Wreckfest split screen support depends on your platform

Wreckfest does not have split screen on PC. On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, split screen is available but only for local multiplayer races and derbies — not for the career mode or online matches against other players. If you want to play Wreckfest with someone else in the same room, you can do it on console, but you will each need your own controller and you will be limited to custom races and destruction derbies.

The split screen feature on console is functional but basic. Both players share the same camera view, which can make it harder to see what is happening on screen compared to single-player. Performance may also dip slightly when two players are racing at once, depending on the track and number of AI opponents you add.

Key Takeaways

  • Wreckfest split screen is only available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, not on PC.
  • Split screen only works for local multiplayer races and derbies, not for career mode or online play.
  • Both players need their own controller connected to the console to use split screen.
  • Online multiplayer on all platforms requires each player to have a separate account and internet connection.

How to set up split screen on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One

Connect two controllers to your console before you start the game. Launch Wreckfest and go to the main menu. Select Local Multiplayer or Custom Race depending on what mode you want. The game will detect both controllers and prompt you to assign them to Player 1 and Player 2.

From there, you can choose your track, vehicle, and race type. You can race against each other, race against AI opponents, or run a destruction derby. The split screen will set up automatically once the race starts. If a controller disconnects during play, the game will pause and ask you to reconnect it.

PC players need a different setup for local multiplayer

Wreckfest on PC does not support split screen at all. If you want to play with someone else on the same PC, you will need to use a workaround like Nucleus Co-op or Parsec, which are third-party tools that can split a single game instance across multiple monitors or create a virtual split screen. These tools are not official and require some technical setup.

The easier option for PC players is to use online multiplayer instead. Both players can join the same server or lobby from different computers, and Wreckfest will handle the networking. This requires two separate copies of the game and two internet connections, but no extra software.

Online multiplayer works across all platforms

All versions of Wreckfest — PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One — support online multiplayer races and derbies. You do not need split screen to play together; you just need to be in the same lobby or server. Each player races from their own screen on their own device.

To join an online match, go to the multiplayer menu and search for available servers or create your own. You can set the number of players, track, vehicle restrictions, and damage settings. The game will match you with other players or let your friends join if you give them the server details.

What split screen does and does not include

Split screen in Wreckfest covers racing modes and destruction derbies. You can customize the number of AI opponents, the difficulty level, and the track. Damage is fully enabled, so you can crash into each other and watch the vehicles break apart in real time.

Split screen does not include career mode, which is single-player only. You also cannot use split screen to play online against other players — it is local only. If you want to race your friend online, you will each need your own console or PC and your own copy of the game.

Performance and display considerations

Running split screen on console will lower the frame rate and visual quality compared to single-player. On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, expect the game to run at 30 frames per second in split screen instead of the 60 frames per second you get in single-player. This is normal for console games and does not affect gameplay much, but you may notice the motion is less smooth.

The shared camera view also means you cannot see as much of the track as you would in single-player. If one player is far ahead or behind, the camera will try to keep both of you on screen, which can crop the edges of the track. This is why split screen works best on larger TV screens — a smaller screen can feel cramped with two players.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play split screen online with my friend?

No. Split screen is local only, meaning both players must be in the same room with controllers connected to the same console. For online play, each player needs their own device and copy of the game.

Do both players need their own copy of Wreckfest on console?

No. One copy of the game on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One can be played by two people using split screen. You only need two controllers and one console.

What happens if I disconnect a controller during split screen?

The game will pause and ask you to reconnect the controller. You cannot continue the race until both controllers are active again.

Is split screen available on Nintendo Switch?

Wreckfest is not available on Nintendo Switch, so split screen is not an option on that platform.

Can I use a keyboard and mouse for split screen on console?

No. Split screen on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One requires two controllers. Keyboard and mouse are not supported for local multiplayer.