Can You Play 4 Players on Black Ops 2? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can play with 4 players on Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, but it’s important to understand the specific modes and limitations. The availability of 4-player gameplay depends largely on whether you’re playing locally (split-screen) or online, and which mode you’re interested in. Let’s break down the details to give you a clear picture of what’s possible.
Local Multiplayer: Split-Screen Chaos
Black Ops 2 is well-known for its local multiplayer capabilities, particularly with split-screen. On a single console, you can indeed enjoy 4-player split-screen action. However, the specific modes where this is available are crucial to note:
4-Player Split-Screen in Zombies
The most significant area for 4-player local play is the Zombies mode. Here, you and three friends can team up to battle the undead hordes. The Survival mode, which features locations from the larger world of Tranzit, offers a classic co-op experience. Be aware, though, that playing on Tranzit itself with four players locally might come with framerate issues. This issue was prominent on older systems, especially when a lot of action happened simultaneously on the screen. The Survival maps do offer a smoother, more contained experience.
Multiplayer vs. Bots
In addition to Zombies, 4-player split-screen is also available in Multiplayer, but with a twist. You can play against up to 9 bots, making it a chaotic and enjoyable offline experience. This allows you to experiment with different strategies and weapons in a less competitive setting, perfect for a gathering of friends. There is no leveling up or restrictions to the maps (Except for Turbine) in local multiplayer. Players have access to every map and every game mode and can create-a-class.
Limitations: System Link and Online Play
It is crucial to note the limitations when attempting to connect with more than two players. When system linking or going online, only two players per console are allowed. This is a restriction placed on Black Ops 2’s networking capabilities, meaning that a four-player online match requires at least two consoles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the specifics of 4-player gameplay in Black Ops 2, here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions:
1. Can you play 4-player Zombies online in Black Ops 2?
No, online multiplayer for zombies is limited to two players per console. A four-player online zombies game requires two consoles with two players each.
2. Can you play 4-player split-screen on every Zombies map?
Yes, you can play 4-player split-screen on the Survival maps designed for Zombies mode, which are derived from Tranzit. The main Tranzit map can have framerate issues with 4 players.
3. Does Black Ops 2 support 4-player split-screen in multiplayer online?
No, split-screen online multiplayer is limited to two players per console. To have 4 players online, you will need at least 2 consoles.
4. What about the Black Ops 2 campaign? Is it co-op?
Sadly, the Black Ops 2 campaign does not have co-op. It is a single-player experience.
5. Is there any mode where you can play 4-player split-screen and online?
No, the game does not allow for 4-player split-screen while also playing online. Split-screen is confined to local play.
6. Can you play 4-player on Dead Ops Arcade?
No, while Dead Ops Arcade is a unique and fun mode, it doesn’t support 4 players in split screen.
7. Is there a limit to how many bots can you play against locally with 4 players?
Yes, in local multiplayer against bots, you can have up to 9 bots on the map, in addition to the 4 local players.
8. What are the performance issues with 4-player Tranzit?
When playing the Tranzit map in 4-player split-screen, you might experience reduced framerates, especially during intense action. This was more noticeable on older consoles.
9. Are all the multiplayer maps and modes accessible in local 4-player split-screen?
Yes, nearly all the Multiplayer maps and modes are accessible in local 4-player split-screen, except Turbine. All weapons and options are available from the start without needing to level up.
10. How many players can play on one console when system linking?
System link allows only 2 players per console, regardless of game mode. You would need at least two consoles to play with more than two friends.
11. Does Black Ops 2 have a LAN option for 4-player play?
Yes, you can play on LAN, and this option is commonly used for PC versions with custom setups. However, the game still only allows for two players per copy of the game. Nucleus Coop is a software that enables users to play split screen on PC in different ways.
12. How much hard drive space does Black Ops 2 require?
Black Ops 2 requires approximately 16 GB of hard drive space.
13. Does split-screen affect the graphics or gameplay experience?
Playing split-screen can slightly reduce the graphical fidelity as the console renders the game multiple times. The effect is usually not too distracting and does not hinder the overall experience.
14. Which Call of Duty titles have better 4-player split screen support?
Call of Duty: Black Ops III, Black Ops 4 (specifically in zombies), and Modern Warfare 3 offer a smoother 4-player split-screen experience for specific game modes and are more up to date in their design of supporting split screen.
15. Is split-screen play limited to consoles, or is it available on PC?
While the official version of the game does not have the feature for PC, there are third party apps such as Nucleus Coop, that allow users to play locally with up to 4 players.
Final Thoughts
While Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 might not support 4-player online multiplayer on a single console, it is a blast when enjoyed on a single screen with friends. The local split-screen feature makes for a unique, social experience, allowing players to dive into both the zombie and traditional multiplayer experiences. Knowing the limitations of its multiplayer capabilities ensures that you can organize your gaming sessions more smoothly. The Zombies mode remains the highlight, making Black Ops 2 a notable and memorable experience for a group of friends playing together on one system.