The Ultimate Guide: 3 Critical Things To Know About Black Ops 6 Split-Screen Co-Op

Contents

The return of local co-op gaming is a crucial feature for many Call of Duty fans, and with the launch of Black Ops 6, the question of split-screen support is top of mind. As of December 21, 2025, the definitive answer is *yes*, split-screen is officially supported, but with some significant, next-generation-focused caveats that every player must understand before trying to jump into a match with a friend on the same couch. This guide breaks down the essential details, including platform restrictions and the modes where you can enjoy two-player action.

The developers have prioritized performance integrity for this feature, meaning the classic local co-op experience is back, but exclusively optimized for the latest console hardware. This focus ensures a smooth and high-fidelity experience, even when rendering the action for two players simultaneously, a challenge that older systems simply couldn't handle.

The Definitive Answer: Black Ops 6 Split-Screen Availability

The good news for players who prefer the classic couch co-op experience is that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 fully supports two-player split-screen gameplay. This feature allows you and a friend to share the screen and team up, or compete, in several of the game’s core modes, bringing back a beloved tradition of the Call of Duty franchise.

Supported Game Modes for Local Co-Op

The split-screen functionality is not a feature available across the entire game, but it is supported in the areas where it matters most for shared experiences. The primary modes that support local two-player split-screen are:

  • Multiplayer: You can join forces or face off against each other in the standard suite of Multiplayer modes.
  • Zombies Mode: The ever-popular Zombies experience is fully playable in split-screen, allowing you and a teammate to take on the hordes of the undead together.

It is important to note that while the feature is available, not all specific modes or playlists within Multiplayer or Zombies may support the online split-screen option, so players should always check the lobby settings.

Essential Requirements: Which Platforms Support Local Co-Op?

This is the most critical detail for any player looking to use the split-screen feature. To maintain a high level of performance and frame rate, the developers have made a clear distinction regarding platform support.

Next-Gen Console Exclusivity

Split-screen gameplay in Black Ops 6 is an exclusive feature for the current generation of consoles. This means you can only access the two-player local co-op on the following systems:

  • PlayStation 5 (PS5)
  • Xbox Series X/S

This decision was made to ensure performance integrity and a smooth gaming experience, as rendering the game twice on a single screen is taxing on system resources.

Unsupported Platforms

If you are playing on older hardware or a PC, you will unfortunately not be able to utilize the split-screen feature. The following platforms explicitly do not support local co-op for Black Ops 6:

  • PlayStation 4 (PS4)
  • Xbox One
  • PC (Personal Computer)

This restriction is a key difference from many previous Call of Duty titles and highlights the game's optimization for the power of next-gen consoles. Players on these unsupported systems will need two separate consoles and two copies of the game to play together.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up Split Screen in Black Ops 6

Setting up split-screen in Black Ops 6 is a straightforward process once you have confirmed you are on a supported platform (PS5 or Xbox Series X/S) and have the necessary equipment. You will need two controllers and a second profile ready to go.

The Setup Process

Follow these simple steps to activate the two-player local co-op mode:

  1. Launch Black Ops 6: Start the game and ensure the first player is logged into their main console profile and Activision account.
  2. Navigate to a Supported Mode: Go to the main menu and select either the Multiplayer or Zombies lobby. These are the modes that support the feature.
  3. Connect the Second Controller: Plug in or connect the second controller to your console.
  4. Sign In the Second Player: Using the second controller, the second player must sign in with a different console profile. This profile must also be linked to a separate Activision account.
  5. Activate Split Screen: Once the second controller is connected and the second player is signed in, a prompt will usually appear on the screen (often "Press X" on PS5 or "Press A" on Xbox Series X/S) to activate the split-screen session.
  6. Start Playing: The screen will divide, and both players will now be in the lobby, ready to select maps, loadouts, and start a match together, whether locally or online against other players.

Essential Split-Screen Entities and Requirements

To ensure a successful local co-op session, keep these entities and requirements in mind:

  • Two Input Devices: Two working controllers (DualSense or Xbox Wireless Controller).
  • Console Profiles: Each player must have their own unique console profile (e.g., PSN ID or Xbox Gamertag).
  • Activision Account: The second player must have their console profile linked to a separate Activision account for online play and progression tracking.
  • Internet Connection: Required for accessing online Multiplayer and Zombies modes, even when playing locally in split-screen.
  • Performance Integrity: The reason for the next-gen exclusivity, ensuring smooth frame rates and optimized graphics.
  • Vertical or Horizontal Split: Depending on the game's settings, you may be able to choose how the screen is divided.

The inclusion of split-screen in Black Ops 6 is a welcome feature for dedicated fans, but its restriction to next-gen consoles is a clear signal of the game's focus on advanced graphical and performance capabilities. Enjoy the local co-op experience with your friends on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S!

The Ultimate Guide: 3 Critical Things to Know About Black Ops 6 Split-Screen Co-Op
can you play split screen on black ops 6
can you play split screen on black ops 6

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