Table of Contents

How to Play Split-Screen on Black Ops 3 PS4: A Comprehensive Guide

Quick answer

This page answers How do you play splitscreen on bo3 ps4? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Want to relive the golden age of couch co-op with Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 on your PlayStation 4? Playing split-screen is a fantastic way to share the action and excitement with friends and family. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started:

The basic steps to play split-screen on Black Ops 3 for PS4 involve connecting your second controller, booting up the game, and then selecting the split-screen option within the desired game mode. Let’s dive into the specifics.

Setting Up Split-Screen in Black Ops 3

Initial Setup: The Fundamentals

Connect Your Controllers: Ensure both controllers are properly connected to your PS4 and charged. Turn them on.
Start Black Ops 3: Launch Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 on your PS4.
Choose Your Game Mode: Navigate to the main menu where you can select Campaign, Multiplayer, or Zombies. The process for activating split-screen varies slightly depending on the mode.

Split-Screen in Multiplayer

Navigate to Multiplayer: From the main menu, select Multiplayer.
Sign In: If the second player has a PlayStation Network account, have them sign in. If not, they can use a guest account.
Activate Split-Screen: Look for the “Activate Split Screen” option, usually located at the bottom of the screen or underneath your username. Press the corresponding button (usually X) on the second controller.
Create a Class: The second player will need to create or choose a class before joining the game.
Join a Game: Select your desired game mode and map, and get ready to frag!

Split-Screen in Zombies

Navigate to Zombies: From the main menu, select Zombies.
Choose Local Play: Select the “Play Local” option. This is crucial for offline split-screen.
Sign In: The second player needs to press X to join. If they don’t have an account, they can select “Create a User” then “Play as a Guest.” Choose “Do not sign in” to play split screen.
Select Your Map: Choose your desired Zombies map (Shadows of Evil, Der Eisendrache, etc.).
Prepare for the Horde: Get ready to survive the undead onslaught together!

Split-Screen in Campaign

Navigate to Campaign: Select Campaign from the main menu.
Start a New Game or Continue: Choose to start a new campaign or continue from a previous save.
Sign In: Ensure the second player is signed in, either to their PSN account or as a guest.
Begin the Mission: The campaign will automatically adjust to accommodate the second player in split-screen.

Important Considerations

Screen Size: Be aware that split-screen reduces the screen size for each player. Black Ops 3 is known for having relatively small split-screen windows. This is due to the game preserving the aspect ratio to maintain visual fidelity.
Performance: Playing split-screen can sometimes impact performance, especially in more demanding game modes like Zombies. Expect a slight drop in frame rate.
Online vs. Offline: Remember that Black Ops 3 supports online split-screen in Multiplayer and Zombies, but only for two players. For four-player split-screen, you’ll need to play locally.
Guest Accounts: Using guest accounts is a great way to play with friends who don’t have a PSN account, but progress won’t be saved to that account.

Troubleshooting

Controller Issues: If the second controller isn’t recognized, ensure it’s properly connected and charged. Try restarting the controller or your PS4.
Split-Screen Not Activating: Ensure both controllers are signed in. Sometimes rapidly pressing the “X” button on the second controller while selecting “Zombies” can help activate split-screen.
Connectivity Problems: If you’re experiencing issues connecting online, check the Call of Duty: Black Ops III server status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you play split-screen on Black Ops 3 PS4?

Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops III supports split-screen on PlayStation 4. You can play in Multiplayer, Zombies, and Campaign modes.

2. How many players can play split-screen on Black Ops 3 PS4?

In Multiplayer and Zombies, you can play two-player split-screen online or four-player split-screen locally. The Campaign supports two-player split-screen, both locally and online.

3. How do you activate split-screen in Black Ops 3 Zombies on PS4?

Select “Play Local” in the Zombies menu. The second player presses X to join, selecting to create a user and play as a guest if needed.

4. Can you play split-screen campaign on Black Ops 3?

Yes, you can play the entire Campaign mode in two-player split-screen, both locally and online.

5. Why is Black Ops 3 split-screen so small?

The split-screen window size is intentionally small to preserve the game’s aspect ratio. This helps maintain visual fidelity but can make it challenging to see details on smaller screens.

6. Does Black Ops 3 have offline multiplayer?

Yes, Black Ops 3 supports offline multiplayer once the game is fully updated. This allows you to play split-screen without an internet connection.

7. Why can’t I play Black Ops 3 Zombies split-screen?

Ensure the second controller is signed into a guest account or a PSN account. In the Zombies menu, both controllers should select “Zombies” simultaneously, repeatedly pressing X.

8. Can you play 3-player split-screen on Black Ops 3 Zombies?

No, split-screen on Black Ops 3 only supports a maximum of two players on one screen. For more players, you’d need multiple consoles connected via system link or online.

9. Can you play split screen on Cold War Zombies?

Yes, Call of Duty: Cold War also features split-screen Zombies. It’s available on consoles and splits the screen to accommodate two players without requiring Xbox Live.

10. How do you do split-screen Zombie mode?

Connect a second controller, ensure it’s signed in, and press X on PlayStation (or A on Xbox) to activate split-screen mode.

11. Does Black Ops 3 have offline multiplayer?

Yes, as long as you have updated the game, you can play split-screen and local multiplayer without an internet connection.

12. How do I change the screen size in Black Ops 3?

While you can’t directly change the split-screen size in Black Ops 3, you can adjust the display area settings on your PS4 via Settings > Sound and Screen > Display Area Settings.

13. Why can’t I join my friend on Black Ops 3?

Restart your Black Ops 3 application, perform an internet connection test, or restart your PS4 to resolve party joining issues. Ensure both players have a stable internet connection if playing online.

14. Which COD games have 4-player split screen?

Call of Duty: Black Ops III supports four-player split-screen locally in Multiplayer and Zombies modes. Other COD titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 may offer split-screen, but it varies by game and mode.

15. Is Black Ops 2 have split-screen?

Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 supports two-player split-screen for online multiplayer, excluding Free-For-All and Hardcore Free-For-All modes.

Conclusion

Playing split-screen on Black Ops 3 PS4 is a fantastic way to enjoy the game with friends and family. Whether you’re battling hordes of zombies, competing in multiplayer matches, or tackling the campaign, split-screen brings a unique social dynamic to the gaming experience. By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying countless hours of split-screen fun. Consider exploring the research being conducted by the Games Learning Society to learn more about the educational benefits of gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org. Happy gaming!