Why Can’t I Play Split Screen on Black Ops 3 Zombies?
The frustration of wanting to dive into some classic Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (BO3) Zombies with friends, only to encounter issues with split screen, is a common one. The answer to “Why can’t I play split screen on Black Ops 3 Zombies?” isn’t a simple one, unfortunately. It usually boils down to a combination of factors, most commonly: incorrect setup, controller issues, account problems, or even glitches within the game itself.
Let’s break down the reasons why split screen might not be working for you, and then address potential fixes. One of the primary issues is that Black Ops 3 on consoles (Xbox and PlayStation) is the only platform where local split-screen is available. PC players do not have access to local split-screen, although there are some workarounds with external tools. Another critical point is that each player must be signed into a profile, even if it’s just a guest profile.
If you are on console, you need to ensure that your second controller is connected and recognized by the console. After that, you need to be signed in with a second account (or a guest profile). Only after this you will be able to attach it in game for split screen play. The most common mistake is attempting to play with two controllers assigned to the same account. Both players must individually log into a profile.
Furthermore, gamepad settings within Black Ops 3 can sometimes interfere with split-screen. Sometimes simply fiddling with these settings can suddenly enable split screen play. A good suggestion would be to try all options in the controller or gamepad settings to check if it starts working, save the change and try again after each attempt.
In addition to these technical issues, sometimes the reason split-screen doesn’t work is that players do not follow the correct procedure to initiate split screen play. It is not just plugging in a controller and playing. The correct steps must be followed to start local multiplayer, and the methods differ slightly between game modes. Typically, in the main menu you will need to use controller 2 to log in a new profile. After which, you may need to press “X” or “A” to initiate split-screen and join the game.
Finally, glitches or bugs in the game can sometimes cause the split-screen feature to fail. Unfortunately, these issues often require a full restart of the console or the game itself, as they can stem from temporary software conflicts or memory issues. Therefore, keep the software updated, and occasionally restart the console to prevent these issues.
Common Split Screen Issues and Solutions
If your split screen isn’t working, here’s a simple troubleshooting plan:
- Controller Recognition: First, make sure your console actually recognizes both controllers. Check to see if they work on the dashboard and in other games.
- Account Logins: Verify that the second player is logged into a separate profile, either their own account or a guest account.
- In-Game Attachment: Ensure that you followed the on screen instructions to connect to the second account by pressing the designated buttons. Often there will be a pop up to connect controller 2 to the game after it signs in.
- Settings Adjustments: Go to the game’s controller settings menu and check the split-screen options. Make small changes and save the changes to test the differences and changes in the game.
- Game Restart: Close the game completely and relaunch it. This can resolve minor glitches.
- Console Restart: If all else fails, try restarting your console.
- Software Updates: Ensure your game and console software are fully updated to prevent compatibility issues.
By addressing these areas, you can often resolve the frustrating “Why can’t I play split screen on Black Ops 3 Zombies?” issue and finally enjoy some cooperative zombie slaying. Remember to double check all your settings and accounts, and if all else fails a game and console restart often fixes minor software or game glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Black Ops 3 Split Screen
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify issues regarding Black Ops 3 split screen functionality:
1. Can you play Black Ops 3 Zombies split screen offline?
Yes, absolutely. Black Ops 3 Zombies supports up to four players in local split-screen mode, offline. You can all team up to tackle the hordes locally without an internet connection.
2. Is BO3 Zombies split screen on Xbox One and PlayStation 4?
Yes, the split-screen feature for Zombies is available on both Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles. Note that PC does not have native split-screen.
3. How many players can play Black Ops 3 Zombies split screen?
You can have up to four players in split-screen when playing Black Ops 3 Zombies locally.
4. Does Black Ops 3 have split-screen campaign mode?
Yes, Black Ops 3 does feature a 2-player split-screen option for its campaign mode, available both locally and online.
5. Why is my Black Ops 3 split-screen not showing up?
This is often due to incorrect controller setup, missing player logins, or glitches within the game. Make sure the secondary controller is connected, the player is signed in, and that you follow the correct steps to connect split-screen in game.
6. How do I add a second player for split-screen on Black Ops 3?
On console, connect a second controller, ensure it’s signed into a different account or guest profile, and then follow the on-screen prompts within the game’s main menu or mode selection screen to add the player.
7. Can you play Call of Duty Black Ops 3 offline?
Yes, Black Ops 3 has both offline and online modes. You can play the campaign, multiplayer, and zombies in offline mode, though some features might be limited or require previous online access.
8. How do I fix the small screen size for split-screen on Black Ops 3?
The size of the split-screen area is by design and is done to preserve aspect ratio. It is not an issue and cannot be solved within the game itself. However, some console settings might help. You can change screen area settings from the console settings (PlayStation 4 Settings > Sound and Screen > Display Area Settings).
9. Why is the split screen on Black Ops 3 so small?
The small split screen is intentional and it is meant to preserve the aspect ratio of the game, avoiding stretched or distorted visuals. Unfortunately, it cannot be adjusted within the game settings.
10. Can you play Zombies split screen and online?
No, you cannot play local split-screen and online at the same time on one console. You either have a local split-screen game, or an online match. The two can not be combined on one system.
11. Can I do 3-player split-screen on Black Ops 3 Zombies?
Yes, Black Ops 3 Zombies supports up to four players split-screen locally, so three players are perfectly fine.
12. How do I play 2 player Zombies on Black Ops 3 Xbox One offline?
Ensure both controllers are connected and signed into a profile, including the second player, then from the main menu select Zombies, then press “A” to activate split screen with the other controller. Often this will cause a prompt to appear for you to sign in a new account on controller 2 to join the game.
13. Is there split-screen on PC for Black Ops 3?
Unfortunately, there is no native split-screen option for Black Ops 3 on PC. Some third-party tools claim to offer this capability, but they are not officially supported.
14. What Black Ops game has the best Zombies mode?
While this is subjective, many fans consider Black Ops 3 to have the best Zombies mode due to its depth, map variety, and engaging storyline.
15. Does Black Ops 4 have 3-player split screen?
No, Black Ops 4 does not support 3-player split-screen in multiplayer or Blackout mode. It does offer 4-player split-screen in Zombies mode.
These FAQs should provide a comprehensive overview of split-screen capabilities in Black Ops 3 Zombies. If you still encounter problems, ensure your console and game are updated, and attempt a full reboot of your system. If your issues persist, try looking online for some technical support forums, or contact Activision directly for some technical support.