Fortnite does not have split screen on PlayStation 4

Fortnite removed split screen support from PlayStation 4 in 2020 and has not brought it back. If you want to play Fortnite with someone else on the same TV using one PS4 console, you cannot do it through the game itself. The feature worked in earlier versions but Epic Games discontinued it, and the current version of Fortnite does not include a local multiplayer or split screen mode.

This is different from some other games on PS4 that still support split screen — games like Call of Duty, Minecraft, and Gran Turismo have local multiplayer options. Fortnite is built around online play only, which means each player needs their own console, PC, or mobile device connected to the internet.

Key Takeaways

  • Fortnite on PS4 does not support split screen or local multiplayer of any kind.
  • To play Fortnite together, each person needs their own device — a separate PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, or mobile phone.
  • You can still play together online by joining the same match or squad, even if you are in the same room.
  • If split screen gaming is important to you, other PS4 games like Call of Duty, Minecraft, and Gran Turismo still offer that feature.

How to play Fortnite with someone in the same room

Even though split screen is not available, you can still play Fortnite together if you are sitting next to each other. The simplest way is to have each person log into their own PlayStation 4 account on separate consoles, then join the same match. You will both be in the game at the same time and can see each other on your own screens.

If you only have one PS4 but two controllers, you can still play together online — just not on the same screen. One person logs in, starts a match, and invites the other player to their squad through the Friends menu. The second person joins from their own device (another PS4, a PC, or even a phone) and you play the same match together, each on your own screen.

This online-only approach is how Fortnite is designed to work. It keeps the game running smoothly and lets you play with people anywhere in the world, not just the people in your living room.

Why Fortnite removed split screen

Split screen was available on PS4 and Xbox One when Fortnite first launched, but it required the game to render two views at once on the same console. This put a heavy load on the hardware and made the frame rate drop noticeably — the game ran slower and looked choppier when two players were on one screen.

As Fortnite grew and added more graphics, more players per match, and larger maps, keeping split screen working became harder. Epic Games decided to focus on online multiplayer instead, where each console only has to render one view. They removed split screen in 2020 and have not reintroduced it since.

The trade-off is that the game runs better for everyone — smoother frame rates and faster loading — but you lose the option to play locally with someone on the same TV.

Other PS4 games that still have split screen

If you want to play split screen games on PS4, several popular titles still support it. Call of Duty has split screen in its campaign and multiplayer modes. Minecraft lets two players explore and build together on one screen. Gran Turismo Sport supports split screen racing, and It Takes Two is designed for two-player local co-op.

These games prove that split screen is still possible on PS4 hardware — it just requires the developer to build it in and optimize it carefully. Fortnite's developers chose not to, prioritizing online play and performance instead.

Playing Fortnite across multiple devices in one room

A practical workaround if you have multiple devices is to set up one person on PS4, another on a PC or laptop, and a third on a phone or tablet — all in the same room, all in the same Fortnite match. You can see each other's screens and play together, even though you are technically on separate devices. This works as long as everyone has an internet connection and a Fortnite account.

This setup is common in households where people have different gaming devices. You are not limited to PS4 players — you can mix PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile players in the same squad, and they all play together in real time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Fortnite ever bring back split screen on PS4?

Epic Games has not announced any plans to bring split screen back to Fortnite. The feature was removed to improve performance and focus on online multiplayer, and that remains the design direction. It is unlikely to return, but only Epic Games can make that decision.

Can I play Fortnite split screen on PS5?

No. Fortnite on PS5 also does not have split screen. The game works the same way on both PlayStation consoles — online multiplayer only, one player per device.

What if I have two PS4 controllers but only one console?

You can use both controllers to play online together, but not on the same screen. One person logs in and starts a match, then invites the other to their squad. The second person joins from a different device — another PS4, a PC, or a phone.

Do I need PlayStation Plus to play Fortnite with others?

Fortnite is free to play and does not require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online multiplayer. You need a free Epic Games account and an internet connection, but not a paid PlayStation subscription.