Will Far Cry 6 Have Split-Screen? The Definitive Answer & FAQs
The short answer is no, Far Cry 6 does not have split-screen co-op. While the game does offer a robust online co-op experience, allowing you to team up with a friend to tackle the sprawling world of Yara, local split-screen gameplay is not an option. This means that to play cooperatively, both players will need their own console, a copy of the game, and an active internet connection. This design choice aligns with many modern AAA titles, but it can be disappointing for those who enjoy the convenience of couch co-op. Let’s delve deeper into what co-op options are available and why split-screen is missing.
Understanding Far Cry 6’s Co-op System
Far Cry 6’s co-op is entirely focused on online multiplayer. You and a friend can dive into the game’s campaign and explore the open world together. The co-op system allows for seamless drop-in/drop-out gameplay, making it easy to join forces at any time.
How to Play Co-op in Far Cry 6
- Complete “Du or Die”: To unlock co-op, you must first complete the “Du or Die” mission in the game. This is a crucial part of the early game progression.
- Open the Menu: Access the in-game menu.
- Find the Co-op Icon: Look for the co-op icon, usually located at the top right of the menu screen.
- Invite or Search for a Partner: You can either choose to invite a friend to join your game or use the “Search for a Partner” feature to find a random player online.
Co-op Limitations and Benefits
- Guest Progress: While playing co-op, the host player’s story progress is saved. Guests will retain their character progression, ammunition, and any loot earned, but their main story advancement will not carry over to their single-player game.
- Open World Freedom: You are free to explore the open world and participate in side activities and quests with your co-op partner.
- Campaign Access: Both players can tackle the main campaign missions together once the “Du or Die” mission is completed.
- No Couch Co-op: As mentioned, the lack of split-screen means you cannot play cooperatively on the same console.
Why No Split-Screen in Far Cry 6?
The absence of split-screen in modern games like Far Cry 6 often comes down to performance constraints and development priorities. Implementing split-screen co-op requires the game engine to render the game world twice (or more, if more than two players were supported) on the same screen. This significantly increases the hardware demands of the game, potentially leading to performance issues, lower frame rates, and reduced graphical fidelity.
Furthermore, developers often need to balance development resources and priorities. In many cases, focusing on creating a polished online multiplayer experience is prioritized over a local split-screen mode. Given the vast open world and detailed environments in Far Cry 6, the performance overhead of split-screen would likely have presented considerable challenges.
The Shift Away from Split-Screen
The decline of local split-screen in modern gaming is a trend that has become more pronounced over the last decade. The increasing focus on online connectivity, coupled with the demand for high-fidelity graphics and large-scale open worlds, has made split-screen more difficult to implement. While there remains a demand for this feature from a vocal segment of the gaming community, it is not as widely incorporated into modern AAA titles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can two people play Far Cry 6 together?
Yes, two people can play Far Cry 6 together via online co-op. Both players will need their own copy of the game and access to online services.
2. Which Far Cry games have split-screen?
The only Far Cry game that offers a split-screen option is Far Cry 3 on the Xbox 360, and it’s specifically for its co-op mini-campaign and not the main story. No other mainline Far Cry game has split-screen capability.
3. Does Far Cry 5 have split-screen co-op?
No, Far Cry 5 does not feature split-screen co-op. You can only play co-op with a friend online.
4. Will Far Cry 6 have 4-player co-op?
No, Far Cry 6 only supports two-player co-op.
5. Is the Far Cry 4 story playable in co-op?
No, the main story in Far Cry 4 cannot be played in co-op. However, side missions and open-world activities are fully accessible in co-op with one other player.
6. Does Far Cry 3 have 4-player co-op?
Yes, Far Cry 3 features a four-player online co-op mini-campaign. On console (specifically Xbox 360), it also has a split-screen option for co-op with the requirement that both split-screen players have Xbox Live Gold.
7. Is there a co-op campaign in Far Cry 6?
Yes, once you complete the “Du or Die” mission, you can play the main campaign and the DLC in co-op with a friend.
8. Can I play Far Cry 5 DLC in split-screen?
No, there is no split-screen option for the Far Cry 5 DLC, just like the main game.
9. What progress is saved in Far Cry 6 co-op?
The host player’s story progress is saved, while the guest player will keep their loot, ammo, and any character progression they have earned.
10. Is Far Cry 3 a co-op campaign?
Far Cry 3 features a separate co-op mode that is not integrated into the main single-player campaign. This mode has a unique six-mission mini-campaign.
11. How do I start co-op in Far Cry 5?
In Far Cry 5, you can open the in-game menu and select the co-op option to either invite a friend or join their game. Co-op becomes available after leaving “Dutch’s Island.”
12. How long is the Far Cry 6 campaign?
The main story campaign for Far Cry 6 is roughly 23.5 hours in length. Completionists can expect to spend around 60 hours to achieve 100% completion.
13. Can you play Far Cry New Dawn’s campaign in co-op?
Yes, you can play the Far Cry New Dawn campaign in co-op with a friend by inviting them through the online menu.
14. How long do I have to play Far Cry 6 before co-op becomes available?
Co-op is available after you complete the “Du or Die” mission, which is part of the game’s early progression.
15. What are the online co-op requirements for Far Cry 6?
Both players must have their own console, a copy of Far Cry 6, and an active internet connection to play co-op. Split-screen is not supported.
Conclusion
While the lack of split-screen in Far Cry 6 is disappointing for some, the game offers a solid online co-op experience. The large open world of Yara, numerous side activities, and engaging main story offer plenty of opportunities for fun with friends online. By understanding the limitations and benefits of the co-op system, players can fully enjoy the social elements of Far Cry 6.