Can You Play Zombies Split Screen? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: yes, you can often play Zombies in split screen, but the specifics vary greatly depending on the game. Split screen, the ability to play on a single screen with multiple players, is a highly sought-after feature in cooperative modes, and Zombies is no exception. However, not all Zombie modes offer this experience. This article will delve into which games offer split screen, how many players are supported, and other crucial details to ensure you can get the most out of your zombie-slaying experience.
The World of Split-Screen Zombies
Split screen gameplay provides a fantastic way to enjoy cooperative gaming without needing multiple consoles or online connections. It’s an ideal setup for local play with friends and family. But, while many games boast split-screen capabilities, the implementations differ drastically, particularly in the popular Zombies mode of games like Call of Duty.
Call of Duty Zombies: A Detailed Look
The Call of Duty franchise, known for its intense first-person shooter action, has a rich history with its iconic Zombies mode. Black Ops 3 is a notable example, allowing two-player split-screen online play and up to four-player split screen in local play for its Multiplayer mode. This means that while you can play Zombies with a friend online via split screen, you can’t have more than two players in this mode on a single console. In contrast, Black Ops Cold War also supports split-screen, but only for two players both in online and local play. Older titles like those on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 generally don’t support split-screen functionality.
One important thing to consider is which consoles support which levels of split-screen play. Generally, newer consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have better capabilities than older models. For example, the four-player local split-screen seen in Black Ops 3 multiplayer is typically not available in other modes such as Zombies.
Other Zombie Games and Split Screen
Beyond Call of Duty, other games also feature zombie modes. However, split screen is far from universal. Games such as Zombie Army 4: Dead War and Zombie Army Trilogy offer co-op play both online and in the campaign, but unfortunately do not support split screen. Similarly, Dying Light only offers online cooperative gameplay without local split-screen options.
Even popular cooperative games like Killing Floor 2 do not have split-screen functionality at all, pushing gamers who want local co-op to other experiences. There are alternatives to consider if you are looking for split-screen multiplayer, such as Diablo 3, which is another popular cooperative game.
Why Split Screen Can Be Limited
The limitations in split-screen functionality often stem from technical constraints. Rendering two viewpoints at once requires significant processing power, something that not all platforms can handle. This is why older systems struggle more with this feature, and why some games limit the number of players in split screen or completely omit the option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Split-Screen Zombies
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional insight into the world of split-screen Zombies:
1. Which Call of Duty games support split-screen for Zombies?
Generally, Black Ops 3 and Black Ops Cold War support split-screen for Zombies mode. However, Black Ops 3 limits two-player split-screen online play. Black Ops Cold War allows 2 players locally or online. Older titles usually do not.
2. Can you play 4-player split-screen Zombies in any Call of Duty?
No, most Call of Duty games limit split-screen Zombies to two players. Black Ops 3 supports four-player split screen but only in local play and only for the Multiplayer mode, not zombies.
3. Can you play Zombies split screen online?
Yes, but usually with a limit of two players. Both Black Ops 3 and Black Ops Cold War allow two players to play online split-screen on the same console.
4. Do older consoles like the Xbox 360 or PS3 support split-screen Zombies?
Generally, no. Older consoles often do not support split-screen in any Call of Duty games, including in Zombies mode, due to processing limitations.
5. Is there split-screen in Zombie Army 4: Dead War?
No, despite supporting cooperative play online and a horde mode, Zombie Army 4 does not offer split-screen.
6. What about Zombie Army Trilogy, does it have split-screen?
Similar to Zombie Army 4, the Zombie Army Trilogy does not offer split-screen functionality.
7. Can you play split screen in Dying Light?
No, Dying Light does not have split-screen functionality. The cooperative play is online only.
8. Does Killing Floor 2 have split-screen capabilities?
No, Killing Floor 2 does not offer any split-screen play.
9. What alternative Zombie games have split-screen?
If you are looking for split-screen co-op and zombies, you may want to consider other genres, as the selection in zombie specific titles is limited. Diablo 3 is one notable alternative with good local co-op support.
10. How do you activate split-screen in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3?
After launching the game and reaching the main menu, you need to connect a second controller and press the designated button (usually ‘A’ on Xbox or ‘X’ on PlayStation) to add a second player.
11. How do you activate split-screen in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War?
Similar to Black Ops 3, you need to connect a second controller and press the designated button to add a second player at the menu screen.
12. Is Call of Duty: Ghosts campaign split screen?
Yes, but only for two players. Call of Duty: Ghosts features two-player split-screen across all its game modes, including the campaign.
13. Which Call of Duty has the best Zombies?
Based on many gamers’ opinions, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is often considered to have the best Zombies mode, due to its variety of maps and overall gameplay.
14. Is Zombie Army 3rd person?
Yes, all the Zombie Army games are third-person shooters, which is a bit different from many other zombie titles.
15. Is Killing Floor 2 still popular?
While opinions vary, Killing Floor 2 still has an active player base, and it is sometimes given away for free, like on the Epic Games Store which will boost the player base, making it a viable choice for those who enjoy cooperative zombie killing, even without split screen.
Conclusion
Playing Zombies in split screen is a fantastic way to enjoy the mode with friends and family. While the feature is not universally available and is often limited to two players, titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and Black Ops Cold War still offer great opportunities for local co-op zombie action. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of your console and games can ensure you have the best experience possible. Always check the specific details of the game you’re planning to play to avoid any disappointments. Happy zombie hunting!