Is Black Ops 2 Split-Screen Campaign a Reality?
The short, direct answer is: No, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 does not feature split-screen co-op for its campaign mode. While the game does offer fantastic split-screen options for other modes, the campaign is strictly a single-player experience. This may come as a disappointment for players hoping to tackle the narrative alongside a friend on the same console, but the multiplayer and zombie experiences do offer the popular couch co-op experience for up to four players. Let’s delve deeper into what Black Ops 2 offers regarding local multiplayer and why the campaign was left out.
Understanding Black Ops 2 Local Multiplayer
While the campaign mode in Black Ops 2 is exclusively single-player, the game shines in its local multiplayer offerings. Players can enjoy split-screen action in both Multiplayer and Zombies modes. This allows for engaging, face-to-face gameplay with friends and family right from your living room.
Split-Screen in Multiplayer
Black Ops 2’s multiplayer suite, a hallmark of the Call of Duty franchise, is fully accessible in split-screen. Up to four players can compete on the same screen, utilizing any of the game’s maps and modes (excluding Turbine). This includes iconic modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Capture the Flag, allowing for hours of competitive fun without the need for an online connection. It’s important to note that while you can play in local multiplayer, you cannot progress and level up. Everything is unlocked from the beginning to give you more accessibility.
Split-Screen in Zombies
The Zombies mode in Black Ops 2 is also a significant draw for split-screen enthusiasts. Players can band together with up to four people locally to fend off waves of the undead. With varied maps and gameplay mechanics, Zombies mode in Black Ops 2 offers a thrilling cooperative experience that’s perfect for couch co-op sessions. Whether you’re trying to survive in Tranzit, Nuketown, or other classic maps, the experience is enhanced by the shared challenge with friends and family.
Why No Split-Screen Campaign?
The absence of split-screen campaign in Black Ops 2 is often a topic of debate amongst the Call of Duty community. The decision seems to be rooted in technical limitations of the time. The development team focused on delivering a seamless single-player narrative experience that likely made implementing a co-op feature difficult. Moreover, the introduction of branching storylines and player choices within the campaign might have presented further complications in a split-screen setup.
Despite the lack of campaign co-op, Black Ops 2’s robust local multiplayer modes compensate by providing a rich experience for players who want to game together on the same console.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Black Ops 2 and Split-Screen
To further clarify the split-screen capabilities of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, here’s a list of 15 frequently asked questions:
1. How many players can play Black Ops 2 split-screen locally?
Up to four players can enjoy split-screen in both the Multiplayer and Zombies modes on a single console.
2. Can you play the Black Ops 2 campaign split-screen?
No, the campaign mode in Black Ops 2 is strictly single-player and does not support split-screen co-op.
3. Does Black Ops 2 have co-op campaign?
Black Ops 2 does not offer co-op campaign. The only co-op gameplay options are available in Zombies mode.
4. Are all multiplayer modes available in split-screen?
Yes, nearly all standard multiplayer modes and maps are available in split-screen except for the Turbine map.
5. Is Black Ops 2 split-screen on PC?
While the official PC version doesn’t natively support split-screen, you can utilize third-party tools like Nucleus Coop to achieve split-screen on PC for local play. This method also allows you to play with bots on local servers over a LAN connection with friends.
6. Can you level up in split-screen multiplayer?
No, there is no leveling up system in local split-screen multiplayer. All game modes, maps, and customization options are available from the start, offering instant accessibility to gameplay.
7. Does Black Ops 2 have a Combat Training mode in split-screen?
While Black Ops 2 features Combat Training in its multiplayer modes for single player to play with bots, that option is not available for split screen.
8. Can you play split-screen Zombies mode offline?
Yes, the Zombies mode can be played offline in split-screen on a single console.
9. Do you need an internet connection to play local split-screen?
No, an internet connection is not required to play local split-screen in Black Ops 2. You can enjoy split-screen with friends on a single console without being connected to the internet.
10. Which Call of Duty games have split-screen campaign?
Only World at War and Black Ops III feature split-screen co-op in their campaigns.
11. Was split-screen campaign ever planned for Black Ops 2?
There is no official confirmation if split-screen campaign was ever planned for Black Ops 2, however it is likely it was considered due to the presence of the feature in other games in the franchise but it may have been ultimately scrapped because of technical difficulties.
12. Can you play Black Ops 2 split screen with online multiplayer?
No. Local split screen is separate from online multiplayer. In local split screen you only play offline.
13. Is there a way to play Black Ops 2 split-screen on Plutonium?
No, the account system on the Plutonium client does not support split-screen functionality. This is because Plutonium relies on unique player IDs and the use of multiple player profiles on the same screen is not supported.
14. Can you play 3 or 4 player split screen campaign in Black Ops 2?
No. The campaign can only be played in single player. There is no split screen for the campaign.
15. Does Black Ops 1 have split screen campaign?
No. Just like its sequel, Black Ops 1 does not have split screen campaign. Only multiplayer and zombies supports split screen.
Conclusion
While the absence of a split-screen campaign in Black Ops 2 may be disappointing, the game provides exceptional local multiplayer experiences in both its Multiplayer and Zombies modes. The ability to play with up to four players on a single console allows for many memorable couch co-op sessions. If your primary aim was to enjoy the story alongside a friend, you may want to look towards other games in the Call of Duty franchise. However, for local competitive and cooperative play, Black Ops 2 continues to be a fan favorite.