Black Ops 6 Zombies does have split screen, but only on PlayStation and Xbox consoles — not on PC

Split screen in Black Ops 6 Zombies works on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. You can play with one other person on the same TV using two controllers. The feature is not available on PC, even if you connect multiple controllers to your computer.

Split screen is local multiplayer only, meaning both players must be in the same room using the same console. You cannot use split screen to play with someone online in a different location. If you want to play Zombies with friends remotely, you will need to use online multiplayer instead, which supports up to four players.

Key Takeaways

  • Split screen Zombies is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, but not on PC.
  • You need two controllers connected to your console to start a split screen game.
  • Split screen is local only — both players sit at the same TV and cannot play with distant friends this way.
  • Online multiplayer supports up to four players and works across all platforms where Black Ops 6 is available.

How to start a split screen Zombies game

From the main menu, select Zombies. Choose your map, then look for the option to add a second player before the match starts. Your second controller must be connected and turned on. Press the button to join (this varies by console — it is typically X on PlayStation or A on Xbox). Both players will then load into the same game on a split screen.

The screen divides vertically, with one player on the left and one on the right. Both players share the same round counter and can revive each other if they go down. Perks, weapons, and points are tracked separately for each player, so you are not competing for resources.

What you need to play split screen

You need a console (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X|S), two controllers, and a copy of Black Ops 6. Both controllers must be paired to the same console before you start the game. If you are using a second controller for the first time, your console will walk you through pairing it — this usually takes less than a minute.

Make sure both controllers have enough battery. A low battery on either controller can cause disconnections mid-game. If you are using wireless controllers, charge them before a long session.

Differences between split screen and online multiplayer

Split screen limits you to two players, while online multiplayer supports up to four. Split screen also tends to run at a lower frame rate than single-player or online modes, depending on your console. On older consoles like the Xbox One or PlayStation 4, you may notice the game runs slower when split screen is active.

Online multiplayer has no frame rate penalty and lets you play with friends who are not in your home. However, you cannot use split screen and online multiplayer at the same time — you choose one or the other when you start a match.

Why split screen is not available on PC

Treyarch, the studio behind Black Ops 6, has not enabled split screen on the PC version of the game. This is a common limitation across many PC games because most PC setups are designed for one player at a keyboard and mouse, not two players with controllers at the same monitor. Adding split screen support requires additional work to optimize the feature for PC hardware.

If you want to play Zombies on PC with another person in the same room, your only option is online multiplayer. Both players would need their own PC or the ability to stream the game to a second screen, which introduces lag and is not ideal for fast-paced gameplay.

Troubleshooting split screen problems

If the second controller is not being recognized, restart your console and make sure the second controller is fully paired. On PlayStation, go to Settings > Devices > Controllers and check that both controllers appear in the list. On Xbox, go to Settings > Devices & Connections > Controllers and verify both are connected.

If the game crashes or freezes during split screen, try clearing your console's cache. On PlayStation, hold the power button for 30 seconds until the console shuts down completely, then turn it back on. On Xbox, hold the power button for 10 seconds, then unplug the console for 30 seconds before plugging it back in. If crashes continue, reinstall the game — corrupted files sometimes cause split screen to fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Split screen is limited to two players on a single console. If you want to play with three or four people, you must use online multiplayer instead, which supports up to four players across different consoles or PCs.

Does split screen work on Nintendo Switch?

Black Ops 6 is not available on Nintendo Switch, so split screen is not an option there. The game is only on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

Will split screen Zombies ever come to PC?

Treyarch has not announced plans to add split screen to the PC version. It is possible in a future update, but there is no official timeline or confirmation that it will happen.

Does split screen affect game performance?

Yes, split screen typically reduces frame rate compared to single-player or online modes. The effect is more noticeable on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One than on the newer PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Can I use split screen in Zombies campaign mode?

Split screen is available in Zombies multiplayer matches. Campaign mode is single-player only and does not support split screen or online co-op.