Black Ops 6 split screen is available, but only for campaign and zombies modes

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 does not have split screen for multiplayer matches. You can play the campaign story with a second player on the same screen, and you can also play Zombies mode split screen with up to four players locally. But if you want to play competitive multiplayer — the ranked matches, team deathmatch, and other online modes — you need separate consoles and separate copies of the game.

This is a significant change from earlier Black Ops games, which did support split screen multiplayer. Treyarch removed this feature starting with Black Ops Cold War, and Black Ops 6 continues that direction. If you and a friend want to play multiplayer together on one TV, you will need two PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S consoles, or two gaming PCs.

Key Takeaways

  • Black Ops 6 split screen works for campaign and Zombies, but not for competitive multiplayer modes.
  • Campaign split screen supports two players on one screen throughout the story.
  • Zombies split screen supports up to four players locally on the same console.
  • Multiplayer matches require separate consoles and separate game copies for each player.
  • This feature was removed in Black Ops Cold War and has not returned in Black Ops 6.

Campaign split screen: how to start a two-player game

To play campaign split screen in Black Ops 6, start the game and go to the main menu. Select Campaign, then look for the option to start a local co-op session. The second player will need a controller connected to your console. Both players can use the same account or different accounts — the game does not require a second profile, though you can create one if you want separate save files.

Once you select co-op, the game splits the screen horizontally so each player sees their own view of the action. You can play through the entire campaign this way. The second player does not need PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, or any online subscription to play split screen campaign — it is purely local.

Zombies split screen: up to four players locally

Zombies mode in Black Ops 6 supports split screen for up to four players on a single console. This is where the game's local co-op is strongest. You can connect up to four controllers and play through Zombies rounds together on one TV, with each player getting their own portion of the screen.

Like campaign, Zombies split screen does not require an online subscription or multiple accounts. Each player just needs a controller. The game automatically splits the screen to fit everyone, though with four players the view becomes quite small. Two or three players split screen tends to be the most playable experience.

Why multiplayer does not have split screen

Treyarch has not publicly stated a specific reason for removing split screen multiplayer, but the technical demands of online competitive play are much higher than local co-op. Multiplayer matches run at higher frame rates, have more players on screen at once, and require constant network synchronization. Splitting the screen while maintaining that performance is significantly harder than splitting it for a campaign mission or a Zombies round.

The decision also reflects how most players now engage with multiplayer — on separate devices, often in different locations. Split screen multiplayer was more common when console gaming meant gathering in one room. Modern online multiplayer is designed around the assumption that each player has their own screen and connection.

Alternatives if you want to play multiplayer together

If you want to play Black Ops 6 multiplayer with a friend in the same room, your options are limited. You will need two consoles (two PlayStation 5s or two Xbox Series X|S systems) and two copies of the game. You will also both need an active online subscription — PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass — to play online multiplayer.

If budget is a concern, Game Pass is often cheaper than buying the game outright, especially if you plan to play multiple titles. You can also check whether your friend already owns a copy, which cuts the cost in half. Some retailers occasionally discount the game, so waiting for a sale might be worth it if you are not in a rush.

What platforms support split screen

Split screen campaign and Zombies work on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. If you are playing on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, the older generation consoles, split screen is still available for both modes. PC players cannot use split screen at all — the PC version of Black Ops 6 does not support local co-op, even for campaign.

This is a common limitation on PC. Most PC games assume each player has their own monitor and keyboard, so split screen support is rare. If you want to play Black Ops 6 with a friend on PC, you will both need separate computers and separate copies of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Black Ops 6 multiplayer split screen on PS5 or Xbox?

No. Black Ops 6 does not support split screen for any multiplayer modes on any platform. You need two separate consoles and two copies of the game to play multiplayer together in the same room.

Does split screen campaign require PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass?

No. Campaign and Zombies split screen are local only and do not require an online subscription. Only the person playing multiplayer online needs an active subscription.

Can I play Zombies split screen with more than two players?

Yes. Zombies supports up to four players split screen on one console. You will need four controllers connected, and each player can use the same account or different accounts.

Is split screen available on PC?

No. The PC version of Black Ops 6 does not support split screen for campaign, Zombies, or any other mode. You will need two separate PCs and two copies of the game to play together.

Did earlier Black Ops games have split screen multiplayer?

Yes. Black Ops 1, 2, and 3 all supported split screen multiplayer. This feature was removed starting with Black Ops Cold War and has not returned in Black Ops 6.