Can You Play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Split-Screen? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, the ability to play split-screen is a significant feature in many Call of Duty: Modern Warfare titles, allowing you to enjoy the action with friends on the same console. This functionality lets you share the experience locally, which can be a great way to game together in the same room. However, the availability of split-screen and its specific limitations vary across different Modern Warfare games. This article provides a detailed look at split-screen support in the Modern Warfare series, answering your burning questions and ensuring you know exactly what to expect.
Split-Screen in Different Modern Warfare Titles
Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
The original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a classic that brought many innovations to the series, and it does include split-screen capabilities. You can play co-op with a friend in the spec ops mode, which is perfect for some intense collaborative gameplay. Keep in mind that Modern Warfare 2 supports only two players in split-screen, unlike some older titles that offered four-player split-screen. To set it up, you simply need an additional controller or, in some cases, a keyboard and mouse.
Modern Warfare Remastered
The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered version also includes a split-screen option. Gamers will be happy to know you can enjoy two-player split-screen online play in Multiplayer game modes. This makes the remastered version an excellent pick for playing with a friend online on one console.
Modern Warfare (2019)
The rebooted Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), while offering modern mechanics and an updated campaign, is also included in the list of Modern Warfare titles that include split-screen in its multiplayer mode. So, if you and a friend want to team up locally, you can dive into the action on the same console. Like Modern Warfare 2, this version also supports two players in split-screen.
Modern Warfare 2 (2022)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) carries the split-screen legacy forward. While there might not have been split-screen during the beta testing phase, the feature is present in the full game. This means you can enjoy the game with a friend in the same room, albeit with the two-player limit.
Modern Warfare 3 (2023)
The latest title in the franchise, Modern Warfare 3 (2023) continues to support split-screen. The Beta version of Modern Warfare 3 did not have split-screen, this is typical, with the final version released in November 2023 including the split-screen feature. And, great news for couch co-op fans, Modern Warfare 3 supports up to four players on the same system, a welcome return to the days of large split-screen parties.
Split-Screen Limitations
It is important to note that, while most Modern Warfare titles include split-screen functionality, there are limitations. Specifically, these often include:
- Player Limit: The Modern Warfare series primarily supports a two-player split screen. Modern Warfare 3 (2023) is the most recent exception, as it brings back the four-player split-screen option, a huge win for local multiplayer.
- Game Modes: Split-screen is generally available for multiplayer modes and specific co-op modes, such as spec ops. Warzone, a popular Call of Duty game mode, unfortunately does not support split-screen, meaning players cannot share a screen to play this mode.
How to Set Up Split-Screen
Generally, setting up split-screen in a Modern Warfare title is straightforward:
- Ensure you have an additional controller (or keyboard and mouse) connected to your console.
- Start your selected Modern Warfare game.
- Navigate to the game mode you wish to play (Multiplayer, Spec Ops).
- On the mode selection screen, activate a second profile with a second controller or a guest profile.
- If your second controller is assigned to a profile, press “X” on PlayStation or “A” on Xbox with the second controller to activate the Split Screen mode and wait for the second player to join.
- Once you are done, proceed to set up the game mode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Call of Duty games feature split-screen?
Many Call of Duty titles have split-screen functionality, including Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty 3, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: World at War, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, and others.
2. Can you play Modern Warfare Warzone in split-screen?
Unfortunately, Call of Duty Warzone does NOT support split-screen. Players cannot share the same screen to play Warzone on any console or PC.
3. How many players can play split-screen on Modern Warfare 2?
The original Modern Warfare 2 (2009) and Modern Warfare 2 (2022) support two-player split-screen.
4. Does Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered have split-screen?
Yes, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered includes two-player split-screen online play in Multiplayer.
5. Is four-player split-screen available in Modern Warfare 3?
Yes, Modern Warfare 3 (2023) supports four-player split-screen locally.
6. Can you play the campaign in split-screen on any Modern Warfare games?
Most Modern Warfare titles do not offer campaign co-op via split screen. Some other Call of Duty games, like World at War and Black Ops III do feature co-op campaigns.
7. Is split-screen available on all consoles in the Modern Warfare series?
Split-screen functionality is usually available on consoles such as PlayStation (PS4/PS5) and Xbox (Xbox One/Series X|S), though always check the specific title for details.
8. Can you play local multiplayer without Xbox Live or PlayStation Plus?
Yes, local multiplayer, including split-screen, does not require Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus. However, you might need one profile with a membership for other profiles to access it.
9. Can you play zombies in split-screen on Call of Duty games?
Yes, many Call of Duty games, like Black Ops III, Black Ops II, and other titles with Zombies modes, allow split-screen gameplay. To activate it, connect a second controller to your console and sign the second controller into a profile. Then, press ‘X’ on PlayStation or ‘A’ on Xbox with the second controller to activate Split Screen mode.
10. Does Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 offer offline split-screen?
Yes, Black Ops 3 allows you to play offline with bots, enjoy the campaign, and play zombies offline in split-screen.
11. How many players can play split-screen zombies on Black Ops 2?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 supports four-player split-screen co-op on one console.
12. How many split-screen players are allowed in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare?
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare supports up to two split-screen players per console, either in a Local Multiplayer game or when joining an online match.
13. Does Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 have four player split-screen Zombies?
While Black Ops 3 allows split-screen gameplay in Zombies mode, it typically supports two players per console when playing online or locally. However, in Local Play, 4 player split-screen can be achieved when playing multiplayer vs bots.
14. Can you use a guest profile for split-screen?
Yes, you can use a guest profile for split-screen. Make sure the second controller is signed into the guest account on the console, and select the gamemode you desire.
15. Is Battlefield 5 split-screen?
No, Battlefield 5 does not offer a split-screen option.
Whether you are looking to revisit old favorites or dive into the latest releases, the Modern Warfare series provides plenty of split-screen action. This makes it a perfect choice for those who prefer to play with friends in the same room. While limitations exist, such as the player limit on older games and no split-screen in Warzone, the opportunity to engage in local multiplayer is a big draw for many gamers.