Borderlands 3 has split screen on PlayStation and Xbox, but not on PC

Borderlands 3 supports split screen multiplayer on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. You can play the entire campaign with one other person on the same screen. On PC, split screen is not available — you can only play online multiplayer with friends in separate sessions.

Split screen works in both story mode and Mayhem mode (the endgame difficulty system). You need two controllers connected to your console, and both players can progress their own characters or share one character's progression. The second player does not need their own PlayStation Network or Xbox Live account to join, though they will need one to save progress if they are using their own character.

Key Takeaways

  • Split screen is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, but not on PC.
  • You need two controllers plugged into your console to play split screen, and both players can use their own characters or share one.
  • The second player does not need a paid subscription or separate account to join a split screen session, though they will need an account to save their own character's progress.
  • Split screen works at 1080p resolution on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and at higher resolution on newer consoles, but frame rate may drop during intense combat.

Setting up split screen on your console

Connect both controllers to your console before you start the game. On PlayStation, press the PS button on the second controller and select your profile or a guest account. On Xbox, press the Xbox button on the second controller and sign in or select a guest. Start Borderlands 3 and select "New Game" or load an existing character.

When the first player enters the game world, the second controller will prompt you to join. Press the button shown on screen (usually X on PlayStation or A on Xbox) to add the second player. The screen will split horizontally, with each player getting their own view of the game world.

If the second player wants to save their own character, they will need to create or sign into a PlayStation Network account (PlayStation) or Xbox Live account (Xbox). Guest players can play through the story, but their progress will not save after the session ends.

Performance and visual differences between consoles

Split screen runs at 1080p resolution on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with frame rates that typically stay around 30 frames per second during normal gameplay but may dip during heavy combat or explosions. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, split screen runs at higher resolution (up to 1440p on Series X) and maintains more stable frame rates, though performance still varies depending on what is happening on screen.

The visual difference between single-player and split-screen is noticeable on older consoles. If you are used to playing Borderlands 3 alone on PlayStation 4, switching to split screen will show a sharper drop in frame rate and resolution than you might expect. On newer consoles, the difference is much less pronounced.

Why split screen is not available on PC

Gearbox Software, the developer, built split screen support only for console versions. The PC version uses a different rendering system that does not support local multiplayer. If you want to play Borderlands 3 with someone else on PC, you must use online multiplayer instead, which requires both players to have the game and be connected to the internet.

This is a technical choice rather than a licensing issue. Some games support split screen on all platforms, and some do not — it depends on how the developer built the game's engine and multiplayer code.

Playing online multiplayer instead of split screen

If you are on PC or prefer not to use split screen, Borderlands 3 supports online co-op for up to four players. You can invite friends through Steam (PC), PlayStation Network (PlayStation), or Xbox Live (Xbox). Online multiplayer works the same way as split screen in terms of story progression — both players advance through the campaign together and can use their own characters.

Online multiplayer requires an active internet connection and, on console, a paid subscription (PlayStation Plus on PlayStation, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Live Gold on Xbox). Split screen does not require a subscription for the second player on console, which is one reason some players prefer it for local co-op.

Common issues with split screen and how to fix them

If the second controller is not being recognized, make sure it is fully charged and connected via USB or wireless receiver. Restart the game and try connecting the controller again before starting a new session. On PlayStation, the second controller must be paired to the console in the system settings before Borderlands 3 will detect it.

If split screen is running slowly or freezing, try closing other apps running in the background. On console, this means closing any web browser, streaming app, or other game. Clearing your console's cache can also help — 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 power cable for 30 seconds before plugging it back in.

If one player's character is not saving after a split screen session, make sure that player has signed into their own account (not as a guest) before starting the game. Guest progress does not save by design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play split screen online with friends, or only locally?

Split screen is local only — both players must be in the same room with controllers connected to the same console. If you want to play with someone remotely, you must use online multiplayer instead, which supports up to four players across the internet.

Do both players need their own account to play split screen?

No. The second player can join as a guest without signing in, and the game will still run. However, guest progress does not save. If the second player wants their character to save between sessions, they need to sign into their own PlayStation Network or Xbox Live account.

Does split screen work in Mayhem mode and endgame content?

Yes. Split screen works throughout the entire game, including Mayhem mode, raid bosses, and all endgame activities. Both players progress together and can farm loot at the same difficulty level.

Why is my split screen lagging or dropping frames?

Split screen on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One runs at lower resolution and frame rate than single-player to fit two game views on one screen. Closing background apps and clearing your console's cache can help. On newer consoles, performance is more stable, but heavy combat scenes may still cause frame rate drops.

Can I switch between split screen and online multiplayer in the same playthrough?

Yes. You can play split screen one session and invite an online friend the next time you load that character. The game saves your progress either way, so switching between local and online co-op does not affect your character or story progression.