Fortnite does not have split-screen multiplayer on any platform

Fortnite removed split-screen support in 2020 and has not brought it back. If you want to play Fortnite with someone else in the same room, you will each need your own device — a separate console, PC, or mobile phone — and your own internet connection. There is no way to share one screen and one controller between two players.

This is different from some other battle royale games. Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone also do not have split-screen, but games like Minecraft and Rocket League still offer it on console. Fortnite's decision to remove the feature was tied to performance: the game runs at high frame rates and high visual quality, and split-screen mode would have cut that performance in half.

Key Takeaways

  • Fortnite does not support split-screen play on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PC.
  • Each player needs their own device and their own internet connection to play together in the same room.
  • You can play on the same WiFi network, but you cannot share a single console or monitor.
  • If you want couch co-op gaming, Minecraft, Rocket League, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War still offer split-screen on console.

Why Fortnite removed split-screen in 2020

Epic Games turned off split-screen support in Chapter 2, Season 1 (March 2020) because the feature was causing performance problems. Fortnite runs at 60 frames per second on most consoles, and split-screen mode would have forced the game to run at 30 frames per second or lower to keep both players' views smooth. That drop in performance was noticeable enough that players complained about it.

Split-screen also made the game harder to balance. Two players on one screen meant smaller viewports for each person, which changed how the game felt compared to full-screen play. Epic decided it was better to remove the feature entirely than to keep a degraded version that frustrated players.

What you need to play Fortnite together in the same room

To play Fortnite with someone else while sitting on the same couch, you will need two complete setups. Each player needs their own device (console, PC, or phone), their own controller or keyboard, and their own Epic Games account. You do not need two separate internet connections — you can both play on the same home WiFi — but you do need two devices.

The easiest setup is two Nintendo Switch consoles or two PlayStation 5 consoles in the same room, both connected to the same WiFi. You can also mix devices: one person on a console and one on a PC, or one on a console and one on a phone. As long as both devices are connected to the internet and both players have accounts, you can squad up and play together.

How to set up two devices to play together

Start by making sure both devices are connected to your home WiFi network. Open Fortnite on each device and log in with separate Epic Games accounts. You do not need to be friends on Epic yet, but it helps — you can add each other in-game or through the Epic Games website before you launch.

Once you are both in the lobby, one player can create a squad and send an invite to the other. The second player accepts the invite, and you will both load into the same match. You will be able to see each other on the map and communicate through voice chat if you have a headset or microphone plugged in.

If you are using the same WiFi and the same account on both devices, Fortnite may ask you to log out of one device before you can play on the other. This is a security feature to prevent account sharing. Use separate accounts for each device to avoid this problem.

Split-screen alternatives for console gaming

If you specifically want split-screen multiplayer on your console, these games still offer it: Minecraft (all platforms), Rocket League (PlayStation, Xbox, Switch), Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (PlayStation, Xbox), and Halo Infinite (Xbox). Each of these lets two players share one screen and one console.

Rocket League is the closest match to Fortnite in terms of gameplay style — it is a competitive, fast-paced game that runs smoothly in split-screen mode. Minecraft offers split-screen survival and creative modes. If you are looking for a battle royale specifically, no current game offers split-screen in that genre on console.

Playing Fortnite on mobile devices together

Fortnite is available on some Android phones and tablets through the Epic Games app, and it was available on iPhone through cloud streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and PlayStation Plus Premium. If both players have compatible phones or tablets, you can play together in the same room using the same method as console: separate devices, separate accounts, same WiFi.

Mobile versions of Fortnite have lower graphics settings than console or PC, so performance is less of an issue. However, split-screen is still not available on mobile. You will still need two separate devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Fortnite split-screen on Nintendo Switch?

No. Nintendo Switch does not have split-screen for Fortnite, even though the Switch version of the game exists. You will need two separate Switch consoles to play together in the same room.

Will Fortnite ever bring back split-screen?

Epic Games has not announced any plans to restore split-screen. The company removed it because of performance concerns, and those concerns still exist. It is unlikely to return unless the game's engine or console hardware changes significantly.

What if I only have one console but want to play with someone?

You can take turns playing on the same console, or you can borrow or rent a second device. Many libraries and community centers have gaming equipment available. You could also play on different devices — one person on console and one on a phone or PC.

Does split-screen work on PC?

No. Fortnite on PC does not have split-screen either. You would need two separate PCs, two monitors, and two sets of input devices to play together on the same network.