Black Ops 6 does have split screen, but only for campaign and zombies — not multiplayer
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 supports split screen on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, but the feature is limited. You can play the campaign or zombies mode with a second player on the same screen, but multiplayer matches do not support split screen at all. If you want to play competitive multiplayer with someone else in the room, you will each need your own console and copy of the game.
Split screen works best on larger screens — 55 inches or bigger is recommended — because the game divides the display vertically, and text and UI elements become hard to read on smaller TVs. Both players need a controller connected to the same console, and both need their own Xbox or PlayStation account to play.
Key Takeaways
- Campaign and zombies modes support split screen on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, but multiplayer does not.
- Split screen divides the screen vertically, making it difficult to play on TVs smaller than 55 inches.
- Both players need their own controller and their own account on the console to start a split screen session.
- If you want to play multiplayer together, you will need two separate consoles, two copies of the game, and two accounts.
How to start a split screen session in campaign
To play campaign split screen, start the game and go to the main menu. Select Campaign, then look for the option to add a second player — this is usually labeled "Add Player" or appears as a prompt when you highlight Campaign mode. The second player presses a button on their controller to join, and both players log in with their own accounts.
Once both players are signed in, you can select your difficulty and mission. The game will load with the screen split down the middle, with one player on the left and one on the right. You can pause at any time, and both players control their own character independently.
How to start a split screen session in zombies
Zombies split screen works the same way as campaign. From the main menu, select Zombies, then add a second player. Both players sign in, choose a map, and the game loads with a vertical split screen. You and your partner fight the same waves of zombies together, and you can revive each other if one player goes down.
Zombies split screen is often smoother than campaign because the maps are smaller and there is less going on visually. On a 55-inch TV or larger, the experience is much more playable than on smaller screens.
Why multiplayer does not support split screen
Multiplayer matches in Black Ops 6 require each player to have their own console and internet connection. The game's matchmaking system pairs you with players across the network, and split screen would create technical problems — the game would have to render two separate perspectives at full speed while also managing network connections for both players simultaneously.
This is a limitation of how modern multiplayer games work, not a feature that Treyarch chose to remove. Most recent Call of Duty games do not support split screen multiplayer for the same reason.
Screen size and visibility on split screen
Split screen divides your TV into two vertical halves. On a 43-inch or 50-inch TV, text becomes small and hard to read, and you lose sight of important parts of the map. On a 55-inch TV, the experience is acceptable but still cramped. A 65-inch TV or larger is where split screen becomes genuinely comfortable.
If you are playing on a smaller TV, you may find yourself leaning forward to read subtitles or squinting to see enemy positions. This is especially noticeable in campaign, where story text and objective markers can be tiny on each side of the split.
Account and controller requirements
Both players must have their own account on the console — you cannot play split screen with a guest account. Each player also needs their own controller. On PlayStation 5, you can use DualSense controllers or third-party controllers that are compatible with PS5. On Xbox Series X|S, you can use Xbox controllers or compatible third-party options.
Make sure both accounts have the correct permissions to play online if you are playing zombies or any mode that requires an internet connection. If one account does not have the right settings, the split screen session may not start.
Performance on different consoles
Black Ops 6 runs split screen on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S at 60 frames per second in campaign and zombies, which keeps the action smooth. On PC, performance depends on your graphics card and processor — you may need a stronger system to maintain 60 fps with split screen enabled, especially at higher graphics settings.
If you notice frame rate drops or stuttering during split screen, lowering the graphics settings or resolution can help. The game will prioritize frame rate over visual quality when split screen is active, so you may see a difference in how the game looks compared to single-player.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play split screen multiplayer if I have two controllers?
No. Black Ops 6 does not support split screen in multiplayer matches, even with two controllers on the same console. You will need two separate consoles and two copies of the game to play multiplayer together in the same room.
What is the smallest TV I can use for split screen?
Technically, split screen works on any TV size, but 55 inches is the practical minimum. Below that, text and UI elements become difficult to read. A 65-inch TV or larger is recommended for a comfortable experience.
Do both players need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass?
For campaign and zombies, only the account that owns the game needs the subscription. For online zombies, both accounts may need an active subscription depending on your console's settings — check your console's online play requirements.
Can I play split screen on PC?
Yes, split screen works on PC for campaign and zombies. You will need two controllers connected to your PC and two accounts. Performance depends on your hardware — a stronger graphics card and processor will give you smoother split screen gameplay.