Forza Motorsport 7: Dominate the Track with a Friend in Split-Screen

So, you want to experience the adrenaline-pumping action of Forza Motorsport 7 with a friend, side-by-side on the same console? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into how you can unleash your inner racing champion in thrilling split-screen multiplayer. The process is fairly straightforward, but let’s break it down step-by-step to ensure a smooth experience.

Setting Up Split-Screen in Forza Motorsport 7

Here’s how to enable split-screen and start racing with a friend:

1. Power Up and Sign In: Turn on your Xbox One (or compatible Xbox console) and ensure both controllers are connected and synced. The first player needs to be signed into their primary Xbox Live account.
2. Second Player Sign-In: The second player has a couple of options. They can sign in with a secondary Xbox Live account (this could be a family member’s or friend’s) or create a guest profile. Using a guest profile is the easiest way to get going quickly.
3. Launch Forza Motorsport 7: Start the Forza Motorsport 7 game from your console’s dashboard.
4. Navigate to Free Play: From the main menu, locate and select the “Free Play” option. This mode allows you to customize your race settings and is where you’ll find the split-screen feature.
5. Engage Split Screen: Within the “Free Play” menu, you should see an on-screen prompt indicating “Player 2 Press Start” (or a similar instruction). The second player needs to press the “Start” button (or the equivalent button on their controller) to join the game.
6. Profile Selection (if applicable): If the second player is using an Xbox Live account, they’ll be prompted to select their profile. If using a guest profile, the game will automatically assign a guest tag (e.g., “Guest 1“).
7. Customize Your Race: Now, you can both choose your preferred cars, track, number of laps, difficulty settings, and other race parameters. Discuss your preferences to create an enjoyable experience for both of you.
8. Start Racing!: Once you’re both happy with the setup, select the “Race” option, and get ready to burn rubber! The screen will split horizontally, giving each player their own perspective of the track.

Now that you know how to play, let’s answer some common questions to enhance your Forza 7 split-screen experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General

1. Can I play all game modes in split-screen? No, not all game modes support split-screen. The Free Play mode is the primary area for split-screen racing. Career mode and online multiplayer typically do not offer split-screen functionality.
2. Does split-screen affect the game’s performance? Yes, running two viewpoints simultaneously can impact performance, particularly on older Xbox One consoles. You might notice a slight decrease in frame rate or graphical fidelity compared to single-player.
3. Can I use different controllers in split-screen? Yes, you can use any combination of compatible Xbox One controllers for split-screen. This includes standard controllers, Elite controllers, and even third-party controllers that are officially licensed for Xbox One.
4. Is Forza Motorsport 7 still available for purchase? Unfortunately, Forza Motorsport 7 reached its “end of life” status and is no longer available for purchase digitally through the Microsoft Store. However, if you own a physical copy of the game, you can still install and play it.

Account and Profile Related

5. Do both players need Xbox Live Gold subscriptions to play split-screen? No, Xbox Live Gold is not required for local split-screen multiplayer. It is only necessary for online multiplayer modes. You can enjoy split-screen without any subscription.
6. Can I earn achievements in split-screen? Achievements are typically tied to the primary Xbox Live account that is signed in. While the primary player will earn achievements as usual, the guest profile or secondary account may not receive achievement progress.
7. Can I save my split-screen progress? Split-screen progress is typically not saved in the same way as single-player or online multiplayer progress. However, the primary player’s career progress and car collection will be retained.

Technical Issues and Troubleshooting

8. Why is the “Player 2 Press Start” prompt not appearing? Ensure that the second controller is properly connected, synced, and powered on. Also, double-check that the second player is signed in with either an Xbox Live account or a guest profile. Restarting the game and console can sometimes resolve this issue.
9. The game is lagging or stuttering in split-screen. What can I do? Try reducing the graphical settings in the game’s options menu. Disabling features like motion blur or lowering the resolution can improve performance. Also, ensure that your console has sufficient ventilation to prevent overheating.
10. The screen is not splitting properly. How do I fix it? In rare cases, a game glitch may prevent the screen from splitting correctly. Restarting the game or console is usually the first step to try. If the issue persists, check for any available game updates and install them.

Alternatives and Similar Games

11. If Forza Motorsport 7 is no longer available, are there other Forza games with split-screen? Some older Forza titles, such as Forza Motorsport 6 and Forza Motorsport 5, also feature split-screen multiplayer. However, the availability of these games may vary depending on your region and platform. Refer to the first part of this document to see which Forza versions have this feature.
12. Are there any other racing games on Xbox with split-screen? Yes, several other racing games on Xbox offer split-screen multiplayer, including titles like GRID Autosport and some entries in the Need for Speed series.
13. Why doesn’t the latest Forza Motorsport have split-screen? According to Microsoft, the decision to exclude split-screen in the latest Forza Motorsport was based on usage data indicating that a relatively small percentage of players utilized the feature. The development team prioritized other features and improvements instead.

Forza Motorsport 7 Specific

14. Is Forza Horizon 5 split-screen? Unfortunately, Forza Horizon 5 does not feature split-screen multiplayer. It is primarily focused on online multiplayer and solo open-world exploration.
15. Is Forza Motorsport 7 online multiplayer still active? Yes, even though Forza Motorsport 7 is no longer available for purchase, the online multiplayer servers are still active. Players who own the game can continue to race against others online.

We hope this comprehensive guide has answered all your questions and helped you get started with split-screen racing in Forza Motorsport 7. Gather your friends, fire up your consoles, and get ready for some unforgettable head-to-head action!

Remember that understanding the core mechanics and player experience in games is important, and that Games Learning Society research this and many other aspects of games. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org. Good luck and have fun on the track!