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Can You Play Split Screen BO3 Online? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: Yes, you can play Call of Duty: Black Ops III (BO3) in split-screen mode online. This feature allows you to team up with a friend or family member on the same console and dive into the action-packed gameplay of Multiplayer and Zombies. However, there are some details and nuances to be aware of to ensure you and your co-op partner have the best possible experience.

Diving Deeper into BO3 Split-Screen Online

Black Ops III was one of the Call of Duty titles that embraced split-screen functionality, making it a favorite for many players looking for couch co-op fun. This means that whether you want to face off against other players in Multiplayer or survive hordes of the undead in Zombies, you can do so with a friend right beside you.

However, it’s essential to note the platform-specific differences. On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the online split-screen is limited to two players. This is distinct from local split-screen, where these consoles support up to four players in Multiplayer, although only within the same room and on the same system. So, while you can gather the whole crew for a local match, online co-op is a duo affair.

Understanding Split-Screen on Different Modes

The ability to play in split-screen mode online extends to both Multiplayer and Zombies in Black Ops III. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Multiplayer: Enjoy the fast-paced, competitive gameplay with a friend by your side. Team up to dominate the enemy team, secure objectives, and achieve victory.
Zombies: Battle through waves of increasingly difficult zombies, work together to unlock map secrets, and try to survive as long as possible with your split-screen partner.

Setting Up Split-Screen in Black Ops III

Getting started with split-screen in BO3 is relatively straightforward, but here’s a step-by-step guide:

Connect the second controller: First, make sure your second controller is connected to the console and is powered on.
Sign in a profile: Ensure the second player is signed into either their own account or a guest profile on the console.
Activate Split-Screen: Once the second profile is logged in, press the activation button (usually X on PlayStation or A on Xbox) on the second controller. This will activate the split-screen mode.
Select game mode: With both profiles logged in, select the desired game mode (Multiplayer or Zombies).
Start playing: Once you’ve joined the lobby, you and your partner are ready to start.

Important Considerations for Split-Screen Play

While setting up split-screen is easy, here are a few essential considerations to ensure a smooth gameplay experience:

Subscription Requirements: Keep in mind that for online split-screen play, both users will likely need PlayStation Network Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscriptions. Without these subscriptions, you may be limited to local play.
Guest Accounts: If the second player doesn’t have a paid online subscription, they can participate using a guest account. However, their progress will likely not be saved, and it’s important to note that some functionality might be limited compared to regular account holders.
Vertical Split Screen: BO3 doesn’t allow for vertical split screen. If you want to play with vertical split-screen check out Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Like any game feature, split-screen in BO3 is not without its potential issues. If you’re running into problems, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Controller Issues: Ensure both controllers are properly connected and charged. If a controller is not working correctly, try resyncing it to the console.
Game Settings: Check your game settings, especially the controller and gamepad settings, as there might be split-screen options you can tweak to solve potential glitches.
Guest Account Problems: If using a guest account, be aware that some online functionalities might be restricted or not work correctly. This can be easily avoided by logging into individual profiles.

The Impact of Split-Screen on Gameplay

Playing in split-screen can affect the game’s visual performance slightly. Since the console is rendering two perspectives simultaneously, there might be a slight drop in frame rate or a decrease in visual fidelity. However, the fun of playing with someone in person usually outweighs these minor visual hiccups.

Final Thoughts

Playing Call of Duty: Black Ops III in split-screen online is a fantastic option for gamers who enjoy playing co-op with friends or family. It’s an excellent way to experience the intense action and engaging gameplay while working together with someone right beside you. While there are platform and subscription requirements to consider, the fun of split-screen is definitely worth it, creating unforgettable gaming moments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing split screen in Black Ops 3 online:

Can you play Black Ops 3 split screen campaign online? Yes, you can play through the entire campaign in 2-player split-screen online.
How many players can play split screen online in BO3? Online split-screen is limited to two players.
Does playing online split-screen require subscriptions? Yes, for online split-screen, both players typically need PlayStation Network Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscriptions.
Can you play zombies split screen online? Yes, both Multiplayer and Zombies game modes support 2-player split-screen online in Black Ops III.
What consoles support Black Ops 3 split-screen online? PlayStation 4 and Xbox One support online split-screen. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 do not support this functionality.
Can you play 3-player split screen on BO3 online? No, online split-screen in BO3 is limited to two players.
How do you activate split-screen in BO3? Connect a second controller, sign in a profile, and press the activation button (usually X on PlayStation, A on Xbox).
Is there vertical split-screen in Black Ops 3? No, Black Ops 3 does not offer a vertical split-screen layout.
Why does the second player’s gun look weird during split screen The second player will have the load out of the first player. It is just a visual bug and does not affect player 1
How do you fix Black Ops 3 Split screen issues? Try to ensure both accounts are signed into the correct accounts. Go to settings, then controller, then gamepad and change the split-screen option. Try them one by one until the issue is fixed.
Can a guest account play online split-screen? Yes, a guest account can play, but progress may not save, and some features might be limited.
Does local split-screen support more players? Yes, local split-screen on PS4 and Xbox One supports up to four players in Multiplayer mode.
Can split-screen players both use custom classes? Yes, each player has access to their custom classes in the game.
Does split-screen affect the game’s performance? Yes, there might be a slight drop in frame rate or visual quality since the console renders two perspectives.
Can you play other Call of Duty titles in split-screen online? Several Call of Duty titles support online split-screen, but the availability and player counts vary depending on the game. Refer to specific game documentation for details.

Can you play split screen bo3 online?