How to Play Split-Screen Terraria: A Comprehensive Guide
Want to delve into the blocky, adventurous world of Terraria with a friend by your side, sharing the same screen? You’re in luck! While not available on all platforms, split-screen Terraria is a fantastic way to enjoy local co-op. Here’s your guide to getting started:
The most important thing to understand upfront is that split-screen functionality is limited to specific consoles. Currently, split-screen co-op is available on:
- PlayStation 4 (PS4)
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch (Docked Mode)
PC and Mobile versions of Terraria do NOT support native split-screen functionality. If you’re playing on PC, you can explore alternatives like Universal Split Screen (a third-party tool). Mobile players can enjoy multiplayer through online servers, but not on a single shared device.
Here’s a platform-by-platform breakdown of how to set up split-screen Terraria:
Split-Screen on PlayStation 4
- User Profiles: The first and most important step is to ensure that each player is signed into a separate PlayStation Network (PSN) profile on the console. Without separate profiles, split-screen won’t work.
- Start the Game: Launch Terraria on your PS4 with the main user profile.
- Join In: Once you’ve started a game, the second player can press the Options button (or equivalent) on their controller to join. The game will automatically initiate a split-screen view, dividing your screen vertically.
- Enjoy Co-op: Both players can now explore, build, battle, and experience Terraria together!
Split-Screen on Xbox One
- Controllers and Profiles: Similar to the PS4, make sure all controllers are connected and that each controller is signed into the appropriate Xbox Live profile.
- Start the Game: Launch Terraria on your Xbox One with the main user profile.
- Join In: In-game, the second (or third or fourth) player can join by pressing the Start button (or equivalent) on their controller. The game will handle splitting the screen into the correct number of views.
- Home Xbox: A handy tip for Xbox is to set the console as the “home Xbox” for the account with Xbox Live. This grants all profiles on that console access to the online services.
- Play Together: Explore the vast world of Terraria in split-screen action.
Split-Screen on Nintendo Switch
- Docked Mode: Crucially, split-screen on the Nintendo Switch is only available in docked mode. It does not work in handheld or tabletop modes.
- Update: Be sure you have the latest version of Terraria installed. Split-screen was introduced through an update, so make sure your game is up-to-date.
- Start the Game: Start Terraria with the main player’s profile while the Switch is docked.
- Join In: The second player should press the + button on their controller to join the game.
- Split Screen Appears: The screen will now split into two, and you’re ready to play Terraria together.
Additional Notes about Split Screen
- Screen Division: In most cases, the screen will divide vertically, though some games and setups can vary.
- Character Choices: Each player will use their own separate game character.
- Controller Setup: Make sure controllers are properly configured and recognized by the system prior to starting the game.
- Limitations: Split-screen games typically have some performance limitations due to rendering multiple screens simultaneously.
FAQs: Split-Screen Terraria
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide further detail and context regarding split-screen Terraria:
1. Can I play split-screen Terraria on PC?
No, Terraria does not natively support split-screen on PC. You will need to use third-party applications like Universal Split Screen for this functionality, which can be complex to set up.
2. Is split-screen available on mobile Terraria?
No, split-screen is not a feature in mobile versions of Terraria. However, you can still enjoy online multiplayer with others via your mobile devices.
3. Can I do split-screen co-op on the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode?
No, split-screen co-op on the Nintendo Switch is ONLY available in docked mode.
4. Do we need two separate copies of the game to play split-screen?
No, you only need one copy of the game on the console for local split-screen multiplayer.
5. Do both players need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play split-screen on PS4?
No, you do not need two PlayStation Plus subscriptions to play split-screen locally on PS4. However, you would need a subscription for online multiplayer.
6. Do both players need Xbox Live Gold subscriptions to play split-screen on Xbox One?
No, only the primary account that owns the game needs Xbox Live Gold for the console to be considered “home xbox” for local split-screen. However, both accounts need an active Xbox account to play split-screen.
7. How many players can play split-screen on Terraria?
Typically, split-screen Terraria supports up to 2 players. While there’s no official support for more, some users have used external methods to achieve more players on PC, but that is not supported by the developers.
8. What are the limitations of playing Terraria in split-screen mode?
Split-screen play can cause some minor performance issues due to the game rendering twice (or more) on the same console. Frame rates can drop, especially during intense combat or exploration of large areas.
9. Can I use a different user profile on my console to play split-screen?
Yes, each player needs their own user profile to play in split-screen on consoles. You can’t have guest accounts.
10. How do I join a split-screen game already in progress?
On consoles, you usually join by pressing a designated button on your controller, such as the Options button on PS4, Start on Xbox, or + on Switch. The specific button is usually displayed on screen.
11. Why can’t I get split-screen to work on my console?
Common issues include: not having the correct number of active user profiles, the game is not updated to the required version, using a guest profile, or attempting split-screen on a platform that doesn’t support it.
12. Does split-screen affect the game’s difficulty?
No, split-screen does not inherently affect the game’s difficulty. The world’s difficulty settings remain the same. However, a higher player count often changes the way enemies spawn in the game.
13. Can I play online multiplayer AND split-screen simultaneously?
No, you cannot combine local split-screen with online multiplayer. You can either have online multiplayer with multiple consoles, or you can have local split-screen with others on the same console.
14. What are some similar games that also have a good split-screen mode?
Other games known for good split-screen co-op include Minecraft, Overcooked 2, and Don’t Starve Together.
15. Is cross-platform play possible for split-screen?
No, cross-platform play for split-screen is NOT possible. Local split-screen will only work on the same console. Also, cross-platform multiplayer does not include split-screen.
By following the steps and understanding the FAQs, you can easily set up and enjoy the wonderful experience of Terraria with a friend on the same screen! Get ready to craft, explore, and battle your way through this fantastic adventure.