Sea of Thieves does not have split-screen multiplayer on any platform

Sea of Thieves is an online multiplayer game that requires each player to have their own account and their own copy of the game. There is no split-screen mode on Xbox, PlayStation, or PC. If you want to play with someone else in the same room, you both need separate devices connected to the internet.

This is a deliberate design choice by Rare, the developer. The game is built around crews of up to four players sailing the same ship together, and the camera system is designed for a single player's perspective rather than dividing the screen between multiple people in one location.

Key Takeaways

  • Sea of Thieves requires each player to own the game separately and play on their own device with their own internet connection.
  • The game supports crews of up to four players online, but they must each be on different devices in different locations.
  • Playing together in the same room means sitting next to someone with their own console or PC, not sharing one screen.
  • Game Pass includes Sea of Thieves on Xbox and PC, so you may be able to play on multiple devices without buying separate copies.

How crew play actually works in Sea of Thieves

When you start a session, you create or join a crew of up to four players. Each crew member controls their own character on the same ship. You can assign roles — one person steers, another manages sails, someone handles the cannon, and the fourth can navigate or repair. The game is designed so that you need communication and coordination, which is why most crews use voice chat through Discord, Xbox Live, or PlayStation Network.

The camera follows your character's perspective only. You cannot see what your crewmates see unless they tell you, and you cannot control their character or view the ship from multiple angles at once on a single screen. This is why split-screen would not work mechanically — the game expects each player to have their own full view of the world.

Playing with someone in your home without split-screen

If you want to play Sea of Thieves with someone sitting next to you, you need two devices. This could be two Xbox consoles, two PCs, or one of each. Both devices need to be connected to the internet, and both players need either their own copy of the game or access through Game Pass.

On Xbox, if you have Game Pass for Console, you can install Sea of Thieves on multiple consoles and play on each one with your own account. On PC, Game Pass for PC works the same way. This means if you and a friend both have Game Pass subscriptions, you can each play on your own device in the same room without buying the game twice.

What platforms Sea of Thieves runs on

Sea of Thieves is available on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and Windows PC. It is also available on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 as of November 2023. The game does not run on Nintendo Switch or mobile devices.

Performance varies by platform. On newer Xbox Series X and PS5, the game runs at higher frame rates and with better graphics than on older hardware. PC performance depends on your computer's specifications. Regardless of platform, there is no split-screen option on any version.

Why developers skip split-screen in online multiplayer games

Split-screen requires the game to render two separate camera views at the same time on one screen, which uses more processing power. For a game like Sea of Thieves that is always online and constantly loading new areas, this becomes a technical challenge. The developer chose to focus resources on the online experience instead.

Many modern multiplayer games have moved away from split-screen entirely, even on console. Developers prioritize online play because that is where most players spend their time, and because the technical demands of modern graphics make split-screen harder to maintain. Sea of Thieves follows this trend.

Game Pass as a way to play together affordably

If cost is a concern, Game Pass is the most affordable way to get multiple people playing Sea of Thieves in the same home. A Game Pass for Console subscription covers one account on one Xbox, but you can set up multiple accounts on the same console and each can access Game Pass games. This means one subscription can let two people play on the same device — just not at the same time on the same game.

For simultaneous play in the same room, you would need either two Game Pass subscriptions (one per device) or one subscription per device plus a purchase of the game. Prices vary by region and subscription tier, so check your local Game Pass costs before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can two people play Sea of Thieves on one Xbox with one Game Pass?

Not simultaneously in the same game. Game Pass allows multiple accounts on one console, but only one account can play Sea of Thieves at a time. To play together, you need two devices.

Does Sea of Thieves work on Nintendo Switch?

No. Sea of Thieves is only available on Xbox, PlayStation, and Windows PC. There is no Switch version.

What if I want to play with friends online instead of in the same room?

You can join or create a crew with up to three other players online. You each need your own device and copy of the game, and you communicate through voice chat. This is the standard way most people play Sea of Thieves.

Is there any local multiplayer mode in Sea of Thieves at all?

No. The game is online-only and does not have any local multiplayer features, including split-screen, couch co-op, or shared-screen modes.