Which Call of Duty Games Feature 4-Player Split-Screen Zombies?

The desire to gather around the console with friends and blast through hordes of the undead in split-screen is a hallmark of the Call of Duty Zombies experience. However, not all games in the franchise offer this option, especially not for four players. While many titles provide online co-op for four players, the true shared-screen experience of 4-player split-screen Zombies is rarer. The short answer is, very few Call of Duty games offer 4-player split-screen Zombies mode. In fact, most games that support split-screen for Zombies are limited to 2 players on one console. However, the following titles offer the coveted 4-player local experience:

• Call of Duty: Black Ops III: This game is the primary standout and the most consistent example of a Call of Duty game offering 4-player split-screen in Zombies. However, it’s essential to note that this functionality is ONLY AVAILABLE IN LOCAL PLAY. You cannot play four-player split-screen Zombies online with Black Ops III.

• Call of Duty: Black Ops (with caveats): While not directly advertised, Call of Duty: Black Ops has a workaround. Using the Dead Ops Arcade map as a launch point, it is possible to trick the game to allow 4-player zombies split-screen, but the main zombies mode will still only allow 2-player split-screen. This is a glitch exploit and not an official feature. It also requires all players to play offline.

It’s important to emphasize that, aside from the aforementioned options, no other mainline Call of Duty titles offer true four-player split-screen Zombies. Many games allow online co-op for four, and some offer two-player split-screen, but four-player local is a unique and limited feature.

Understanding Split-Screen Limitations in Call of Duty

The lack of widespread 4-player split-screen Zombies functionality often boils down to technical limitations. Rendering and processing the game world multiple times on a single console to support four distinct viewpoints can be taxing, especially on older hardware. This is why many games opt for the more optimized two-player split-screen or solely focus on online co-op for four players. It’s a balancing act between performance and player accessibility. This limitation is also generally tied to console generation; older consoles like Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 do not often support split-screen functionality at all.

Local vs. Online Split-Screen

It’s crucial to differentiate between local split-screen and online split-screen. Local split-screen means all players are playing on the same console, sharing the same screen (or part of it). Online split-screen involves two players on one console connecting with other players online. Most COD games limit split-screen to two players when going online. Even if you have a four-player local option, that feature usually only works when all players are on the same console without an internet connection, as is the case with Black Ops III.

Why is 4-Player Split-Screen So Rare?

The rarity of this feature in the COD franchise can be explained by a few key reasons:

• Performance Demands: Rendering four separate game perspectives on a single console puts a huge strain on processing power, which can lead to performance issues like frame rate drops and decreased graphical quality. This is especially prevalent in graphically intensive games like modern Call of Duty titles.
• Development Costs: Implementing and testing 4-player split-screen functionality is more time-consuming and expensive for developers than simply enabling 2-player split-screen.
• Focus on Online Play: Modern gaming is heavily geared toward online multiplayer experiences, making the demand for local split-screen lower, so developers might prioritize online functionalities over the local four-player option.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About 4-Player Split-Screen Zombies

Does Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 have 4-player split-screen Zombies?

No, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 does NOT have 4-player split-screen Zombies. It only supports 2-player split-screen locally and online in Zombies mode.

Can you play 4-player split-screen on Infinite Warfare Zombies?

No, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare does not support 4-player split-screen in Zombies mode. The maximum is two players via split-screen, whether in local play or online.

Does Modern Warfare (2019) have 4-player split-screen Zombies?

No, Modern Warfare (2019) does not have 4-player split-screen in its Spec Ops mode, which is the closest thing to Zombies available. Furthermore, it doesn’t have traditional Zombies. It only has 2-player split-screen.

What about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)?

Similarly, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) does not support 4-player split-screen in any mode, including Special Ops. It’s limited to 2-player split-screen.

Does Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War have 4-player split-screen Zombies?

No, while Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War features a very popular Zombies mode, it only supports 2-player split-screen for console players, not 4.

Is there 4-player split-screen in Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies?

No, Call of Duty: Vanguard does not support 4-player split-screen Zombies. It offers a traditional 4-player co-op, but this is online and not accessible on a single console screen. Split screen is capped at 2 players.

Is World at War Zombies 4-player split-screen?

While Call of Duty: World at War pioneered Zombies, it only supports 2-player split-screen. It does have 4-player online co-op.

Does Call of Duty: Black Ops II have 4-player split-screen Zombies?

Call of Duty: Black Ops II only supports two player split screen. You can play online for four players co-op.

Can I play 3-player split-screen on any Call of Duty Zombies?

No, 3-player split-screen is not supported in any Call of Duty Zombies mode. Games are limited to either 2-player or 4-player, but not a 3-player configuration.

Is four-player split-screen only on consoles, not PC?

Yes, 4-player split-screen is exclusively a feature for console versions of Call of Duty. PCs generally do not support split-screen functionality due to controller input limitations and screen setup.

Is Call of Duty: WWII Zombies 4-player split screen?

Call of Duty: WWII only supports 2-player local co-op for Zombies mode and does not have 4-player split-screen.

Does Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare have 4-player split-screen?

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare does not offer 4-player split-screen in its Exo-Survival co-op. It is limited to 2-player split-screen.

Can I play 4-player split-screen on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered?

No, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered only supports 2-player split-screen in Multiplayer. It does not have Zombies.

What is the most popular Call of Duty Zombies?

While player preference varies, Call of Duty: Black Ops III is often cited as one of the most popular for Zombies due to the abundance of content and refined mechanics. This game also offers four-player local split screen in the Zombie mode.

Is split-screen possible on emulated Call of Duty titles?

Split-screen behavior on emulated Call of Duty titles can be unpredictable and depend heavily on the emulator’s capabilities and configuration. It is not officially supported and can be unstable. 2-Player may work on these systems, but 4-player is even more unlikely.