Why Can’t I Play BO3 Zombies Split Screen? Troubleshooting and Solutions
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The frustration of wanting to jump into a split-screen Zombies match on Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (BO3), only to find it not working, is a common experience for many players. The simple answer to “Why can’t I play BO3 Zombies split screen?” is often rooted in a mix of incorrect setup, platform limitations, and occasional glitches. But let’s break down these potential issues step by step.
The primary reason you’re likely facing difficulties is incorrect controller configuration. BO3’s split-screen functionality requires that the second player’s controller be properly connected and recognized by the game. This often means ensuring that the second controller is signed into either a separate profile or a guest account. Failure to do so will prevent the second player from joining the game. Additionally, there can be confusion around which platform allows which type of split-screen mode, i.e., local or online.
Furthermore, the platform you’re playing on impacts how you set up split screen. Consoles have a more straightforward process involving pressing a designated button (usually ‘X’ on PlayStation or ‘A’ on Xbox), and then navigating to the Zombies menu. PC players have to navigate through the controller settings within the game, potentially toggling split-screen options or even ensuring that their controllers are recognized at all. Finally, rare glitches can sometimes occur, requiring a full restart of the game or even the console.
Identifying Common BO3 Split Screen Problems
Controller Connection and Profile Issues
The first step is verifying that your second controller is properly connected. Make sure the controller is charged or has fresh batteries. For both console and PC players, ensure that the controller is recognized by the system and the game.
- Console Players: If playing on PlayStation or Xbox, make sure the second controller is synced and signed in to a PSN/Xbox account or a guest account. The game won’t register the second player if it isn’t associated with an active profile.
- PC Players: This step is more challenging and requires you to go to Black Ops 3 game pad settings, usually located in ‘options,’ ‘controller,’ and ‘gamepad.’ It is essential to experiment with the split screen options at the bottom of the screen, saving after each change. This process may be necessary even if the controller is otherwise functional.
Confusing Local and Online Split-Screen
Black Ops 3 supports split-screen both locally and online. This is where players sometimes get confused.
- Local Split Screen: This refers to playing with multiple players on the same console or PC, connected to the same screen. BO3 supports up to 2 players in split-screen for the campaign, while in zombies it allows up to 4 players locally. However, the availability of the feature is platform-dependent.
- Online Split Screen: This means using one screen and console to play with other players over an internet connection. BO3 supports split-screen up to two players while playing online in either multiplayer or zombies modes.
Understanding these limitations is crucial when trying to set up split screen. If you’re expecting 4 players split-screen in an online match, you’ll be disappointed.
Platform-Specific Limitations
The gaming platform you choose significantly impacts split-screen capabilities.
- PlayStation 4 and Xbox One: These consoles support up to four players in local multiplayer, including Zombies mode. However, online split-screen is limited to two players.
- PC: While PC allows for 4 players in local split-screen, this requires specific in-game settings configurations. The setup is often more complex and may require multiple controllers plugged directly into the system.
- Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3: These older generation consoles do not support split-screen functionality in Black Ops 3.
Common Glitches and Bugs
Software can occasionally be unpredictable, and Call of Duty games are no exception. Sometimes, the split-screen functionality might simply glitch out. If you’ve ruled out the above problems, a simple restart is sometimes all that’s needed.
- Restart the Game: Close the game and relaunch it.
- Restart the Console or PC: A full system restart might be necessary for more stubborn issues.
- Check for Updates: Ensure that your game is updated to the latest version. Patches often fix common bugs.
Troubleshooting Step-By-Step
If you’re still having trouble, follow these steps:
- Verify Controller Connection: Make sure all controllers are connected properly and that the relevant system recognizes the controller and has a profile associated.
- Profile Sign-in: The second controller must be signed into a profile. Guest accounts are also an acceptable solution.
- Navigate to Split Screen: On the main menu, use the designated button on the second controller to join.
- Choose Game Mode: Select the Zombies mode.
- Check Game Settings (PC Only): Verify your split screen settings within BO3’s controller menu.
- Restart if Necessary: After making all these checks, restart the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play BO3 Zombies split screen on my old Xbox 360 or PS3?
No, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 do not support split-screen in Black Ops 3. This functionality is only available on newer-generation consoles and PC.
2. How many players can play split-screen Zombies locally?
BO3 allows up to four players in local split-screen for Zombies mode on PS4, Xbox One and PC, but only two players in split-screen online.
3. Can I play BO3 Zombies 4 player split screen online?
No, BO3 only allows a maximum of two players in split-screen while playing online in any mode.
4. My second controller won’t connect. What am I doing wrong?
Ensure that the second controller is synced to the console or PC and signed into a separate profile. Also verify it has charge or working batteries.
5. How do I change my split-screen view in BO3 from horizontal to vertical?
On PC, enable Surround in your display settings and then toggle the horizontal/vertical split screen option within the Black Ops 3 game menu. However, this feature is not fully available for console users.
6. Is split screen available for the campaign mode in BO3?
Yes, the campaign mode in Black Ops 3 supports 2-player split-screen in both local and online play.
7. Does Black Ops Cold War have 4 player split screen for zombies?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is limited to 2-player split screen for both local and online play in all modes.
8. Can you play any other Call of Duty with 4 player split screen?
Call of Duty: Black Ops III is the primary title that supports 4-player split-screen. Older games such as Black Ops and Modern Warfare 3 are limited to two players in online split-screen play.
9. Why is my split-screen not working on PC for Black Ops 3?
PC setups for split-screen are often complex. Ensure you are using multiple compatible controllers and that you have configured the split-screen options in the controller settings within Black Ops 3.
10. I only have one account. Can I still play split-screen?
Yes, you can use a guest profile for the second player. This allows split screen play without a dedicated account for every player.
11. What is the best Call of Duty for Zombies mode?
Black Ops 3 is widely considered one of the best Call of Duty games for Zombies mode. It’s followed by other titles like Black Ops Cold War, Black Ops 2, and World at War.
12. Can you mix online play and split-screen players?
Yes, you can combine local split-screen players with online players in Black Ops 3 (up to 2 players using split screen).
13. If I have two monitors, will split screen work correctly on PC?
Two monitors may cause issues with split screen due to the bezel splitting the screen down the middle of each players’ view. Use the surround option and change the split screen orientation to vertical to work around this.
14. Can I play a zombies map that is only available as DLC in split screen?
Yes, DLC maps are fully functional in split-screen mode, provided both players own the DLC.
15. Is split-screen available in all Call of Duty games?
No. Not every Call of Duty game supports split-screen. Older titles or PC versions might not have it, or have limitations on player count. Check the specific game’s documentation.
By considering these elements, you’ll be well on your way to tackling the frustrations of split-screen setup in Black Ops 3.