Borderlands 3 has split screen on PlayStation and Xbox, but not on PC
Borderlands 3 supports split screen on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. You can play the full campaign with another person on the same TV using two controllers. The PC version does not have split screen at all — if you want to play with someone else on PC, you must use online multiplayer instead.
Split screen works in both campaign mode and Mayhem mode (the endgame difficulty system). You do not need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to use split screen, though you do need them for online play. The second player can use a guest account or their own profile.
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 connected to the console and both players in the same room to use split screen.
- The second player can join as a guest or with their own account, and does not need a separate copy of the game.
- Split screen works in campaign and Mayhem mode but may run at lower frame rates than single-player on older consoles.
Setting up split screen on your console
Connect a second controller to your console before you start the game. On PlayStation, hold the PS button on the second controller until it pairs. On Xbox, press the Xbox button and follow the pairing menu. Both controllers should show as connected in your console settings before you launch Borderlands 3.
Start a new game or load an existing save. When the game loads, press the button to add a second player — this is Triangle on PlayStation or Y on Xbox. The second player can log in with their own account or play as a guest. If they play as a guest, they will not earn progress that carries over to their own profile, but they can still experience the full story and gameplay.
Performance differences between split screen and single player
On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, split screen runs at 1080p resolution and 30 frames per second, compared to 1440p and 60 fps in single-player mode. The frame rate drop is noticeable during intense combat with many enemies on screen. If smooth gameplay matters more to you than playing together, single-player will feel more responsive.
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S handle split screen better. These consoles run split screen at higher frame rates and resolution than the older generation, though Gearbox Software has not published exact specifications. If you have access to a newer console, split screen will be noticeably smoother than on PS4 or Xbox One.
Why PC does not have split screen
Gearbox Software built Borderlands 3 without split screen support on PC. The developer has not stated a technical reason for this choice — it may be a design decision, a limitation of the engine, or a choice about where to focus development resources. The omission has not changed since the game's release in 2019.
If you own Borderlands 3 on PC and want to play with someone else in the same room, your only option is online multiplayer. You and your friend would each need a copy of the game and separate accounts, and you would play over the internet rather than locally.
What happens to the second player's progress in split screen
If the second player logs in with their own account, their character and progress save to their profile just like in single-player. They can load that character later and continue where they left off, either in split screen with someone else or alone. This works the same way on all consoles.
If the second player joins as a guest, they do not earn any progress. Their character exists only for that session. When split screen ends, their character is gone. Guest mode is useful for trying the game out or playing casually without committing to a profile, but you cannot build a character this way.
Troubleshooting split screen problems
If the second controller does not respond, check that it is fully paired to the console. Restart the controller by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then pair it again. Make sure the controller has a full battery — low battery can cause pairing to fail or drop during play.
If split screen does not appear as an option when you press the add-player button, make sure both controllers are connected before you launch the game. Connecting a controller after Borderlands 3 has started may not register it. Quit to the main menu, disconnect and reconnect the second controller, then try again.
If the game crashes or freezes during split screen, try lowering the graphics settings on console (if available) or restarting the game. Split screen is more demanding than single-player, so older consoles may struggle with certain areas or enemy counts. Playing in a less intense zone first can help you determine whether the issue is a specific location or a general stability problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play split screen online with a friend, or does it have to be local?
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 need to use online multiplayer instead, which supports up to four players total.
Does the second player need their own copy of Borderlands 3?
No. Only the person who owns the game needs a copy. The second player can use a guest account or their own profile on the same console. If you want to play online with someone else, each person needs their own copy.
What if one player is much higher level than the other?
Borderlands 3 scales enemy difficulty based on the highest-level character in the group. If one player is level 20 and the other is level 50, enemies will be level 50. The lower-level player will find combat harder. You can lower the Mayhem difficulty setting to make the game easier for both of you.
Can I switch between split screen and online multiplayer in the same playthrough?
Yes. You can play split screen one session, then load the same character into online multiplayer another time. Your progress carries over between both modes. The character you build in split screen is the same character you use online.