Black Ops 6 has split screen, but only for specific modes

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 supports split screen on console only — PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. You can play campaign and multiplayer locally with another person on the same TV. PC does not have split screen at all, even with a controller connected.

The split screen feature divides your TV screen vertically, so each player sees their own view. This works best on larger screens (55 inches or bigger) because the text and on-screen elements become small when the display is cut in half. You will need two controllers connected to your console and both players must be on the same network.

Split screen is not available in Warzone, the free-to-play battle royale mode. If you want to play Warzone together, you will need two separate consoles and two copies of the game, or play online multiplayer instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Split screen works in Black Ops 6 campaign and multiplayer on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, but not on PC.
  • You need two controllers connected to the same console and both players must be signed into the same network.
  • Split screen divides the screen vertically, making it harder to see details on TVs smaller than 55 inches.
  • Warzone battle royale does not support split screen on any platform.
  • Online multiplayer with friends requires each player to have their own console and copy of the game.

How to set up split screen on your console

Connect both controllers to your console before you start the game. On PlayStation, hold the PS button on the second controller until it pairs. On Xbox, press the Xbox button and follow the pairing prompt. Make sure both controllers show a solid connection light — not blinking.

Start Black Ops 6 and sign in with the first player's account. From the main menu, select Campaign or Multiplayer. When you reach the game lobby or the start of a campaign mission, the second controller will prompt the second player to sign in. You can use a guest account or a separate profile — the game will recognize the second controller and add that player to the session.

If the second controller does not prompt you to join, check that both controllers are fully charged and paired. Restart the game and try again. Some players report that unplugging and replugging the second controller helps if the pairing drops.

Split screen in campaign versus multiplayer

Campaign split screen works the same way as single-player — you and a partner play through the story missions together. Both players control their own character and see the same objective markers. The game does not scale difficulty based on having two players, so missions designed for one person can feel harder with split screen.

Multiplayer split screen puts you on the same team in standard modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search and Destroy. You cannot play split screen against each other in competitive modes. Both players share the same killstreaks and scorestreaks, which can create confusion about who earned which reward. Some players find this frustrating because one person's performance affects the other's streaks.

Zombies mode does not support split screen in Black Ops 6, unlike some earlier Call of Duty games. If you want to play Zombies with a friend locally, you will need two separate consoles.

Screen size and visibility issues

Split screen cuts your TV display in half vertically. On a 43-inch TV, each player gets roughly a 21-inch view, which makes text, mini-maps, and enemy names very small. Most players find a 55-inch TV the minimum for comfortable play, and 65 inches or larger is ideal.

The mini-map in the corner becomes harder to read on smaller screens, and you may miss callouts or enemy positions. Weapon names and attachment labels in the loadout menu are also cramped. If you are playing on a TV smaller than 50 inches, you might want to sit closer to the screen or consider playing online instead.

Brightness and contrast settings matter more in split screen because the image is compressed. If your TV is set to a dark picture mode, the split screen view becomes even harder to see. Increase brightness slightly before you start playing.

Network and account requirements

Both players must be on the same console, but they do not need to be on the same internet connection — the console itself handles the connection. However, the console must be connected to the internet to verify both accounts and access online multiplayer features.

Each player can use their own account or a guest account. If you use a guest account, that player will not earn progress, unlocks, or battle pass rewards. Their stats will not save. If you want both players to earn progress, both must sign in with their own accounts on that console.

You cannot play split screen across two different consoles in the same house. Each console is a separate game session. If you want to play together on two TVs, you will need two consoles and two copies of Black Ops 6.

Common split screen problems and fixes

The second controller does not show a join prompt: Make sure the second controller is fully charged and paired to the console. Restart Black Ops 6 completely — do not just go back to the menu. If the problem continues, unpair the second controller and pair it again from the console settings.

One player's view is frozen or lagging: This usually means the console is struggling to render two views at once. Close any background apps on your console (streaming apps, web browser, etc.) and restart the game. Lower your TV's motion smoothing or TruMotion setting, as some TVs add lag when processing split screen.

The split screen view is too small to read: You cannot enlarge the split screen view in Black Ops 6 settings. Your only options are to sit closer to the TV, use a larger TV, or play online multiplayer instead.

One player keeps getting disconnected: If you are playing multiplayer split screen online, a weak internet connection can cause one player to drop. Make sure your console is connected to your router with an ethernet cable if possible, or move the console closer to your Wi-Fi router.

Alternatives if split screen does not work for you

If split screen is not practical for your setup, you can play Black Ops 6 online multiplayer with friends instead. Each player needs their own console and a copy of the game, but you can play together from different locations. Online multiplayer has no screen size limitations and no performance lag from rendering two views.

Campaign can also be played online with a friend in some Call of Duty games, but Black Ops 6 campaign is single-player only. You cannot invite a friend to join your campaign mission remotely.

If you want to play Warzone with a friend, you will need two separate consoles or two PCs. Warzone does not support split screen on any platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play split screen on PC?

No. Black Ops 6 on PC does not support split screen, even if you connect two controllers. You can only play split screen on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

Do I need two copies of Black Ops 6 for split screen?

No. One copy of the game on one console is enough for two players to play split screen together. Both players use the same game disc or digital license.

Can I play split screen online with friends from other houses?

No. Split screen is local only — both players must be in the same room using the same console. To play with friends remotely, use online multiplayer instead, which requires each player to have their own console and copy of the game.

Does split screen work in Warzone?

No. Warzone does not support split screen on any platform. You must play Warzone online with separate consoles or PCs.

What happens to my progress if I play split screen as a guest?

Guest accounts do not earn progress, unlocks, or battle pass rewards in Black Ops 6. Only signed-in accounts save stats and progression. If you want both players to earn progress, both must sign in with their own accounts.