short answer is: yes, with limitations, you can achieve a 4-player split screen experience on Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (BO3) on PC, but it’s not the standard, out-of-the-box functionality you might expect. Unlike console versions, which more readily support multi-player local split screen, the PC version requires a few workarounds and has specific mode limitations. While it might not be as streamlined as on consoles, it’s definitely possible to have four people play together on one screen. This article will explore how to accomplish this, the limitations you’ll face, and address some common questions.
How to Achieve 4-Player Split Screen on BO3 PC
It’s important to understand that Black Ops 3 on PC does not officially support 4-player split screen across all game modes in the same way as the console counterparts. While the game is designed for 4-player cooperative play, this is primarily within the context of online multiplayer or system link (LAN). The typical split-screen interface, available on consoles, is not as straightforward on PC. Here’s a breakdown:
Local Multiplayer & Zombies
The primary way you can get 4-player local split screen on BO3 PC is by utilizing offline multiplayer and Zombies. The game allows for up to four players locally for these modes. Here’s how:
- Plug in your controllers: Ensure you have the necessary controllers connected to your PC. Generally, you’ll need to have them connected after the game has launched for them to be detected properly.
- Start the game: Launch Black Ops 3.
- Activate Splitscreen: At the main menu, you’ll see an option to “Activate Splitscreen”. You usually find it located under your player name. You’ll need to use your mouse to click this.
- Connect additional players: As additional controllers are recognized, the game should prompt you to press a button on each to add them to the game.
- Select Game Mode: You can now select offline multiplayer or Zombies and your 4 players will be available for local play.
Key Considerations
- Mode Specific: While 4-player split-screen is possible in offline multiplayer and Zombies, it’s not officially available in the Campaign mode. Campaign mode, when played locally, is limited to 2 players using a horizontal split screen.
- Guest accounts: You may have to sign the second, third and fourth controllers into guest accounts to allow split screen to function correctly.
- Controller Order: It’s crucial that the controllers be plugged in after the game has launched to be correctly recognized, and activated in the correct order.
- Player Class Sharing: In split-screen modes, player 2 will initially use the classes selected by player 1. While players can make changes, those changes will only apply to that specific player and have no impact on others. Each player will have their own settings and progress.
- Steam Link Incompatibility: Call of Duty: Black Ops III is notably incompatible with Steam Link.
Limitations of 4-Player Split Screen on PC
It’s important to be aware of the restrictions you might encounter:
- Not Official Support: Remember that 4-player split screen is not a fully supported feature in all modes. The workaround relies on offline modes.
- Potential Bugs: Like many workarounds, this method may be prone to glitches, so be prepared for the odd unexpected game behavior.
- PC Performance: Running multiple players in split screen will add additional strain to your PC. Ensure your machine has the processing power to handle it. Lowering graphics settings may be necessary to maintain a smooth experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you play 4 player split-screen online in Black Ops 3 PC?
No, you cannot play 4-player split-screen online. The 4-player split-screen option is limited to offline/local modes. If you want to play online with others, each player needs to use their own copy of the game and connect separately.
2. Is 4-player split screen available in the Black Ops 3 Campaign on PC?
No, the campaign only supports 2-player split screen locally on a horizontal split. Four-player co-op in the campaign is only available online.
3. Which game modes support 4-player split screen in Black Ops 3 PC?
Offline multiplayer and Zombies mode support up to 4-player split screen locally.
4. Can I use a keyboard and mouse with a controller for split screen?
Yes, you can have one player use a keyboard and mouse, while others use controllers for the split screen mode.
5. Do all players need to have a Call of Duty account for split screen play?
No, guest accounts are often used for the additional players in split-screen play, especially offline. However, some online modes might require every player to be connected to an online account.
6. What happens if the second player changes the class in split screen mode?
Changes that a second (or third or fourth) player makes to their loadout or classes will only affect that individual player, not player 1’s character. Player 1’s settings stay the same.
7. Can I play Dead Ops Arcade in 4-player split screen?
Yes, Dead Ops Arcade supports 4-player split-screen. However, on PC, this is also limited to local play only.
8. Why can’t I play split screen on PC?
Ensure you are in offline mode, that your controllers are plugged in correctly, that Snap Windows is enabled in your OS settings and that all controllers are correctly added to the game once it has launched. Sometimes, the order in which controllers are connected can affect whether the game recognizes them correctly.
9. Can I do split screen on any map in Black Ops 3 Zombies?
Yes, with local split screen, you can play any zombies map on black ops 3 with up to 4 players offline.
10. Can you play Call of Duty on PC with split-screen?
Yes, but it’s not universally supported across all COD titles on PC, and often limited to local offline modes, unlike on console. Some titles, such as Black Ops 3, have the capability with the workarounds mentioned above.
11. Why is split-screen not as common on PC?
The demand for split-screen is lower on PC than on consoles. It’s also more profitable for developers to sell more copies of the game instead of focusing on features that allow people to share a single copy.
12. Is split-screen more common on consoles than PC?
Yes, split-screen is much more common on consoles than on PC. Consoles are specifically designed for couch co-op experiences.
13. Does Black Ops 4 on PC have 4-player split screen?
No, Black Ops 4 has very limited split-screen functionality on PC, being limited to just 2-player split-screen only and then only in specific modes.
14. Is the 4-player split-screen experience the same in Black Ops 3 PC as it is on consoles?
No, the PC experience often requires more troubleshooting and is not as streamlined. Consoles are built to handle splitscreen more consistently.
15. Can I use Steam Play Together to emulate split screen on PC?
Steam Play Together will not simulate split-screen, but instead will allow other players to remotely access your game. In order for them to play they would still have to log into their own accounts.
Conclusion
While it isn’t as straightforward as it is on consoles, 4-player split-screen is indeed possible in specific offline modes on Black Ops 3 PC. The key is to be aware of the limitations and specific steps needed to make it work. With some patience and the correct setup, you can certainly enjoy local multiplayer and zombie experiences with up to three of your friends.