Does Black Ops 3 Zombies Have Split Screen? A Deep Dive
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops III absolutely supports split-screen in Zombies mode! However, the availability and functionality of this feature vary depending on your platform. While a fantastic option for local co-op, understanding the nuances of split-screen on different consoles is key to maximizing your undead-slaying experience. Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about Black Ops 3 Zombies and split-screen play.
Unpacking the Black Ops 3 Zombies Split-Screen Experience
Black Ops 3’s Zombies mode is a beloved staple in the Call of Duty franchise, offering challenging gameplay, intricate storylines, and endless replayability. The ability to tackle hordes of the undead alongside a friend or family member in split-screen adds another layer of enjoyment. The experience, though, depends significantly on the console you’re playing on.
Console-Specific Differences
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- PlayStation 4 and Xbox One: On these platforms, Black Ops III supports two-player split-screen online play in Zombies mode. This means you and a friend can team up on the same console and connect online with other players. Additionally, these consoles support up to four players in split-screen, but only in local play. If you want a four-player split-screen Zombie massacre, everyone needs to be in the same room.
- PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360: Unfortunately, these older consoles do NOT support split-screen functionality in Black Ops III, neither in Multiplayer nor in Zombies mode.
Setting Up Split-Screen on PS4 and Xbox One
Getting split-screen up and running on your PlayStation 4 or Xbox One is relatively straightforward:
- Sign in: Ensure both players are signed into their respective accounts on the console.
- Launch the Game: Start Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
- Connect the Second Controller: Once you’re at the main menu, connect the second controller.
- Activate Split-Screen: A prompt should appear, typically requiring you to press a button (usually “X” on PlayStation or “A” on Xbox) on the second controller to activate split-screen.
- Select Zombies: Navigate to the Zombies game mode.
- Prepare for Horde: Configure your game settings and get ready to survive!
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
While the process is generally smooth, some players encounter issues. Here are a few common problems and potential solutions:
- Controller Recognition: Ensure both controllers are properly connected and recognized by the console. Try restarting the console or reconnecting the controllers.
- Account Issues: Make sure both players have active accounts and are signed in. Sometimes, guest accounts can cause issues, so it’s best to use full accounts.
- Simultaneous Button Presses: Some players have reported success by simultaneously pressing the action button (“X” or “A”) on both controllers when selecting the Zombies mode. This might sound odd, but it’s worth a try if you’re having trouble.
The Small Screen Problem
One common complaint about split-screen in Black Ops 3 is the size of the screen real estate allocated to each player. The developers implemented this to maintain the aspect ratio of the game, but it can make it difficult to see and track enemies. While there’s no official fix, sitting closer to the screen or using a larger display can help alleviate this issue.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about split-screen in Black Ops 3 Zombies:
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Can you play Black Ops 3 Zombies split-screen online?
- Yes, on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, you can play two-player split-screen online in Zombies mode.
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Can you play Black Ops 3 Zombies split-screen offline?
- Yes, on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, you can play up to four-player split-screen offline in Zombies mode.
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Does Black Ops 3 Zombies split-screen work on Xbox 360 and PS3?
- No, unfortunately, Black Ops 3 does not support split-screen on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
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Why is Black Ops 3 split-screen so small?
- The screen is smaller to preserve the game’s aspect ratio. There isn’t a way to increase the size of the split-screen view without modifying the game files.
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How do you activate split-screen in Black Ops 3 Zombies?
- Connect a second controller while at the main menu and press the designated button (usually “X” on PlayStation or “A” on Xbox) to activate split-screen.
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Can you play Black Ops 3 Zombies split-screen with one keyboard and mouse and one controller?
- Potentially on PC, but this isn’t a standard feature on consoles. You would need to explore third-party software or mods for this functionality.
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Is Black Ops 3 Zombies split-screen vertical or horizontal?
- The split-screen is typically horizontal, dividing the screen into top and bottom sections. On PC, some configurations allow for vertical split-screen by enabling surround settings and adjusting the in-game options.
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Can you play Black Ops 3 campaign split-screen?
- Yes, Black Ops 3 allows for two-player split-screen in the campaign mode on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
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Does playing split-screen affect the game’s performance?
- Yes, playing in split-screen can sometimes impact the game’s performance, resulting in lower frame rates or occasional lag, particularly on older consoles.
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Can I play all Black Ops 3 Zombies maps in split-screen?
- Yes, all available Zombies maps can be played in split-screen mode on supported consoles.
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Why won’t Black Ops 3 Zombies split-screen work?
- Potential reasons include controller connectivity issues, account problems, or game glitches. Try restarting the console, reconnecting the controllers, and ensuring both players are signed into valid accounts. If using the steam version you need to select the local option.
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How many players can play Black Ops 3 Zombies split-screen offline?
- Up to four players can play Black Ops 3 Zombies split-screen offline on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
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Does Black Ops 4 have better split-screen than Black Ops 3?
- Black Ops 4 features different split-screen configurations depending on the game mode. While it supports two-player split-screen in Blackout and multiplayer, it offers four-player split-screen in Zombies, which might be considered an improvement by some.
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Is there a way to make Black Ops 3 split-screen bigger?
- Unfortunately, there’s no in-game option to directly increase the size of the split-screen. Adjusting your display settings or sitting closer to the screen might offer some improvement.
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Can you play Black Ops 3 multiplayer split-screen offline with bots?
- Yes, Black Ops 3 allow to play multiplayer offline, while any mod is loaded. Create a “mod” folder in your black ops 3 folder, and create an empty “Offline MP” folder (or any name you like) in there. You can now select this mod in the “mod” menu and play multiplayer offline.
Conclusion: Embrace the Co-op Mayhem
While the specifics of split-screen in Black Ops 3 Zombies vary depending on your console, the core experience remains a fun and engaging way to enjoy the game with friends. Understanding the limitations and troubleshooting potential issues will ensure you and your buddies can effectively fend off the undead hordes together. So, grab a controller, gather your friends, and prepare for some epic split-screen zombie slaying!