Is Black Ops 3 Zombies 4 Player Local? Unraveling the Split-Screen Mystery
The burning question for many Call of Duty fans, particularly those looking to relive the glory days of couch co-op, is: can you play Black Ops 3 Zombies with four players locally on a single console? The short answer, unfortunately, is no, not in the traditional zombie maps. Black Ops 3 Zombies does not support 4-player split-screen on standard zombie maps like Shadows of Evil, Der Eisendrache, or Gorod Krovi. You are limited to two players in split-screen on a single console for these core zombies experiences. This holds true for both console and PC platforms.
However, there is a crucial caveat that often leads to confusion. Dead Ops Arcade 2 is the exception. This top-down arcade shooter mode does support 4-player split-screen on a single console. Therefore, while the iconic zombies experience is limited to two players locally, you can still gather your entire squad for some frenetic co-op action in Dead Ops Arcade.
This article will delve deeper into the nuances of Black Ops 3’s split-screen capabilities, clarifying which modes support which player counts, and addressing common questions that fans have about local multiplayer in this beloved title.
Black Ops 3 Split-Screen Capabilities: A Detailed Look
Black Ops 3 is a game that offers a diverse range of co-operative options, but it’s important to understand the limitations of split-screen:
Split-Screen in Zombies Mode
- Standard Zombie Maps: As mentioned previously, standard maps are limited to 2-player split-screen on a single console. You can, however, play with up to 4 players online across multiple consoles.
- Dead Ops Arcade 2: This mode breaks the mold with full 4-player split-screen support locally. This makes it the go-to mode for large local multiplayer sessions.
- No 4-Player Split-Screen on PC: While the PC version supports local split-screen, it’s still limited to 2 players in regular Zombies, and 4 players in Dead Ops Arcade.
Split-Screen in Other Modes
- Multiplayer: For the standard multiplayer modes (like Team Deathmatch, Domination, etc), Black Ops 3 does offer 4-player split-screen but exclusively in local play.
- Campaign: The campaign supports 2-player local split-screen, as well as 4-player co-op over an online connection.
It’s essential to remember that split-screen limitations are often due to the hardware constraints of the older generation consoles and the processing power required to render the game environment multiple times on one screen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Ops 3 Local Multiplayer
To further clarify the intricacies of local multiplayer and split-screen in Black Ops 3, here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions:
Gameplay FAQs
1. Can I play the Black Ops 3 campaign with 4 players on one console?
No, the Black Ops 3 campaign only supports 2-player split-screen locally. However, the campaign does support 4-player co-op online.
2. Can I play 4-player split-screen in multiplayer on all Black Ops 3 maps?
Yes, the 4-player split-screen mode in Black Ops 3 is available across all local multiplayer maps. It’s important to remember, however, this is only in local play and not when connecting online.
3. Is it possible to play Zombies in Black Ops 3 with 4 players offline?
Not on the standard zombie maps. You can play 4-player split-screen offline only in Dead Ops Arcade 2. For the other zombie maps you are limited to 2-players in split-screen.
4. How do I set up split-screen in Black Ops 3 Zombies?
Connect the second controller to your console and sign in to a separate profile. When you are on the main menu, press the start/options button on the second controller and select to activate split screen. Then you need to go into the zombie game mode with both controllers.
5. Can player 2 use their own custom class in split-screen Zombies?
Yes, but player 2’s changes will not impact player 1’s class. Split-screen operates with a simplified approach to inventory and unlocks.
Technical FAQs
6. Does Black Ops 3 split-screen on PC have the same limitations as console?
Yes, the PC version of Black Ops 3 also limits the standard zombie maps to 2-player split-screen, while 4-player split-screen is available in Dead Ops Arcade 2. Multiplayer modes on the PC versions support 4-player local split-screen.
7. Why are there so many restrictions on split-screen in Black Ops 3?
The restrictions are primarily due to the processing power required to render multiple viewpoints of the game simultaneously. Consoles, especially older ones, struggle to handle 4-way split-screen on graphically intensive modes.
8. Does Black Ops 3 still have issues with split-screen performance?
Yes, players may still experience occasional frame rate drops or other performance issues, particularly during chaotic scenes when playing split-screen.
9. Is the split-screen quality different between PS4 and Xbox One in Black Ops 3?
The split-screen experience is generally consistent between PS4 and Xbox One. However, performance can vary based on the console model.
10. Is there a way to play 4-player Zombies on Black Ops 3 without split-screen?
Yes, you can play 4-player Zombies online by connecting with other players over the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live or PC equivalent, each on a different console/PC.
Troubleshooting FAQs
11. Why is my second controller not recognized in split-screen?
Ensure that your second controller is properly connected and logged into a separate user profile. Check if the controller is functional outside of Black Ops 3 to rule out hardware issues.
12. My game crashes when starting split-screen, what should I do?
Try restarting your console and the game. If the issue persists, try deleting local game files and reinstalling them (if on consoles), or verify game file integrity on PC through steam or the relevant platform. You may also want to verify your drivers are up to date on PC.
13. Can I use an external monitor for one of the split-screen players?
Generally, no. Split-screen relies on splitting the output signal to a single screen, you will not be able to use two different screens or monitors when using the split screen feature.
14. Why does split screen on my PC sometimes cause the game to slow down?
Rendering two instances of the game, or four instances with dead ops arcade, on the same PC at the same time puts a major strain on the CPU and GPU. Reducing graphical settings can improve performance issues.
15. I am having issues setting up splitscreen, where can I find more help?
You can look for gameplay tips, and community advice on the forums or sub-reddits for Black Ops 3 or Call of Duty.
Conclusion: The Split-Screen Verdict
In summary, while the standard zombie maps in Black Ops 3 limit local play to 2-player split-screen, the game does offer 4-player split-screen in Dead Ops Arcade 2 and local multiplayer modes. The limitations exist to maintain a playable frame rate and smooth experience. By understanding the specific modes that support varying player counts, you can fully enjoy the local multiplayer offerings of this iconic Call of Duty title, knowing that full squad local play is available in certain modes. So, grab your controllers and get ready for some co-op chaos!