Split Fiction has a couch co-op mode you can play on a single TV with two controllers

Split Fiction includes a local co-op mode where two players sit on the same couch and play together on one screen. You need two controllers connected to your console or PC, and both players see the action split between two halves of the screen — one player's view on the left, one on the right. This is the game's main way to play with another person in the same room.

The split-screen setup works throughout the entire campaign. You and your co-op partner progress through the story together, solve puzzles as a team, and fight enemies side by side. If one player falls in combat, the other can revive them, so you're genuinely working together rather than playing separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Split Fiction's couch co-op uses a split-screen display where each player sees their own half of the screen on a single TV.
  • You need two controllers plugged into your console or PC to play couch co-op — one for each player.
  • Both players progress through the full campaign together, and the game is designed around two-player teamwork from start to finish.
  • Split Fiction does not have an online multiplayer mode, so couch co-op is the only way to play with another person.

What controllers you need for couch co-op

Each player needs their own controller. On PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S, use two DualSense or Xbox controllers respectively — both connect wirelessly to your console. On PC, you can use most standard controllers: Xbox controllers, PlayStation controllers connected via USB or Bluetooth, or other gamepad brands that Windows recognizes.

Both controllers must be connected and recognized by your system before you start the game. Test them in your console or PC settings first to make sure both are responding. If one controller isn't working, the game will not let you start a co-op session.

How to start a couch co-op game

From the main menu, select the co-op or local multiplayer option — the exact wording depends on your platform, but it will be clearly labeled. The game will then prompt you to connect the second controller. Once both controllers are active, you can choose to start a new campaign or continue an existing one if you've already played solo.

The first player typically uses the first controller, and the second player uses the second. You'll both start the game together, and the split-screen view activates automatically once you're in gameplay.

How the split-screen layout works during play

The screen divides vertically down the middle. Player one's view occupies the left half, and player two's view occupies the right half. Each player sees their character and their when ready surroundings, but you're in the same game world — if one player moves far away from the other, the camera adjusts so both can see relevant parts of the map.

The split-screen design means you can't see the entire map at once the way you would in single-player, but the game is built around this limitation. Puzzles and combat encounters account for the split view, so neither player is at a disadvantage. Communication between players becomes part of the strategy — telling each other where enemies are or how to solve a puzzle together.

Reviving your co-op partner if they fall

When one player's health reaches zero, they enter a downed state rather than dying when ready. The other player has a short window to reach them and perform a revive action. If the second player reaches the downed player in time, they can bring them back into the fight.

If the downed player isn't revived before the timer runs out, you both fail that encounter and restart from the last checkpoint. This mechanic encourages staying close to each other and watching each other's health during combat. Some encounters are designed so that both players need to be active to progress, making teamwork essential.

What happens if one player is much better than the other

Split Fiction scales difficulty based on both players' performance rather than locking it to a single setting. If one player is struggling, the game doesn't punish the other for being more skilled — encounters adjust so both players feel challenged without one carrying the entire load.

You can also pause the game at any time to discuss strategy, plan your next move, or let a less experienced player catch their breath. There's no time pressure or penalty for pausing, so couch co-op works well for players at different skill levels playing together.

Split Fiction does not have online multiplayer

Split Fiction is couch co-op only. There is no online multiplayer mode where you can play with friends remotely over the internet. If you want to play with someone, they must be in the same room with you, using a controller connected to the same console or PC.

This design choice means the game is built entirely around shared-screen gameplay rather than trying to support both local and online modes. The split-screen mechanics, camera behavior, and puzzle design all assume both players are looking at the same TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Split Fiction solo, or is couch co-op required?

You can play the entire campaign solo with one controller. Couch co-op is optional — you choose it from the main menu if you want a second player to join. Solo play uses a full-screen view instead of split-screen.

What happens to my solo save if I start a couch co-op game?

Couch co-op saves separately from your solo saves. Starting a co-op session does not overwrite or affect any single-player progress you've made. You can switch between solo and co-op playthroughs without losing either one.

Can I switch controllers mid-game if one runs out of battery?

Yes, you can pause the game and swap in a charged controller. The game will recognize the new controller as long as it's connected before you unpause. Make sure the replacement controller is already paired with your console or PC.

Does couch co-op have a different story than solo play?

The campaign is the same whether you play solo or with a co-op partner. The story, cutscenes, and progression are identical — the only difference is that a second player is experiencing it alongside you on the same screen.