Split screen gaming brings back the magic of couch co-op, letting you and a friend play on the same display. Whether you’re on a PS5, a Steam Deck, or a PC, getting the best experience requires the right games, hardware, and settings. This guide covers everything from top split screen titles to performance tweaks and controller recommendations, so you can jump straight into the action.
Best Split Screen Games on PS5
The PS5 has a strong library of local multiplayer games. Here are the standouts across different genres.
Co-op Adventures
- It Takes Two: A pure co-op platformer designed exclusively for two players. Creative level design and varied mechanics make it a must-play.
- A Way Out: From the same studio, this cinematic action-adventure forces cooperation for a prison break story.
- Sackboy: A Big Adventure: A charming 3D platformer with full campaign co-op, supporting up to four players locally.
Competitive Shooters and Racers
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and III: They include split screen for multiplayer, letting you squad up on one console.
- Borderlands 3: The looter shooter runs at 60fps in split screen on PS5, with all the chaotic firefights intact.
- Hot Wheels Unleashed: A fast-paced arcade racer with seamless two-player split screen and a huge collection of toy cars.
- Rocket League: The car-soccer hybrid remains one of the best split screen games, with support for up to four players.
Action RPGs
- Diablo IV: The dark dungeon crawler offers full campain co-op on the same screen, with shared loot and seamless character switching.
- Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: A fantasy Borderlands spin-off with split screen, blending shooting and spellcasting.
Split Screen Gaming on Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is a portable powerhouse, but making split screen work well requires a bit of fine-tuning and the right accessories.
Performance: Sonic Racing CrossWorlds and More
Sonic Racing CrossWorlds runs excellently in split screen on the Steam Deck. By dialing settings to medium (shadows low, textures high, resolution at 720p), you get a locked 60fps even during four-player races. The game’s bright art style holds up well on the small screen. For more demanding titles like It Takes Two, expect a stable 30fps at low settings. To boost performance across all games, set the Deck’s TDP limit to 10W, enable FSR in the quick access menu, and cap the frame rate at 45fps for a balance of smoothness and battery life.
Best Split Controllers for Steam Deck
For comfortable split screen, you’ll need external controllers. Here are the top picks:
- Xbox Wireless Controller: The ergonomic gold standard. It connects instantly via Bluetooth and works with all Steam games thanks to Steam Input.
- PlayStation DualSense: The haptic feedback and adaptive triggers work in a growing list of PC games, and it connects wirelessly with ease.
- 8BitDo Pro 2: A compact, retro-styled controller with back paddles, great for travel, and it supports Bluetooth and wired modes.
- Steam Controller: Though discontinued, it remains a unique option with trackpads that mimic mouse input, ideal for certain split screen games.
When connecting multiple controllers, remember the Steam Deck supports up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously without an external adapter. For more players, use a USB-C hub with wired controllers or a 2.4GHz wireless dongle. The Deck’s dock also offers stable connections for four players in TV mode.
Playing Halo: The Master Chief Collection Split Screen on PC
Many PC gamers have longed for couch co-op in Halo, and the Master Chief Collection (MCC) finally delivers it through the Xbox app. Here’s how to set it up:
- Launch Halo: MCC from the Xbox app on your PC. Make sure both you and your partner have Xbox Live accounts signed in (a guest profile may work for some games, but a second account is recommended).
- Start the game mode (campaign or multiplayer). In the main menu, the second player must press the Menu button on their controller and select their profile. The game will then prompt to join split screen.
- In campaign, split screen works for all titles except Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and Halo 2 Anniversary (those use the original engines for co-op only). For multiplayer, split screen is available in custom games and some matchmaking playlists.
- If the second player’s screen stays blank, check the graphics settings. Lower the resolution scale to 90% or disable high-res textures to ease the GPU load. A stable 60fps is achievable on mid-range hardware.
Note that split screen on PC is horizontal only, and the first player can use keyboard and mouse while the second needs a controller. Also, any HDR settings must match your monitor capabilities to avoid washed-out colors. With these tweaks, you’re set for a legendary LAN-party feel right on your desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best split screen games for PS5?
Top picks include It Takes Two, A Way Out, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Borderlands 3, Hot Wheels Unleashed, Rocket League, Diablo IV, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. They cover a range of genres and support at least two players locally.
How does Sonic Racing CrossWorlds perform in split screen on Steam Deck?
It runs at a smooth 60fps with medium settings at 720p, making it one of the best performing split screen racers on the Deck. Lowering shadows and enabling FSR helps maintain that frame rate during intense four-player races.
Can I play Halo: The Master Chief Collection split screen on PC via the Xbox app?
Yes, after signing in two Xbox Live accounts, a second player can join by pressing their controller’s menu button. It works for most campaigns and custom multiplayer games, though you may need to adjust graphics settings for smooth performance.
What are the best split controllers for the Steam Deck?
The Xbox Wireless Controller and DualSense are top choices for comfort and compatibility. For portability, the 8BitDo Pro 2 or SN30 Pro are excellent. All connect via Bluetooth and work out of the box with Steam Input.
Can I use PS5 controllers on Steam Deck for split screen?
Absolutely. Pair the DualSense via Bluetooth by holding the Create and PlayStation buttons until the light bar blinks. Steam will recognize it and allow configuration of the trackpad and gyro if you wish.
How many controllers can the Steam Deck support for local multiplayer?
Over Bluetooth, it supports two controllers simultaneously. For three or more players, use a USB-C hub and wired controllers, or connect 2.4GHz wireless dongles through the hub. The official Steam Deck Dock makes this setup especially easy for TV play.
No matter your platform, split screen gaming delivers a unique shared experience. With the right setup, you and your friends can enjoy countless hours of fun side by side, whether on the couch or on the go.
