Stardew Valley has split screen, but only on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation
Split screen multiplayer — where two players share one screen on the same couch — is available in Stardew Valley, but only on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 or 5. If you own the game on PC, Mac, or Linux, split screen is not an option. On mobile (iOS and Android), split screen is also not supported.
The split screen feature lets two players farm together on the same farm, with the screen divided so each person can see their own character and a portion of the map. This is different from online multiplayer, where players on separate devices connect over the internet. Split screen requires both players to be in the same room with the same console.
If you want to play with someone remotely, you will need to use online multiplayer instead, which works on Switch, PlayStation, PC, and mobile — though the setup and availability vary by platform.
Key Takeaways
- Split screen multiplayer works on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 or 5, with up to four players on the same screen.
- PC, Mac, Linux, and mobile versions of Stardew Valley do not support split screen at all.
- Split screen requires all players to be in the same room with the same console; it does not work over the internet.
- Online multiplayer is available on most platforms if you want to play with people in different locations.
How split screen works on Nintendo Switch
On Nintendo Switch, split screen supports up to four players on one console. To start a split screen game, create a new farm or load an existing one, then press the minus button (−) on the controller to bring up the menu. Select "Add Player" and assign a controller to the new player. The screen will split to show both players' perspectives.
Each player needs their own controller — a Joy-Con pair, a Pro Controller, or a compatible third-party controller. The game divides the screen vertically or horizontally depending on how many players are active, and each player can move around the farm independently while staying on the same map.
If you are playing with more than two players, the screen will split into four quadrants. All players share the same in-game time and seasons, so the farm progresses at the same pace for everyone.
How split screen works on PlayStation
PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions of Stardew Valley also support split screen for up to four players. To enable it, start a new game or load an existing farm, then press the Options button on your controller. Choose "Add Player" and connect an additional controller for each person joining.
Like the Switch version, each player needs their own controller. The screen splits to accommodate all active players, and everyone plays on the same farm with shared time and seasons. The controls and mechanics are the same as the Switch version.
Why PC and mobile do not have split screen
Stardew Valley on PC, Mac, and Linux uses a different multiplayer system built around online play rather than local couch co-op. The developer, ConcernedApe, designed the PC version to connect players over the internet, which requires a different technical setup than split screen.
Mobile versions (iOS and Android) have even more limitations due to screen size and touch controls. The game is playable solo on mobile, but multiplayer of any kind — split screen or online — is not currently supported on phones or tablets.
If you want to play Stardew Valley with someone else on PC, you will need to use online multiplayer, which requires setting up a farm code or using a multiplayer mod for some platforms.
The difference between split screen and online multiplayer
Split screen means both players are in the same room, looking at the same TV or monitor, with the screen divided between them. It requires a single console and multiple controllers. Online multiplayer means players are in different locations, connecting through the internet to the same farm.
Split screen is faster and more responsive because there is no internet lag. Online multiplayer can have slight delays, but it lets you play with friends or family who are not physically present. On Switch and PlayStation, you can do both — play split screen locally or invite online players to join your farm.
On PC, you can only play online multiplayer, not split screen. The online system on PC requires a farm code or invitation, and you can have up to four players total on one farm.
What you need to play split screen
| Platform | Split Screen Available | Controllers Needed | Max Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | Yes | One per player | 4 |
| PlayStation 4/5 | Yes | One per player | 4 |
| PC (Windows/Mac/Linux) | No | Not applicable | 4 (online only) |
| Mobile (iOS/Android) | No | Not applicable | 1 |
If you own Stardew Valley on Switch or PlayStation and want to play split screen, make sure you have enough controllers for everyone joining. You do not need a second copy of the game — one copy on one console supports multiple players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play split screen with more than two people?
Yes. Both Nintendo Switch and PlayStation versions support up to four players on split screen. The screen divides into quadrants when all four players are active. Each player needs their own controller.
Do I need two copies of Stardew Valley to play split screen?
No. One copy of the game on one console supports multiple players in split screen. Each player just needs a controller connected to that console.
Can I switch between split screen and online multiplayer on the same farm?
On Switch and PlayStation, yes. You can start with split screen players, then invite online players to join the same farm, or vice versa. The farm supports up to four players total across both local and online.
Why does my PC version not have split screen?
The PC version was built with online multiplayer in mind rather than local couch co-op. ConcernedApe designed it that way, and split screen was never added to the Windows, Mac, or Linux versions.
Can I play split screen on my iPad or phone?
No. Mobile versions of Stardew Valley do not support split screen or any form of multiplayer. The game is single-player only on iOS and Android.