Is Black Ops 3 Zombies 4-Player Split Screen on PC? The Ultimate Guide
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Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops III on PC does support 4-player split screen for Zombies mode, but only in offline or local play. This means you can gather up to three friends in the same room, connect your controllers, and dive into the undead hordes together on one screen. Unlike some other Call of Duty titles, Black Ops III really shines with its robust local multiplayer options, particularly for Zombies. However, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of setting this up, which we’ll cover in detail, along with addressing other common questions. So, while online 4-player split-screen is not available, the local option offers a unique experience for gamers on PC.
Understanding Black Ops 3 Split Screen on PC
The excitement of playing Black Ops III with friends is significantly enhanced by its local split-screen functionality. While it may require a bit of setup, the end result is a truly immersive cooperative experience. It’s vital to clarify that this 4-player split-screen functionality is only for offline/local play. You won’t be able to team up with four players on a single PC screen in online modes.
Setting Up 4-Player Split Screen for Zombies
To enable 4-player split-screen on Black Ops III PC for Zombies mode, you’ll need to follow a specific set of steps, ensuring each controller is properly recognized by the game.
- Ensure All Controllers Are Connected: Before launching the game, connect all of your controllers to your PC. It’s often best to use USB controllers for best compatibility.
- Launch the Game: Start Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
- Navigate to the Main Menu: Once at the Main Menu, you should see the option to ‘activate split screen’. Do not worry about player sign in until the split screen option is activated.
- Activate Split Screen: Using the mouse, click on “Activate splitscreen” on the main menu. This should enable controller support for player 2, 3 and 4, and allow you to use them to navigate the menu screen.
- Select Zombies Mode: After activation, each player should select the ‘Zombies’ option by using their respective controllers.
- Begin the Game: Finally, choose your desired map and start the game, ensuring all players are properly logged in using guest accounts on the controllers.
It’s worth noting that you might need to tweak your controller configurations within the game’s settings to ensure that all inputs are being detected and applied correctly. This might involve reassigning controller mappings.
Important Considerations
- Controller Type: While most USB controllers should work seamlessly, there might be some compatibility issues with older or less common controller types. Ensure your controllers are properly installed and recognized by Windows.
- Guest Accounts: For offline splitscreen, players will need to log in using guest accounts. If you do not use guest accounts, then you may have trouble activating splitscreen in Zombies mode.
- Performance: Running four-player split screen can be demanding on your PC. If you experience lag or performance issues, try reducing the game’s graphics settings.
- No Online 4-Player Split Screen: This bears repeating; the 4-player split screen is only available for local offline play. If you want to play with more than two people online on one system, that is not possible within Black Ops 3. You will need to play with multiple systems and copies of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play split screen with friends online in Black Ops 3 Zombies on PC?
No, online 4-player split-screen is not supported in Black Ops III on PC. The split-screen functionality is strictly limited to offline, local play with up to 4 players. If you want to play online with 3 other people, it will need to be through four copies of the game on four different systems.
2. What is the maximum number of players for split-screen in Black Ops 3 Zombies on PC?
The maximum number of players for split-screen in Zombies on PC is four players. This mode allows you and up to three friends to play together on one screen locally.
3. Can I use a mouse and keyboard with split-screen in Black Ops 3 on PC?
Yes, you can use a mouse and keyboard for one player and controllers for the other players. The game’s settings allow you to choose which input method each player uses.
4. Is split-screen available in other modes in Black Ops 3 on PC?
Yes, split-screen is also available in Multiplayer and Campaign modes on PC. However, the Campaign mode only supports two players locally, whereas the Multiplayer mode can support up to four players locally.
5. How do I add a split-screen controller in Black Ops 3 on PC?
Connect your controllers before launching the game. After launching, click “Activate split screen” on the main menu using the mouse. Then, each controller should be able to navigate and select their profile using the controller.
6. Does Black Ops 3 Zombies Chronicles support 4-player split screen on PC?
Yes, Black Ops III Zombies Chronicles supports the same split-screen functionalities as the base game, including 4-player split-screen locally.
7. Can I play split-screen with Steam Link in Black Ops 3 on PC?
No, Steam Link is not supported for split screen in Black Ops III. You will need to physically connect the controllers to your PC in order to play split screen.
8. Does the number of split screen players affect game performance?
Yes, the more players in split-screen, the more demanding the game becomes on your PC. You may need to lower your graphics settings for optimal performance with four players.
9. Can I play with AI bots when using split-screen locally in Black Ops 3 on PC?
Yes, you can add AI bots when playing split-screen locally in Multiplayer mode in Black Ops III on PC. This is not possible in Zombies mode.
10. Are there any specific controller types that work best for split-screen in Black Ops 3 on PC?
While most USB controllers are compatible, some controllers might require drivers or configuration adjustments. It’s often best to use wired controllers to avoid any connection issues.
11. Why can’t I get my second controller to work when playing split-screen on Black Ops 3 PC?
Make sure the second controller is plugged in after the game has launched. Also, make sure you use the “activate splitscreen” option on the main menu using your mouse to correctly register the second controller.
12. Can I play Black Ops 3 zombies split screen offline?
Yes, offline play with split-screen is supported for up to four players in the Zombies mode in Black Ops 3 on PC.
13. Is there any way to get split-screen working on Black Ops 2 zombies on PC?
No, split screen is not supported for Zombies in Black Ops 2 on PC.
14. Do all Call of Duty games on PC have split-screen capabilities?
No, not all Call of Duty games on PC have split-screen functionality. The feature was included in several titles, but not all.
15. What is the easiest way to get split screen working with my controllers in Black Ops 3 on PC?
Go to the game settings and set the “gamepad option” in the options menu for the controller you would like to use. If you switch between each option and save each time, eventually both controllers should work in split-screen.
Conclusion
Black Ops III remains a fan favorite for its rich Zombies experience and, importantly, its robust local multiplayer options, especially the 4-player split-screen for offline play on PC. While it’s true that the online functionality doesn’t support this same feature, the option to gather friends locally and battle the undead on one screen remains a compelling offering. By following the correct procedures for controller setup and understanding the game’s limitations, you and your friends can enjoy a true cooperative experience on your PC. Remember to always check for any driver updates for your controllers and consider reducing graphical settings if necessary to maximize performance. Have fun taking on the undead together!