Is Black Ops 4 3 Player Split Screen? The Definitive Guide
The simple answer is no, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 does not support 3-player split-screen. While the game does offer split-screen functionality, it is limited to two players in Multiplayer and Blackout modes and four players in Zombies mode. This means that if you were hoping to gather three friends around the same screen for some local Black Ops 4 action, you’ll unfortunately be one person short.
Black Ops 4 aimed to deliver a diverse and engaging experience across its various modes, and while it does a decent job with split-screen, the limitation on player counts for modes beyond Zombies is something to be aware of. Let’s delve deeper into why it’s this way and what the game actually offers in terms of local multiplayer.
Understanding Black Ops 4 Split-Screen Limitations
The core reason behind the absence of 3-player split-screen in Black Ops 4’s Multiplayer and Blackout modes likely comes down to performance constraints. Rendering the game world multiple times, especially with the complexity of Blackout, puts a heavy load on the console. Supporting a third player would likely introduce substantial performance issues, like frame rate drops and graphical glitches, negatively impacting the overall gaming experience. Therefore, the developers opted to limit it to two players in those modes to maintain a smooth and playable environment.
Two-Player Split Screen in Multiplayer and Blackout
For both Multiplayer and Blackout, Black Ops 4 supports a two-player split-screen mode. This allows you to team up with a friend locally on the same console, using one copy of the game. However, keep in mind that both players must be signed into PlayStation Network (if on PS4) or Xbox Live (if on Xbox) accounts. Additionally, at least one player usually needs to have a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription to play online. This limitation might not apply to purely local offline play, but online split-screen requires these subscriptions.
Four-Player Split Screen in Zombies Mode
The situation is different in the Zombies mode. Here, Black Ops 4 allows for four-player split-screen on the same console, allowing for a complete, local zombie-slaying experience. This mode is designed with cooperative play in mind, and the ability to have four players team up and tackle the undead hordes locally enhances this experience. So, while 3 player split-screen isn’t supported, the 4-player Zombie mode helps alleviate that absence.
Why 3-Player Split Screen is Not Always Feasible
While the desire for 3-player split-screen is understandable, the technological and design hurdles for implementing it in a fast-paced game like Call of Duty are significant. The processing power needed to maintain consistent performance while rendering three perspectives on the same screen is demanding. Developers have to make design choices that prioritize playability and experience. For Black Ops 4, they chose a stable two-player split screen experience in Multiplayer and Blackout alongside a 4-player Zombie mode over an unstable 3-player split screen option.
Related FAQs about Black Ops 4 Split-Screen
To further clarify the ins and outs of split-screen play in Black Ops 4, here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
1. Does Black Ops 4 have split screen?
Yes, Black Ops 4 supports split-screen in all of its main game modes: Multiplayer, Blackout, and Zombies. The limitations are that it is 2-player for Multiplayer and Blackout, and 4-player for Zombies.
2. Can you play Black Ops 4 split-screen offline?
Yes, you can play Black Ops 4 split-screen offline in both Multiplayer and Zombies modes. However, online play will require the appropriate PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscriptions.
3. How do I set up split-screen in Black Ops 4?
Simply turn on the second controller and log in with a PlayStation or Xbox account. Then, on the mode selection screen, select a mode, and if you are using more than one controller, it will automatically enable split screen.
4. Can you play Blackout split-screen?
Yes, Blackout supports two-player split-screen.
5. How many players can play Zombies split-screen on Black Ops 4?
Zombies mode in Black Ops 4 supports four-player split-screen locally.
6. Does split-screen impact performance on Black Ops 4?
Yes, split-screen can impact performance, especially on older consoles. Expect some frame rate drops and a reduction in graphical fidelity compared to single-player gameplay.
7. Is Black Ops 4’s split-screen online only?
No, split-screen is available both online and offline. However, you will need subscriptions to play online in the respective mode with other people online (i.e. PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold).
8. What are the requirements for online split-screen?
For online split-screen play in Black Ops 4, both players must be signed into a PSN/Xbox Live account, and at least one player must have an active subscription to PlayStation Plus (if on PS4) or Xbox Live Gold (if on Xbox).
9. Can you play Black Ops 4’s campaign in split-screen?
Black Ops 4 does not have a traditional single-player campaign, so split-screen does not apply.
10. Is there cross-platform split-screen in Black Ops 4?
Black Ops 4 does not support cross-platform play or cross-platform split-screen. This means that you can only play split-screen with players on the same console.
11. Can you use guest accounts for split-screen?
It depends, it is easier to use a PSN or Xbox Live account. Sometimes guest accounts can function if you don’t want to make a specific user for another player on your console. Sometimes you can encounter errors using a guest account on certain games, but on Black Ops 4 it might be possible.
12. What are the split-screen viewing modes in Black Ops 4?
The game uses a horizontal split-screen layout.
13. Does Black Ops 4 have the same split-screen options on all consoles?
Yes, Black Ops 4 offers the same split-screen functionality on both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. However, performance might vary based on the console’s age and model.
14. Does the type of screen affect split-screen in Black Ops 4?
The type of screen doesn’t usually impact the ability to enable split-screen. However, a smaller screen might make seeing the action on the split screen harder.
15. Is there a way to get 3 player split screen in Black Ops 4?
Unfortunately, there is no way to play 3-player split-screen in Black Ops 4. You are limited to two players in Multiplayer and Blackout, and four players in Zombies mode.
Conclusion
While the absence of 3-player split-screen in Black Ops 4 might disappoint some, the game offers robust 2-player split-screen in Multiplayer and Blackout along with a thrilling 4-player split-screen experience in Zombies. Understanding these limitations and the options available allows players to make the most of the local multiplayer features. Despite the lack of that 3-player option, Black Ops 4 remains a decent option for local cooperative play on consoles for those who like it. The 4 player zombies is still a great thing to have.