How Many Players Can Play Black Ops 2 Zombies? A Deep Dive into Co-op Undead Action
The simple answer to the question, “How many players can play Black Ops 2 Zombies?” is up to four. However, the specifics of how those four players can play together involve a few key details about online play, local split-screen, and system link capabilities. Black Ops 2 offered a robust co-operative zombie experience, and understanding its player limitations is crucial for maximizing your undead-slaying fun. This article will delve into the various ways you can play with others, plus provide answers to some Frequently Asked Questions to cover all aspects of the player count in Black Ops 2 Zombies.
Online Co-op: The Four-Player Zombie Squad
The most common way to experience Black Ops 2 Zombies is through online co-op. Here, you can team up with up to three other players, making a total of four players in a match. This feature is available across all the zombie maps, including the original Tranzit, Die Rise, Buried, and the smaller Survival maps.
To engage in online co-op, all players need an active internet connection and, if playing on a console, a subscription to the platform’s online service (like Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus). The online system allows you to play with friends or join public lobbies to connect with other players around the world.
Server Requirements for Online Play
Keep in mind that online matches depend on the availability of the servers, which, for a game as old as Black Ops 2, may have reduced uptime over time. However, if you can get online, forming a four-player squad is a classic and engaging way to play.
Local Split-Screen: Two Players on One Console
If you’re looking to play zombies without going online, Black Ops 2 Zombies supports two-player split-screen. This option is perfect for playing with a friend or family member on the same console. The screen is split into two sections, allowing each player to view their own portion of the game simultaneously.
Limitations of Split-Screen
It’s important to note that while split-screen is fun and convenient, it is limited to two players only in the Zombies mode. You can play any map available in split screen, but you cannot have more than two players. This is a key distinction from online play which allows for 4.
System Link: A Forgotten Option
For those with older consoles and setups, Black Ops 2 offered an option called System Link or LAN gaming. This allowed multiple consoles on the same local network to connect together and play. This means that if you have multiple Xbox 360s or PlayStation 3s and copies of the game, you can have more than two players play in the same game.
System Link Player Count
With System Link, you can have up to four players join the game, and this option can be a good way to play with friends who are close by if online play isn’t working or isn’t preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 FAQs to help you understand the player count in Black Ops 2 Zombies even better:
1. Does Black Ops 2 Zombies support 4-player split-screen?
No, Black Ops 2 Zombies does not support 4-player split-screen. The split-screen mode is limited to two players. To have four players, you must play online or via system link.
2. Can I play with 3 players on a single console in Black Ops 2 Zombies?
No, you can not. A single console only supports two players in split-screen mode. You will need either online or system link to have a 3 player game.
3. Is an Xbox Live Gold membership required for online multiplayer Black Ops 2 Zombies?
Yes, an Xbox Live Gold membership (or PlayStation Plus on PlayStation) is required to play online with multiple players on console. All players must have an active membership to join the same game.
4. Can you play Tranzit with 4 players online?
Yes, Tranzit, as well as all the original Zombies maps and Survival modes, support 4-player online co-op.
5. Can you play with friends in split-screen mode?
Yes, you can play with a friend in two-player split-screen, on the same console. Each player will have their own part of the screen while playing the game.
6. How does system link work for Black Ops 2 Zombies?
System link allows multiple consoles connected on the same local network to join the same game. It allows up to four players, and doesn’t require an internet connection to play. However, every player needs their own copy of the game on each console.
7. Can you play Black Ops 2 Zombies with only one player?
Yes, you can play solo on any map. This will be just you against the hordes of zombies. It is a fun way to practice your strategy and game play.
8. Does Black Ops 2 Zombies have any modes that support more than 4 players?
No, the main Black Ops 2 Zombies modes are capped at four players. There are no modes within the Black Ops 2 zombies experience that allow for more than four players.
9. Are all zombie maps available in split-screen mode?
Yes, every zombie map and survival mode in Black Ops 2 can be played in split-screen mode. This allows for flexibility on map choices.
10. Can I play online with a friend in split-screen if we only have one Xbox?
No, you cannot. Although split-screen on a console is possible, once you are in split screen mode you will no longer be able to connect to another console for online play.
11. What is the difference between “Tranzit” and “Survival” modes in terms of player count?
Both Tranzit and Survival modes support 1-4 players online and 1-2 players split-screen. The main difference is that the Survival modes are smaller areas derived from the Tranzit map and do not have the same mechanics.
12. If playing on two consoles, do both consoles need to have Xbox Live?
Yes, if playing online, both consoles will require each profile on the console to have an active Xbox Live (or PlayStation Plus) subscription to play together online.
13. Are dedicated servers still running for Black Ops 2 Zombies?
The availability of dedicated servers for Black Ops 2 varies. Many players still find online matches, however, server availability cannot be guaranteed and server conditions may vary.
14. Is four-player co-op available on the PC version of Black Ops 2 Zombies?
Yes, four-player online co-op is available on the PC version of Black Ops 2 Zombies. The PC version has the same capabilities as console versions but does not have split-screen capability.
15. Is system link still a viable option for playing Black Ops 2 Zombies?
Yes, system link is still viable and offers a way to play with multiple people on the same local network if you don’t have an active internet connection, or for some, a reliable one. This does require multiple consoles and multiple copies of the game.
Conclusion
Black Ops 2 Zombies provides a classic co-op experience with its 4-player online and 2-player local split-screen options. By understanding these different modes and limitations, you can get the most out of your time battling the undead. Whether you are playing online with a group of friends or playing with a buddy on the same console, the game offers a ton of options for players looking to defeat the undead. This provides replayability and makes it still fun to this day.