Palworld has split screen on console, but not on PC

Palworld supports split screen on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, letting two players share one screen on the same console. On PC, split screen is not available — you need two separate computers and two copies of the game to play together locally. If you own the game on Nintendo Switch, split screen is also not supported there.

Split screen on console means you and another player can sit on the same couch, each with a controller, and explore the same world together. The screen divides vertically, so each player sees their own portion of the map while staying in the same game session. This is different from online multiplayer, where players connect over the internet from separate locations.

Key Takeaways

  • PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S both support split screen for two players on one TV.
  • PC players cannot use split screen and must play online multiplayer or use separate computers with separate accounts.
  • Nintendo Switch does not have split screen support for Palworld.
  • Split screen divides the screen vertically so each player sees their own view while playing in the same world.
  • Both players need their own controller and their own Palworld save file to use split screen.

How to start split screen on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S

To play split screen, both players need to be signed into the console with their own accounts. Start the game and select "New Game" or load an existing save. When the first player is in the world, the second player can press the designated button on their controller — on PlayStation 5 this is the Options button, on Xbox Series X/S it is the Menu button — and the game will prompt them to join the session.

The second player will need their own save file. If they do not have one yet, the game will create a new character for them. Both players can then explore, catch Pals, and build bases together in the same world. Progress is saved to each player's individual account, so each person keeps their own Pals and inventory.

What split screen does and does not let you do

In split screen, both players can move around the same map, catch the same Pals, and work on the same base. You can trade Pals with each other and fight together against wild Pals or bosses. The game world is shared, so if one player catches a Pal, the other player will see it is gone from that location.

Split screen does have limits. The camera follows both players, so if one person moves far away from the other, the screen will zoom out to show both of you — this can make distant objects harder to see. Some menu screens, like the Pokedex or crafting menus, may pause the game or show only one player's view. Performance can also dip on older console models when both players are in busy areas with many Pals on screen.

Why PC does not have split screen

Palworld on PC is built around online multiplayer rather than local split screen. The game engine prioritizes connecting players over the internet, and adding split screen support would require significant changes to how the game handles graphics, input, and game state. The developers have not announced plans to add split screen to the PC version.

If you want to play Palworld with someone else on PC, you have two options: play online multiplayer by connecting over the internet, or set up two separate computers with two separate copies of the game and two separate accounts. Online multiplayer works the same way as split screen in terms of what you can do together — catch Pals, build bases, and fight bosses — but you are not in the same physical location.

Performance and screen size on split screen

Split screen divides your TV or monitor into two sections, so each player gets roughly half the screen width. On a smaller TV, this can make text and distant objects harder to read. On a larger TV — 55 inches or bigger — split screen is usually comfortable for both players.

Frame rate and resolution may drop when two players are active on screen at once, especially if both players are in areas with many Pals or detailed environments. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S can usually maintain 60 frames per second in split screen, but this depends on what is happening in the game. If you notice stuttering or lag, try moving to a less busy area or restarting the game.

Switching between split screen and single player

You can turn split screen off at any time by having the second player leave the session. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the second player can press their Options or Menu button and select "Leave Session" or a similar option. The first player will continue playing alone, and the second player can rejoin later or start their own game.

If the first player leaves the session, the game usually ends for both players and you return to the main menu. You can then load the save file again and start a new split screen session, or one player can continue alone. Each player's progress is saved separately, so no one loses their Pals or items when a session ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can three or four players use split screen on the same console?

No. Palworld split screen supports only two players per console. If you want more than two people to play together, you need to use online multiplayer, which allows up to four players in one world on console.

Do both players need to own a copy of Palworld?

On console, only one copy of the game is needed for split screen — both players can play from the same disc or digital purchase. Each player does need their own console account, but they do not need separate game licenses.

Can I play split screen with someone online at the same time?

No. Split screen is for local play only — two people in the same room on the same console. Online multiplayer is separate and does not mix with split screen on the same session.

Does split screen work on Nintendo Switch?

Palworld on Nintendo Switch does not support split screen. You can only play single player or connect online with other players over the internet.

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

Both players' saves are preserved. The second player's character, Pals, and items stay in the world, and they can rejoin the same session later or start a new one. Leaving split screen does not delete anything.