Black Ops 6 has split screen for campaign and multiplayer, but not for Zombies

Black Ops 6 supports split screen on console — you can play the campaign with a friend on the same screen, and you can play multiplayer matches together locally. The split screen runs at a lower frame rate than online play, and Zombies mode does not have a split screen option at all. If you want to play Zombies with someone else, you will need to play online instead.

Split screen requires two controllers connected to the same console. You cannot use split screen on PC, and you cannot use it to play online — it is local only, meaning both players must be in the same room using the same TV or monitor.

Key Takeaways

  • Campaign and multiplayer both support split screen on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, but Zombies does not.
  • Split screen play requires two controllers plugged into the same console and runs at 60 frames per second on console.
  • PC does not have split screen support for any mode in Black Ops 6.
  • Split screen is local only — both players sit at the same screen, not online.

How to start a split screen campaign

Start the campaign from the main menu and select Campaign. When the first mission loads, a prompt will appear asking if a second player wants to join. Press the button shown on screen with your second controller — on PlayStation 5 this is the Options button, on Xbox Series X|S it is the Menu button. The second player will spawn into the mission and the screen will split vertically.

Both players can play through the entire campaign together this way. You can drop in and out — the second player can leave at any time and rejoin later in the same mission. Progress saves for both players, so you do not lose your place if someone leaves.

How to start a split screen multiplayer match

From the main menu, go to Multiplayer and select a game mode — Team Deathmatch, Domination, Search and Destroy, or any other mode you want. When you are in the lobby, the second controller holder can press Options (PlayStation 5) or Menu (Xbox Series X|S) to join the match. You will both be on the same team.

Split screen multiplayer works the same way as online multiplayer, except both of you are playing from the same console. You cannot split screen against each other in a private match — you will always be teammates. If you want to play against each other, you will need to play online with separate consoles.

Why Zombies does not have split screen

Treyarch, the studio that made Black Ops 6, did not include split screen for Zombies mode. The reason is not officially stated, but Zombies is more demanding on the console than campaign or multiplayer — it has more enemies on screen at once and more visual effects. Split screen would cut the performance further, and the studio chose not to support it.

If you want to play Zombies with a friend, you will need to play online. You can play online co-op with up to four players in Zombies, and you do not need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to play Zombies online — only for multiplayer.

Frame rate and performance in split screen

Split screen on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S runs at 60 frames per second, which is the same as online play. The resolution is lower — the game renders at a lower pixel count to maintain that frame rate with two players on screen. You will notice the image is less sharp than single-player, but the game stays smooth and responsive.

If you are used to playing at 120 frames per second in multiplayer, split screen will feel slower. Most players adjust within a few matches. If the performance bothers you, you can switch back to online play, where you get the higher frame rate.

Split screen on PC is not available

Black Ops 6 on PC does not support split screen in any mode. If you want to play with someone else on PC, you will need to play online. This is a limitation of how the game was built for PC — the engine does not support local multiplayer on that platform.

If you have a console and a PC, you can play split screen on the console and online on the PC at the same time, but you cannot do split screen on PC itself.

What you need to play split screen

You need a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S. You need two controllers — both must be connected to the console before you start the game. You need a TV or monitor large enough to see both halves of the split screen comfortably; a screen smaller than 40 inches can be hard to read.

You do not need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to play split screen campaign or multiplayer. Split screen is local play, so it does not use your internet connection for the game itself — only to read the game and any updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play split screen online with a friend?

No. Split screen is local only, meaning both players must be at the same console. If you want to play online with a friend, each of you needs your own console and your own copy of the game. You can then play multiplayer or Zombies together over the internet.

Do I need two copies of Black Ops 6 to play split screen?

No. One copy of the game on one console is enough. Both players use the same game installation. You only need two controllers.

Can I play split screen campaign and then switch to multiplayer?

Yes. You can play campaign together, quit back to the main menu, and then start a multiplayer match with both controllers. The game treats them as separate sessions, so you can switch between them whenever you want.

What happens to my progress if the second player leaves during split screen?

Progress saves for both players. The first player can keep playing alone, and the second player can rejoin the same mission later. You do not lose any progress by dropping in or out.

Is split screen slower or laggier than online play?

Split screen is not slower in terms of lag — it is local, so there is no network delay. The frame rate is the same as online play at 60 frames per second. The only difference is the resolution is lower to fit two players on one screen.