Is Call of Duty Zombies Split-Screen? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, the ability to play Call of Duty Zombies in split-screen mode is a feature present in many, but not all, titles within the franchise. This feature allows two players to experience the thrill of surviving against hordes of the undead on the same console. However, it’s crucial to note that split-screen availability varies across different Call of Duty games, and it is primarily limited to console versions. This means that if you’re hoping to play local split-screen Zombies on a PC, you’ll unfortunately be out of luck. The implementation of split-screen also isn’t always consistent; some titles offer it across all modes, while others restrict it to local play only. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics to give you a clear understanding of which games support split-screen Zombies and how it works.
A Look at Split-Screen Zombies Through the Years
The inclusion of split-screen in Call of Duty has been a beloved feature for players who enjoy co-op gaming on the couch. When it comes to Zombies, this feature truly enhances the camaraderie and challenge of fighting the undead together.
Early Days and the Birth of Split-Screen Zombies
The first iterations of Call of Duty Zombies, starting with Call of Duty: World at War, introduced players to the frantic and strategic gameplay that would become iconic. Importantly, this title was one of the first to offer split-screen co-op for its zombie survival mode. This meant friends could team up and experience the chaos together, right from their living rooms. This set a precedent that many future titles in the series have followed.
The Black Ops Era and Split-Screen Evolution
As the franchise continued to evolve, the Black Ops series became a cornerstone for the Zombies mode. Call of Duty: Black Ops, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, and Call of Duty: Black Ops III all included split-screen functionality for their respective Zombies modes. Black Ops II, in particular, offered four-player local split-screen, marking a significant step for couch co-op fans, however, you would need to play local to have 4 players. With Black Ops III, players could enjoy two-player split-screen online play and four-player split-screen locally adding even greater flexibility to their gameplay options. This period showcased how the Call of Duty franchise recognized the value of local multiplayer, especially within the Zombies experience.
Modern Warfare and Split Screen Decisions
The Modern Warfare series also had its moments with split screen. While the rebooted Modern Warfare (2019) and Modern Warfare II (2022) included split-screen in multiplayer modes, the emphasis on zombies had shifted, with those titles not supporting this mode. This demonstrates a trend where some recent titles prioritized other game modes for split-screen support. Notably, Modern Warfare III (2023) is set to have split-screen at launch after it was absent in beta.
The Current State: Cold War and Beyond
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War brought back split-screen functionality for Zombies. You can play with a friend via two-player split-screen on consoles. This further solidified split-screen as an important feature for many Call of Duty fans. However, recent games like Vanguard and a few titles mentioned above have made decisions not to include split-screen for Zombies, emphasizing that feature support is not guaranteed. Despite this, where Zombies is included in more recent titles, it has often included some form of local split screen.
The Benefits and Limitations of Split-Screen
When it’s available, split-screen Zombies offers several benefits: it’s fantastic for playing with friends or family in the same room. The immediate communication and teamwork often lead to a different experience than playing online. On the flip side, the limitation to two players split-screen in online play and the absence of this feature in some games can be a drawback for some players. Furthermore, the screen is halved or quartered, which can be visually challenging for some people depending on the TV and player preferences.
Optimizing Your Split Screen Experience
To ensure the best split-screen experience, keep a few things in mind. First, play on a larger screen to give each player more viewing space. Adjust your console and in-game settings to find optimal visual clarity. Communication is also crucial; use headphones or speak clearly to coordinate effectively, especially in the chaos of a Zombies map. Troubleshooting steps, such as setting up guest accounts or adjusting controller settings, can help resolve common issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Call of Duty Zombies and split-screen capabilities:
1. Which Call of Duty games have split-screen Zombies?
Many titles support split-screen zombies. These include World at War, Black Ops, Black Ops II, Black Ops III, and Black Ops Cold War. The availability often varies between online and local play, with local games often being able to have more players, if the game supports it.
2. How many players can play split-screen in Call of Duty Zombies?
Typically, split-screen Zombies supports two players per console when playing online or through a LAN connection. However, games like Black Ops III and Black Ops 2 have the capacity for up to four players in local games on the same console.
3. Can you play split-screen Zombies online?
Yes, most Call of Duty games with split-screen Zombies allow you to play online with two players on a single console. For example, Black Ops III supported two-player split-screen online play in Zombies and Cold War included this same functionality.
4. Is split-screen Zombies available on PC?
No, split-screen Zombies is generally not available on the PC versions of Call of Duty games. This feature is primarily implemented for console versions.
5. Why won’t my split-screen Zombies work?
Common issues might stem from controller settings, guest account setup, or a bug that occasionally plagues the titles. Make sure you are signed in, have the second controller set up and try adjusting the controller options. Some games require you to select Zombies from the main menu simultaneously.
6. Does Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 have split-screen Zombies?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 has split-screen zombies, however, it is limited to 2-player split screen.
7. Does Call of Duty: Vanguard have split-screen Zombies?
Unfortunately, Call of Duty: Vanguard does not offer split-screen functionality for its Zombies mode.
8. Can you play the Call of Duty: Cold War Onslaught mode in split-screen?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’s Onslaught mode allows for two-player split-screen co-op, which lets players survive waves of zombies on Multiplayer maps.
9. Does Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 have split-screen?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III does have split screen, but only in multiplayer. However, it is expected to launch with the functionality as it was absent in beta.
10. Can you play the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) campaign in split-screen?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) does not have split-screen campaign mode.
11. Is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 split-screen?
Yes, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II has split-screen but only in multiplayer game modes. It does not extend to other game types.
12. Why does split-screen not work in all game modes?
Game modes like Spec Ops, Free-For-All, Ground War, and Invasion in Modern Warfare 2 do not support split-screen because they often require larger maps and more players, which is not suitable for the split-screen format and system limitations.
13. How do I set up split-screen in Call of Duty Zombies?
To set up split-screen, ensure both controllers are connected and that you have a guest account, if required. From the main menu of your chosen Call of Duty, select the Zombies mode, then choose the map you want to play. If needed, press the corresponding button on the second controller to join the game.
14. Is Call of Duty Zombies Chronicles worth it for split-screen?
Zombies Chronicles is a great choice for split-screen gameplay, particularly for those who enjoy custom maps. It is worth it if you have friends to play with.
15. How can I fix issues with Black Ops 3 Zombies split screen?
Go to the game settings, specifically the controller options, and play with the split-screen settings, saving the changes as you do. Try one of the settings, save and if it doesn’t work, try another, and this should rectify the problem.
Conclusion
Call of Duty Zombies split-screen remains a cherished feature for those looking to play co-op locally on the same console. While the availability of this feature varies between titles and modes, when it’s included, it provides a great and immersive experience. It’s always recommended to check individual game details, and these FAQs, to confirm what features are available before diving in, ensuring you are fully prepared to fight hordes of the undead with your friends right beside you.