How to Play 4-Player Zombies on Call of Duty: Black Ops 1
The burning question for many Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 fans eager for a chaotic co-op experience is, “How can I play 4-player zombies?” While the game allows for online four-player zombies matches, achieving this with four players on a single console (split-screen) is not directly possible on the standard zombie maps like Kino Der Toten or “FIVE”. However, there is a workaround that utilizes a specific game mode, Dead Ops Arcade, to enable four-player split-screen. It’s important to note that while this allows for four players locally, the main zombie experience isn’t 4-player split screen. Here’s a detailed guide and everything you need to know.
Understanding the Limitations
Before we dive into the solution, it’s crucial to understand the limitations of Black Ops 1 regarding split-screen. The game’s core zombie mode, when played offline, only supports a two-player split-screen experience. This means that without accessing online features, your options for local multiplayer are limited. The confusion often arises because the game supports four-player online co-op and, as we’ll see, a specific 4-player split-screen mode within Dead Ops Arcade. So, while a full 4-player, local game of Kino or “FIVE” is not possible, there is a way to get four player local action on one console.
The Dead Ops Arcade Solution
The key to unlocking four-player local multiplayer in Black Ops 1 Zombies lies in a particular mini-game: Dead Ops Arcade. Although this mode is not the traditional zombies gameplay, it provides a four-player split-screen co-op option. This allows four players on a single console to experience the unique gameplay of this mode. Here’s how you can set it up:
Step-by-Step Guide to 4-Player Split-Screen
- Controller Setup: First, ensure all controllers (3 or 4) are connected to the console and turned on at the dashboard. It’s important not to sign any of the additional controllers into online profiles at this stage. Only Player 1 should be signed into an online profile if you want an online presence. Any additional players must have offline profiles.
- Launch Black Ops: Next, launch Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 from the game’s dashboard.
- Choose Split-Screen: Select the split-screen option from the main menu of the game.
- Select Dead Ops Arcade: This is the crucial step. When prompted to choose a map, temporarily select Dead Ops Arcade. This step is vital as this is the only mode that will allow 4 players on one screen.
- Start the Game: Start the game and the other players will be able to join on the chosen mode.
- Play. Enjoy four-player split-screen!
Limitations of This Method
It’s essential to recognize that playing Dead Ops Arcade is different from the core Zombies experience. It’s a top-down, twin-stick shooter mode, not the first-person survival mode most players associate with Call of Duty Zombies. While it allows four players on one screen, it doesn’t offer the same level of game depth or progression that the standard zombies mode provides.
Why Dead Ops Arcade Supports 4-Player Split-Screen
The reason Dead Ops Arcade supports four players when the other zombie modes don’t is due to its gameplay design. As a top-down, twin-stick shooter, it’s less graphically demanding compared to first-person perspectives. This allows the game to handle the extra player workload more efficiently on a single console. The first person perspective requires more resources for each split screen, and therefore is not possible for 4 players on Black Ops 1.
FAQs about 4-Player Zombies in Black Ops 1
Here are some frequently asked questions about playing 4-player zombies in Black Ops 1:
1. Can you play 4-player split-screen on Kino Der Toten or “FIVE” in Black Ops 1?
No, you cannot play 4-player split-screen on the standard zombies maps like Kino Der Toten or “FIVE. These maps are limited to two-player split-screen. To have 4 players on one system, use the Dead Ops Arcade method.
2. How many players can play online co-op in Black Ops 1 Zombies?
You can have a total of four players in online co-op for Black Ops 1 Zombies. This is the standard way to play with four people, but cannot be done on one system with split-screen.
3. Is split-screen available in other game modes in Black Ops 1?
Yes, split-screen is available in other game modes like multiplayer, but it’s typically limited to two players. The only exception is the Dead Ops Arcade, that allows for four player split screen.
4. Can you mix online and local players in Black Ops 1 Zombies?
Unfortunately, Black Ops 1 doesn’t support mixing online and local players in the same zombies match. If you have two local players, you will only be able to invite a maximum of two other players online, to a four player match.
5. Is Dead Ops Arcade the only way to play with 4 players locally?
Yes, Dead Ops Arcade is the only game mode in Black Ops 1 that offers four-player split-screen capability. No other game mode is capable of this.
6. Do I need multiple copies of the game for four player split-screen?
No, you only need one copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 to play four-player split-screen in Dead Ops Arcade. As it is all being played on one single system, no further copies of the game are required.
7. Can I use the 4 player dead ops arcade split screen to play the regular first person view zombies?
No, it is impossible to play the regular zombies game mode with 4 players on the same screen in Black Ops 1.
8. Are there any other Call of Duty games with 4-player split-screen Zombies?
Yes, games like Black Ops 3 and Black Ops 4 offer four-player split-screen zombies, but these features vary by platform. Note that it will still be limited to local play, and cannot combine online play.
9. What are the main differences between Dead Ops Arcade and traditional Zombies mode?
Dead Ops Arcade is a top-down, twin-stick shooter with a distinct gameplay style, whereas the classic zombie mode is a first-person survival experience.
10. Can you progress and level up in Dead Ops Arcade like in regular zombies?
Dead Ops Arcade has its own unique progression system, and is different from the regular zombies leveling. It has its own specific perks and weapons.
11. Does Dead Ops Arcade have a storyline?
Yes, Dead Ops Arcade has its own unique story and lore, separate from the main Zombies storyline in Black Ops 1.
12. Is the Dead Ops Arcade 4-player experience good?
While different from traditional Zombies, Dead Ops Arcade is a very fun experience for many players, offering a more arcade-like experience, and can be more easily played with newer or less skilled players.
13. Does the Dead Ops Arcade mode have any easter eggs?
Yes, just like the regular zombies mode, Dead Ops Arcade also features a number of secrets and Easter eggs that players can discover.
14. Is Black Ops 1 worth playing for zombies?
Absolutely! Black Ops 1 is highly regarded for its compelling zombie experience, and is still popular with many players today.
15. Do all versions of Black Ops 1 support 4 player split-screen on Dead Ops Arcade?
Yes, all versions of Black Ops 1 on the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC should support four-player split-screen in Dead Ops Arcade. As long as you can split screen in the game, it will work.
Conclusion
While Black Ops 1 doesn’t offer four-player split-screen on its classic zombie maps, the unique Dead Ops Arcade mode provides an alternative for a local multiplayer experience. By following the steps outlined above, you can gather three friends for an engaging co-op session. Although it’s not the traditional Zombies experience, Dead Ops Arcade is a fun and chaotic mode that can be enjoyed on a single console, bringing players together. Enjoy the chaos, and happy zombie slaying!