Does Advanced Warfare Have Offline Multiplayer? A Deep Dive
Yes, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare does have offline multiplayer, but with some important nuances to understand. While it might not offer the complete online experience without an internet connection, it provides several robust options for playing locally with friends or against bots. This includes split-screen play, LAN or system-link support, and the ability to create private matches with bots, provided you initially connect to the internet. Let’s delve into the details of Advanced Warfare’s offline capabilities.
Understanding Advanced Warfare’s Offline Modes
Single Player Campaign
The most obvious offline experience is the single-player campaign, which allows you to follow the story of Jack Mitchell through a series of pre-rendered cinematic cutscenes and engaging missions. This offline mode requires no internet connection to play after the initial download. It serves as a significant source of offline playability for players looking for a narrative experience.
Private Matches with Bots
Advanced Warfare offers the possibility of creating private matches and playing with bots. This feature allows you to enjoy the competitive aspects of the game without needing to connect online constantly. However, accessing the private match setup requires an initial internet connection. You need to pass the “Play Online” screen, which validates that you own a legitimate copy of the game, and after that you can access this mode. This makes it perfect for practicing, testing strategies, or simply having fun against AI opponents.
Local Multiplayer and Split-Screen
The game supports local multiplayer with a split-screen mode for up to two players on one screen. This feature offers a classic way to enjoy cooperative or competitive gameplay with a friend. While it might not be as expansive as online modes, it’s a fun and social option for play within the same room. The split-screen mode also allows for vertical split screen which can be modified in the settings.
LAN and System-Link Play
Advanced Warfare also offers LAN or system-link support. This allows you to connect multiple consoles (or PCs) through a local area network and play together without needing an internet connection, provided that the devices are already validated to play through a prior internet connection. This mode is useful for gatherings or gaming events where players want to engage in a collective experience without having to rely on online servers.
Exo Survival Mode
The game features Exo Survival mode, which is a horde-style mode with objectives. It is designed for 1-4 players online and 1-2 players in local mode. Although the main focus is online co-op, local players can participate with a partner using the available splitscreen option making this mode an option for offline play.
Advanced Warfare Offline Play – Key Considerations
While Advanced Warfare provides many options for offline play, it’s important to be aware of some limitations:
- Initial Internet Requirement: To play private matches or other offline multiplayer options, you must initially connect to the internet to pass the “Play Online” screen.
- No Full Online Experience: You won’t have access to online modes, leaderboards, or matchmaking features without an internet connection.
- Feature Limitations: While the offline modes are robust, some features found in online multiplayer may be restricted or unavailable, such as specific game mode variants or access to DLC content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play the campaign offline in Advanced Warfare?
Yes, absolutely. The single-player campaign can be played entirely offline without an internet connection, once you’ve downloaded the game.
2. Does Advanced Warfare have a split-screen mode?
Yes, Advanced Warfare supports split-screen play for up to two players locally.
3. Can I play against bots in Advanced Warfare offline?
Yes, you can create private matches with bots and play offline. However, you will require an initial connection to an online server to unlock access to the private match settings.
4. How many players can play split-screen in Advanced Warfare?
Two players can play split-screen on the same console or PC in Advanced Warfare.
5. Does Advanced Warfare support LAN play?
Yes, Advanced Warfare supports LAN or system-link play, allowing players to connect multiple consoles or PCs over a local area network.
6. How many maps are available in Advanced Warfare multiplayer?
There are 13 core multiplayer maps in Advanced Warfare, with an additional bonus map called Atlas Gorge.
7. Can I play Exo Zombies offline?
Yes, Exo Zombies can be played offline in local co-op with up to two players.
8. What is Exo Survival mode in Advanced Warfare?
Exo Survival is a horde-based mode where players face waves of enemies and complete objectives. It supports 1-4 players online or 1-2 players locally.
9. What happens if the Call of Duty servers are down?
You may not be able to play online if the Call of Duty servers are down. Offline modes will still be accessible, provided that you are past the initial connection screen.
10. Do all Call of Duty games have offline multiplayer?
No, not all Call of Duty games have robust offline modes. Some are more focused on online play, while others (like Black Ops III, WW2, and Advanced Warfare) offer more offline content.
11. Can I play split-screen online in Advanced Warfare?
No, split-screen is limited to local play in Advanced Warfare. Online split screen play is not available.
12. How many guns are in Advanced Warfare?
Advanced Warfare features a total of 34 weapons across eight different classes.
13. How big is the download for Advanced Warfare?
Advanced Warfare requires approximately 55 GB of available hard drive space for installation.
14. Can I change the split-screen layout in Advanced Warfare?
Yes, you can change the split-screen layout in Advanced Warfare from the Display tab in the game options menu. You can change it between horizontal and vertical split.
15. Does the lack of split-screen in some COD games indicate the feature is dead?
No, while some Call of Duty games do not have split screen options. Games like Black Ops III, Modern Warfare 3 (2023) and Advanced Warfare have split screen modes. The feature is not dead, but can vary in availability by title.